Channel switching method and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a channel switching method and apparatus. The channel switching method comprises: a wireless device performing communication frame transmission on a first channel, and performing radar sensing on a second channel, wherein before performing the communication frame transmission on the first channel, the wireless device stops performing the radar sensing on the second channel; or before performing the radar sensing on the second channel, the wireless device stops performing the communication frame transmission on the first channel. By means of implementing the present application, a wireless device can implement both communication frame transmission and radar sensing, and improve the performance of radar sensing.

Description

Channel switching method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on July 29, 2023, with application number 202310951076.1, and priority to the Chinese patent application entitled “Channel Switching Method and Device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a channel switching method and device. Background Art

[0003] Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) devices are increasingly common. WLAN devices typically enable communication, such as sending and receiving communication frames. However, in many scenarios, there's also a strong demand for WLAN devices to be used for radar sensing. Therefore, how to enable WLAN devices to both transmit communication frames and perform radar sensing is a pressing issue.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a channel switching method and apparatus, which enables wireless devices to implement both communication frame transmission and radar perception.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel switching method, wherein the method can be performed by a wireless device or by a component of the wireless device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system). The channel switching method may include:

[0007] The wireless device performs communication frame transmission on the first channel and performs radar sensing on the second channel;

[0008] Before the wireless device transmits a communication frame on the first channel, it stops performing radar sensing on the second channel; or, before the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, it stops performing communication frame transmission on the first channel.

[0009] By implementing the method described in the first aspect, the wireless device can perform communication frame transmission and radar sensing on different channels respectively, and before transmitting the communication frame on the first channel, stop performing radar sensing on the second channel, or, before performing radar sensing on the second channel, stop transmitting the communication frame on the first channel, so that the wireless device can achieve both communication frame transmission and radar sensing.

[0010] In a possible implementation, before performing radar sensing on the second channel, the method further includes:

[0011] The wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel; the first channel and the second channel are different channels supported by the wireless device.

[0012] When this method is implemented, before the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, the wireless device needs to switch from the first channel to the second channel. That is, the wireless device can realize communication frame transmission and radar sensing on different channels through channel switching.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the first channel is a busy channel detected by the wireless device, and the second channel is an idle channel detected by the wireless device.

[0014] By implementing this method, when the first channel for the wireless device to transmit communication frames is detected to be busy, it switches to the second channel that is detected to be relatively idle for radar sensing, thereby improving radar sensing performance.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the wireless device performing radar sensing on the second channel includes:

[0016] The wireless device performs one or more radar sensing operations on the second channel, where one radar sensing operation includes sending a self-clearing-to-send Self-CTS frame and sending a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame.

[0017] By implementing this approach, the wireless device can perform one or more radar sensing operations on the second channel, and the number of times the radar sensing operations are performed on the second channel can be flexibly realized.

[0018] In a possible implementation, after performing radar sensing on the second channel, the method further includes:

[0019] The wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel and continues to transmit communication frames on the first channel.

[0020] To implement this method, after the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, it needs to switch to the first channel to continue transmitting communication frames to ensure the transmission of communication frames.

[0021] In a possible implementation, a radar sensing process includes one or more cyclic processes, where the multiple cyclic processes are continuous in time;

[0022] A cyclic process includes switching from the first channel to the second channel, performing radar sensing on the second channel, and switching from the second channel to the first channel;

[0023] The radar sensing process is a process including a preset number of radar sensing operations, the time interval between two adjacent radar sensing operations in the preset number of radar sensing operations is a first time interval, and the radar sensing operation includes sending a self-clearing Self-CTS frame and sending a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame.

[0024] When implementing this method, a radar sensing process may include one loop process, or multiple loop processes. If a radar sensing process includes one loop process, that is, the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and performs a preset number of radar sensing operations on the second channel, and then switches to the first channel, thereby avoiding the waste of air interface resources caused by switching channels back and forth.

[0025] In a possible implementation, communication frame transmission on the first channel exists between two adjacent cyclic processes among the multiple cyclic processes.

[0026] When this method is implemented, there is communication frame transmission on the first channel between two adjacent cycle processes. In other words, each time the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, it will transmit communication frames on the first channel, thereby making full use of resources and ensuring the timeliness of communication frame transmission as much as possible.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the second channel includes the first channel, and a bandwidth of the second channel is greater than a bandwidth of the first channel.

[0028] When this method is implemented, the second channel for radar perception includes the first channel for communication frame transmission, and the bandwidth of the second channel is larger than the bandwidth of the first channel. In other words, while ensuring that the channel for communication frame transmission remains unchanged, the radar perception channel is widened, thereby improving radar perception performance.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, a primary channel on the first channel and a primary channel on the second channel are the same.

[0030] By implementing this method, the radar sensing channel is widened while the main channel remains unchanged, minimizing the impact on communication frame transmission.

[0031] In a possible implementation, before the wireless device transmits a communication frame on the first channel and performs radar sensing on the second channel, the wireless device further includes:

[0032] When the radar sensing service needs to be started, the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, where the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first channel and the second bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second channel.

[0033] When this method is implemented, the working bandwidth of the wireless device is originally the bandwidth of the first channel for communication frame transmission. When the radar sensing service needs to be started, the working bandwidth is widened to a larger second bandwidth, so that radar sensing is performed on the widened larger bandwidth, thereby improving radar sensing performance.

[0034] In a possible implementation, before the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel, or before the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, the method further includes:

[0035] The wireless device sends a first frame on the first channel, where the first frame includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel; or,

[0036] The first frame includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the time for the wireless device to occupy the first channel. Before the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0037] In this implementation, before the wireless device switches from a first channel to a second channel, the wireless device transmits a first frame and uses the first indication information or the second indication information to avoid packet loss caused by other devices continuing to send data packets to the wireless device on the first channel after the wireless device switches to the second channel. Before the wireless device adjusts its operating bandwidth, the wireless device also transmits a first frame and uses the first indication information or the second indication information to avoid packet loss caused by other devices continuing to send data packets to the wireless device on the first channel during the adjustment of the operating bandwidth.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the wireless device is a station STA, and the method further includes:

[0039] The wireless device receives a first acknowledgment frame for the first frame on the first channel.

[0040] In this implementation, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting a first frame, the STA needs to wait to receive a first acknowledgment frame for the first frame. Upon receiving the first acknowledgment frame, the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel, or adjusts the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth upon receiving the first acknowledgment frame. Waiting for the acknowledgment frame for the first frame ensures that the receiving end has received the first frame. This prevents the receiving end from continuing to send data to the wireless device on the first channel after switching to the second channel, or from continuing to send data to the wireless device while the wireless device is adjusting its bandwidth, thereby improving transmission reliability.

[0041] In a possible implementation, after the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, or after the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, the method further includes:

[0042] The wireless device sends a second frame on the first channel, where the second frame includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to start communication frame transmission on the first channel.

[0043] When this method is implemented, when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel or adjusts the working bandwidth, the wireless device sends the second frame on the first channel and uses the third indication information to let other devices know that they can transmit communication frames with the wireless device on the first channel, thereby flexibly controlling the time for communication frame transmission on the first channel.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the wireless device is a station STA, and the method further includes:

[0045] The wireless device receives a second acknowledgment frame for the second frame on the first channel.

[0046] In this implementation, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting the second frame, the wireless device must wait to receive a second confirmation frame for the second frame. Upon receiving the second confirmation frame, the wireless device can continue transmitting communication frames on the first channel. Alternatively, upon receiving the second confirmation frame, the wireless device can continue transmitting communication frames on the first channel and performing radar sensing on the second channel. The receipt of the second confirmation frame ensures that the receiving device has received the first frame, allowing it to perform the corresponding operation, thereby improving transmission reliability.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, or the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is after the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel.

[0048] When this method is implemented, before the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel, the wireless device indicates through the second indication information in the first frame that the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel is at least the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel. This can thereby instruct other devices not to send data to the wireless device during the period of occupying the first channel, without the need to provide another indication after switching from the second channel to the first channel, thereby saving air interface resources.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is the completion time of the wireless device adjusting the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, or the end time of the wireless device occupying the first bandwidth is after the completion time of the wireless device adjusting the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth.

[0050] When this method is implemented, before the wireless device adjusts its working bandwidth, the wireless device indicates through the second indication information in the first frame that the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel is at least the completion time of the wireless device adjusting its working bandwidth. This makes it easier to instruct other devices not to send data to the wireless device during the period of occupying the first channel, without the need to provide another indication after the adjustment of the working bandwidth is completed, thereby saving air interface resources.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0052] When the radar sensing service needs to be stopped, the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth.

[0053] When this method is implemented, if the radar sensing service needs to be stopped, for example, after multiple radar sensing processes are completed, the radar sensing service needs to be stopped. The wireless device needs to adjust the working bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth to save bandwidth resources.

[0054] In a possible implementation, before the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth, the method further includes:

[0055] The wireless device sends a third frame on the first channel, wherein the third frame includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel; or,

[0056] The third frame includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the time for the wireless device to occupy the first channel. Before the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0057] When this method is implemented, before the wireless device adjusts its working bandwidth, the wireless device sends a third frame and uses the first indication information or the second indication information to avoid packet loss caused by other devices still sending data packets to the wireless device on the first channel during the period when the wireless device adjusts its working bandwidth.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the wireless device is a station STA, and the method further includes:

[0059] The wireless device receives a third acknowledgment frame for the third frame on the first channel.

[0060] In this implementation, the wireless device is an STA. After sending the third frame, the wireless device waits to receive a third confirmation frame for the third frame. Upon receiving the third confirmation frame, the working bandwidth is adjusted from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth. This ensures that the receiving end receives the third frame, thereby preventing data from being sent to the wireless device during the bandwidth adjustment period, thereby improving transmission reliability.

[0061] In a possible implementation, after the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth, the method further includes:

[0062] The wireless device sends a fourth frame on the first channel, where the fourth frame includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to start communication frame transmission on the first channel.

[0063] When this method is implemented, after the wireless device completes adjusting the working bandwidth, the wireless device sends the fourth frame on the first channel, and uses the third indication information to let other devices know that they can transmit communication frames with the wireless device on the first channel, thereby flexibly controlling the time for communication frame transmission on the first channel.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the wireless device is a station STA, and the method further includes:

[0065] The wireless device receives a fourth acknowledgment frame for the fourth frame on the first channel.

[0066] In this implementation, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting the fourth frame, it waits to receive a fourth confirmation frame for the fourth frame. Upon receiving the fourth confirmation frame, the wireless device can transmit communication frames on the first channel and perform radar sensing on the second channel. The receipt of the fourth confirmation frame ensures that the receiving device has received the fourth frame before transmitting the communication frame, improving transmission reliability.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is the completion time of the wireless device adjusting the working bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth, or the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is after the completion time of the wireless device adjusting the working bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth.

[0068] When this method is implemented, before the wireless device adjusts its working bandwidth, the wireless device indicates through the second indication information in the third frame that the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel is at least the completion time of the wireless device adjusting its working bandwidth. This makes it easier to instruct other devices not to send data to the wireless device during the period of occupying the first channel, without the need to provide another indication after the adjustment of the working bandwidth is completed, thereby saving air interface resources.

[0069] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0070] a transceiver unit, configured to transmit communication frames on a first channel and perform radar sensing on a second channel;

[0071] Before the wireless device transmits a communication frame on the first channel, it stops performing radar sensing on the second channel; or, before the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, it stops performing communication frame transmission on the first channel.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0073] a processing unit, configured to switch from the first channel to the second channel;

[0074] The first channel and the second channel are different channels supported by the wireless device.

[0075] In a possible implementation, the first channel is a busy channel detected by the wireless device, and the second channel is an idle channel detected by the wireless device.

[0076] In a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is further configured to switch from the second channel to the first channel;

[0077] The transceiver unit is further configured to continue transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0078] In a possible implementation, a radar sensing process includes one or more cyclic processes, where the multiple cyclic processes are continuous in time;

[0079] A cyclic process includes switching from the first channel to the second channel, performing radar sensing on the second channel, and switching from the second channel to the first channel;

[0080] The radar sensing process is a process including a preset number of radar sensing operations, the time interval between two adjacent radar sensing operations in the preset number of radar sensing operations is a first time interval, and the radar sensing operation includes sending a self-clearing Self-CTS frame and sending a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame.

[0081] In a possible implementation, the second channel includes the first channel, and a bandwidth of the second channel is greater than a bandwidth of the first channel.

[0082] In a possible implementation manner, a primary channel on the first channel and a primary channel on the second channel are the same.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is also used to, when it is necessary to start the radar sensing service, cause the wireless device to adjust the working bandwidth from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth, where the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first channel and the second bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second channel.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a first frame on the first channel, where the first frame includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel; or,

[0085] The first frame includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the time for the wireless device to occupy the first channel. Before the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0086] In a possible implementation, the wireless device is a station STA, and the transceiver unit is specifically configured to receive a first confirmation frame for the first frame on the first channel.

[0087] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a second frame on the first channel, where the second frame includes third indication information, and the third indication information is configured to instruct the wireless device to start transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0088] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second confirmation frame for the second frame on the first channel.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, or the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is after the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is the completion time of the wireless device adjusting the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, or the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is after the completion time of the wireless device adjusting the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to adjust the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth when it is necessary to stop the radar sensing service.

[0092] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a program stored in a memory, and when the program is executed, the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect is executed.

[0093] In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0094] In a possible implementation, the memory is located within the above-mentioned communication device.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, where the transceiver is configured to receive a signal or send a signal.

[0097] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, wherein the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to receive information, and the logic circuit is used to perform processing operations.

[0098] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, which, when run on a computer, enables the method shown in any possible implementation of the first aspect to be executed.

[0099] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or computer code, and when the computer program product is run on a computer, the method shown in any possible implementation of the first aspect above is executed.

[0100] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the method shown in any possible implementation of the above-mentioned first aspect is executed.

[0101] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a wireless communication system, which includes at least one wireless device.

[0102] The technical effects achieved in the above-mentioned second to eighth aspects can refer to the technical effects of the first aspect or the beneficial effects in the method embodiments shown below, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0103] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] FIG2a is a schematic diagram of a radar sensing operation provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG2 b is a schematic diagram of a radar sensing process according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG3 is a flow chart of a channel switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG4a is a schematic flow chart of another channel switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] FIG4 b is a schematic diagram of a cycle process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG4c is a timing diagram of a radar sensing process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG4 d is a timing diagram of a radar sensing process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG4e is a timing diagram of a radar sensing process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG5a is a schematic flow chart of another channel switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG5 b is a schematic diagram of a working bandwidth adjustment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG5c is a schematic diagram of a working bandwidth adjustment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] 6 to 8 are schematic structural diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0117] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and are not used to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to the process, method, product, or device.

[0118] References to "embodiments" herein mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it refer to independent or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It will be understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0119] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0120] Embodiments of the present invention can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs). Currently, WLANs adopt the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series. A WLAN can include multiple Basic Service Sets (BSSs), each of which includes access point stations (APs) and non-AP STAs (non-AP STAs). Each BSS can include an AP and multiple non-AP STAs associated with the AP.

[0121] AP is also called wireless access point or hotspot. AP is the access point for mobile users to enter the wired network. It is mainly deployed in homes, buildings and campuses. The typical coverage radius is tens of meters to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. AP is equivalent to a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet. Specifically, AP can be a terminal device or network device with a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) chip. Optionally, the AP can be a device that supports the 802.11ax standard. Further optionally, the AP can be a device that supports multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b and 802.11a.

[0122] A non-AP STA can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal. Examples include mobile phones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs, smart wearable devices, in-vehicle communication devices, and computers. Optionally, the station can support the 802.11ax standard. Furthermore, the station can support multiple WLAN standards, including 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0123] For the convenience of description, Non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs in the following embodiments.

[0124] Figure 1 is a system diagram of a typical WLAN deployment scenario, including an AP and three STAs. The AP communicates with STA1, STA2, and STA3 respectively.

[0125] Communication frames can be transmitted between the AP and the STA. The communication frames can also be called WiFi service frames. In the embodiment of the present application, the AP or STA can also perform radar sensing. How to enable the AP or STA to perform both communication frame transmission and radar sensing? The implementation method proposed in this application is that the AP or STA transmits communication frames on the first channel and performs radar sensing on the second channel, wherein before transmitting the communication frame on the first channel, radar sensing on the second channel is stopped; or, before performing radar sensing on the second channel, the AP or STA stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0126] Before introducing the method of the present application in detail, some concepts involved in the present application are briefly introduced first.

[0127] 1. A radar sensing operation

[0128] In an embodiment of the present application, a radar sensing operation includes sending a self-clear to send (Self-CTS) frame and a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame. As shown in Figure 2a, a schematic diagram of a radar sensing operation is shown, which includes a Self-CTS frame and a radar signal that follows it. Self-CTS is a standard 802.11 control frame. Its function is to compete for and clear the channel for subsequent radar signal transmissions. Therefore, the network allocation vector (NAV) of the Self-CTS frame must be set to protect the time until the end of the current radar signal transmission. Exemplarily, the time interval between the Self-CTS frame and the radar signal to be transmitted this time must be less than or equal to a time interval, for example, the time interval is 16us. Exemplarily, the duration T1 of a radar sensing operation can range from 50 to 500us. It is understandable that it can also be other durations, and this application does not limit it.

[0129] 2. Primary radar perception process

[0130] In an embodiment of the present application, a radar sensing process is a process that includes a preset number of radar sensing operations, where the preset number can be preconfigured. The time interval between two adjacent radar sensing operations within the preset number of radar sensing operations is a first time interval. A radar sensing operation includes sending a Self-CTS frame and sending a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame. For example, as shown in Figure 2b, which is a schematic diagram of a radar sensing process, the duration of a radar sensing operation can be T1, and the starting time interval between two adjacent radar sensing operations is T2. All T2s within a radar sensing process can be the same or different values. The duration of all radar sensing operations within a radar sensing process is T3. For example, the value range of T1 can be 50 to 500 μs. The value range of T2 can be 1 to 10 ms, and the value range of T3 can be 50 μs to 1000 ms. This means that a radar sensing process is allowed to include only one radar sensing operation.

[0131] The following examples describe embodiments of the data transmission method of the present application. It should be noted that the various technical solutions (or embodiments) of the present application can be implemented independently or in combination based on certain internal connections. This application is not limited to these. Moreover, the various terms and definitions between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. In each embodiment of the present application, different implementation methods can also be implemented in combination or independently.

[0132] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flow chart of a channel switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 may be a system architecture diagram applicable to the channel switching method. As shown in Figure 3, the method may include: 101-102, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited by the embodiment of the present application. The channel switching method of the embodiment of the present application may include some or all of the following steps:

[0133] 101. A wireless device transmits a communication frame on a first channel.

[0134] 102. The wireless device performs radar sensing on a second channel.

[0135] The wireless device stops transmitting the communication frame on the second channel before transmitting the communication frame on the first channel; or the wireless device stops transmitting the communication frame on the first channel before transmitting the radar frame on the second channel.

[0136] The wireless device in the embodiment of the present application may be a STA, or may also be an AP. Alternatively, the communication frame may be replaced by a WiFi service frame.

[0137] In one implementation, the first channel and the second channel are different channels supported by the wireless device. Before the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, it needs to switch from the first channel to the second channel, thereby performing radar sensing on the second channel. For example, when the wireless device detects that the first channel for transmitting communication frames is busy, it can select a second channel detected as idle and perform radar sensing on the second channel. For example, the wireless device can detect whether the channel is idle or busy through Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA).

[0138] Further optionally, the wireless device may switch from the second channel to the first channel and continue to transmit communication frames on the first channel.

[0139] When the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel. When the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, the wireless device stops performing radar sensing on the second channel. A detailed description of this implementation is provided with reference to the description of the embodiment in FIG. 4a and is not further elaborated herein.

[0140] In another implementation, the second channel includes the first channel, and the bandwidth of the second channel is greater than the bandwidth of the first channel. For example, the wireless device adjusts its operating bandwidth from the original first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, where the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first channel used for communication frame transmission, and the second bandwidth is the bandwidth used for the second channel. After adjusting the operating bandwidth, the wireless device performs communication frame transmission on the first channel and radar sensing on the second channel in a time-division manner. A detailed description of this implementation is provided with reference to the description of the embodiment in FIG. 5a and is not further elaborated for now.

[0141] It can be understood that the communication frame transmission in the embodiments of the present application may include receiving communication frames and / or sending communication frames.

[0142] Please refer to Figure 4a, which is a flow chart of another channel switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 can be a system architecture diagram applicable to the channel switching method. As shown in Figure 4a, the method may include: 201-204, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited by the embodiment of the present application. The channel switching method of the embodiment of the present application may include some or all of the following steps, for example, it may include steps 201-203 in steps 201-204, or it may include steps 202-step 204, etc., which are not limited by the present application. The following examples illustrate each step:

[0143] 201. A wireless device transmits a communication frame on a first channel.

[0144] 202. The wireless device switches from a first channel to a second channel.

[0145] In some implementations, the first channel and the second channel are different channels supported by the wireless device. Exemplarily, the first channel is a busy channel detected by the wireless device, and the second channel is an idle channel detected by the wireless device.

[0146] Exemplarily, when radar sensing is required on the first channel, the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel.

[0147] In some implementations, to avoid packet loss caused by other devices still sending communication frames to the wireless device on the first channel after the wireless device switches to the second channel, before the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel, the wireless device sends a first frame on the first channel, where the first frame includes the first indication information or the second indication information. The first indication information and the second indication information are respectively described below with examples:

[0148] Exemplarily, the first indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel. For example, the first indication information instructs the wireless device to enter a sleep state. Exemplarily, the first frame may be a null frame (i.e., a NULL frame), and the first indication information may be carried in a Power Saving (PS) field in the NULL frame. When the PS field includes a first flag, the wireless device is instructed to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel. For example, the first flag may be 1.

[0149] Exemplarily, the second indication information is used to indicate the time the wireless device occupies the first channel. Alternatively, the second indication information may indicate the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel. Before the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel. Accordingly, other devices will not send communication frames to the wireless device before the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel, thereby avoiding packet loss. As an example, the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel is the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel. As another example, the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel may be after the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel. For example, the first frame may be a Self-CTS frame, and the second indication information may be carried in the NAV in the Self-CTS frame. The value of the NAV must at least indicate the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel.

[0150] In some embodiments, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting a first frame, the wireless device may further receive a first acknowledgment frame for the first frame on a first channel. The first acknowledgment frame may be an ACK (Acknowledgement) frame. Upon receiving the first acknowledgment frame for the first frame on the first channel, the wireless device switches from the first channel to a second channel. For example, if the first frame is a NULL frame, the first acknowledgment frame may be an ACK frame for the NULL frame.

[0151] 203. The wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel.

[0152] In some embodiments, the wireless device may perform one or more radar sensing operations on the second channel, where one radar sensing operation includes sending a Self-CTS frame and sending a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame.

[0153] 204. The wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel and continues to transmit communication frames on the first channel.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the wireless device needs to transmit a communication frame, the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel and continues to transmit the communication frame on the first channel. For example, when the number of communication frames to be transmitted in the buffer of the wireless device is greater than or equal to a threshold, the wireless device needs to switch from the second channel to the first channel.

[0155] In some implementations, after the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, the wireless device transmits a second frame on the first channel. The second frame includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to initiate communication frame transmission on the first channel. Exemplarily, the third indication information indicates that the wireless device is in an awake state. When the wireless device is in the awake state, communication frame transmission can be performed on the first channel. For example, the second frame can be a NULL frame, and the third indication information can be carried in a PS field of the NULL frame. When the PS field includes a second flag, it instructs the wireless device to initiate communication frame transmission on the first channel. For example, the second flag can be 0.

[0156] In some embodiments, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting the second frame, the wireless device may further receive a second acknowledgment frame for the second frame on the first channel. The second acknowledgment frame may be an ACK frame. When the wireless device receives the second acknowledgment frame for the second frame on the first channel, the wireless device continues to transmit communication frames on the first channel. For example, if the second frame is a NULL frame, the second acknowledgment frame may be an ACK frame for the NULL frame.

[0157] In an embodiment of the present application, radar sensing is performed on a more idle channel by switching channels to obtain better sensing performance.

[0158] In the embodiments of the present application, the process of switching a wireless device from a first channel to a second channel, performing radar sensing on the second channel, and then switching from the second channel to the first channel is referred to as a cyclic process. FIG4B shows an example of a cyclic process. It is understood that when performing radar sensing on the second channel, one or more radar sensing operations may be performed. For a description of the radar sensing operation, please refer to the description of the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0159] A radar sensing process may include one or more loops. If a radar sensing process includes multiple loops, the multiple loops are temporally continuous. Temporal continuity of the multiple loops can be understood as the end of the previous loop in the multiple loops being the starting point of the next loop. As shown in Figure 4b, taking two temporally continuous loops as an example, the end of the previous loop is switching from the second channel to the first channel, and the starting point of the next loop is switching from the first channel to the second channel.

[0160] For example, communication frames may be transmitted between two adjacent cycles during the multiple cycles. In other words, after the previous cycle ends with a switch to the first channel, the wireless device may transmit a communication frame on the first channel before proceeding to the next cycle, i.e., switching from the first channel to the second channel. As shown in FIG4b , communication frames may be transmitted between two adjacent cycles.

[0161] The following examples illustrate how a radar perception process includes one cycle or multiple cycles:

[0162] Method 1: A radar sensing process includes a cyclic process.

[0163] For example, in this method 1, when the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, it may perform radar sensing operations a preset number of times and then switch to the first channel. For example, this method 1 may be applicable to wireless devices that have low requirements for WLAN latency and throughput.

[0164] In conjunction with Figure 4c, the first and second frames are taken as NULL frames as an example. The wireless device can be a STA. It is understandable that the first and second frames can also be other frames, and this application does not limit this. As shown in Figure 4c, it is a timing diagram of the radar sensing process. The wireless device declares a sleep state through a NULL frame in a radar sensing process and switches from the first channel to the second channel. After performing radar sensing on the second channel, it switches from the second channel to the first channel and declares an awake state through a NULL frame. The horizontal axis in Figure 4c represents time. All radar sensing visible to the air interface is performed within the radar sensing process. The communication frame transmission of this embodiment only exists in the T4 time between two adjacent radar sensing processes, and does not exist within the radar sensing process. The value range of T4 depends on specific business requirements.

[0165] The following example illustrates the radar sensing process, using Figure 4c. A wireless device sends a NULL frame with the PS bit set to 1 on the first channel. After receiving an ACK frame from the associated AP on the first channel, the wireless device switches from the first channel to a second channel with less air interface occupancy. The wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, including sending a Self-CTS frame and a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame. After completing radar sensing on the second channel, the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel and then sends a NULL frame with the PS bit set to 0 on the first channel. The wireless device then receives an ACK frame from the associated AP on the first channel.

[0166] For example, in Figure 4c, T1 can range from 50 to 500 μs. The start time difference between two radar sensing operations can be T2, which can range from 1 to 10 ms. The duration of all radar sensing operations within a radar sensing process can be T3, which can range from 50 μs to 1000 ms.

[0167] Method 2: A radar sensing process includes multiple cycles.

[0168] For example, in mode 2, when the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, it may perform one or more radar sensing operations and then switch to the first channel. In the subsequent examples, performing a radar sensing operation on the second channel and then switching to the first channel is used as an example.

[0169] The following illustrates the multiple loops involved in the primary radar sensing process, using Figures 4d and 4e. In Figure 4d, the first and second frames are NULL frames, while in Figure 4e, the first and second frames are Self-CTS frames. It is understood that the first and second frames can also be other frames, and this application does not limit this. In Figure 4d, the wireless device can be a STA, while in Figure 4e, the wireless device can be either a STA or an AP.

[0170] As shown in Figure 4d, it is a timing diagram of the radar sensing process. In a radar sensing process, the wireless device declares the sleep state and the wake-up state through NULL frames multiple times to achieve multiple switching from the first channel to the second channel, and multiple switching from the second channel to the first channel. After switching from the first channel to the second channel, one or more radar sensing operations can be performed on the second channel. Figure 4d takes a single radar sensing operation as an example. The horizontal axis in Figure 4d represents time. All radar sensing visible to the air interface is performed within the radar sensing process. The communication frame transmission of this embodiment can exist within the T4 time between two adjacent radar sensing processes, or it can exist within the radar sensing process. The value range of T4 depends on the specific business requirements.

[0171] The following example illustrates a radar sensing process using Figure 4d. Before each radar sensing operation, the wireless device transmits a NULL frame with the PS bit set to 1 on the first channel. After receiving an ACK frame from the associated AP on the first channel, the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel, where air interface usage is relatively low. After each radar sensing operation, the wireless device switches back from the second channel to the first channel and then transmits a NULL frame with the PS bit set to 0 on the first channel. The wireless device then receives an ACK frame from the associated AP on the first channel. Once the wireless device receives the ACK frame from the AP, it can transmit communication frames on the first channel. In Figure 4d, the remaining air interface time between two consecutive radar sensing operations can be used by the wireless device for communication frame transmission. If, for some reason, the wireless device fails to notify the AP that it is awake, the remaining air interface time between two radar sensing operations cannot be used for communication frame transmission.

[0172] For example, in Figure 4d, T1 can range from 50 to 500 μs. The start time difference between two radar sensing operations is T2, which can range from 1 to 10 ms. The duration of all radar sensing operations within a radar sensing process is T3, which can range from 50 μs to 1000 ms.

[0173] As shown in Figure 4e, it is a timing diagram of the radar sensing process. In a radar sensing process, the wireless device can switch channels multiple times through Self-CTS. Before each wireless device performs a radar sensing operation, it switches from the first channel to the second channel through a Self-CTS frame. After performing radar sensing on the second channel, it switches from the second channel to the first channel. For ease of distinction, in Figure 4e, the Self-CTS frame that triggers channel switching is called the first Self-CTS frame, and the Self-CTS frame in the radar sensing operation is called the second Self-CTS frame. The horizontal axis in the figure represents time. All radar sensing states visible on the air interface are performed within a radar sensing process. The communication frame transmission of this embodiment can exist within the T4 time between two adjacent radar sensing processes, or it can exist within the radar sensing process. The value range of T4 depends on the specific business requirements.

[0174] The following example illustrates a radar sensing process using Figure 4e. Before each radar sensing operation, the wireless device sends a first Self-CTS frame on the first channel. The NAV of the first Self-CTS frame must be set to last until the switch from the second channel to the first channel, or after the switch from the second channel to the first channel. As shown in Figure 4e, the NAV of the first Self-CTS frame must last at least until channel occupancy end time 1, and the NAV of the second Self-CTS frame must last at least until channel occupancy end time 2. After sending the first Self-CTS frame on the first channel, the wireless device switches from the first channel to a second channel with relatively less air interface occupancy and performs radar sensing on the second channel, including sending a second Self-CTS frame and the radar signal associated with the second Self-CTS frame on the second channel. The NAV of the second Self-CTS frame must last at least until the transmission of the radar signal associated with the second Self-CTS frame ends. Compared to Figure 4d, the approach provided by Figure 4e is more concise and wastes less air interface time.

[0175] In some implementations, the process of sending a first Self-CTS frame on a first channel, switching from the first channel to a second channel, sending a second Self-CTS frame on the second channel, sending a radar signal associated with the second Self-CTS frame on the second channel, and switching from the second channel to the first channel can be referred to as a single radar sensing operation. The duration of a single radar sensing operation is T1, and for example, T1 ranges from 150 to 600 μs. The start time difference between the two radar sensing operations is T2, and T2 can range from 1 to 10 ms. All T2 values ​​within a single radar sensing process can be the same or different. The duration of all radar sensing operations within a single radar sensing process is T3, and T3 can range from 150 μs to 1000 ms. This means that a single radar sensing process is allowed to include only one radar sensing operation. It should be understood that the above single radar sensing operation is merely an example.

[0176] Please refer to Figure 5a, which is a flow chart of another channel switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 can be a system architecture diagram applicable to the channel switching method. As shown in Figure 5a, the method may include: 301-304, wherein the execution order of each step is not limited by the embodiment of the present application. The channel switching method of the embodiment of the present application may include some or all of the following steps. For example, it may include steps 301-303 in steps 301-304, etc., which is not limited by the present application. The following examples illustrate each step:

[0177] 301. The wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth.

[0178] In some embodiments, the wireless device's original operating bandwidth is a first bandwidth, which is also the bandwidth of a first channel used by the wireless device to transmit communication frames. When a radar sensing service is activated, the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to a second bandwidth, where the second bandwidth is greater than the first bandwidth and falls within a bandwidth range supported by the wireless device. This means the operating bandwidth is adjusted to a larger bandwidth supported by the wireless device.

[0179] As an example, the wireless device may adjust the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth before multiple radar sensing processes. As shown in Figure 5b, before multiple radar sensing processes, the radar sensing service is initiated and the operating bandwidth is adjusted from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth. As another example, the wireless device may adjust the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth before each radar sensing process, and adjust the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth after each radar sensing process ends. This application is not limited to this.

[0180] In some implementations, to avoid packet loss caused by other devices still sending communication frames to the wireless device on the first channel during the period when the wireless device adjusts its operating bandwidth, before the wireless device adjusts its operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, the wireless device sends a first frame on the first channel. The first frame includes first indication information or second indication information. The first indication information and the second indication information are respectively described below with examples:

[0181] Exemplarily, the first indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel. Exemplarily, the first indication information instructs the wireless device to enter a sleep state. For example, the first frame may be a NULL frame, and the first indication information may be carried in a PS field of the NULL frame. When the PS field includes a first flag, the wireless device is instructed to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel. For example, the first flag may be 1.

[0182] Exemplarily, the second indication information indicates the duration of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel. Alternatively, the second indication information may indicate the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel. Before the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel. Accordingly, other devices will not send communication frames to the wireless device before the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel, thereby avoiding packet loss. As an example, the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel is the time when the wireless device completes adjusting the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth. As another example, the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel may be after the time when the wireless device completes adjusting the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth. For example, the first frame may be a Self-CTS frame, and the second indication information may be carried in a NAV field within the Self-CTS frame. The value of the NAV field must at least indicate the time when the wireless device completes adjusting the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth.

[0183] In some embodiments, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting a first frame, the wireless device may further receive a first acknowledgment frame for the first frame on a first channel. The first acknowledgment frame may be an ACK frame. When the wireless device receives the first acknowledgment frame for the first frame on the first channel, the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth.

[0184] In some implementations, after the wireless device adjusts its operating bandwidth from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth, the wireless device transmits a second frame on a first channel. The second frame includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to initiate communication frame transmission on the first channel. Exemplarily, the third indication information indicates that the wireless device is in an awake state. When the wireless device is in the awake state, communication frame transmission on the first channel may be performed. For example, the second frame may be a NULL frame, and the third indication information may be carried in a PS field of the NULL frame. When the PS field includes a second flag, it indicates that the wireless device may initiate communication frame transmission on the first channel. For example, the second flag may be 0.

[0185] In some embodiments, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting the second frame, the wireless device may further receive a second acknowledgment frame for the second frame on the first channel. The second acknowledgment frame may be an ACK frame. When the wireless device receives the second acknowledgment frame for the second frame on the first channel, the wireless device may perform steps 302 and 303.

[0186] In the embodiment of the present application, the adjusted second bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second channel for radar sensing by the wireless device. In some implementations, the main channel on the first channel is the same as the main channel on the second channel. In other words, when the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth, the main channel is not changed.

[0187] 302. The wireless device transmits a communication frame on a first channel.

[0188] 303. The wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel.

[0189] In some embodiments, the wireless device may perform communication frame transmission on the first channel and radar sensing on the second channel in a time-division manner. Before the wireless device transmits a communication frame on the first channel, it must stop performing radar sensing on the second channel. Similarly, before the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, it must stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel. Figure 5b shows a timing diagram of a radar sensing process. The horizontal axis of Figure 5b represents time. After performing a radar sensing operation on the second channel, radar sensing is stopped and communication frame transmission is performed on the first channel. Before initiating the next radar sensing operation on the second channel, communication frame transmission on the first channel must be stopped.

[0190] 304. The wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth.

[0191] If the radar sensing service needs to be disabled, the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth to conserve bandwidth resources. As an example, after performing multiple radar sensing procedures, the radar sensing service may be disabled and the operating bandwidth may be adjusted from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth. As another example, the wireless device may adjust the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth after each radar sensing procedure.

[0192] In some implementations, to avoid packet loss caused by other devices still sending communication frames to the wireless device on the first channel while the wireless device is adjusting its operating bandwidth, before the wireless device adjusts its operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth, the wireless device sends a third frame on the first channel. The third frame includes the first indication information or the second indication information. The first indication information and the second indication information are respectively described below with examples:

[0193] Exemplarily, the first indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel. Exemplarily, the first indication information instructs the wireless device to enter a sleep state. For example, the third frame may be a NULL frame, and the first indication information may be carried in a PS field of the NULL frame. When the PS field includes a first flag, the wireless device is instructed to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel. For example, the first flag may be 1.

[0194] Exemplarily, the second indication information is used to indicate the duration of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel. Exemplarily, the second indication information may indicate the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel. Before the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel. Accordingly, other devices will not send communication frames to the wireless device before the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel, thereby avoiding packet loss. As an example, the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel is the time when the wireless device completes adjusting the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth. As another example, the end time of the wireless device's occupation of the first channel may be after the time when the wireless device completes adjusting the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth. For example, the third frame may be a Self-CTS frame, and the second indication information may be carried in a NAV field in the Self-CTS frame. The value of the NAV field must at least indicate the time when the wireless device completes adjusting the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth.

[0195] In some embodiments, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting the third frame, the wireless device may further receive a third acknowledgment frame for the third frame on the first channel. The third acknowledgment frame may be an ACK frame. When the wireless device receives the third acknowledgment frame for the third frame on the first channel, the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth.

[0196] In some implementations, after the wireless device adjusts its operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth, the wireless device transmits a fourth frame on the first channel. The fourth frame includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to initiate communication frame transmission on the first channel. Exemplarily, the third indication information indicates that the wireless device is in an awake state. When the wireless device is in the awake state, communication frame transmission can be performed on the first channel. For example, the second frame can be a NULL frame, and the third indication information can be carried in a PS field of the NULL frame. When the PS field includes a second flag, it indicates that the wireless device can initiate communication frame transmission on the first channel. For example, the second flag can be 0.

[0197] In some embodiments, the wireless device is a STA. After transmitting the fourth frame, the wireless device may further receive a fourth acknowledgment frame for the fourth frame on the first channel. The fourth acknowledgment frame may be an ACK frame. When the wireless device receives the fourth acknowledgment frame for the fourth frame on the first channel, the wireless device may transmit the communication frame on the first channel.

[0198] In this embodiment, the communication frame transmission is still transmitted on the first channel, and radar sensing is performed on the second channel with widened bandwidth, thereby maximizing the radar sensing performance and minimizing the impact on the communication frame transmission.

[0199] The following illustrates Figure 5a with reference to Figures 5b and 5c. In Figure 5b, the first frame, the second frame, the third frame, and the fourth frame are NULL frames as an example. In Figure 5c, the first frame, the second frame, the third frame, and the fourth frame are Self-CTS frames as an example.

[0200] Figure 5b shows a schematic diagram of operating bandwidth adjustment in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 5b, all radar sensing operations visible on the air interface are performed within the radar sensing process. Communication frame transmission in this embodiment can occur within the T4 time interval between two adjacent radar sensing processes, or within the radar sensing process itself. The value range of T4 depends on specific service requirements.

[0201] Before all radar sensing processes, there's a radar service initiation process. During this process, the wireless device first sends a NULL frame with the PS bit set to 1. After receiving an ACK frame from the associated AP, the wireless device reconfigures itself to operate on a larger bandwidth, while maintaining the first channel used for communication frame transmission unchanged. The bandwidth of the first channel can be the first bandwidth, for example, the adjusted operating bandwidth is the second bandwidth. After adjusting the operating bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, the wireless device sends a NULL frame with the PS bit set to 0, and receives an ACK frame from the associated AP.

[0202] If radar sensing needs to be disabled, the wireless device initiates the radar service shutdown process after completing all radar sensing processes. During this process, the wireless device first sends a NULL frame with the PS bit set to 1. After receiving an ACK frame from the associated AP, the wireless device restores the operating bandwidth to the original first bandwidth while maintaining the first channel used for communication frame transmission. Specifically, the wireless device adjusts the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth. After the bandwidth adjustment, the wireless device then sends a NULL frame with the PS bit set to 0, and receives an ACK frame from the associated AP.

[0203] The Self-CTS in the radar sensing operation of the embodiment of the present application must cover the entire newly configured working bandwidth, that is, the second bandwidth, in the form of non-high throughput duplication (Non-High Throughout, Non-HT duliplicate). For example, when the communication frame is transmitted, the bandwidth of the first channel is 80 MHz, and the adjusted second bandwidth is 160 MHz. The Self-CTS frame sent by the wireless device occupies 160 MHz.

[0204] Figure 5c shows a schematic diagram of operating bandwidth adjustment provided by an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 5c, all radar sensing operations visible on the air interface are performed within the radar sensing process. Communication frame transmission in this embodiment can occur within the T4 time between two adjacent radar sensing processes, or within the radar sensing process itself. The value range of T4 depends on specific service requirements.

[0205] Before all radar sensing processes, there is a radar service startup process. In the radar service startup process, the wireless device first sends a first Self-CTS frame. The NAV in the first Self-CTS frame must at least protect the time it takes for the wireless device to adjust the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth. After sending the first Self-CTS frame, the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth.

[0206] If radar sensing needs to be terminated, the wireless device initiates the radar service shutdown process after completing all radar sensing processes. During this process, the wireless device sends a third Self-CTS frame. The NAV in this third Self-CTS frame must be protected for at least the time it takes for the wireless device to adjust its operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth. After the wireless device sends the third Self-CTS frame, it adjusts its operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth. The wireless device can continue to transmit communication frames on the first bandwidth.

[0207] The second Self-CTS in the radar sensing operation of the embodiment of the present application must cover the entire newly configured working bandwidth, that is, the second bandwidth, in the form of Non-HT duliplicate. For example, when the communication frame is transmitted, the bandwidth of the first channel is 80 MHz, and the adjusted second bandwidth is 160 MHz. The second Self-CTS frame sent by the wireless device occupies 160 MHz.

[0208] In Figures 5b and 5c, T1 can range from 50 to 500 μs. The time difference between the start of two radar sensing operations is T2, which can range from 1 to 10 ms. The duration of all radar sensing operations within a radar sensing process is T3, which can range from 50 μs to 1000 ms. The definitions of T1, T2, and T3 are described in the embodiment of Figure 2b above and are not repeated here.

[0209] The following describes a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0210] The present application divides the functional modules of the communication device according to the above-mentioned method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above-mentioned integrated modules 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 this application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. The communication device of the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0211] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the communication device 1000 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the wireless device in the above-mentioned various method embodiments. The communication device may include a processing unit 1200 and a transceiver unit 1100. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing unit 1200 and the transceiver unit 1100 can be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 1200 can read the instructions (code or program) and / or data in the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The above-mentioned units can be independently provided or partially or fully integrated. For example, the transceiver unit 1100 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver. The entity corresponding to the transceiver unit 1100 may be a transceiver.

[0212] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 can implement the corresponding behaviors and functions of the wireless device in the above-described method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1000 can be a wireless device, or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) used in a wireless device. The transceiver unit 1100 can, for example, be configured to perform all receiving or transmitting operations performed by the wireless device in the embodiments of Figures 3, 4a, and 5a. The processing unit 1200 is configured to perform all operations performed by the wireless device except for the transmitting and receiving operations.

[0213] In one possible design, the communication device 1000 includes: a processing unit 1200 and a transceiver unit 1100.

[0214] The transceiver unit 1100 is configured to transmit communication frames on a first channel and perform radar sensing on a second channel;

[0215] The transceiver unit 1100 stops transmitting the communication frame on the first channel before performing radar sensing on the second channel; or, the transceiver unit 1100 stops transmitting the communication frame on the first channel before performing radar sensing on the second channel.

[0216] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0217] The processing unit 1200 is configured to switch from the first channel to the second channel;

[0218] The first channel and the second channel are different channels supported by the wireless device.

[0219] In a possible implementation, the first channel is a busy channel detected by the wireless device, and the second channel is an idle channel detected by the wireless device.

[0220] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 1200 is further configured to switch from the second channel to the first channel;

[0221] The transceiver unit 1100 is further configured to continue transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0222] In a possible implementation, a radar sensing process includes one or more cyclic processes, where the multiple cyclic processes are continuous in time;

[0223] A cyclic process includes switching from the first channel to the second channel, performing radar sensing on the second channel, and switching from the second channel to the first channel;

[0224] The radar sensing process is a process including a preset number of radar sensing operations, the time interval between two adjacent radar sensing operations in the preset number of radar sensing operations is a first time interval, and the radar sensing operation includes sending a self-clearing Self-CTS frame and sending a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame.

[0225] In a possible implementation, the second channel includes the first channel, and a bandwidth of the second channel is greater than a bandwidth of the first channel.

[0226] In a possible implementation manner, a primary channel on the first channel and a primary channel on the second channel are the same.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1200 is also used to, when it is necessary to start the radar sensing service, cause the wireless device to adjust the working bandwidth from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth, where the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first channel and the second bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second channel.

[0228] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1100 is further configured to send a first frame on the first channel, where the first frame includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel; or,

[0229] The first frame includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the time for the wireless device to occupy the first channel. Before the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0230] In a possible implementation, the wireless device is a station STA, and the transceiver unit 1100 is specifically configured to receive a first confirmation frame for the first frame on the first channel.

[0231] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1100 is further configured to send a second frame on the first channel, where the second frame includes third indication information, and the third indication information is configured to instruct the wireless device to start transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

[0232] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1100 is further configured to receive a second confirmation frame for the second frame on the first channel.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, or the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is after the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is the completion time of the wireless device adjusting the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, or the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel is after the completion time of the wireless device adjusting the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth.

[0235] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 1200 is further configured to adjust the operating bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth when it is necessary to stop the radar sensing service.

[0236] The specific description and beneficial effects of the device embodiment shown in FIG6 can be referred to the description of the aforementioned method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] The wireless device according to the embodiment of the present application has been described above. The following describes possible product forms of the wireless device. It should be understood that any product having the functions of the wireless device described in FIG. 6 , or any product having the functions of the wireless device described in FIG. 6 , falls within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. It should also be understood that the following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the product forms of the wireless device according to the embodiments of the present application to these examples.

[0238] In one possible implementation, in the communication device shown in FIG6 , the processing unit 1200 may be one or more processors, the transceiver unit 1100 may be a transceiver, or the transceiver unit 1100 may be a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, the transmitting unit may be a transmitter, the receiving unit may be a receiver, and the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are integrated into a single device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the connection method between the processor and the transceiver.

[0239] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0240] As shown in FIG7 , the communication device 2000 includes one or more processors 2200 and a transceiver 2100. The transceiver 2100 can implement the function of the transceiver unit 1100, and the processor 2200 can implement the function of the processing unit 1200.

[0241] In various implementations of the communication device shown in FIG7 , the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, wherein the receiver is configured to perform a receiving function (or operation) and the transmitter is configured to perform a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is configured to communicate with other devices / devices via a transmission medium.

[0242] Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include one or more memories 2300 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memories 2300 are coupled to the processor 2200. Coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between the devices, units, or modules. The processor 2200 may operate in conjunction with the memories 2300. The processor 2200 may execute program instructions stored in the memories 2300.

[0243] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 2100, processor 2200, and memory 2300 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In Figure 7, the embodiment of the present application illustrates that the transceiver 2100, processor 2200, and memory 2300 are connected via bus 2400. The bus is represented by a bold line in Figure 7. The connection methods between other components are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 7 only uses a single bold line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0244] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc., and may implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor, etc.

[0245] In the embodiment of the present application, memory may include but is not limited to non-volatile memories such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM) or portable read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and can be read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in the present application), but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or other arbitrarily capable of realizing a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0246] The processor 2200 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. The memory 2300 is primarily used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 2100 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as a touch screen, display, and keyboard, are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user.

[0247] When the communication device is turned on, the processor 2200 can read the software program in the memory 2300, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 2200 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 2200. The processor 2200 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0248] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be provided independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be remotely arranged independent of the communication device.

[0249] It is understood that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application may also have more components than those in FIG7 , and the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. The method performed by the processor and transceiver shown above is only an example, and the specific steps performed by the processor and transceiver can refer to the method described above.

[0250] In another possible implementation, in the communication device shown in FIG6 , the processing unit 1200 may be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver unit 1100 may be an input / output interface, or may be called a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 1100 may also be a sending unit and a receiving unit, the sending unit may be an output interface, the receiving unit may be an input interface, and the sending unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface. As shown in FIG8 , the communication device shown in FIG8 includes a logic circuit 3001 and an interface 3002. That is, the above-mentioned processing unit 1200 can be implemented using a logic circuit 3001, and the transceiver unit 1100 can be implemented using an interface 3002. The logic circuit 3001 may be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit, or a system on chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 3002 may be a communication interface, an input / output interface, a pin, etc. For example, FIG8 is illustrated using the above-mentioned communication device as a chip, and the chip includes a logic circuit 3001 and an interface 3002.

[0251] In the embodiment of the present application, the logic circuit and the interface may also be coupled to each other. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface.

[0252] It can be understood that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application can implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in the form of hardware, or can implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in the form of software, etc., and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0253] An embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless communication system, which includes an AP and a STA. The AP and the STA can be used to execute the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0254] In addition, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer code. When the computer code runs on a computer, the computer executes the operations and / or processing performed by the wireless device in the method provided by the present application.

[0255] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer code or computer program. When the computer code or computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the wireless device in the method provided by the present application are executed.

[0256] 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 only schematic. For example, the division of the 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. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, or can be electrical, mechanical or other forms of connection.

[0257] 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 technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0258] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0259] If the integrated unit 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 is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned readable 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 code.

[0260] 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 channel switching method, characterized in that: include: The wireless device performs communication frame transmission on a first channel and performs radar sensing on a second channel; Before the wireless device transmits a communication frame on the first channel, it stops performing radar sensing on the second channel; or, before the wireless device performs radar sensing on the second channel, it stops performing communication frame transmission on the first channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before performing radar sensing on the second channel, the method further includes: The wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel; The first channel and the second channel are different channels supported by the wireless device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first channel is a busy channel detected by the wireless device, and the second channel is an idle channel detected by the wireless device.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that After performing radar sensing on the second channel, the method further includes: The wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel and continues to transmit communication frames on the first channel.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: A radar sensing process includes one or more loop processes, and the multiple loop processes are continuous in time; A cyclic process includes a process of switching from the first channel to the second channel, performing radar sensing on the second channel, and switching from the second channel to the first channel; The radar sensing process is a process including a preset number of radar sensing operations, the time interval between two adjacent radar sensing operations in the preset number of radar sensing operations is a first time interval, and the radar sensing operation includes sending a self-clearing Self-CTS frame and sending a radar signal associated with the Self-CTS frame.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second channel includes the first channel, and a bandwidth of the second channel is greater than a bandwidth of the first channel.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that A primary channel on the first channel and a primary channel on the second channel are the same.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The wireless device transmits a communication frame on the first channel and, before performing radar sensing on the second channel, further includes: When the radar sensing service needs to be started, the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, where the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first channel and the second bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second channel.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5 or 8, characterized in that: Before the wireless device switches from the first channel to the second channel, or before the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, the method further includes: The wireless device sends a first frame on the first channel, wherein the first frame includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to stop transmitting communication frames on the first channel; or, The first frame includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the time for which the wireless device occupies the first channel. Before the end time of the wireless device occupying the first channel, the wireless device stops transmitting communication frames on the first channel.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The wireless device is a station STA, and the method further includes: The wireless device receives a first acknowledgment frame for the first frame on the first channel.

11. The method according to claim 4 or 8, characterized in that: After the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, or after the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, the method further includes: The wireless device sends a second frame on the first channel, wherein the second frame includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to instruct the wireless device to start communication frame transmission on the first channel.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The wireless device is a station STA, and the method further includes: The wireless device receives a second acknowledgment frame for the second frame on the first channel.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The end time when the wireless device occupies the first channel is the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel, or the end time when the wireless device occupies the first channel is after the time when the wireless device switches from the second channel to the first channel.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The end time when the wireless device occupies the first channel is the completion time when the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth, or the end time when the wireless device occupies the first channel is after the completion time when the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth.

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In the case where the radar sensing service needs to be stopped, the wireless device adjusts the working bandwidth from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising means for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: Including processors; The processor is coupled to the memory; The memory is used to store instructions; The processor is configured to execute the instructions so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is performed.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is executed.

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