Communication method, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method, a device, and a storage medium. The communication method applied to a first network device comprises: sending a first information frame to a second network device on a first channel; and receiving a second information frame fed back by the second network device on a second channel.

Description

Communication method, device and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, device and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Traditional access points (APs) can only send beacon frames, authentication and connection request / response frames, and other management frames and other information frames on the primary 20MHz channel (P20). When the P20s of the APs of two overlapping basic service sets (BSSs) are different, communication cannot be carried out in the traditional way. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration scenario of mutual coverage of BSSs provided by the relevant technology. As shown in Figure 1, the P20s of AP1 and AP2 are the same, and AP1 and AP2 work on the same 320MHz channel; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another configuration scenario of mutual coverage of BSSs provided by the relevant technology. As shown in Figure 2, the P20s of AP1 and AP2 are the same, the working channel bandwidth of AP1 is 320MHz, the working channel bandwidth of AP2 is 160MHz, and the working channel of AP2 completely overlaps with the working channel of AP1; Figure 3 is another BS provided by the relevant technology Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a configuration scenario in which BSSs overlap with each other. As shown in Figure 3, AP1 and AP2 have the same P20, but AP1 and AP2 operate on different 320MHz channels. Figure 4 shows another schematic diagram of a configuration scenario in which BSSs overlap with each other, provided by the related art. As shown in Figure 4, AP1 and AP2 both operate on 320MHz channels, with some of their operating channels overlapping and different P20s. Figure 5 shows another schematic diagram of a configuration scenario in which BSSs overlap with each other, provided by the related art. As shown in Figure 5, AP1 and AP2 operate on completely overlapping 320MHz channels, but with different P20s. According to traditional methods, in the scenarios shown in Figures 1-3, AP1 and AP2 can discover each other and exchange other information frames in the traditional manner. However, in the scenarios shown in Figures 4 and 5, AP1 and AP2 cannot discover each other or exchange other information frames.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, device, and storage medium, which enable information frames to be exchanged between two access points during multi-access point collaboration even when the working channels overlap and the primary channels are different.

[0005] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, applied to a first network device, including:

[0006] Sending a first information frame to the second network device on the first channel;

[0007] Receive a second information frame fed back by the second network device on the second channel.

[0008] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, applied to a second network device, including:

[0009] receiving a first information frame sent by a first network device on a first channel;

[0010] A second information frame is fed back to the first network device on a second channel.

[0011] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a memory, and one or more processors;

[0012] The memory is configured to store one or more programs;

[0013] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the method described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0014] An embodiment of the present application provides a storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method described in any one of the above embodiments is implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration scenario of mutual coverage of BSSs provided by the related art;

[0016] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another configuration scenario of mutual coverage of BSSs provided by the related art;

[0017] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of another configuration scenario of mutual coverage of BSSs provided by the related art;

[0018] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another configuration scenario of mutual coverage of BSSs provided by the related art;

[0019] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of another configuration scenario of mutual coverage of BSSs provided by the related art;

[0020] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an implementation of a multi-link connection establishment process provided by the related art;

[0021] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of an implementation of information frame interaction between AP1 and AP2 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an implementation of an AP1 copying an information frame of P20 on a portion of a sub-channel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG11 is a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG12 is a structural block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following describes the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following describes the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The examples are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the scope of the present application.

[0029] In order to facilitate the understanding of the solution of this application, the channel access technology involved in this application is explained.

[0030] First, Fiber-To-The-Room (FTTR) technology uses optical fiber to connect APs (such as routers) in different rooms or locations in scenarios such as homes or small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby providing high-bandwidth and high-reliability connections between multiple APs. It can use a point-to-multipoint optical distribution network to achieve the connection between the master control AP and the slave AP.

[0031] Second, channel access technology based on Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA): In a Wi-Fi network, the access point (AP) and connected devices share the same wireless medium for data communication. Wi-Fi's wireless medium access principle involves enabling each device to avoid each other, competing on an equal footing to gain access to the wireless medium and then transmit data.

[0032] Its basic principle is the CSMA / CA mechanism. That is, when multiple devices use a wireless channel to send data at the same time, each device first needs to listen to the channel. When it determines that the channel is idle, it randomly selects a backoff window and counts down after a frame interval to obtain the opportunity to send data to the wireless channel.

[0033] Third, the Wi-Fi 7 protocol introduces Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technology, which means that Multi-Link Devices (MLD), including network devices (AP MLD) and terminal devices (non-AP MLD), can transmit data simultaneously on multiple links, improving data transmission throughput and reducing latency.

[0034] After a four-way handshake on a link, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD generate an MLO-level temporary pairwise transient key (PTK) and a link-level group temporary key (GTK). These keys are used to encrypt and decrypt transmitted unicast data frames and anchor data frames, respectively, ensuring the security of data transmission. For example, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link connection establishment process provided by related art. As shown in Figure 6, both the AP MLD and non-AP MLD include three links operating at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The AP MLD and non-AP MLD complete authentication, connection, and the four-way handshake on the 2.4 GHz link. Once the multi-link connection is established, data can be transmitted on all three links.

[0035] Fourth, the Neighbor Report (NR) field contains information about other nearby APs (or AP MLDs, hereinafter referred to as APs). This field is typically used by a STA (or non-AP MLD, hereinafter referred to as STA) to send a query frame to a target AP to query information about other nearby APs. The target AP then sends a response frame to the STA, providing feedback on the information about the nearby APs. For example, a STA sends an Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP) query frame to an AP, and the AP returns an ANQP response frame to the STA.

[0036] Alternatively, in roaming or multi-AP load balancing scenarios, the AP proactively recommends information about other nearby APs to the STA. The STA confirms this information and then sends a (re)association request to the recommended AP. For example, the AP sends a BSS Transition Management (BTM) request frame to the STA, with the recommended AP information in the NR field. The STA then sends a BTM response frame with the desired AP information in the NR field, and subsequently sends an authentication frame and a (re)association frame to establish a connection with the target AP.

[0037] Fifth, the Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) field contains information about other nearby APs. To reduce the channel resource overhead caused by the field length, the RNR field has been shortened and modified based on the NR field to include only key information about nearby APs, such as the operating channel, Service Set Identifier (SSID), and Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). When a STA receives a management frame such as a beacon frame or probe response frame sent by an AP that carries the RNR field, it can quickly discover other nearby APs and then further probe the target AP's channel to obtain complete information about the AP. This reduces the time overhead of the STA blindly scanning channels and probing nearby APs.

[0038] Sixth, the Multi-link Element field is introduced to carry information about APs or STAs on other links belonging to the same MLD. This field is widely used in the discovery and association phases, for example, carried in Beacon and (ML)probe request / response frames during the discovery phase and in (Re)association request / response frames during the association phase.

[0039] Seventh, multiple APs can be created on a Wi-Fi radio link, and each AP corresponds to a different BSSID. To reduce the channel resource overhead of each AP sending beacon frames and probe response frames, the 802.11 protocol introduces MBSSID technology. That is, the beacon frames and probe response frames sent by multiple APs on the same radio are merged into the beacon frame and probe response frame of one AP. That is, the beacon frame and probe response frame of one AP carry information about other APs on the same radio, and this information is placed in the multi-BSSID element field.

[0040] Eighth, Wi-Fi 8 uses Ultra High Reliability (UHR) technology to improve transmission stability, including reducing latency, increasing throughput, and reducing packet loss rate.

[0041] One approach is to share transmission opportunities (TXOPs) between overlapping BSSs, reducing conflicts caused by competing for channels and the resulting decrease in channel utilization. The general steps can be described as follows:

[0042] (1) Multiple APs (e.g., AP1, AP2, etc.) send beacon frames or other management frames (also called information frames) on their working channels;

[0043] (2) AP2 discovers AP1 upon receiving its beacon frame. By parsing AP1's capability set, it discovers that AP2 supports multi-AP collaborative operation, and vice versa.

[0044] (3) AP1 initializes multi-AP collaborative operation and becomes the master AP;

[0045] (4) AP1 sends a request frame to AP2, inviting it to join the collaborative operation group, and AP2 is initialized to become a slave AP.

[0046] (5) AP1 configures the cooperative group ID and assigns an AP ID to AP2;

[0047] (6) After the Master AP competes for channel resources, it allocates resource units (RUs) and / or TXOP time slices to one or more slave APs (including the sharing AP itself) in the Trigger frame according to the slave AP's requirements;

[0048] (7) After obtaining the RU, the shave AP transmits downlink data or a Null Data PPDU Announcement (NDPA) / Null Data PPDU (NDP) to the STAs in the BSS on the RU and / or in the TXOP time slice.

[0049] This embodiment of the application proposes a communication method that can solve the problem that when BSS working channels overlap with each other during AP collaboration, two APs cannot exchange management frames due to different P20s:

[0050] The first solution: The first network device (for example, AP1) transmits the same information frame on its 20MHz subchannel at the same time. The second network device (for example, AP2) receives the information frame on its P20 working subchannel and can discover AP1 and respond to the information frame.

[0051] The second solution: AP1 temporarily switches to AP2's P20 channel and exchanges information frames with it in a traditional way. After the interaction is completed, it returns to its original working channel.

[0052] It should be noted that the above two solutions are not mutually exclusive. In different application scenarios, you can choose at least one of the above solutions to apply.

[0053] In one embodiment, Figure 7 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is applied to the transmission of management frames between two access points during multi-access point coordination when BSS operating channels overlap. This embodiment can be executed by a first network device. As shown in Figure 7, this embodiment includes: S110-S120.

[0054] S110: Send a first information frame to a second network device on a first channel.

[0055] S120: Receive a second information frame fed back by the second network device on the second channel.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first information frame includes at least one of the following types: a multicast non-request frame; a unicast non-request frame; a unicast request frame; or a multicast request frame. If the first information frame is a unicast request frame, the corresponding second information frame is a unicast response frame.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first information frame and the second information frame each include at least one of the following: a beacon frame; a probe request frame; a probe response frame; a multi-link probe request frame; a multi-link probe response frame; an association request frame; a reassociation request frame; an association response frame; a reassociation response frame; an authentication frame; and an action frame.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first channel includes: a working channel corresponding to the first network device; sending a first information frame to the second network device on the first channel includes: simultaneously sending the same first information frame to the second network device on all sub-channels including the main channel corresponding to the first network device. The working channel corresponding to the first network device includes at least one or more sub-channels such as the main channel (i.e., the P20 channel). Generally speaking, after the first network device competes for channel resources on one or more sub-channels, it can copy the information frame on P20 multiple times and simultaneously transmit the first information frame on the multiple sub-channels that it competes for. In one example, the number of copies of the information frame on P20 is equal to the number of sub-channels on which the first network device competes for channel resources.

[0059] In one embodiment, the communication method applied to the first network device further includes: configuring the same random backoff window on all sub-channels of the working channel corresponding to the first network device, and competing for channel resources at the same time;

[0060] Correspondingly, sending the first information frame to the second network device on the first channel includes: simultaneously sending the first information frame to the second network device on all sub-channels that compete for channel resources.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first network device does not transmit the first information frame on a sub-channel whose current channel status is occupied. The occupied state can also be understood as a busy state. The current channel state is used to indicate whether the sub-channel competed for by the first network device is occupied; the current channel state includes: a busy state and an idle state. If the first network device cannot obtain channel access permission on some sub-channels, that is, the current channel state of the sub-channel is busy, the first network device will not transmit the first information frame on the sub-channel in the busy state.

[0062] In one embodiment, when the current channel state of a primary channel corresponding to a first network device is occupied, the first network device delays configuring a random backoff window for other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device until the current channel state of the primary channel corresponding to the first network device is idle. The primary channel corresponding to the first network device is a P20 channel in the working channel corresponding to the first network device.

[0063] In one embodiment, when the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the second network device is occupied, the first network device delays configuring the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device until the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the second network device is idle. The main channel corresponding to the second network device refers to the P20 channel in the working channel corresponding to the second network device. When the current channel state of the sub-channel corresponding to the P20 channel of the second network device is occupied, the first network device delays configuring the random backoff window of its other sub-channels until the P20 channel of the second network device is idle, thereby ensuring that the second network device can receive the first information frame transmitted by the first network device on its P20 channel.

[0064] In one embodiment, when the first information frame is a request frame, the second information frame is a response frame; the subchannel through which the first network device sends the request frame is partially the same as the subchannel through which the second network device feeds back the response frame.

[0065] In one embodiment, when the first network device sends a unicast request frame to the second network device, the first network device sends the request frame on a sub-channel that overlaps with a main channel corresponding to the second network device.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first information frame includes operating channel information of the primary channel corresponding to the first network device. The first information frame sent by the first network device to the second network device includes operating channel information of the P20 corresponding to the first network device. The second network device can receive the first information frame on any sub-channel and discover the configuration information of the first network device.

[0067] In one embodiment, when a first network device sends a third information frame to a terminal device or a third network device on a first channel, the first network device sends a first information frame to a second network device on the first channel, including: the first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel and sends the first information frame to the second network device on the second channel. The first network device competes for channel resources on its own primary channel and the primary channel corresponding to the second network device. After obtaining channel resources of two sub-channels, the first network device may send the third information frame to the terminal device or the third network device on its own primary channel, and then switch to the primary channel corresponding to the second network device to send the first information frame to the second network device.

[0068] In one embodiment, the communication method applied to the first network device further includes: configuring a random backoff window on the second channel and competing for channel resources.

[0069] In one embodiment, a first network device competes for channel resources on both its own primary channel and the primary channel of a second network device. In one example, the first network device can compete for channel resources simultaneously on both its own primary channel and the primary channel of the second network device; alternatively, the first network device can compete for channel resources non-simultaneously on both its own primary channel and the primary channel of the second network device.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and the first network device exchanges information frames with the second network device at least twice.

[0071] In one embodiment, sending a first information frame to a second network device on a first channel includes: sending the first information frame to a second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device via the first neighbor network device corresponding to the first network device on a primary channel of the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device; the first information frame carries configuration information of the first network device. The first network device and the first neighbor network device are neighbors, the second network device and the second neighbor network device are neighbors, the first neighbor network device and the second neighbor network device are in BSSs with overlapping operating channels but different P20s, the first neighbor network device corresponding to the first network device can send the first information frame to the second neighbor network device on the primary channel of the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device; after the second neighbor network device receives the first information frame, the second neighbor network device and the second network device can discover the first network device and its configuration information.

[0072] In one embodiment, receiving a second information frame fed back by a second network device on a second channel includes:

[0073] Receive a second information frame fed back by a second neighboring network device corresponding to the second network device; wherein the second information frame carries configuration information of the second network device. The first network device and the first neighboring network device are neighboring devices, and the second network device and the second neighboring network device are neighboring devices. The first neighboring network device and the second neighboring network device are in BSSs with overlapping working channels, but their P20s are different. The first neighboring network device corresponding to the first network device can send the first information frame to the second neighboring network device on the primary channel of the second neighboring network device corresponding to the second network device. After the second neighboring network device receives the first information frame, the second neighboring network device and the second network device can discover the first network device and its configuration information. The second neighboring network device sends a second information frame to the first neighboring network device; after the first neighboring network device and the first network device receive the second information frame, they can discover the second network device and its configuration information.

[0074] In one embodiment, when the first network device and the second network device are non-transmission BSSIDs, the first network device and the first neighboring network device share a radio frequency link, and the second network device and the second neighboring network device share a radio frequency link, that is, the working channel information and P20 channel information of the first network device and the first neighboring network device are the same, and the working channel information and P20 channel information of the second network device and the second neighboring network device are the same.

[0075] In one embodiment, the bearer field of the configuration information of the first network device and the second network device includes at least one of the following: Multi-Link (ML); RNR; NR; Multiple Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) field.

[0076] In one embodiment, Figure 8 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is applied to the transmission of management frames between two access points during multi-access point coordination when BSS operating channels overlap. This embodiment can be executed by a second network device. As shown in Figure 8, this embodiment includes: S210-S220.

[0077] S210: Receive a first information frame sent by a first network device on a first channel.

[0078] S220: Feedback a second information frame to the first network device on the second channel.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first information frame includes at least one of the following types: a multicast non-request frame; a unicast non-request frame; a unicast request frame; or a multicast request frame. If the first information frame is a unicast request frame, the corresponding second information frame is a unicast response frame.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first information frame and the second information frame each include at least one of the following: a beacon frame; a probe request frame; a probe response frame; a multi-link probe request frame; a multi-link probe response frame; an association request frame; a reassociation request frame; an association response frame; a reassociation response frame; an authentication frame; and an action frame.

[0081] In one embodiment, the first channel includes: a working channel corresponding to the first network device; receiving a first information frame sent by the first network device on the first channel includes: receiving the same first information frame sent simultaneously by the first network device on all sub-channels including the main channel corresponding to the first network device. The main channel corresponding to the first network device may be a P20 channel. Generally speaking, after the first network device competes for channel resources on one or more sub-channels, it may copy the information frame on the P20 channel multiple times and simultaneously transmit the first information frame to the second network device on the multiple sub-channels that it competes for. In one example, the number of copies of the information frame on P20 is equal to the number of sub-channels for which the first network device competes for channel resources.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first network device does not transmit the first information frame on the sub-channel whose current channel status is occupied.

[0083] In one embodiment, when the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the first network device is an occupied state, the first network device delays configuring the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device until the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the first network device is an idle state.

[0084] In one embodiment, when the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the second network device is occupied, the first network device delays configuring the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device until the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the second network device is idle.

[0085] In one embodiment, when the first information frame is a request frame, the second information frame is a response frame; the subchannel through which the first network device sends the request frame is partially the same as the subchannel through which the second network device feeds back the response frame.

[0086] In one embodiment, when the first network device sends a unicast request frame to the second network device, the first network device sends the request frame on a sub-channel that overlaps with a main channel corresponding to the second network device.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first information frame includes working channel information of a primary channel corresponding to the first network device.

[0088] In one embodiment, when the first network device sends a third information frame to the terminal device or the third network device on the first channel, receiving the first information frame sent by the first network device on the first channel includes: the first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and receives the first information frame sent by the first network device on the second channel.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first network device competes for channel resources on the primary channel corresponding to itself and the primary channel corresponding to the second network device.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and the first network device exchanges information frames with the second network device at least twice.

[0091] In one embodiment, receiving a first information frame sent by a first network device on a first channel includes: receiving the first information frame sent by a first neighbor network device corresponding to the first network device through the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device on a main channel of a second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device; the first information frame carries configuration information of the first network device.

[0092] In one embodiment, feeding back the second information frame to the first network device on the second channel includes: feeding back the second information frame to the first network device through a second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device; wherein the second information frame carries configuration information of the second network device.

[0093] In one embodiment, the bearer field of the configuration information of the first network device and the second network device includes at least one of the following: Multi-Link (ML); RNR; NR; MBSSID field.

[0094] It should be noted that for the explanation of the parameters such as the first information frame, working channel information, first neighbor network device, second neighbor network device, etc. involved in the communication method applied to the second network device, please refer to the description of the corresponding parameters in the above-mentioned communication method applied to the first network device, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] In one embodiment, taking the first network device as AP1 and the second network device as AP2 as an example, the process of two BSSs with different P20s interacting with each other through information frames is described. The process of two BSSs with different P20s interacting with each other through information frames includes the following steps:

[0096] Step 1: The first network device (AP1) competes for channel resources on the first channel (Channel 1, CH1);

[0097] Step 2: After obtaining channel access rights on the first channel, AP1 sends a first information frame to the second network device (AP2) on CH1.

[0098] Step 3: After receiving the first information frame on CH1, AP2 discovers AP1 and its configuration information. AP2 then takes one of the following actions:

[0099] a) When the first information frame is a multicast non-request frame, the information frame interaction ends;

[0100] b) When the first information frame is a unicast unsolicited frame, the receiving end AP2 replies with an acknowledgment message on CH1;

[0101] c) When the first information frame is a unicast request frame or a multicast request frame (if it is a unicast request frame, the receiving end AP2 performs operation (b)), proceed to step 4;

[0102] Step 4: AP2 generates a corresponding response frame (i.e., a second information frame) based on the request frame from AP1, and competes for channel resources on the second channel.

[0103] Step 5: After AP2 obtains channel access rights on the second channel (channel 2, CH2), it sends a second information frame to AP1 on CH2.

[0104] Step 6: After receiving the second information frame on CH2, AP1 discovers AP2 and its configuration information and takes one of the following actions:

[0105] a) When the second information frame is a multicast non-request frame, the information frame interaction ends;

[0106] b) When the second information frame is a unicast request frame, the receiving end AP2 replies with confirmation information on CH1, and this information frame exchange ends.

[0107] Step 7: AP1 and AP2 repeat the above steps to exchange information frames.

[0108] In one embodiment, taking the first network device as AP1, the second network device as AP2, the first neighboring network device as AP3, and the second neighboring network device as AP4 as examples, the implementation process of AP1 and AP2 simultaneously transmitting the same information frame on all subchannels including P20 is described. The implementation process of AP1 and AP2 simultaneously transmitting the same information frame on all subchannels including P20 includes the following steps:

[0109] Step 1: Before sending a management frame, AP1 sets the same random backoff window on all 20 MHz sub-channels of its working channel and then competes for channel resources simultaneously.

[0110] Step 2: After AP1 competes for channel resources on multiple sub-channels, it copies the management frame of P20 and transmits it simultaneously on all the sub-channels it competes for.

[0111] Step 3: After receiving the management frame on its P20 working channel, AP2 discovers AP1 and its configuration information and takes one of the following actions:

[0112] a. If the above management frame is a multicast management frame, the management frame interaction ends;

[0113] b. When the management frame is a unicast management frame, the receiving end AP2 replies with a confirmation message on the corresponding subchannel;

[0114] c. When the management frame is a request frame, the receiving end AP2 performs operation (b) and proceeds to step 4;

[0115] Step 4: AP2 generates a corresponding response frame based on AP1's request frame, sets the same random backoff window on all 20 MHz sub-channels of its working channel, and then competes for channel resources simultaneously.

[0116] Step 5: After AP2 has won channel resources on multiple sub-channels, it copies P20's management frame and transmits a response frame simultaneously on all the sub-channels it has won.

[0117] Step 6: After receiving the response management frame on its P20 working channel, AP1 discovers AP2 and its configuration information and takes one of the following actions:

[0118] a. If the above management frame is a multicast management frame, the management frame interaction ends;

[0119] b. When the above management frame is a unicast management frame, the receiving end AP1 replies with confirmation information on the corresponding sub-channel.

[0120] The implementation process of AP1 and AP2 simultaneously transmitting the same information frame on all sub-channels including P20 also includes the following instructions:

[0121] First, AP1 cannot obtain channel access rights on some 20 MHz sub-channels and will not transmit management frames on busy sub-channels.

[0122] Second, AP1's P20 channel indicates busy, and AP1 delays setting random backoff windows on other subchannels until P20 is idle;

[0123] Third, the subchannel corresponding to AP2's P20 channel indicates busy. AP1 delays setting random backoff windows on other subchannels until the subchannel corresponding to AP2's P20 channel becomes idle (ensuring that AP2 can receive information frames transmitted by AP1 on its P20 channel).

[0124] Fourth, the subchannel that AP1 sends the request frame may be different from the subchannel that AP2 replies with the response frame. A specific application example is shown in Figure 9;

[0125] Fifth, when AP1 sends a unicast request frame to AP2, AP1 only sends the request frame on the working channel that overlaps with the channel containing AP2 P20. A specific application example is shown in Figure 10;

[0126] Sixth, the management frame sent by AP1 to AP2 contains the working channel information of P20. AP2 can find the configuration information of AP1 by receiving the above management frame on any sub-channel;

[0127] Seventh, AP1 and AP3 are neighboring APs, AP2 and AP4 are neighboring APs, and AP3 and AP4 exchange information of AP1 and AP3 working on the first link on the second link.

[0128] In one embodiment, taking the first network device as AP1 and the second network device as AP2 as an example, the implementation process of AP1 temporarily switching its own P20 working channel to AP2's P20 working channel and exchanging information frames with AP2 is described. The implementation process of AP1 temporarily switching its own P20 working channel to AP2's P20 working channel and exchanging information frames with AP2 includes the following steps:

[0129] Step 1: AP1 competes for channel resources on the first channel (currently P20 channel) and sends a first information frame to a terminal device (STA) or a third network device (e.g., AP3), indicating that the BSS is busy or unavailable and indicating an unavailable duration.

[0130] Step 2: AP1 switches to the second channel (AP2's P20 channel), sets a random backoff window, and then competes for channel resources.

[0131] Step 3: After AP1 competes for the channel, it sends a second information frame to AP2.

[0132] Step 4: After receiving the above information frame on its P20 working channel, AP2 discovers AP1 and its configuration information and takes one of the following actions:

[0133] a. When the above management frame is a multicast non-request frame, the information frame interaction ends;

[0134] b. When the management frame is a unicast request frame, the receiving end AP2 replies with confirmation information on its P20;

[0135] c. When the above information frame is a unicast type request frame or a multicast type request frame (if it is a unicast type request frame, the receiving end AP2 performs operation (b)), proceed to step (5);

[0136] Step 5: AP2 generates and sends a third information frame of a response type to AP1;

[0137] Step 6: AP1 returns to its first channel (the previous P20 channel) before the unavailable duration expires.

[0138] The process of AP1 temporarily switching its own P20 working channel to AP2's P20 working channel and exchanging information frames with AP2 also includes the following instructions:

[0139] First, AP1 competes for channel resources on its P20 and AP2's P20 simultaneously. After obtaining channel resources on two sub-channels, AP1 sends the first information frame on its P20, then switches to AP2's P20 channel to send the second management frame to AP2.

[0140] Second, AP1 switches from the first channel to the second channel and may exchange multiple information frames with AP2.

[0141] Third, after AP1 completes the first information frame exchange with AP2 and returns to the first channel, AP2 switches its P20 to the first channel to exchange the second frame with AP1;

[0142] Fourthly, AP1 and AP3 are neighboring APs, and AP2 and AP4 are neighboring APs. AP3 and AP4 exchange information of AP1 and AP2 working on the first link on the second link.

[0143] In one embodiment, taking the first network device as AP1, the second network device as AP2, the first neighboring network device as AP3, and the second neighboring network device as AP4 as examples, the implementation process of AP1 and AP2's information being carried and exchanged by their neighboring APs on a second radio link is described. AP1 and AP3 are neighboring APs, AP2 and AP4 are neighboring APs, and AP3 and AP4 are in BSSs with overlapping operating channels, but with different P20s. The information exchange process on the second radio link includes the following steps:

[0144] Step 1: AP3 sends a first information frame to AP4 on the P20 channel of AP4. AP3 carries the configuration information of AP1.

[0145] Step 2: After AP4 receives the above information, AP4 and AP2 can discover AP1 and its configuration information;

[0146] Step 3: AP4 sends a confirmation message and / or a second information frame to AP3, where the second information frame carries AP2 configuration information.

[0147] Step 4: After receiving the above information, AP3 and AP1 can discover AP2 and its configuration information;

[0148] Step 5: Repeat the above information frame interaction process.

[0149] In the implementation process whereby information of AP1 and AP2 is respectively carried by their neighboring APs on the second radio link and exchanged, the following description is also included:

[0150] First, the information of AP1 and AP2 carried by AP3 and AP4 is stored in the ML, RNR, NR, and MBSSID fields;

[0151] Second, when AP1 and AP2 are non-transmission BSSIDs, AP1 and AP3 share a radio link, and AP2 and AP4 share a radio link, that is, the working channel information and P20 channel information of AP1 and AP3 are the same, and the working channel information and P20 channel information of AP2 and AP4 are the same.

[0152] In one example, FIG9 is a schematic diagram of an implementation of information frame interaction between AP1 and AP2 provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG9 , AP1 and AP2 operate at 160 MHz, on channels whose BSSs overlap. AP1's P20 is located at 160 MHz, and AP2's P20 is located at 60 MHz. When AP1 sends a request-type information frame to AP2, AP1 competes for channel resources on all subchannels, but feedback on the 120 MHz subchannel indicates that the channel is busy. AP1 then copies the request-type information frame on P20 on all subchannels (except the 120 MHz subchannel) and sends it to AP2 simultaneously.

[0153] After receiving the request-type management frame on its P20, AP2 sends a corresponding response frame to AP1. The method is similar to AP1's transmission mechanism, but because the feedback channel of the 20 MHz subchannel is busy, AP2 replies with the response-type management frame on all subchannels (except the 20 MHz subchannel).

[0154] In one example, FIG10 is a schematic diagram of an implementation of an embodiment of the present application in which AP1 copies a P20 information frame on some subchannels. As shown in FIG10 , AP1 operates at 160 MHz and AP2 operates at 80 MHz, and their BSSs overlap on channels. AP1's P20 is located at 20 MHz, and AP2's P20 is located at 60 MHz. When AP1 sends a request-type management frame to AP2, AP1 competes for channel resources on the P80 channel (i.e., an 80 MHz bandwidth channel including P20), but receives a feedback signal that the channel is busy on the 40 MHz subchannel. AP1 then copies the request-type information frame on P20 on the three subchannels where P80 is located (except the 40 MHz subchannel) and sends it to AP2 at the same time.

[0155] After receiving the request-type management frame on its P20, AP2 sends a corresponding response frame to AP1. The method is similar to AP1's transmission mechanism, but because the feedback channel of the 40 MHz subchannel is busy, AP2 replies with a response-type information frame on all subchannels (except the 40 MHz subchannel).

[0156] In one embodiment, FIG11 is a block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is applied to a first network device. As shown in FIG11 , the communication device in this embodiment includes: a sending module 310 and a receiving module 320.

[0157] The sending module 310 is configured to send a first information frame to the second network device on the first channel;

[0158] The receiving module 320 is configured to receive a second information frame fed back by the second network device on the second channel.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first information frame includes at least one of the following types: a multicast type unsolicited frame; a unicast type unsolicited frame; a unicast type request frame; or a multicast type request frame.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first information frame and the second information frame each include at least one of the following: a beacon frame; a probe request frame; a probe response frame; a multi-link probe request frame; a multi-link probe response frame; an association request frame; a reassociation request frame; an association response frame; a reassociation response frame; an authentication frame; and an action frame.

[0161] In one embodiment, the first channel includes: a working channel corresponding to the first network device; and sending the first information frame to the second network device on the first channel includes:

[0162] The same first information frame is simultaneously sent to the second network device on all sub-channels including the main channel corresponding to the first network device.

[0163] In one embodiment, the communication apparatus applied to the first network device further includes: a configuration module configured to configure the same random backoff window on all sub-channels of the working channel corresponding to the first network device, and to simultaneously compete for channel resources;

[0164] Correspondingly, the sending module is configured to simultaneously send the first information frame to the second network device on all sub-channels that compete for channel resources.

[0165] In one embodiment, the first network device does not transmit the first information frame on the sub-channel whose current channel status is occupied.

[0166] In one embodiment, when the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the first network device is occupied, the configuration of the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device is delayed until the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the first network device is idle.

[0167] In one embodiment, when the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the second network device is occupied, the configuration of the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device is delayed until the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the second network device is idle.

[0168] In one embodiment, when the first information frame is a request frame, the second information frame is a response frame; the subchannel through which the first network device sends the request frame is partially the same as the subchannel through which the second network device feeds back the response frame.

[0169] In one embodiment, when the first network device sends a unicast request frame to the second network device, the first network device sends the request frame on a sub-channel that overlaps with a main channel corresponding to the second network device.

[0170] In one embodiment, the first information frame includes working channel information of a primary channel corresponding to the first network device.

[0171] In one embodiment, when the first network device sends the third information frame to the terminal device or the third network device on the first channel, the first information frame is sent to the second network device on the first channel, including:

[0172] The first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and sends a first information frame to the second network device on the second channel.

[0173] In one embodiment, the communication apparatus applied to the first network device further includes: a configuration module configured to configure a random backoff window on the second channel and compete for channel resources.

[0174] In one embodiment, the first network device competes for channel resources on the primary channel corresponding to itself and the primary channel corresponding to the second network device.

[0175] In one embodiment, the first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and the first network device exchanges information frames with the second network device at least twice.

[0176] In one embodiment, sending a first information frame to a second network device on a first channel includes:

[0177] On the primary channel of the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device, a first information frame is sent to the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device through the first neighbor network device corresponding to the first network device; the first information frame carries the configuration information of the first network device.

[0178] In one embodiment, receiving a second information frame fed back by a second network device on a second channel includes:

[0179] A second information frame fed back by a second neighboring network device corresponding to the second network device is received; wherein the second information frame carries configuration information of the second network device.

[0180] In one embodiment, the bearer field of the configuration information of the first network device and the second network device includes at least one of the following: a multi-link ML; a reduced neighbor report RNR; a neighbor report NR; and a multiple basic service set identifier MBSSID field.

[0181] The communication device provided in this embodiment is configured to implement the communication method applied to the first network device in the embodiment shown in FIG7 . The implementation principle and technical effects of the communication device provided in this embodiment are similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0182] In one embodiment, FIG12 is a block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is applied to a second network device. As shown in FIG12 , the communication device in this embodiment includes: a receiving module 410 and a feedback module 420.

[0183] The receiving module 410 is configured to receive a first information frame sent by a first network device on a first channel;

[0184] The feedback module 420 is configured to feed back a second information frame to the first network device on the second channel.

[0185] In one embodiment, the first information frame includes at least one of the following types: a multicast type unsolicited frame; a unicast type unsolicited frame; a unicast type request frame; or a multicast type request frame.

[0186] In one embodiment, the first information frame and the second information frame each include at least one of the following: a beacon frame; a probe request frame; a probe response frame; a multi-link probe request frame; a multi-link probe response frame; an association request frame; a reassociation request frame; an association response frame; a reassociation response frame; an authentication frame; and an action frame.

[0187] In one embodiment, the first channel includes: a working channel corresponding to the first network device; the receiving module 410 is configured to:

[0188] The same first information frame is received, which is sent simultaneously by the first network device on all sub-channels including the main channel corresponding to the first network device.

[0189] In one embodiment, the first network device does not transmit the first information frame on the sub-channel whose current channel status is occupied.

[0190] In one embodiment, when the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the first network device is occupied, the configuration of the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device is delayed until the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the first network device is idle.

[0191] In one embodiment, when the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the second network device is occupied, the configuration of the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device is delayed until the current channel state of the main channel corresponding to the second network device is idle.

[0192] In one embodiment, when the first information frame is a request frame, the second information frame is a response frame; the subchannel through which the first network device sends the request frame is partially the same as the subchannel through which the second network device feeds back the response frame.

[0193] In one embodiment, when the first network device sends a unicast request frame to the second network device, the first network device sends the request frame on a sub-channel that overlaps with a main channel corresponding to the second network device.

[0194] In one embodiment, the first information frame includes working channel information of a primary channel corresponding to the first network device.

[0195] In one embodiment, when the first network device sends a third information frame to the terminal device or the third network device on the first channel, receiving the first information frame sent by the first network device on the first channel includes:

[0196] The first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and receives a first information frame sent by the first network device on the second channel.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first network device competes for channel resources on the primary channel corresponding to itself and the primary channel corresponding to the second network device.

[0198] In one embodiment, the first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and the first network device exchanges information frames with the second network device at least twice.

[0199] In one embodiment, the receiving module 410 is configured to: receive a first information frame sent by a first neighbor network device corresponding to the first network device through the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device on the main channel of the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device; the first information frame carries the configuration information of the first network device.

[0200] In one embodiment, feeding back the second information frame to the first network device on the second channel includes: feeding back the second information frame to the first network device through a second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device; wherein the second information frame carries configuration information of the second network device.

[0201] In one embodiment, the bearer field of the configuration information of the first network device and the second network device includes at least one of the following: a multi-link ML; a reduced neighbor report RNR; a neighbor report NR; and a multiple basic service set identifier MBSSID field.

[0202] The communication device provided in this embodiment is configured to implement the communication method applied to the second network device in the embodiment shown in FIG8 . The implementation principle and technical effects of the communication device provided in this embodiment are similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0203] In one embodiment, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 13, the device provided by the present application includes: a processor 510, a memory 520, and a communication module 530. The number of processors 510 in the device can be one or more, and Figure 13 uses one processor 510 as an example. The number of memories 520 in the device can be one or more, and Figure 13 uses one memory 520 as an example. The processor 510, memory 520, and communication module 530 of the device can be connected via a bus or other means, and Figure 13 uses a bus connection as an example. In this embodiment, the device can be a first network device or a second network device.

[0204] The memory 520, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be configured to store software programs, computer executable programs, and modules, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the device of any embodiment of the present application (for example, the sending module 310 and the receiving module 320 in the communication device). The memory 520 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store an operating system, an application required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the device, etc. In addition, the memory 520 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state storage device. In some instances, the memory 520 may further include a memory remotely located relative to the processor 510, and these remote memories may be connected to the device via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0205] In the case where the communication device is a first network device, the device provided above can be configured to execute the communication method applied to the first network device provided in any of the above embodiments, and have corresponding functions and effects.

[0206] In the case where the communication device is a second network device, the device provided above can be configured to execute the communication method applied to the second network device provided in any of the above embodiments, and have corresponding functions and effects.

[0207] An embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium containing computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a computer processor, they are used to execute a communication method applied to a first network device. The method includes: sending a first information frame to a second network device on a first channel; and receiving a second information frame fed back by the second network device on a second channel.

[0208] An embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium containing computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a computer processor, they are used to execute a communication method applied to a second network device. The method includes: receiving a first information frame sent by a first network device on a first channel; and feeding back a second information frame to the first network device on a second channel.

[0209] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the term user equipment encompasses any suitable type of wireless user equipment, such as a mobile phone, a portable data processing device, a portable web browser or a car-mounted mobile station.

[0210] In general, various embodiments of the present application may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the present application is not limited thereto.

[0211] Embodiments of the present application may be implemented by executing computer program instructions by a data processor of a mobile device, for example, in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The computer program instructions may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages.

[0212] The block diagram of any logic flow in the drawings of the present application may represent program steps, or may represent interconnected logic circuits, modules and functions, or may represent a combination of program steps and logic circuits, modules and functions. A computer program may be stored on a memory. The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), optical storage devices and systems (digital versatile discs (DVD) or compact disks (CD)), etc. Computer-readable media may include non-transient storage media. A data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment, such as, but not limited to, a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0213] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, applied to a first network device, includes: Sending a first information frame to a second network device on a first channel; Receiving a second information frame fed back by the second network device on a second channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information frame includes at least one of the following types: a multicast type non-request frame; a unicast type non-request frame; a unicast type request frame; a multicast type request frame.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein Both the first information frame and the second information frame include at least one of the following: a beacon frame; a probe request frame; a probe response frame; a multi-link probe request frame; a multi-link probe response frame; an association request frame; a re-association request frame; an association response frame; a re-association response frame; an authentication frame; an action frame.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first channel includes: the working channel corresponding to the first network device; and sending the first information frame to the second network device on the first channel includes: Simultaneously sending the same first information frame to the second network device on all sub-channels including the primary channel corresponding to the first network device.

5. The method according to claim 4, further includes: Configuring the same random backoff window on all sub-channels of the working channel corresponding to the first network device, and simultaneously competing for channel resources; Sending the first information frame to the second network device on the first channel includes: Simultaneously sending the first information frame to the second network device on all sub-channels that have competed for channel resources.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein The first network device does not perform the transmission of the first information frame on sub-channels in which the current channel state is an occupied state.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein In the case where the current channel state of the primary channel corresponding to the first network device is an occupied state, delaying the configuration of the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device until the current channel state of the primary channel corresponding to the first network device is an idle state.

8. The method according to claim 4, wherein In the case where the current channel state of the primary channel corresponding to the second network device is an occupied state, delaying the configuration of the random backoff window of other sub-channels in the working channel corresponding to the first network device until the current channel state of the primary channel corresponding to the second network device is an idle state.

9. The method according to claim 4, wherein, In the case where the first information frame is a request frame, the second information frame is a response frame; and the sub-channels on which the first network device sends the request frame are partially the same as the sub-channels on which the second network device feeds back the response frame.

10. The method according to claim 4, wherein In the case where the first network device sends a unicast type request frame to the second network device, the first network device sends the request frame on sub-channels that overlap with the primary channel corresponding to the second network device.

11. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The first information frame includes the working channel information of the primary channel corresponding to the first network device.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In the case where the first network device sends a third information frame to a terminal device or a third network device on the first channel, sending the first information frame to the second network device on the first channel includes: The first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and sends the first information frame to the second network device on the second channel.

13. The method according to claim 12, further includes: Configuring a random backoff window on the second channel, and competing for channel resources.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein The first network device competes for channel resources on the primary channel corresponding to itself and the primary channel corresponding to the second network device.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first network device switches from the first channel to the second channel, and the first network device and the second network device perform at least two information frame interactions.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein, Sending a first information frame to the second network device on the first channel includes: On the primary channel of the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device, sending a first information frame to the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device through the first neighbor network device corresponding to the first network device; the first information frame carries the configuration information of the first network device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Receiving the second information frame fed back by the second network device on the second channel includes: Receiving the second information frame fed back by the second neighbor network device corresponding to the second network device; wherein, the second information frame carries the configuration information of the second network device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The bearer fields of the configuration information of the first network device and the second network device include at least one of the following: Multi-Link (ML); Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR); Neighbor Report (NR); Multi-Basic Service Set Identifier (MBSSID) field.

19. A communication method applied to a second network device includes: Receiving a first information frame sent by a first network device on a first channel; Feeding back a second information frame to the first network device on a second channel.

20. A communication device, comprising: A memory, and one or more processors; The memory is configured to store one or more programs; When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the method according to any one of claims 1-18 or 19 above.

21. A storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1-18 or 19 above is implemented.

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