Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, mainly applied in a frequency hopping scenario where narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission coexist. Whether to perform listen before talk (LBT) is determined by means of transmission time-related parameters corresponding to a first channel transmitting a narrowband signal, wherein the transmission time-related parameters may include a first transmission time or a first duty cycle at a channel granularity. In the frequency hopping scenario, the dwell time of the narrowband signal in different channels is shortened, reducing the interference with WLAN transmission. In this way, the number of times of LBT performed by a narrowband transmission-capable device can be reduced while achieving the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission, thereby reducing the delay of narrowband signal transmission and improving the throughput of narrowband signal transmission.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202311597712.1 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 25, 2023, and priority to Chinese patent application No. 202311597712.1 entitled “Communication Method and Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410473123.0 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 18, 2024, and priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410473123.0 entitled “Communication Method and Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Wireless local area network (WLAN) technology is a wireless LAN technology developed by the Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Alliance based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. The 802.11 standard defines different transmission bandwidths for WLAN channels, including 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz.

[0004] Compared to the transmission bandwidth of WLAN transmission defined by the 802.11 standard, the transmission bandwidth of Bluetooth transmission and ultra wideband (UWB) transmission can be 1MHz, 2MHz or 4MHz, and therefore can also be called narrowband (NB) transmission.

[0005] Currently, alternative spectrum for narrowband transmission includes unlicensed national information infrastructure (U-NII 3) and U-NII 5. These alternative spectrums overlap with the spectrum used for traditional WLAN transmissions, leading to interference between narrowband transmissions and traditional WLAN transmissions.

[0006] Frequency hopping technology can reduce the interference of narrowband transmission on traditional WLAN transmission. However, there is currently a lack of methods that can both reduce the interference of narrowband transmission on WLAN transmission and reduce the transmission latency of narrowband transmission in frequency hopping scenarios. Therefore, how to achieve the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission in frequency hopping scenarios while reducing the transmission latency of narrowband transmission is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: obtaining a first transmission time, the first transmission time being related to a transmission time of at least one of N first channels, the N first channels being used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, a listen-before-talk (LBT) function is initiated; if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, the LBT function is not initiated.

[0008] In the above technical solution, in a frequency hopping scenario, the dwell time of the narrowband signal in different channels is shortened, reducing interference with WLAN transmission. Compared to continuing to use the total transmission time of the narrowband signal in the transmission cycle to determine whether to perform LBT, that is, using the transmission time at the device level granularity to determine whether to perform LBT, the first transmission time involved in the solution of this application is related to the transmission time of at least one first channel among the N first channels. This can achieve the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission while reducing the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capabilities without increasing interference, thereby reducing the delay of narrowband signal transmission and improving the throughput of narrowband signal transmission.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining N second transmission times corresponding to N first channels, wherein the nth second transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel, the first transmission time is the average value of the N second transmission times, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, initiating listen-before-talk LBT includes: if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, initiating LBT for N first channels.

[0011] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, since the first transmission time indicates the average of the N second transmission times of the N first channels, it is only necessary to compare the first transmission time with the first threshold value to determine whether LBT is performed for the N first channels. This method can reduce the number of LBTs performed by the first device with narrowband communication capabilities while achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission without increasing interference, thereby reducing the delay of narrowband signal transmission. In addition, the first transmission time can be the average of the transmission times corresponding to the N first channels. The unified judgment method can reduce the computational complexity and is easier to implement.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device hops to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, initiating listen-before-talk LBT includes: if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, initiating LBT for the nth first channel.

[0014] In this way, in the frequency hopping scenario, the transmission time of any one of the N first channels that transmit narrowband signals is used to determine whether to perform LBT on the first channel. While achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission, the number of times the first device with narrowband communication capability performs LBT is reduced without increasing interference, thereby more specifically and accurately improving the throughput of the narrowband signal transmission on the first channel and reducing the delay of the narrowband signal transmission on the first channel.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the bandwidth corresponding to each first channel is one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining a first BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the basic service set BSS where the first device is located, and the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal in the N first channels on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, initiating listen-before-talk LBT includes: if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, initiating LBT for part or all of the first channels.

[0018] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, when the first device can perceive the first BSS operating bandwidth of the BSS in which it is located, the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth is compared with the first threshold value to determine whether to start LBT. This can more specifically determine the interference caused by the narrowband signal transmission to the BSS, and then reduce the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability without increasing interference while achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission, thereby more accurately improving the throughput of narrowband signal transmission on channels with overlapping frequency domain resources and reducing the delay of narrowband signal transmission.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining an nth second BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the nth first channel, where 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer. Obtaining the first transmission time includes: obtaining, based on the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, an nth first transmission time corresponding to transmitting a narrowband signal on the nth first channel.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, starting the listen-before-talk LBT includes: if the nth first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, starting LBT for the nth first channel.

[0021] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, by sensing the BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to different BSSs on different first channels and comparing the different transmission times of different first channels with the first threshold value, it is determined whether to start LBT. This can more accurately and in advance know the interference that narrowband signal transmission may cause to different BSSs in WLAN transmission across the entire frequency band, thereby reducing the number of LBT operations performed by the first device with narrowband communication capabilities while achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission without increasing interference, and further more specifically and accurately improving the throughput of narrowband signal transmission and reducing the latency of narrowband signal transmission.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first transmission time is related to the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the total bandwidth of the narrowband signal transmitted.

[0023] In this way, when the probability of narrowband signal frequency hopping in different channels is approximately the same, the computational complexity can be further reduced and the transmission delay of the narrowband signal can be reduced.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining a first duty cycle based on the first transmission time, where the first duty cycle indicates a proportion of the first transmission time in a transmission period. If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, initiating listen-before-talk (LBT); if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, not initiating LBT includes: initiating LBT if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and not initiating LBT if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the type of transmission period includes any one of the following: a ranging period, a sensing period, a total period applied to a ranging scenario, a total period applied to a sensing scenario, a duration of a ranging block, a duration of a sensing block, or a duration of a super block. The total period applied to a ranging scenario includes a ranging period and a non-ranging period; the total period applied to a sensing scenario includes a sensing period and a non-sensing period; the duration of a ranging block includes a ranging period of a first user and a ranging period of a non-first user; the duration of a sensing block includes a sensing period of a first user and a sensing period of a non-first user; the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more ranging blocks, or the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more sensing blocks.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, different types of transmission cycles correspond to first threshold values ​​of different scales, or different types of transmission cycles correspond to second threshold values ​​of different scales.

[0027] In this way, different types of transmission cycles correspond to first thresholds of different scales or second thresholds of different scales, which can improve the flexibility of deciding whether to perform LBT.

[0028] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first transmission period corresponds to a first threshold value of the first scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to a first threshold value of the second scale; if the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the first threshold value of the first scale is greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

[0029] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the third scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the fourth scale; if the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the second threshold value of the third scale is greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale.

[0030] In this way, if the transmission cycle is short, some narrowband signals without LBT can be allowed to be transmitted in the short transmission cycle; if the transmission cycle is long, the overall narrowband transmission ratio can be guaranteed to be low in the long transmission cycle, thereby reducing the overall interference to WLAN signal transmission.

[0031] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: obtaining a first duty cycle, the first duty cycle indicating a proportion of a first transmission time in a transmission period, the first transmission time being related to a transmission time of at least one of N first channels, the N first channels being used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold, LBT is initiated; if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold, LBT is not initiated.

[0032] In the above technical solution, in the frequency hopping scenario, the dwell time of the narrowband signal in different channels becomes shorter, reducing the interference to the WLAN transmission. Compared to continuing to use the total duty cycle of sending the narrowband signal in the transmission period to determine whether to perform LBT, that is, to determine whether to perform LBT based on the duty cycle of the device-level granularity, the first duty cycle involved in the solution of this application is related to the duty cycle of at least one first channel among the N first channels. This not only enables the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission while reducing the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability without increasing interference, reduces the delay of narrowband signal transmission, and improves the throughput of narrowband signal transmission, but also, based on different transmission periods, a unified second threshold value can be adopted, reducing the number of configurations of the second threshold value, further reducing the implementation complexity.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: obtaining N second duty cycles corresponding to the N first channels. The nth second duty cycle indicates a proportion of the nth second transmission time in the transmission period, the first duty cycle is an average of the N second duty cycles, and 1≤n≤N, where n is a positive integer.

[0034] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, starting LBT includes: if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, starting LBT for N first channels.

[0035] In this way, in the frequency hopping scenario, since the first duty cycle indicates the average of the N second duty cycles of the N first channels, it is only necessary to compare the first duty cycle with the second threshold value to determine whether LBT is performed on the N first channels. This method not only enables the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission, but also reduces the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability without increasing interference, thereby reducing the transmission delay of the narrowband signal. The unified judgment method can reduce the computational complexity and is easier to implement. Moreover, based on different transmission cycles, a unified second threshold value can be adopted, reducing the number of configurations of the second threshold value, further reducing the implementation complexity.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first duty cycle includes a duty cycle corresponding to when the narrowband signal is transmitted on the nth first channel when the first device hops to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, starting LBT includes: if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, starting LBT for the nth first channel.

[0038] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, the duty cycle of any one of the N first channels transmitting narrowband signals is used to determine whether to perform LBT on the first channel. This approach not only enables the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission while reducing the number of LBTs performed by the first device with narrowband communication capabilities without increasing interference, but also more specifically and accurately improves the throughput of narrowband signal transmission on the first channel and reduces the delay of narrowband signal transmission on the first channel. Moreover, based on different transmission cycles, a unified second threshold value can be adopted, reducing the number of configurations of the second threshold value and further reducing implementation complexity.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the bandwidth corresponding to each first channel is one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: obtaining a first BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the basic service set BSS where the first device is located, and the first duty cycle includes a duty cycle corresponding to when the narrowband signal in the N first channels is transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, starting LBT includes: if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, starting LBT for part or all of the first channels.

[0042] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, when the first device can sense the first BSS operating bandwidth of the BSS in which it is located, the first duty cycle of the narrowband signal transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth is compared with the first threshold value to determine whether to start LBT. This method can not only more specifically determine the interference caused by narrowband signal transmission to the BSS, and then reduce the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability while achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission without increasing interference, but also more accurately improve the throughput of narrowband signal transmission on channels with overlapping frequency domain resources and reduce the delay of narrowband signal transmission. Moreover, based on different transmission cycles, a unified second threshold value can be used to reduce the number of configurations of the second threshold value, further reducing the implementation complexity.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: obtaining an nth second BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the nth first channel, where 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer. Obtaining the first duty cycle includes: obtaining, based on the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, an nth first duty cycle corresponding to a transmission time for transmitting a narrowband signal on the nth first channel.

[0044] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, starting LBT includes: if the nth first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, starting LBT for the nth first channel.

[0045] In this way, in the frequency hopping scenario, by sensing the BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to different BSSs of different first channels, the different duty cycles of different first channels are compared with the first threshold value to determine whether to start LBT. This can more accurately know in advance the interference that narrowband signal transmission may cause to different BSSs in WLAN transmission across the entire frequency band. This method can not only reduce the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability while achieving the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission without increasing interference, but also further improve the throughput of narrowband signal transmission and reduce the delay of narrowband signal transmission in a more targeted and accurate manner. Moreover, based on different transmission cycles, a unified second threshold value can be used to reduce the number of configurations of the second threshold value, further reducing the implementation complexity.

[0046] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first transmission time is related to the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the total bandwidth of the narrowband signal transmitted.

[0047] In this way, when the probability of narrowband signal frequency hopping in different channels is approximately the same, the computational complexity can be further reduced and the transmission delay of the narrowband signal can be reduced.

[0048] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: obtaining a first transmission time based on the first duty cycle. If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold, initiating listen-before-talk (LBT); and if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold, not initiating LBT includes: initiating LBT if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold; and not initiating LBT if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold.

[0049] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the type of transmission period includes any one of the following: a ranging period, a sensing period, a total period applied to a ranging scenario, a total period applied to a sensing scenario, a duration of a ranging block, a duration of a sensing block, or a duration of a super block. The total period applied to a ranging scenario includes a ranging period and a non-ranging period; the total period applied to a sensing scenario includes a sensing period and a non-sensing period; the duration of a ranging block includes a ranging period of a first user and a ranging period of a non-first user; the duration of a sensing block includes a sensing period of a first user and a sensing period of a non-first user; the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more ranging blocks, or the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more sensing blocks.

[0050] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, different types of transmission cycles correspond to first threshold values ​​of different scales, or different types of transmission cycles correspond to second threshold values ​​of different scales.

[0051] In this way, different types of transmission cycles correspond to first thresholds of different scales or second thresholds of different scales, which can improve the flexibility of deciding whether to perform LBT.

[0052] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first transmission period corresponds to the first threshold value of the first scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to the first threshold value of the second scale. If the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the first threshold value of the first scale is greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

[0053] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the third scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the fourth scale. If the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the second threshold value of the third scale is greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale.

[0054] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to obtain a first transmission time, the first transmission time being related to the transmission time of at least one of N first channels, the N first channels being used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The processing unit is configured to initiate listen-before-talk (LBT) if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and to deactivate LBT if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold.

[0055] It should be understood that the technical solution of the communication device of the third aspect corresponds to the first aspect, and the corresponding technical effects can refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0056] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to obtain N second transmission times corresponding to N first channels, wherein the nth second transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel, and the first transmission time is the average value of the N second transmission times, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

[0057] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, initiate LBT for the N first channels.

[0058] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device hops to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

[0059] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to start LBT for the nth first channel if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0060] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the bandwidth corresponding to each first channel is one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz.

[0061] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to obtain a first BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the basic service set BSS where the first device is located, and the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal in the N first channels on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

[0062] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, initiate LBT for part or all of the first channels.

[0063] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to obtain an nth second BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the nth first channel, where 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer. The transceiver unit is specifically configured to obtain, based on the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, an nth first transmission time corresponding to transmitting the narrowband signal on the nth first channel.

[0064] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to, if the nth first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, initiate LBT for the nth first channel.

[0065] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first transmission time is related to the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the total bandwidth of the narrowband signal transmitted.

[0066] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to obtain a first duty cycle based on the first transmission time, where the first duty cycle indicates a proportion of the first transmission time in the transmission period. The processing unit is specifically configured to initiate LBT if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and not initiate LBT if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value.

[0067] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the type of transmission period includes any one of the following: a ranging period, a sensing period, a total period applied to a ranging scenario, a total period applied to a sensing scenario, a duration of a ranging block, a duration of a sensing block, or a duration of a super block. The total period applied to a ranging scenario includes a ranging period and a non-ranging period; the total period applied to a sensing scenario includes a sensing period and a non-sensing period; the duration of a ranging block includes a ranging period of a first user and a ranging period of a non-first user; the duration of a sensing block includes a sensing period of a first user and a sensing period of a non-first user; the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more ranging blocks, or the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more sensing blocks.

[0068] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, different types of transmission cycles correspond to first threshold values ​​of different scales, or different types of transmission cycles correspond to second threshold values ​​of different scales.

[0069] In this way, different types of transmission cycles correspond to first thresholds of different scales or second thresholds of different scales, which can improve the flexibility of deciding whether to perform LBT.

[0070] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first transmission period corresponds to a first threshold value of the first scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to a first threshold value of the second scale. If the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the first threshold value of the first scale is greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

[0071] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the third scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the fourth scale. If the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the second threshold value of the third scale is greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale.

[0072] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to obtain a first duty cycle, where the first duty cycle indicates a proportion of a first transmission time in a transmission period, the first transmission time being related to the transmission time of at least one of N first channels, where the N first channels are used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The processing unit is configured to activate LBT if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and deactivate LBT if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value.

[0073] It should be understood that the technical solution of the communication device of the fourth aspect corresponds to the second aspect, and the corresponding technical effects can be referred to the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0074] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to obtain N second duty cycles corresponding to the N first channels. The nth second duty cycle indicates a proportion of the nth second transmission time in the transmission period, the first duty cycle is an average of the N second duty cycles, and 1≤n≤N, where n is a positive integer.

[0075] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, initiate LBT for the N first channels.

[0076] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first duty cycle includes a duty cycle corresponding to when the narrowband signal is transmitted on the nth first channel when the first device hops to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, where n is a positive integer.

[0077] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, initiate LBT for the nth first channel.

[0078] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the bandwidth size corresponding to each first channel is one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz or 640 MHz.

[0079] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to obtain a first BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the basic service set BSS where the first device is located, and the first duty cycle includes the duty cycle corresponding to when the narrowband signal in the N first channels is transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

[0080] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, initiate LBT for part or all of the first channels.

[0081] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to obtain an nth second BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the nth first channel, where 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer. The transceiver unit is specifically configured to obtain, based on the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, an nth first duty cycle corresponding to a transmission time for transmitting a narrowband signal on the nth first channel.

[0082] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is specifically configured to start LBT for the nth first channel if the nth first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0083] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first transmission time is related to the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the total bandwidth of the narrowband signal transmitted.

[0084] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to obtain a first transmission time based on the first duty cycle. The processing unit is specifically configured to initiate LBT if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, and not initiate LBT if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold value.

[0085] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the type of transmission period includes any one of the following: a ranging period, a sensing period, a total period applied to a ranging scenario, a total period applied to a sensing scenario, a duration of a ranging block, a duration of a sensing block, or a duration of a super block. The total period applied to a ranging scenario includes a ranging period and a non-ranging period; the total period applied to a sensing scenario includes a sensing period and a non-sensing period; the duration of a ranging block includes a ranging period of a first user and a ranging period of a non-first user; the duration of a sensing block includes a sensing period of a first user and a sensing period of a non-first user; the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more ranging blocks, or the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more sensing blocks.

[0086] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, different types of transmission cycles correspond to first threshold values ​​of different scales, or different types of transmission cycles correspond to second threshold values ​​of different scales.

[0087] In this way, different types of transmission cycles correspond to first thresholds of different scales or second thresholds of different scales, which can improve the flexibility of deciding whether to perform LBT.

[0088] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first transmission period corresponds to a first threshold value of the first scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to a first threshold value of the second scale. If the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the first threshold value of the first scale is greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

[0089] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the third scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the fourth scale. If the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the second threshold value of the third scale is greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale.

[0090] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a memory for storing programs; a processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer program or instructions stored in the memory are executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided in any one of the implementation methods of the first or second aspect above.

[0091] In one implementation, the apparatus is a first device in a communication method.

[0092] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit in a first device in a communication method.

[0093] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a processor for executing the method provided by any one of the implementation modes of the first to second aspects above. In the process of executing these methods, the process of sending the above information and obtaining / receiving the above information in the above methods can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the above information, and the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the interface and transmits it through the interface. After being output by the processor, the above information may also need to undergo other processing before reaching the interface. Similarly, when the processor receives the input above information, the interface obtains / receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the interface receives the above information, the above information may need to undergo other processing before being input into the processor.

[0094] For the operations involved, such as transmission, sending, and acquisition / reception, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be understood as output and reception, input and other operations, and can also be understood as transmission, sending and receiving operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit this.

[0095] During implementation, the processor may be a processor specifically configured to execute the methods, or may be a processor that executes computer programs or instructions in a memory to execute the methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory may be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which may be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on separate chips. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of memory or the configuration of the memory and the processor.

[0096] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program code for execution by a device, and the program code includes a method for executing any one of the implementations of the first to second aspects above.

[0097] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method provided in any one of the implementations of the first to second aspects above.

[0098] In the ninth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided in any one of the implementation methods of the first to second aspects above.

[0099] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip may also include a memory, in which a computer program or instruction is stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instruction stored in the memory. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided in any one of the implementation methods of the first to second aspects above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a UNII-3 frequency band and a UNII-5 frequency band provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a transmission time and transmission period provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG6 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a first transmission time provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another first transmission time provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of another first transmission time provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another first transmission time provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1300 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another UNII-3 frequency band and UNII-5 frequency band provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a transmission cycle provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of another transmission cycle provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of another transmission cycle provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are explained:

[0118] First, in this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their internal logical relationships.

[0119] Second, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c. Wherein a, b and c can be single or multiple, respectively.

[0120] Third, throughout this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical references (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) are used to distinguish between different references for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they are used to distinguish between different duty cycles, rather than to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that such references are interchangeable, where appropriate, to allow for the description of solutions beyond the embodiments of this application.

[0121] Fourth, in this application, expressions such as "when," "under the circumstances of," and "if" all imply that a corresponding action will be taken under certain objective circumstances. They do not limit the timeframe, do not require a judgment action to be taken when the action is taken, and do not imply any other limitations. Furthermore, the judgment action following these conditional conjunctions does not imply that the judgment action following the conditional conjunctions is the only condition for achieving the result; additional conditions may also be included to achieve the result.

[0122] Fifth, in this application, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or are inherent to these processes, methods, products or apparatuses.

[0123] Sixth, in this application, "used to indicate" can include being used for direct indication and being used for indirect indication. When describing that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, and it does not mean that the indication information must carry A.

[0124] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to encompass various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. The transmission period and / or timing of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific transmission method.

[0125] In the embodiments of the present application, the "indication information" may be an explicit indication, i.e., a direct indication via signaling, or may be obtained based on parameters indicated by the signaling, in combination with other rules, other parameters, or by deduction. It may also be an implicit indication, i.e., based on a rule or relationship, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0126] Seventh, in this application, "storage" may refer to storage in one or more memories. The one or more memories may be provided separately or integrated into an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories may also be provided in part separately and in part integrated into a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The memory may be any type of storage medium and is not limited in this application.

[0127] Ninth, in this application, "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission", "data processing", etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and "receiving".

[0128] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to wireless personal area networks (WPANs) with narrowband communication capabilities. Currently, ultra-wideband WPANs utilize the IEEE 802.15 series of standards. WPANs can be used for communication between digital auxiliary devices within a small range, such as phones, computers, and accessories, with an operating range generally within 10 meters. Technologies supporting WPANs include Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband (UWB), IrDA infrared connection technology (infrared), and HomeRF. The Bluetooth Alliance defines two modes: Bluetooth mode and Bluetooth low energy mode. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present application can be applied to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), high-performance radio LANs (HIPERLANs) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), wide area networks (WANs), and other currently known or later developed networks. Among them, WLAN can support IEEE 802.11 related standards, such as 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, extremely high throughput (EHT), 802.11ad, 802.11ay or 802.11bf, and 802.11be next-generation 802.11bn, Wi-Fi 8, IMMW (Integrated Millimeter Wave) research working group, etc. Various aspects of the present application can also be applied to sensing systems, such as the 802.11bf series of standards. Among them, the 802.11n standard is called high throughput (HT), the 802.11ac standard is called very high throughput (VHT), the 802.11ax standard is called high efficiency (HE), the 802.11be standard is called extremely high throughput (EHT), and the 802.11bn standard is called Ultra High Reliability (UHR).

[0129] This application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, IEEE Integrated mmWave / Integrated millimeter wave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing / perception protocol; this application may also support Star Flash / Spark Link / NearLink standard protocols.

[0130] The embodiments of the present application may also be applicable to wireless local area network systems such as the Internet of Things (IoT) network or the Vehicle to X (V2X) network. Of course, the embodiments of the present application may also be applicable to other possible communication systems, such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, the LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, the fifth generation (5G) communication system, and the future sixth generation (6G) communication system.

[0131] The above-mentioned communication system applicable to the present application is only an example, and the communication system applicable to the present application is not limited to this. It is described uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0132] In the embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned devices can be access points (AP) and stations (STA) such as communication servers, routers, switches, bridges, computers or mobile phones, smart home devices, and vehicle-mounted communication devices.

[0133] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0134] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication method provided by the present application is applicable to data communication between a first device and a second device, a first device and a first device, or a second device and a second device. Specifically, the solution of the present application is applicable to data communication between a first device and one or more second devices (for example, data communication between the first device #1 and the second device #1, and the second device #3), and is also applicable to data communication between a first device and a first device (for example, data communication between the first device #1 and the first device #2), and data communication between a second device and a second device (for example, data communication between the second device #2 and the second device #3).

[0135] Exemplarily, when the first device and / or the second device has WLAN communication capability, the first device may be an access point AP type station, and the second device may be a non-access point station (none access point station, non-AP STA), referred to as AP (or access point) and STA (or non-AP station) respectively. When the first device and / or the second device has narrowband communication capability, for example, UWB communication capability, the first device may be referred to as an initiator, and the second device may be referred to as a responder. It should be understood that when the first device and the second device have different communication capabilities, they may have different names, which are not limited here.

[0136] The first device can be an access point for a terminal (e.g., a mobile phone) to access a wired (or wireless) network. It's typically deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. It can also be deployed outdoors. In this case, the first device acts as a bridge between the wired and wireless networks, connecting wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to Ethernet.

[0137] Specifically, the first device may be a terminal or network device with narrowband communication capability, or with WLAN communication capability and narrowband communication capability. The network device may be a server, a router, a switch, a bridge, a computer, a mobile phone, a relay station, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in a 5G network, and a network device in a future 6G network or a network device in a public land mobile communication network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. The first device is a device with narrowband transmission capability. For example, the first device may support one or more standards of the IEEE 802.15 family such as 802.15.4ab and 802.15.3. For example, the first device may support Bluetooth transmission mode or Bluetooth low energy transmission mode. The first device may be a device that supports the WLAN standard. For example,

[0138] The first device may also support one or more standards of the IEEE 802.11 family, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0139] For example, the second device may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and may also be referred to as a user, user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user apparatus. The second device may be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, an Internet of Things device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, a terminal device in a future 6G network, or a terminal device in a PLMN, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. The second device may be a device with narrowband transmission capability, for example, the second device may support one or more standards of the IEEE 802.15 family such as 802.15.4ab and 802.15.3, and for another example, the second device may support Bluetooth transmission mode or Bluetooth low energy transmission mode. The second device may also be a device supporting a WLAN standard. For example, a non-AP station may support one or more standards of the IEEE 802.11 family, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0140] The second device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, set-top box, smart TV, smart wearable device, vehicle-mounted communication equipment, computer, Internet of Things (IoT) node, sensor, smart home such as smart camera, smart remote control, smart water meter, smart electricity meter, and sensors in smart city.

[0141] The above-mentioned first device or second device may include a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, a processor, etc., wherein the transmitter and the receiver are used for sending and receiving packet structures respectively, the memory is used to store signaling information and store pre-agreed threshold values, etc., and the processor is used to parse signaling information, process related data, etc.

[0142] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also known as main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as the Linux operating system, the Unix operating system, the Android operating system, the iOS operating system, or the Windows operating system.

[0143] In addition, various aspects or features of the present application can be implemented as methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used in this application encompasses a computer program that can be accessed from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes, etc.), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). In addition, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0144] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, a brief description of the technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application is first given.

[0145] 1. Frequency hopping (FH)

[0146] Frequency hopping is the process of changing the frequency location of the data being transmitted. Generally, when frequency hopping is enabled, the frequency location of the data being transmitted changes at different times. The frequency location of the data being transmitted can be different at different transmission times (e.g., time slots). Frequency hopping can achieve frequency diversity gain in the communication system, improving data transmission performance.

[0147] 2. UNII-3

[0148] The UNII-3 frequency band is 5.725GHz to 5.850GHz, with a total spectrum of 125MHz. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a UNII-3 frequency band and a UNII-5 frequency band provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in (a) of Figure 2, the channel of WLAN transmission takes a 20MHz bandwidth as an example, and therefore includes a total of 6 20MHz channels, of which 2 20MHz channels can form a 40MHz channel, and two 40MHz channels further form an 80MHz channel. Channels of the same bandwidth size do not overlap with each other, that is, the first and second 20MHz channels can form the first 40MHz channel, at which time the second and third cannot form the second 40MHz channel, the third and fourth can form the second 40MHz, and so on.

[0149] 3. UNII-5

[0150] The UNII-5 frequency band is from 5.925 GHz to 6.425 GHz, with a total spectrum of 500 MHz. This spectrum can be divided into 25 20 MHz channels, which in turn form 12 40 MHz channels, or 6 80 MHz channels (as shown in Figure 2(b) , using the 80 MHz channel for WLAN transmission as an example), or 3 160 MHz channels, or 2 320 MHz channels. Because 320 MHz channels are rare, the first 160 MHz channel and the second 160 MHz channel are allowed to form the first 320 MHz channel, and the second 160 MHz channel and the third 160 MHz channel are allowed to form the second 320 MHz channel. These two 320 MHz channels overlap, which is a special case.

[0151] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are only described using these two frequency bands as examples, and the present application does not limit the specific values ​​of the specific frequency bands and bandwidth sizes.

[0152] 4. Device-level duty cycle

[0153] The duty cycle is the ratio of the duration of a device transmitting data to the total duration of the transmission cycle within a specific transmission cycle. Alternatively, the duty cycle can be the ratio of the duration of a device transmitting data to the total duration of the transmission cycle within a specific transmission cycle, where data transmission includes both sending and receiving data. Alternatively, the duty cycle can be the ratio of the duration of a device being awake to the total duration of the transmission cycle within a specific transmission cycle.

[0154] 5. Basic service set (BSS)

[0155] A BSS is a basic building block of an 802.11 network and is used to describe a group of mobile devices that communicate with each other in an 802.11 WLAN.

[0156] There are two types of basic service sets: one is the basic service set in infrastructure mode, which includes an AP and several STAs; the other is the basic service set in independent mode, which consists of several STAs.

[0157] Specifically, each basic service set has a unique identifier, called a basic service set identifier (BSSID), which corresponds to the MAC address of the AP. The BSS in the embodiment of the present application is an infrastructure mode BSS. The APs and STAs included in this type of BSS can be referred to as mutually associated APs and STAs. For example, the APs and STAs included in BSS#1 are mutually associated.

[0158] Currently, the transmission frequency band for Bluetooth in narrowband transmission may be further expanded from the original 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz and 6 GHz. The narrowband frequency band for UWB transmission in narrowband transmission also involves 5 GHz and 6 GHz. The UNII-3 and UNII-5 bands described above can also be used for WLAN transmission. Therefore, interference between narrowband and WLAN transmissions is prone to occur. Current methods for mitigating interference between narrowband and WLAN transmissions do not consider frequency hopping scenarios. In other words, they do not consider that frequency hopping technology itself can reduce interference with WLAN transmission. This may result in reduced throughput and increased latency for narrowband transmission, even while reducing interference from narrowband transmission on WLAN transmission.

[0159] Therefore, in a frequency hopping scenario, how to achieve coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission while reducing the transmission delay of narrowband transmission is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0160] To address the above issues, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 13 .

[0161] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. It is understood that the first device or the second device can execute the communication method, but the present application does not limit the execution subject. For example, the communication method is implemented by the first device or the second device, and can also be implemented by a module (such as a chip, a chip system or a processor) of the first device or the second device, and can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device, and can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device.

[0162] S310: Acquire a first transmission time, where the first transmission time is related to a transmission time of at least one of N first channels, where the N first channels are used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0163] It should be understood that the first transmission time may be determined according to the transmission time of at least one first channel among the N first channels.

[0164] As a possible implementation manner, N second transmission times corresponding to N first channels are obtained, the nth second transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel, and the first transmission time is the average of the N second transmission times.

[0165] Optionally, the first transmission time may also be the median or mode of the N second transmission times.

[0166] It should be understood that the first transmission time reduces the differences between the N second transmission times corresponding to the N first channels. Specifically, the average, median, or mode of the N second transmission times is selected as the first transmission time, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. The specific form of the first transmission time will be described in detail with examples in conjunction with Figures 7(a) and 7(b).

[0167] As a possible implementation manner, the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel.

[0168] In other words, the first transmission time may be a time for the first device to frequency-hop to one of the N first channels, and the first channel may be used to transmit a narrowband signal. In other words, the first transmission time may include the time for transmitting a narrowband signal corresponding to any one of the N first channels. The specific form of the first transmission time will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b).

[0169] Optionally, the bandwidth corresponding to each of the N first channels may be one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz. This embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. It should be understood that the spectrum in the UNII-3 and UNII-5 bands in the embodiments of the present application are specific examples, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the spectrum in these two bands.

[0170] It should be understood that the bandwidth of each first channel may be the same, or the bandwidth of each first channel may be different. Detailed examples will be provided later with reference to FIG. 7(a), FIG. 7(b), FIG. 8(a), and FIG. 8(b).

[0171] As a possible implementation method, the first BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the basic service set BSS where the first device is located is obtained, and the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal in N first channels on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

[0172] It should be understood that the first device has both WLAN communication capability and narrowband transmission communication capability, and the first device can perceive the first BSS operating bandwidth of the BSS in which it is located and part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth. WLAN transmission and narrowband signal transmission can be performed on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth, that is, the part or all of the first channels are the parts where WLAN transmission and narrowband signal transmission overlap. Exemplarily, the first BSS operating bandwidth can be an integer multiple of the basic bandwidth. For example, the basic bandwidth size can be 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 240MHz, 320MHz, 480MHz or 640MHz.

[0173] In other words, the first transmission time includes the transmission time corresponding to part or all of the first channel where the WLAN transmission and the narrowband signal transmission overlap. The specific form of the first transmission time will be described in detail with reference to FIG9 (a) and FIG9 (b).

[0174] As a possible implementation method, the nth second BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the nth first channel is obtained, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer; based on the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, the nth first transmission time corresponding to the transmission of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel is obtained.

[0175] It should be understood that the first device has both WLAN communication capability and narrowband transmission communication capability, and the first device has the capability of BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to different BSSs of different first channels on a certain frequency band.

[0176] It should also be understood that N first channels may correspond to N second BSS operating bandwidths, and the second BSS operating bandwidths corresponding to each first channel may be the same or different, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. For example, the second BSS operating bandwidth may be an integer multiple of the basic bandwidth. For example, the basic bandwidth may be 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz. The specific form of the first transmission time will be described in detail with reference to FIG10 (a) and FIG10 (b).

[0177] Optionally, a first duty cycle is obtained according to the first transmission time, where the first duty cycle indicates a proportion of the first transmission time in the transmission period.

[0178] S320: If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, start listen before talk (LBT). If the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, do not start LBT.

[0179] Optionally, if the first transmission time is greater than a first threshold, LBT is initiated, and if the first transmission time is less than or equal to the first threshold, LBT is not initiated.

[0180] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to starting LBT or not starting LBT when the first transmission time is equal to the first threshold.

[0181] It should be understood that the first threshold is related to the transmission period and can be the same or different for different frequency bands (e.g., UNII-3 and UNII-5). Exemplarily, the first threshold ranges from 0 to the transmission period. Alternatively, the first threshold range can be less than or equal to 0. Alternatively, the first threshold range can be greater than or equal to the transmission period.

[0182] When the first transmission time is equal to the first threshold value and LBT is started, the following methods may be used.

[0183] Optionally, when the first threshold value is less than or equal to 0, the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and LBT is started.

[0184] Optionally, when the first threshold value is greater than the transmission period, the first transmission time is less than the first threshold value, and LBT is not started.

[0185] For the case where the first transmission time is equal to the first threshold value and LBT is not started, there are specific methods as follows.

[0186] Optionally, when the first threshold value is less than or equal to 0, the first transmission time is greater than the first threshold value, and LBT is started.

[0187] Optionally, when the first threshold value is greater than the transmission period, the first transmission time is less than or equal to the first threshold value, and LBT is not started.

[0188] For example, the first threshold value may be defined by regulatory authorities and may vary in different countries and regions. Alternatively, the first threshold value may be negotiated between the first device and the second device. Alternatively, the first threshold value may be defined by the first device and notified to the second device. For example, an access point may define the first threshold value and notify each STA of the first threshold value. Alternatively, the first threshold value may be defined by the second device and notified to the first device. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for determining the first threshold value.

[0189] Optionally, when determining whether to perform LBT by the first duty cycle, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, LBT is started; if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value, LBT is not started.

[0190] Alternatively, if the first duty cycle is greater than the second threshold, LBT is activated; if the first duty cycle is less than or equal to the second threshold, LBT is not activated. The application embodiment is not limited to activating or not activating LBT when the first duty cycle is equal to the second threshold.

[0191] It should be understood that the second threshold value may be the same or different for different frequency bands (e.g., UNII-3 and UNII-5). Exemplarily, the second threshold value ranges from 0 to 1. Alternatively, the second threshold value range may be less than or equal to 0. Alternatively, the second threshold value range may be greater than or equal to 1.

[0192] When the first duty cycle is equal to the second threshold value, the LBT is started in the following manner.

[0193] Optionally, when the second threshold value is less than or equal to 0, the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, and the LBT is started.

[0194] Optionally, when the second threshold value is greater than 1, the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value, and LBT is not started.

[0195] For the case where the first duty cycle is equal to the second threshold value and the LBT is not started, the following methods may be used.

[0196] Optionally, when the second threshold value is less than or equal to 0, the first duty cycle is greater than the second threshold value, and the LBT is started.

[0197] Optionally, when the second threshold value is greater than, the first duty cycle is less than or equal to the second threshold value, and LBT is not started.

[0198] It should be understood that the second threshold is determined in a similar manner to the first threshold, and is not described in detail here.

[0199] As a possible implementation, the type of transmission period includes any one of the following: ranging period, sensing period, total period applied to ranging scenarios, total period applied to sensing scenarios, duration of ranging blocks, duration of sensing blocks, or duration of super blocks. The total period applied to ranging scenarios includes ranging periods and non-ranging periods; the total period applied to sensing scenarios includes sensing periods and non-sensing periods; the duration of a ranging block includes a ranging period of a first user and a ranging period of a non-first user; the duration of a sensing block includes a sensing period of a first user and a sensing period of a non-first user; the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more ranging blocks; or the duration of a super block includes the duration of one or more sensing blocks.

[0200] The transmission period can be a predefined duration. For example, 100 milliseconds, 1 second, or 100 seconds. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific value of the transmission period. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a transmission time and transmission period provided by an embodiment of the present application. The scenarios shown in Figure 4 are two specific examples of UWB narrowband transmission. Figure 4 (a) is a ranging scenario, and Figure 4 (b) is a sensing scenario.

[0201] For example, as shown in (a) of Figure 4, in the ranging scenario, the transmission period can be called a ranging round, denoted as T1, wherein the ranging control phase (denoted as t1-1) and the ranging report phase (denoted as t1-3) adopt narrowband transmission. Different phases may include one or more ranging slots. The first transmission time is determined based on the transmission time of at least one of the N first channels corresponding to the ranging control phase (denoted as t1-1) and the ranging report phase (denoted as t1-3). Then, the first transmission time is compared with a predefined first threshold value to determine whether to perform LBT.

[0202] The ranging cycle T1 includes a ranging control phase (denoted as t1-1), a ranging phase (denoted as t1-2), and a ranging report phase (denoted as t1-3). The ranging phase t1-2 uses ultra wideband (UWB) transmission.

[0203] It should be understood that since the ranging control phase t1-1 shown in (a) of Figure 4 is relatively fixed, the first transmission time can be determined based on the transmission time of at least one of the N first channels in the frequency domain in the ranging report phase t1-3 in (a) of Figure 4.

[0204] For example, as shown in (b) of Figure 4, in the sensing scenario, the transmission period can be called a sensing round, denoted as T2, wherein the sensing control phase (denoted as t2-1) and the sensing report phase (denoted as t2-3) adopt narrowband transmission. Different phases may include one or more sensing slots. The first transmission time is determined based on the transmission time of at least one of the N first channels corresponding to the sensing control phase (denoted as t2-1) and the sensing report phase (denoted as t2-3). Then, the first transmission time is compared with a predefined first threshold value to determine whether to perform LBT.

[0205] The ranging cycle T1 includes a sensing control phase (denoted as t2-1), a sensing phase (denoted as t2-2), and a sensing report phase (denoted as t2-3). The sensing phase t2-2 adopts UWB transmission.

[0206] It should be understood that the first transmission time is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the ranging report phase t1-3, or the first transmission time is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the ranging control phase t1-1 and the ranging report phase t1-3.

[0207] As a possible implementation, in the ranging report phase t1-3, the first device may also transmit data using narrowband after transmitting the report, and the first transmission time may include the transmission duration corresponding to the narrowband data transmission in the ranging report phase t1-3.

[0208] It should be understood that since the perception control stage t2-1 shown in Figure 4 (b) is relatively fixed, the first transmission time can be determined according to the transmission time of at least one of the N first channels in the frequency domain in the perception reporting stage t2-3 in Figure 4 (b).

[0209] It should be understood that the first transmission time is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the perception reporting phase t2-3, or the first transmission time is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the perception control phase t2-1 and the perception reporting phase t2-3.

[0210] As a possible implementation method, in the perception reporting phase t2-3, the first device may also use narrowband to transmit data after transmitting the report, and the first transmission time may include the transmission duration corresponding to the use of narrowband to transmit data in the perception reporting phase t2-3.

[0211] It should also be understood that Figures 4(a) and 4(b) do not fully illustrate the specific number of first channels in the frequency domain. Only one first channel is used as an example for illustration. Furthermore, Figure 4 is merely an example for a UBW narrowband transmission scenario. In other scenarios, such as Bluetooth transmission mode or Bluetooth low energy transmission mode, the transmission period may also have other forms, which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0212] It should be understood that the transmission period may be the ranging period shown in FIG4(a), or the transmission period may be the sensing period shown in FIG4(b). The transmission period may also be of other types, as exemplified below with reference to FIG15 to FIG17. The types of transmission periods include but are not limited to those provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0213] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a transmission cycle provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0214] The transmission period may be a total interval, which may include a ranging round and a non-ranging round.

[0215] For example, as shown in FIG15 , the transmission period may be a total period K#1 or a total period K#2. The total period K#1 includes a ranging period T#1 and a non-ranging period Q#1. The total period K#2 includes a ranging period T#2 and a non-ranging period Q#2. The durations of the total period K#1 and the total period K#2 may be the same or different.

[0216] The exemplary description of the ranging period T#1 may refer to the ranging period T1 in FIG4(a), which will not be described in detail here.

[0217] It should be understood that the ranging period can be the duration during which the first device performs ranging, and the non-ranging period can be the duration during which the first device does not perform ranging. Alternatively, the ranging period is relative to the user. For example, as shown in FIG15 , ranging period T#1 is the ranging period for user #1, and non-ranging period Q#1 can be the ranging period for non-user #1. In other words, for the transmission period shown in FIG15 , the duration corresponding to the transmission period is the duration between the starting time points of ranging period T#1 and ranging period T#2 for user #1.

[0218] Optionally, the transmission period may also be a total period applied to the sensing scenario, wherein the total period applied to the sensing scenario includes a sensing round and a non-sensing round.

[0219] It should be understood that the sensing period can be the duration of time during which the first device performs sensing, and the non-sensing period can be the duration during which the first device does not perform sensing. The sensing period is relative to the user. For example, sensing period #1 is the sensing period of user #1, and non-sensing period #1 can be the sensing period of non-user #1.

[0220] It should also be understood that the duration of the total period applied to different sensing scenarios can be the same or different. Sensing period #1 is the same as sensing period T2. For detailed description, please refer to FIG4 (b), which will not be repeated here.

[0221] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of another transmission cycle provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0222] The transmission period may be the duration of a ranging block. The duration of a ranging block may include a ranging round and other durations. The other durations may be the duration during which the first device does not perform ranging, or may be the ranging period of other users. The duration of a ranging block may also be referred to as a ranging block duration.

[0223] For example, as shown in Figure 16, the transmission period can be the duration of ranging block K#1 or the duration of ranging block K#2. The duration of ranging block K#1 includes ranging period T#1 and other period Q#1. The duration of ranging block K#2 includes ranging period T#2 and other period Q#2. The duration of ranging block K#1 and ranging block K#2 can be the same or different.

[0224] The ranging period T#1 is the same as the ranging period T1. The ranging period T#1 is another name for the ranging period T1. For details, please refer to (a) of FIG4 , which will not be described here.

[0225] Optionally, the transmission period may also be the duration of a sensing block applied to the sensing scenario. The duration of the sensing block may include a sensing round and other durations. The other duration is the duration during which the first device does not perform sensing, or may also be the sensing period of other users. The duration of the sensing block may also be referred to as a sensing block duration.

[0226] Among them, the sensing period is the same as the sensing period T2. For detailed description, please refer to (b) of Figure 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0227] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of another transmission cycle provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0228] The transmission period may be the duration of a hyper block, which may include the duration of one or more ranging blocks, and the duration of a ranging block may include one or more ranging rounds.

[0229] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of super blocks and the duration of each super block.

[0230] It should also be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of ranging blocks included in a super-block or the duration of each ranging block. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of ranging cycles included in the duration of a ranging block or the duration of each ranging cycle.

[0231] For example, as shown in FIG17 , the duration of super-block #K includes the duration of ranging block #0, the duration of ranging block #1, and the duration of ranging block #2. The duration of ranging block #0 includes ranging period #0-0 and ranging period #0-1; the duration of ranging block #1 includes ranging period #1-0, ranging period #1-1, ranging period #1-2, ranging period #1-3, ranging period #1-4, and ranging period #1-5; and the duration of ranging block #2 includes ranging period #2-0. The durations of different ranging blocks may be the same or different, and different ranging periods may be the same or different.

[0232] It should be understood that ranging period #0-0 in the duration of ranging block #0 is the ranging period of user #1, and ranging period #0-1 is the ranging period of other users. Therefore, ranging period #0-1 can also be called the non-ranging period of user #1.

[0233] Among them, a ranging cycle in FIG17 is the same as the ranging cycle T1. For details, please refer to FIG4 (a), which will not be described here in detail.

[0234] Optionally, the super block may further include the duration of one or more sensing blocks, and the duration of a sensing block may include one or more sensing rounds.

[0235] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of super blocks and the duration of each super block.

[0236] It should also be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of sensing blocks included in a super block, nor the duration of each sensing block. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of sensing cycles included in the duration of a sensing block, nor the duration of each sensing cycle.

[0237] As a possible implementation manner, different transmission periods may correspond to first threshold values ​​of the same scale, or different transmission periods may correspond to second threshold values ​​of the same scale.

[0238] As a possible implementation manner, different transmission periods correspond to first threshold values ​​of different scales, or different transmission periods correspond to second threshold values ​​of different scales.

[0239] In some implementations, the first transmission period corresponds to a first threshold value of a first scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to a first threshold value of a second scale. If the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the first threshold value of the first scale is greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

[0240] Exemplarily, if the first transmission cycle is a ranging cycle, the first threshold value of the first scale is used; if the second transmission cycle is a total cycle, the first threshold value of the second scale is used, and the first threshold value of the first scale may be greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

[0241] For example, if the transmission period uses a fixed duration, the first transmission period is 100ms, the first threshold value of the first scale is used, the second transmission period is 1s, the first threshold value of the second scale is used, and the first threshold value of the first scale is greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

[0242] In some implementations, the first transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the third scale, and the second transmission period corresponds to the second threshold value of the fourth scale. If the duration of the first transmission period is less than the duration of the second transmission period, then the second threshold value of the third scale is greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale.

[0243] For example, if the first transmission cycle is a ranging cycle, the second threshold value of the third scale is used; if the second transmission cycle is a total cycle, the second threshold value of the fourth scale is used. The second threshold value of the third scale may be greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale. For example, the second threshold value of the third scale may be 10%, and the second threshold value of the fourth scale may be 5%.

[0244] For example, if the transmission period uses a fixed duration, the first transmission period is 100ms, the second threshold value of the third scale is used, the second transmission period is 1s, the second threshold value of the fourth scale is used, and the second threshold value of the third scale is greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale.

[0245] In this way, if the transmission cycle is short, some narrowband signals without LBT can be allowed to be transmitted in the short transmission cycle; if the transmission cycle is long, the overall narrowband transmission ratio can be guaranteed to be low in the long transmission cycle, thereby reducing the overall interference to WLAN signal transmission.

[0246] As a possible implementation, when the first transmission time is the average, median, or mode of N second transmission times, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, LBT is initiated for the N first channels. If the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, LBT is not initiated for the N first channels.

[0247] Exemplarily, in (a) of FIG4 , the first transmission time may include an average result of N second transmission times corresponding to N first channels in the frequency domain during the ranging control phase and the ranging report phase.

[0248] Exemplarily, in (b) of FIG4 , the first transmission time may include an average result of N second transmission times corresponding to N first channels in the frequency domain during the perception control phase and the perception reporting phase.

[0249] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, since the first transmission time indicates the average of the N second transmission times of the N first channels, it is only necessary to compare the first transmission time with the first threshold value to determine whether LBT is performed for the N first channels. This method can reduce the number of LBTs performed by the first device with narrowband communication capabilities while achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission without increasing interference, thereby reducing the delay of narrowband signal transmission. In addition, the first transmission time can be the average of the transmission times corresponding to the N first channels. The unified judgment method can reduce the computational complexity and is easier to implement.

[0250] As a possible implementation, when the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, LBT is initiated for the nth first channel. If the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, LBT is not initiated for the nth first channel, where 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

[0251] Exemplarily, in (a) of FIG4 , the first transmission time may include the transmission time corresponding to the nth first channel in the frequency domain during the ranging control phase t1-1 and the ranging report phase t1-3.

[0252] Exemplarily, in (b) of FIG4 , the first transmission time may include the transmission time corresponding to the nth first channel in the frequency domain during the perception control phase t2 - 1 and the perception reporting phase t2 - 3 .

[0253] In this way, in the frequency hopping scenario, the transmission time of any one of the N first channels that transmit narrowband signals is used to determine whether to perform LBT on the first channel. While achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission, the number of times the first device with narrowband communication capability performs LBT is reduced without increasing interference, thereby more specifically and accurately improving the throughput of the narrowband signal transmission on the first channel and reducing the delay of the narrowband signal transmission on the first channel.

[0254] As a possible implementation, when the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal in the N first channels on some or all of the first channels corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first BSS, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, LBT is initiated for some or all of the first channels. If the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, LBT is not initiated for some or all of the first channels.

[0255] Exemplarily, in (a) of FIG4 , the transmission time of part or all of the first channel included in the first transmission time may be the first channel in the frequency domain for the ranging control phase t1-1 and the ranging report phase t1-3.

[0256] Exemplarily, in (b) of FIG4 , the transmission time of part or all of the first channel included in the first transmission time may be the first channel in the frequency domain for the perception control phase t2-1 and the perception reporting phase t2-3.

[0257] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, when the first device can perceive the first BSS operating bandwidth of the BSS in which it is located, the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth is compared with the first threshold value to determine whether to start LBT. This can more specifically determine the interference caused by the narrowband signal transmission to the BSS, and then reduce the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability without increasing interference while achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission, thereby more accurately improving the throughput of narrowband signal transmission on channels with overlapping frequency domain resources and reducing the delay of narrowband signal transmission.

[0258] As a possible implementation, when the nth first transmission time is determined based on the transmission time of the nth first channel corresponding to the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, if the nth first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, LBT is initiated for the nth first channel. If the nth first transmission time is less than the first threshold, LBT is not initiated for the nth first channel.

[0259] Exemplarily, in (a) of FIG. 4 , the nth first transmission time may be the nth first channel in the frequency domain for the ranging control phase t1 - 1 and the ranging report phase t1 - 3 .

[0260] Exemplarily, in (b) of FIG4 , the nth first transmission time may be the nth first channel in the frequency domain for the perception control phase t2 - 1 and the perception reporting phase t2 - 3 .

[0261] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, by sensing the BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to different BSSs on different first channels and comparing the different transmission times of different first channels with the first threshold value, it is determined whether to start LBT. This can more accurately and in advance know the interference that narrowband signal transmission may cause to different BSSs in WLAN transmission across the entire frequency band, thereby reducing the number of LBT operations performed by the first device with narrowband communication capabilities while achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission without increasing interference, and further more specifically and accurately improving the throughput of narrowband signal transmission and reducing the latency of narrowband signal transmission.

[0262] In the above technical solution, in a frequency hopping scenario, the dwell time of the narrowband signal in different channels is shortened, reducing interference with WLAN transmission. Compared to continuing to use the total transmission time of the narrowband signal in the transmission cycle to determine whether to perform LBT, that is, using the transmission time at the device level granularity to determine whether to perform LBT, the first transmission time involved in the solution of this application is related to the transmission time of at least one first channel among the N first channels. This can achieve the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission while reducing the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capabilities without increasing interference, thereby reducing the delay of narrowband signal transmission and improving the throughput of narrowband signal transmission.

[0263] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understood that the first device or the second device can execute the communication method, but the present application does not limit the execution subject. A detailed explanation of the execution subject can be found in the relevant description of FIG3 and will not be repeated here.

[0264] S510, obtaining a first duty cycle, where the first duty cycle indicates a proportion of the first transmission time in the transmission period, and the first transmission time is related to the transmission time of at least one of N first channels, where the N first channels are used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0265] It should be understood that the first duty cycle can be obtained directly or based on the first transmission time and transmission period, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0266] It should be understood that the explanation of the first transmission time can refer to the relevant explanation in S310, which is not repeated here. The explanation of the transmission period can refer to the relevant explanation in S320, which is not repeated here.

[0267] As a possible implementation method, N second duty cycles corresponding to N first channels are obtained, the nth second duty cycle indicates the proportion of the nth second transmission time in the transmission period, and the first duty cycle is the average value of the N second duty cycles.

[0268] Optionally, the first duty cycle may also be the median or mode of the N second duty cycles.

[0269] It should be understood that the first duty cycle weakens the differences between the N second duty cycles corresponding to the N first channels. Specifically, the average, median or mode of the N second duty cycles is selected as the first duty cycle. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0270] As a possible implementation manner, the first duty cycle includes a duty cycle corresponding to when the narrowband signal is transmitted on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

[0271] It should be understood that the relevant explanation of the first duty cycle in the scenario where the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel is similar to the first transmission time in the scenario where the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel in S310, and will not be repeated here.

[0272] Optionally, the bandwidth corresponding to each of the N first channels may be one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0273] As a possible implementation method, the first BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the basic service set BSS where the first device is located is obtained, and the first duty cycle includes the corresponding duty cycle when the narrowband signal in N first channels is transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

[0274] It should be understood that for explanations related to part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth, reference may be made to the corresponding part of S310 and will not be repeated here.

[0275] In other words, the first duty cycle includes the duty cycle corresponding to the transmission time of part or all of the first channel where the WLAN transmission and the narrowband signal transmission overlap.

[0276] As a possible implementation method, the nth second BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to the nth first channel is obtained, where 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer; based on the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, the nth first duty cycle corresponding to the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted on the nth first channel is obtained.

[0277] It should be understood that the first device has both WLAN communication capability and narrowband transmission communication capability, and the first device has the capability of BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to different BSSs of different first channels on a certain frequency band.

[0278] It should also be understood that for the relevant explanation about the second BSS operating bandwidth, reference may be made to the relevant part of S310 and will not be repeated here.

[0279] Optionally, a first transmission time is obtained according to the first duty cycle.

[0280] S520: If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, start the LBT; if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value, do not start the LBT.

[0281] Optionally, if the first duty cycle is greater than a second threshold value, the LBT is activated, and if the first duty cycle is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the LBT is not activated.

[0282] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to starting or not starting the LBT when the first duty cycle is equal to the second threshold value.

[0283] Optionally, when determining whether to perform LBT based on the first transmission time, if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, LBT is initiated, and if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, LBT is not initiated.

[0284] Alternatively, if the first transmission time is greater than the first threshold, LBT is initiated. If the first transmission time is less than or equal to the first threshold, LBT is not initiated. This embodiment of the application does not limit whether LBT is initiated or not when the first transmission time is equal to the first threshold.

[0285] It should be understood that for the relevant explanations about the first threshold, the second threshold value and the transmission period, reference may be made to the relevant parts of S320 and will not be elaborated here.

[0286] As a possible implementation, when the first duty cycle is the average, median, or mode of N second duty cycles, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold, LBT is enabled for the N first channels. If the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold, LBT is not enabled for the N first channels.

[0287] In this way, in the frequency hopping scenario, since the first duty cycle indicates the average of the N second duty cycles of the N first channels, it is only necessary to compare the first duty cycle with the second threshold value to determine whether LBT is performed on the N first channels. This method not only enables the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission, but also reduces the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability without increasing interference, thereby reducing the transmission delay of the narrowband signal. The unified judgment method can reduce the computational complexity and is easier to implement. Moreover, based on different transmission cycles, a unified second threshold value can be adopted, reducing the number of configurations of the second threshold value, further reducing the implementation complexity.

[0288] As a possible implementation, when the first duty cycle includes a duty cycle corresponding to transmission of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold, LBT is initiated for the nth first channel. If the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold, LBT is not initiated for the nth first channel, where 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

[0289] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, the duty cycle of any one of the N first channels transmitting narrowband signals is used to determine whether to perform LBT on the first channel. This approach not only enables the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission while reducing the number of LBTs performed by the first device with narrowband communication capabilities without increasing interference, but also more specifically and accurately improves the throughput of narrowband signal transmission on the first channel and reduces the delay of narrowband signal transmission on the first channel. Moreover, based on different transmission cycles, a unified second threshold value can be adopted, reducing the number of configurations of the second threshold value and further reducing implementation complexity.

[0290] As a possible implementation, when the first duty cycle includes a duty cycle corresponding to transmission of narrowband signals in N first channels on some or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth, if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold, LBT is initiated for some or all of the first channels. If the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold, LBT is not initiated for some or all of the first channels.

[0291] In this way, in a frequency hopping scenario, when the first device can sense the first BSS operating bandwidth of the BSS in which it is located, the first duty cycle of the narrowband signal transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth is compared with the first threshold value to determine whether to start LBT. This method can not only more specifically determine the interference caused by narrowband signal transmission to the BSS, and then reduce the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability while achieving coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission without increasing interference, but also more accurately improve the throughput of narrowband signal transmission on channels with overlapping frequency domain resources and reduce the delay of narrowband signal transmission. Moreover, based on different transmission cycles, a unified second threshold value can be used to reduce the number of configurations of the second threshold value, further reducing the implementation complexity.

[0292] As a possible implementation, when the nth first duty cycle is determined based on the duty cycle of the nth first channel corresponding to the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, if the nth first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, LBT is initiated for the nth first channel. If the nth first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value, LBT is not initiated for the nth first channel.

[0293] In this way, in the frequency hopping scenario, by sensing the BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to different BSSs of different first channels, the different duty cycles of different first channels are compared with the first threshold value to determine whether to start LBT. This can more accurately know in advance the interference that narrowband signal transmission may cause to different BSSs in WLAN transmission across the entire frequency band. This method can not only reduce the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability while achieving the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission without increasing interference, but also further improve the throughput of narrowband signal transmission and reduce the delay of narrowband signal transmission in a more targeted and accurate manner. Moreover, based on different transmission cycles, a unified second threshold value can be used to reduce the number of configurations of the second threshold value, further reducing the implementation complexity.

[0294] In the above technical solution, in the frequency hopping scenario, the dwell time of the narrowband signal in different channels becomes shorter, reducing the interference to the WLAN transmission. Compared to continuing to use the total duty cycle of sending the narrowband signal in the transmission period to determine whether to perform LBT, that is, to determine whether to perform LBT based on the duty cycle of the device-level granularity, the first duty cycle involved in the solution of this application is related to the duty cycle of at least one first channel among the N first channels. This not only enables the coexistence of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission while reducing the number of LBT performed by the first device with narrowband communication capability without increasing interference, reduces the delay of narrowband signal transmission, and improves the throughput of narrowband signal transmission, but also, based on different transmission periods, a unified second threshold value can be adopted, reducing the number of configurations of the second threshold value, further reducing the implementation complexity.

[0295] Figure 6 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understood that the execution entities of the interactive diagram of the communication method are the first device and the second device as examples. The relevant explanation of the first device and the second device as the execution entities can be referred to Figure 3 and will not be repeated here.

[0296] S601: A first device obtains a first transmission time, or the first device obtains a first duty cycle.

[0297] It should be understood that the detailed explanation of the first transmission time and the first duty cycle can be referred to S310 and S410 respectively, and will not be repeated here.

[0298] S602: The first device determines whether the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, or whether the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0299] Optionally, the first device determines whether the first transmission time is greater than a first threshold value, or whether the first duty cycle is greater than a second threshold value.

[0300] It should be understood that the explanation of the first threshold value and the second threshold value can be referred to S320 and will not be repeated here.

[0301] If the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, or the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold, LBT is not started. In step S603 , the first device transmits narrowband signals on N first channels by frequency hopping.

[0302] If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold, or the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold, S604 , the first device starts LBT to determine whether at least one first channel among the N first channels is idle.

[0303] Optionally, if the first transmission time is less than or equal to the first threshold, or the first duty cycle is less than or equal to the second threshold, LBT is not started, S603 , the first device frequency hopping transmits narrowband signals on N first channels.

[0304] Optionally, if the first transmission time is greater than the first threshold, or the first duty cycle is greater than the second threshold, S604 , the first device starts LBT to determine whether at least one first channel among the N first channels is idle.

[0305] If at least one of the N first channels is idle, S605 , the first device transmits a narrowband signal by frequency hopping on at least one of the N first channels.

[0306] As a possible implementation method, when the first transmission time is the average, median or mode of N second transmission times, or when the first duty cycle is the average, median or mode of N second duty cycles, the first device frequency hops to transmit a narrowband signal on N first channels.

[0307] As a possible implementation method, when the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel, or when the first duty cycle includes the duty cycle corresponding to the transmission of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel, the first device frequency hops and transmits the narrowband signal on the nth first channel.

[0308] As a possible implementation method, when the first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signals in N first channels on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth, or when the first duty cycle includes the corresponding duty cycle when the narrowband signals in N first channels are transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth, the first device frequency hops to transmit the narrowband signals on the part or all of the first channels.

[0309] As a possible implementation method, when the nth first transmission time is determined according to the transmission time of the nth first channel corresponding to the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, or when the nth first duty cycle is determined according to the duty cycle of the nth first channel corresponding to the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, the first device frequency hops to transmit a narrowband signal on the nth first channel.

[0310] Optionally, if at least one of the N first channels is busy, the first device does not transmit the narrowband signal.

[0311] The specific form of the first transmission time and the first duty cycle will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 .

[0312] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a first transmission time provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first device corresponding to the first transmission time shown in Figure 7 has narrowband communication capabilities. The first transmission time indicates the average, median, or mode of N second transmission times. The first duty cycle indicates the average, median, or mode of N second duty cycles.

[0313] Figure 7(a) shows the 125 MHz spectrum in the UNII-3 band. If a narrowband signal is carried across the entire UNII-3 band, and assuming each of the N first channels has a 20 MHz bandwidth, the first transmission time can be the average, median, or mode of the six second transmission times corresponding to the six 20 MHz first channels.

[0314] That is, assuming that the BSS operating bandwidth of WLAN transmission is 20MHz, the averaged first transmission time corresponding to the six 20MHz first channels is obtained and compared with the first threshold value to determine whether LBT is performed on the six 20MHz first channels.

[0315] For example, if the narrowband signal is carried on the entire UNII-3 frequency band, assuming that the bandwidth of each of the N first channels is 40 MHz, the first transmission time can be the average, median or mode of the three second transmission times corresponding to the three 40 MHz first channels.

[0316] That is, assuming that the BSS operating bandwidth of WLAN transmission is 40MHz, the averaged first transmission time corresponding to the three 20MHz first channels is obtained and compared with the first threshold value to determine whether LBT is performed on the three 20MHz first channels.

[0317] It should be understood that the second duty cycle indicates the proportion of the second transmission time in the transmission period, and the first duty cycle indicates the proportion of the first transmission time in the transmission period. Therefore, the first duty cycle can be determined based on the first transmission time and the transmission period, and the second duty cycle can be determined based on the second transmission time and the transmission period, which is not shown in Figure 7.

[0318] Figure 7(b) shows the 500 MHz spectrum in the UNII-5 band. If a narrowband signal is carried across the entire UNII-5 band, and assuming each of the N first channels has an 80 MHz bandwidth, the first transmission time can be the average, median, or mode of the six second transmission times corresponding to the six 80 MHz first channels.

[0319] It should be understood that in the UNII-5 frequency band, because bandwidth is sufficient and 80 MHz is a common BSS operating bandwidth, the first transmission time or first duty cycle is obtained for the 80 MHz first channel. Obtaining the first transmission time or first duty cycle for a first channel exceeding 20 MHz, for example, 80 MHz, is helpful in reducing the interference of narrowband signals within the BSS operation and lowering the transmission delay of narrowband signals, considering that frequency hopping within different 20 MHz channels corresponding to the BSS operating bandwidth will interfere with WLAN transmission on the first channel corresponding to the BSS operating bandwidth.

[0320] That is, assuming that the BSS operating bandwidth of WLAN transmission is 80MHz, the averaged first transmission time corresponding to the six 80MHz first channels is obtained and compared with the first threshold value to determine whether LBT is performed on the six 80MHz first channels.

[0321] For example, if the narrowband signal is carried on the entire UNII-5 frequency band, assuming that the bandwidth of each of the N first channels is 40 MHz, the first transmission time can be the average, median or mode of the 12 second transmission times corresponding to the 12 40 MHz first channels.

[0322] For another example, if the narrowband signal is carried on the entire UNII-5 frequency band, assuming that the bandwidth of each of the N first channels is 20 MHz, the first transmission time can be the average, median or mode of the 25 second transmission times corresponding to the 25 20 MHz first channels.

[0323] For another example, if the narrowband signal is carried on the entire UNII-5 frequency band, assuming that the bandwidth of each of the N first channels is 160 MHz, the first transmission time can be the average, median or mode of the three second transmission times corresponding to the three 160 MHz first channels.

[0324] For example, if the narrowband signal is carried on the entire UNII-5 frequency band, assuming that the bandwidth of each of the N first channels is 320 MHz, the first transmission time can be the average, median or mode of the two second transmission times corresponding to the two 320 MHz first channels.

[0325] It should be understood that the method of determining whether to perform LBT based on the first transmission time or the first duty cycle can be performed separately in the UNII-3 frequency band and the UNII-5 frequency band. These two frequency bands can use the same or different bandwidth sizes. Alternatively, the method of determining whether to perform LBT based on the first transmission time or the first duty cycle can be performed using the same bandwidth size in the UNII-3 frequency band and the UNII-5 frequency band. Alternatively, the method of determining whether to perform LBT based on the first transmission time or the first duty cycle in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to only one of the UNII-3 frequency band and the UNII-5 frequency band. For example, the method of determining whether to perform LBT based on the first transmission time or the first duty cycle in the embodiments of the present application is only applicable to the UNII-3 frequency band, and the UNII-5 frequency band uses other aspects. For example, the UNII-5 frequency band uses a device-level duty cycle or transmission time to determine whether to perform LBT. For example, the UNII-5 frequency band always performs LBT.

[0326] Optionally, assuming that the probability of narrowband signal frequency hopping in different channels is approximately the same, the first transmission time corresponding to each first channel can be determined based on the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the bandwidth of the first channel and the total bandwidth of the transmitted narrowband signal.

[0327] Specifically, the first transmission time of each first channel may be 1 / m times the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, where m is determined based on the bandwidth of the first channel and the total bandwidth of the transmitted narrowband signal. For example, m may be the result of rounding off the total bandwidth / the bandwidth of the first channel, or m may be the result of rounding up the total bandwidth / the bandwidth of the first channel, or m may be the result of rounding down the total bandwidth / the bandwidth of the first channel.

[0328] In this way, when the probability of narrowband signal frequency hopping in different channels is approximately the same, the computational complexity can be further reduced and the transmission delay of the narrowband signal can be reduced.

[0329] Optionally, assuming that the probability of narrowband signal frequency hopping within different channels is approximately the same, a third transmission time is obtained. The third transmission time is the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, that is, the device-level transmission time. If the third transmission time is greater than or equal to a third threshold, LBT is enabled for the N first channels; if the third transmission time is less than the third threshold, LBT is not enabled for the N first channels. Alternatively, if the third transmission time is greater than the third threshold, LBT is enabled for the N first channels; if the third transmission time is less than or equal to the third threshold, LBT is not enabled for the N first channels.

[0330] The third threshold value may be m times the threshold value in the non-frequency hopping scenario. For example, m may be an integer rounded off from the total bandwidth to the bandwidth of the first channel, or m may be an integer rounded up from the total bandwidth to the bandwidth of the first channel, or m may be an integer rounded down from the total bandwidth to the bandwidth of the first channel.

[0331] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another first transmission time provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first device corresponding to the first transmission time shown in Figure 8 has narrowband communication capabilities. The first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel. The first duty cycle includes the duty cycle corresponding to the transmission of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel, where 1≤n≤N, where n is a positive integer.

[0332] Figure 8(a) shows a 125 MHz spectrum in the UNII-3 frequency band. Assuming that each of the N first channels has a 20 MHz bandwidth, if the first device frequency-hops to a second 20 MHz first channel, the first transmission time includes the second first transmission time of the narrowband signal on the second 20 MHz first channel.

[0333] That is, assuming the BSS operating bandwidth of WLAN transmission is 20 MHz, the first device frequency hops to the second 20 MHz first channel. By obtaining the second first transmission time of the narrowband signal on the second 20 MHz first channel and comparing it with the first threshold, it is determined whether to perform LBT on the second 20 MHz first channel. It should be understood that the first transmission time of each first channel with a bandwidth of 40 MHz is similar to that shown in Figure 8 (a).

[0334] It should be understood that the second duty cycle indicates the proportion of the second transmission time in the transmission period, and the first duty cycle indicates the proportion of the first transmission time in the transmission period. Therefore, the first duty cycle can be determined based on the first transmission time and the transmission period, and the second duty cycle can be determined based on the second transmission time and the transmission period, which is not shown in Figure 8.

[0335] In the UNII-5 frequency band shown in Figure 8(b), a total spectrum of 500 MHz is provided. Assuming that each of the N first channels has an 80 MHz bandwidth, if the first device frequency-hops to the third 80 MHz first channel, the first transmission time includes the third first transmission time of the narrowband signal on the third 20 MHz first channel.

[0336] That is, assuming the BSS operating bandwidth of WLAN transmission is 80 MHz, the first device frequency hops to the third 80 MHz first channel. By obtaining the third first transmission time of the narrowband signal on the third 80 MHz first channel and comparing it with the first threshold, it is determined whether to perform LBT on the third 80 MHz first channel. It should be understood that the first transmission time of each first channel with a bandwidth of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz is similar to that shown in FIG8 (b).

[0337] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another first transmission time provided by an embodiment of the present application. The first device corresponding to the first transmission time shown in Figure 9 has narrowband communication capabilities and WLAN communication capabilities, and the first device can perceive the first BSS operating bandwidth of the BSS where the first device is located.

[0338] It should be understood that the frequency bands shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are illustrated using UNII-3 as an example. The first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal in the N first channels on some or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth. The first duty cycle includes the duty cycle corresponding to the transmission of the narrowband signal in the N first channels on some or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

[0339] The first BSS operating bandwidth shown in Figure 9(a) is 40 MHz, and the first 40 MHz first channel is the overlapping channel of narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission. The bandwidth of other first channels can be the same as the first BSS operating bandwidth, as shown in Figure 8(a). In other words, the bandwidth of all first channels is the same.

[0340] Exemplarily, the bandwidth of all first channels transmitting narrowband signals on UNII-3 is the same as the first BSS operating bandwidth, and the first transmission time corresponding to the nth first channel is compared with the first threshold value to determine whether to start LBT on the nth first channel.

[0341] The first BSS operating bandwidth shown in Figure 9(b) is 80 MHz, and the first 80 MHz first channel is the overlapping channel for narrowband transmission and WLAN transmission. The bandwidths of other first channels can differ from the first BSS operating bandwidth. As shown in Figure 9(a), the bandwidths of the second and third first channels can be 20 MHz.

[0342] Exemplarily, the first transmission time on some first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth is compared with the first threshold value to determine whether LBT is enabled on some first channels. As shown in FIG9(b), the first 80 MHz first channel is compared with the first threshold value to determine whether LBT is enabled on the first 80 MHz first channel. The determination method for the second and third first channels in FIG9(b) can adopt the determination method corresponding to the first transmission time in FIG7 or FIG8, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0343] It should be understood that the second duty cycle indicates the proportion of the second transmission time in the transmission period, and the first duty cycle indicates the proportion of the first transmission time in the transmission period. Therefore, the first duty cycle can be determined based on the first transmission time and the transmission period, and the second duty cycle can be determined based on the second transmission time and the transmission period, which is not shown in Figure 9.

[0344] It should be understood that, assuming that the probability of narrowband signal frequency hopping in different channels is approximately the same, the first transmission time in Figure 9 can also be determined based on the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the operating bandwidth of the first BSS and the total bandwidth of the transmitted narrowband signal.

[0345] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another first transmission time provided by an embodiment of the present application. The first device corresponding to the first transmission time shown in Figure 10 has narrowband communication capabilities and WLAN communication capabilities, and the first device has the BSS operating bandwidth capability corresponding to different BSSs on different first channels in a certain frequency band.

[0346] It should be understood that the frequency bands shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are illustrated using UNII-3 as an example. The nth first transmission time corresponding to transmission of a narrowband signal on the nth first channel is determined based on the nth second BSS operating bandwidth. The nth first duty cycle corresponding to transmission of a narrowband signal on the nth first channel is determined based on the nth second BSS operating bandwidth.

[0347] The first device shown in FIG10( a ) perceives that the first second BSS operating bandwidth is 40 MHz, which may be the first first channel consisting of the first 20 MHz and the second 20 MHz, and the first first channel corresponds to the first first transmission time. The second second BSS operating bandwidth is 40 MHz, which may be the second first channel consisting of the third 20 MHz and the fourth 20 MHz, and the second first channel corresponds to the second first transmission time. The third second BSS operating bandwidth is 40 MHz, which may be the third first channel consisting of the fifth 20 MHz and the sixth 20 MHz, and the third first channel corresponds to the third first transmission time.

[0348] Exemplarily, whether to start LBT for the nth first channel is determined by comparing the nth first transmission time with the first threshold.

[0349] The first device shown in FIG10( b ) perceives that the first second BSS operating bandwidth is 80 MHz, which may be the first first channel consisting of the first 20 MHz, the second 20 MHz, the third 20 MHz, and the fourth 20 MHz, and the first first channel corresponds to the first first transmission time. The second second BSS operating bandwidth is 40 MHz, which may be the second first channel consisting of the fifth 20 MHz and the sixth 20 MHz, and the second first channel corresponds to the second first transmission time.

[0350] For example, the first first transmission time shown in FIG10( b) may be the average of the transmission times corresponding to four 20 MHz channels, and the second first transmission time may be the average of the transmission times corresponding to two 20 MHz channels. Whether LBT is enabled for the nth first channel is determined by comparing the nth first transmission time with the first threshold.

[0351] It should be understood that the second duty cycle indicates the proportion of the second transmission time in the transmission period, and the first duty cycle indicates the proportion of the first transmission time in the transmission period. Therefore, the first duty cycle can be determined based on the first transmission time and the transmission period, and the second duty cycle can be determined based on the second transmission time and the transmission period, which is not shown in Figure 10.

[0352] It should be understood that, assuming that the probability of narrowband signal frequency hopping in different channels is approximately the same, the nth first transmission time in Figure 10 can also be determined based on the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the nth second BSS operating bandwidth and the total bandwidth of the transmitted narrowband signal.

[0353] Optionally, if the first device senses that there is no WLAN transmission on a certain first channel among the N first channels, LBT is not started on the first channel, and the narrowband signal is directly transmitted.

[0354] Optionally, when on a channel where no WLAN signal exists, the first device directly does not perform LBT.

[0355] In other words, when on a channel with a WLAN signal, the first device determines whether to perform LBT by comparing the first transmission time with the first threshold. Alternatively, when on a channel with a WLAN signal, the first device determines whether to perform LBT by comparing the first duty cycle with the second threshold.

[0356] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another UNII-3 frequency band and UNII-5 frequency band provided by an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that Figure 14 is a specific example of whether there is a channel with a WLAN signal.

[0357] The UNII-3 frequency band ranges from 5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz, for a total of 125 MHz of spectrum. As shown in FIG14(a), the frequency band of the channel without WLAN signals may range from 5730 MHz to 5735 MHz. It should be understood that the UNII-3 frequency band shown in FIG14(a) includes six 20 MHz channels, and the frequency band of the sixth 20 MHz channel may range from 5825 MHz to 5855 MHz. It should be understood that although the upper limit of the frequency band range of the UNII-3 example in this application is 5.850 GHz, the upper limit of the UNII-3 frequency band can be extended to 5855 MHz as shown in FIG14(a).

[0358] For example, there is no WLAN signal in the 5 MHz channel corresponding to 5730 MHz to 5735 MHz in the UNII-3 frequency band. The first device may not perform LBT on the 5 MHz channel and directly transmit the narrowband signal.

[0359] For example, if a WLAN signal is present in a 5 MHz channel corresponding to 5730 MHz to 5735 MHz in the UNII-3 frequency band, the first device determines whether to perform LBT by comparing the first transmission time with the first threshold. Alternatively, if a WLAN signal is present in a 5 MHz channel corresponding to 5730 MHz to 5735 MHz in the UNII-3 frequency band, the first device determines whether to perform LBT by comparing the first duty cycle with the second threshold.

[0360] The UNII-5 frequency band ranges from 5.925 GHz to 6.425 GHz, a total of 500 MHz spectrum, which can include 25 20 MHz channels. As shown in FIG14( b ), the frequency band of the channel without WLAN signals may range from 5925 MHz to 5945 MHz.

[0361] For example, there is no WLAN signal in the 20 MHz channel corresponding to 5925 MHz to 5945 MHz in the UNII-5 frequency band. The first device may not perform LBT on the 20 MHz channel and may directly transmit the narrowband signal.

[0362] For example, if a WLAN signal is present in a 20 MHz channel corresponding to 5925 MHz to 5945 MHz in the UNII-5 frequency band, the first device determines whether to perform LBT by comparing the first transmission time with the first threshold. Alternatively, if a WLAN signal is present in a 20 MHz channel corresponding to 5925 MHz to 5945 MHz in the UNII-5 frequency band, the first device determines whether to perform LBT by comparing the first duty cycle with the second threshold.

[0363] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail above with reference to Figures 3 to 10 and Figures 14 to 17. It is understood that in order to implement the above functions, it includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0364] Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0365] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 13. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, reference can be made to the method embodiment above. For the sake of brevity, some contents are not repeated here.

[0366] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1100 may include a processing unit 1120, which is used to perform data processing. The device 1100 may also include a transceiver unit 1110, which may implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1110 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit or an interface unit. It should be understood that for the operations such as sending and receiving involved in this application, if there is no special explanation, or if it does not conflict with its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, it can be more generally understood as operations such as output and input, rather than sending and receiving operations directly performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna.

[0367] Optionally, the device 1100 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1120 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0368] The device 1100 can be used to execute the actions performed by the first device in the above method embodiment. In this case, the device 1100 can be a communication device or a component that can be configured on a communication device. The transceiver unit 1110 is used to execute the transceiver-related operations on the communication device side in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1120 is used to execute the processing-related operations of the first device in the above method embodiment.

[0369] As a design, the apparatus 1100 is configured to execute the actions performed by the first device in communication in the method embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG5 . The execution subject may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first device in implementing the corresponding method, or a logic module or software that implements all or part of the functions of the first device.

[0370] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1110 is used to obtain a first transmission time, where the first transmission time is related to the transmission time of at least one of N first channels, where the N first channels are used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0371] The processing unit 1120 is configured to: initiate the listen-before-talk (LBT) if the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold; and not initiate the LBT if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold.

[0372] For details not described in detail, please refer to the above method embodiment.

[0373] As a design, the communication device 1100 is used to execute the actions performed by the receiving end in the communication in the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 or 5 above. The execution entity can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the receiving end in implementing the corresponding method, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the receiving end.

[0374] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1110 is configured to obtain a first duty cycle, where the first duty cycle indicates a proportion of a first transmission time in a transmission period, the first transmission time being related to a transmission time of at least one of N first channels, where the N first channels are used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The processing unit 1120 is configured to initiate LBT if the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and not initiate LBT if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value.

[0375] For details not described in detail, please refer to the above method embodiment.

[0376] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0377] The processing unit 1120 in the above embodiment may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver unit 1110 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuits. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0378] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0379] As shown in FIG12 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1200. The device 1200 includes a processor 1212. Optionally, the device also includes a memory 1220. The processor 1212 is coupled to the memory 1220. The memory 1220 is configured to store computer programs, instructions, and / or data. The processor 1212 is configured to execute the computer programs, instructions, and / or data stored in the memory 1220, thereby executing the method described in the method embodiment above.

[0380] Optionally, the device 1200 includes one or more processors 1212.

[0381] Optionally, as shown in FIG12 , the device 1200 may further include a memory 1220 .

[0382] Optionally, the device 1200 may include one or more memories 1220.

[0383] Optionally, the memory 1220 may be integrated with the processor 1212 or provided separately.

[0384] Optionally, as shown in Figure 12, the apparatus 1200 may further include a transceiver 1230, which is configured to receive and / or transmit signals. For example, the processor 1212 is configured to control the transceiver 1230 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0385] As a solution, the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0386] For example, the processor 1212 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiment, and the transceiver 1230 is used to implement the transceiver-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0387] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1300 provided in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG13 . The chip system 1300 (or it may also be referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 1310 and an input / output interface 1320. The logic circuit is used to couple with the input interface and transmit data parameters through the input / output interface to execute the method in the above method embodiment. The device in which the chip system 1300 is installed can implement the method and function of the embodiment of the present application. For example, the logic circuit 1310 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1300, which controls the device in which the chip system 1300 is installed. It can also be coupled to a storage unit and call instructions in the storage unit so that the device can implement the method and function of the embodiment of the present application. The input / output interface 1320 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1300, which outputs information processed by the chip system 1300, or inputs data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1300 for processing.

[0388] As a solution, the chip system 1300 is used to implement the operations performed by the communication device (such as the first device or the second device) in the above method embodiments.

[0389] For example, the logic circuit 1310 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiment, and the input / output interface 1320 is used to implement the sending and receiving-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0390] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which includes one or more first devices and one or more second devices that implement the communication method in the above method embodiment.

[0391] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the method executed by a communication device (such as the first device or the second device) in the above method embodiment.

[0392] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by the communication device (such as the first device or the second device) in the above method embodiment.

[0393] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to implement the method performed by the communication device (such as the first device or the second device) in the above method embodiment.

[0394] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0396] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM may include the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0397] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0398] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0399] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0400] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0401] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely 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. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0402] 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 these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0403] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0404] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory ROM, a random access memory RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0405] 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 communication method, characterized in that: include: Acquire a first transmission time, where the first transmission time is related to a transmission time of at least one first channel among N first channels, where the N first channels are used for frequency hopping transmission of narrowband signals, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the listen-before-talk LBT is started; if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold, the LBT is not started.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtain N second transmission times corresponding to the N first channels, wherein the nth second transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel, and the first transmission time is an average value of the N second transmission times, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, starting the listen-before-talk LBT includes: If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the LBT is enabled for the N first channels.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmission time includes the transmission time of the narrowband signal on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, starting the listen-before-talk LBT includes: If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the LBT is initiated for the nth first channel.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The bandwidth corresponding to each of the first channels is one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz or 640 MHz.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: A first BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to a basic service set BSS where the first device is located is obtained, wherein the first transmission time includes a transmission time of the narrowband signal in the N first channels on some or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, starting the listen-before-talk LBT includes: If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the LBT is initiated for part or all of the first channels.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Obtain the nth second BSS operation bandwidth corresponding to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer; The obtaining of the first transmission time comprises: According to the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, an nth first transmission time corresponding to transmitting the narrowband signal on the nth first channel is acquired.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, starting the listen-before-talk LBT includes: If the nth first transmission time is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the LBT is initiated for the nth first channel.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The first transmission time is related to the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the total bandwidth for transmitting the narrowband signal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtaining a first duty cycle according to the first transmission time, where the first duty cycle indicates a proportion of the first transmission time in a transmission period; If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, starting the listen-before-talk LBT; if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold value, not starting the LBT includes: If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the LBT is started; if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value, the LBT is not started.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The type of the transmission period includes any one of the following: Ranging period, sensing period, total period applied to ranging scenario, total period applied to sensing scenario, duration of ranging block, duration of sensing block or duration of super block; The total period applied to the ranging scenario includes the ranging period and the non-ranging period; the total period applied to the sensing scenario includes the sensing period and the non-sensing period; The duration of the ranging block includes the ranging period of the first user and the ranging period of the non-first user; the duration of the sensing block includes the sensing period of the first user and the sensing period of the non-first user; The duration of the super block includes the duration of one or more ranging blocks, or the duration of the super block includes the duration of one or more perception blocks.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that Different types of transmission cycles correspond to first threshold values ​​of different scales, or the different types of transmission cycles correspond to second threshold values ​​of different scales.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first transmission cycle corresponds to a first threshold value of a first scale, and the second transmission cycle corresponds to a first threshold value of a second scale. If the duration of the first transmission cycle is shorter than the duration of the second transmission cycle, then the first threshold value of the first scale is greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first transmission cycle corresponds to the second threshold value of the third scale, and the second transmission cycle corresponds to the second threshold value of the fourth scale. If the duration of the first transmission cycle is shorter than the duration of the second transmission cycle, the second threshold value of the third scale is greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale.

17. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Obtain a first duty cycle, where the first duty cycle indicates a proportion of a first transmission time in a transmission period, where the first transmission time is related to a transmission time of at least one first channel among N first channels, where the N first channels are used for frequency hopping transmission of the narrowband signal, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, starting the LBT; If the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value, the LBT is not started.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtaining N second duty cycles corresponding to the N first channels, The nth second duty cycle indicates the proportion of the nth second transmission time in the transmission period, the first duty cycle is the average value of the N second duty cycles, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, starting the LBT includes: If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the LBT is enabled for the N first channels.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The first duty cycle includes a duty cycle corresponding to when the narrowband signal is transmitted on the nth first channel when the first device frequency hops to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, starting the LBT includes: If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the LBT is enabled for the nth first channel.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that The bandwidth corresponding to each of the first channels is one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz or 640 MHz.

23. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: A first BSS operating bandwidth corresponding to a basic service set BSS where the first device is located is obtained, wherein the first duty cycle includes a duty cycle corresponding to when the narrowband signal in the N first channels is transmitted on part or all of the first channels corresponding to the first BSS operating bandwidth.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, starting the LBT includes: If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the LBT is enabled for part or all of the first channels.

25. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtain the nth second BSS operation bandwidth corresponding to the nth first channel, 1≤n≤N, and n is a positive integer; The obtaining of the first duty cycle comprises: According to the nth second BSS operating bandwidth, an nth first duty cycle corresponding to the transmission time of transmitting the narrowband signal on the nth first channel is acquired.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, starting the LBT includes: If the nth first duty cycle is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the LBT is enabled for the nth first channel.

27. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that The first transmission time is related to the transmission time of the narrowband signal transmitted by the first device, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the total bandwidth for transmitting the narrowband signal.

28. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 27, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtaining the first transmission time according to the first duty cycle; If the first duty cycle is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, starting the listen-before-talk LBT; if the first duty cycle is less than the second threshold value, not starting the LBT includes: If the first transmission time is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the LBT is started; if the first transmission time is less than the first threshold value, the LBT is not started.

29. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 28, characterized in that The type of the transmission period includes any one of the following: Ranging period, sensing period, total period applied to ranging scenario, total period applied to sensing scenario, duration of ranging block, duration of sensing block or duration of super block; The total period applied to the ranging scenario includes the ranging period and the non-ranging period; the total period applied to the sensing scenario includes the sensing period and the non-sensing period; The duration of the ranging block includes the ranging period of the first user and the ranging period of the non-first user; the duration of the sensing block includes the sensing period of the first user and the sensing period of the non-first user; The duration of the super block includes the duration of one or more ranging blocks, or the duration of the super block includes the duration of one or more perception blocks.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that Different types of transmission cycles correspond to first threshold values ​​of different scales, or the different types of transmission cycles correspond to second threshold values ​​of different scales.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that The first transmission cycle corresponds to a first threshold value of a first scale, and the second transmission cycle corresponds to a first threshold value of a second scale. If the duration of the first transmission cycle is shorter than the duration of the second transmission cycle, then the first threshold value of the first scale is greater than the first threshold value of the second scale.

32. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that The first transmission cycle corresponds to the second threshold value of the third scale, and the second transmission cycle corresponds to the second threshold value of the fourth scale. If the duration of the first transmission cycle is shorter than the duration of the second transmission cycle, the second threshold value of the third scale is greater than the second threshold value of the fourth scale.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, or comprises a unit for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 32.

34. A communication device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a processor coupled to a memory, wherein the processor is used to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory so that the communication device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the communication device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 32.

35. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, or enables the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 32.

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