Channel state-based information frame sending method and device

Abstract

The present application provides a channel state-based information frame sending method and a device, applied to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: if it is determined that the channel state of a channel within a fixed duration is an idle state, sending an information frame on the basis of the channel at a specified moment, wherein when the fixed duration is a duration before a first moment, a tail moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, the specified moment is the first moment, and the first moment is a moment at which an information frame to be sent triggers a channel access procedure, and when the fixed duration is a duration after the first moment, an initial moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, and the specified moment is the tail moment of the fixed duration after the first moment. An electronic device does not need to execute random number backoff. No DCF mechanism needs to be executed, thereby reducing the waste of air interface resources, and reducing the delay of the electronic device sending an information frame.

Description

Method and device for sending information frame based on channel status

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 8, 2024, with application number 202410031981.X and application name “Information frame sending method and device based on channel state”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and device for sending information frames based on channel status. Background Art

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technology, multiple electronic devices need to transmit information frames on a shared channel (ie, a shared wireless channel). For example, the information frames are control frames, data frames, or management frames.

[0004] In the prior art, each of multiple electronic devices needs to determine whether it can occupy a channel to transmit an information frame. To avoid conflicts, each electronic device performs a distributed coordination function (DCF). Specifically, the electronic device waits for a fixed waiting time, then uses a random number based on a backoff window to time out before occupying the channel to transmit an information frame.

[0005] However, in the prior art, since electronic devices need to wait for a long time before occupying a channel to send information frames, air interface resources for transmitting data are wasted and the delay of data transmission is increased. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a method and device for sending an information frame based on a channel state, which can be applied in the field of communication technology.

[0007] It should be understood that the method in the embodiment of the present application can be performed by a communication device, which can be a complete computing device or a partial device in the computing device, such as a chip related to wireless communication functions, such as a system chip or a communication chip. Among them, the system chip is also called a system on chip, or a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) chip. Specifically, the communication device can be a terminal such as a smart phone, or a system chip or a communication chip that can be set in the terminal. The communication chip may include one or more of a radio frequency processing chip and a baseband processing chip. The baseband processing chip is sometimes also called a modem or a baseband processor. In physical implementation, the communication chip may be integrated inside the SoC chip or may not be integrated with the SoC chip. For example, the baseband processing chip is integrated in the SoC chip, and the radio frequency processing chip is not integrated with the SoC chip.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for sending an information frame based on a channel state, the method comprising:

[0009] If it is determined that the channel state of the channel is an idle state within the fixed time period, sending an information frame based on the channel at a specified time;

[0010] Among them, when the fixed duration is the duration before the first moment, the end moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, the designated moment is the first moment, and the first moment is the moment when the information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process; when the fixed duration is the duration after the first moment, the initial moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, and the designated moment is the end moment of the fixed duration after the first moment.

[0011] Before the channel access process is triggered, the electronic device has been monitoring the channel. The electronic device is always in a non-sleep state. The electronic device counts a fixed time period from the moment the channel access process is triggered. If it is determined that the channel has been idle for this fixed time period (that is, it belongs to the channel idle scenario), the electronic device can directly occupy the channel to send information frames at the moment the channel access process is triggered. Alternatively, if the electronic device is to send information frames at the moment the channel access process is triggered, the electronic device turns on the channel monitoring function at the moment the channel access process is triggered. The electronic device counts a fixed time period from the moment the channel access process is triggered. If it is determined that the channel has been idle for this fixed time period, it is determined that it is currently in the channel idle scenario. The electronic device directly occupies the channel to send information frames at the end of the fixed time period. Therefore, there is no need to execute the DCF mechanism, thereby reducing the waste of air interface resources and reducing the delay of the electronic device in sending information frames.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the fixed duration is greater than or equal to a distributed coordination function interframe distance DIFS duration.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the fixed duration is equal to the sum of the DIFS duration and the duration occupied by a time slot.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the fixed duration corresponds to the access category level of the electronic device, and the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is greater than or equal to the arbitration interframe distance AIFS duration corresponding to the access category level.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is equal to the sum of the AIFS duration corresponding to the access category level and the duration occupied by one time slot.

[0016] In a possible implementation, when the fixed duration is a duration before the first moment, the electronic device is in a non-sleep state before the initial moment of the fixed duration.

[0017] In a possible implementation, when the fixed duration is a duration after the first moment, the electronic device is in a dormant state before an initial moment of the fixed duration.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0019] If it is determined that the information frame fails to be sent based on the channel at the designated time, the information frame is resent based on a distributed coordination function DCF mechanism.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present application provides a device for sending an information frame based on a channel state, the device comprising:

[0021] a sending unit, configured to send an information frame based on the channel at a specified time if it is determined that the channel state of the channel is an idle state within a fixed time period;

[0022] Among them, when the fixed duration is the duration before the first moment, the end moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, the designated moment is the first moment, and the first moment is the moment when the information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process; when the fixed duration is the duration after the first moment, the initial moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, and the designated moment is the end moment of the fixed duration after the first moment.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the fixed duration is greater than or equal to a distributed coordination function interframe distance DIFS duration.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the fixed duration is equal to the sum of the DIFS duration and the duration occupied by a time slot.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the fixed duration corresponds to the access category level of the electronic device, and the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is greater than or equal to the arbitration interframe distance AIFS duration corresponding to the access category level.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is equal to the sum of the AIFS duration corresponding to the access category level and the duration occupied by one time slot.

[0027] In a possible implementation, when the fixed duration is a duration before the first moment, the electronic device is in a non-sleep state before the initial moment of the fixed duration.

[0028] In a possible implementation, when the fixed duration is a duration after the first moment, the electronic device is in a dormant state before an initial moment of the fixed duration.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the sending unit is further configured to:

[0030] If it is determined that the information frame fails to be sent based on the channel at the designated time, the information frame is resent based on a distributed coordination function DCF mechanism.

[0031] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver; the transmitter and the receiver are coupled to the processor, the processor controls the transmitting action of the transmitter, and the processor controls the receiving action of the receiver;

[0032] The memory is used to store computer-executable program code, and the program code includes instructions; when the processor executes the instructions, the instructions enable the electronic device to execute any implementation method of the first aspect.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement any implementation method of the first aspect.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program, which implements any implementation of the first aspect when executed by a processor.

[0035] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a program, which, when executed by a processor, is used to execute any implementation method of the above first aspect.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising: at least one electronic device provided in the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0038] FIG1 is a timing diagram of a fallback process of an electronic device based on a DCF mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG3 is a signaling diagram of a method for sending an information frame based on a channel state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG4 is a signaling diagram of another method for sending an information frame based on a channel state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the probability of incoming packets provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG6 is a timing diagram of an electronic device sending an information frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG7 is a first diagram of a delay simulation of an AC_BK access category level according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG8 is a first diagram of a delay simulation of an AC_BE access category level according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG9 is a first diagram of a delay simulation of an AC_VI access category level according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG10 is a first diagram of a delay simulation of an AC_VO access category level according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG11 is a second delay simulation diagram of the AC_BK access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG12 is a second delay simulation diagram of the AC_BE access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG13 is a second diagram of a delay simulation of the AC_VI access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG14 is a second delay simulation diagram of the AC_VO access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG15 is a schematic block diagram of a device for sending an information frame based on a channel state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The technical solution provided by this application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the system structure and application scenarios provided in the examples of this application are mainly for illustrating possible implementation methods of the technical solution of this application and should not be interpreted as the sole limitation of the technical solution of this application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of the system structure and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by this application is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0055] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application provide a method and device for sending information frames based on channel status, so that electronic devices can transmit information frames in a timely manner, reduce data transmission delays, and reduce waste of air interface resources.

[0056] Since the principles of solving the problems of these technical solutions are the same or similar, some repetitions may not be repeated in the introduction of the following specific embodiments, but it should be regarded as mutual reference between these specific embodiments and they can be combined with each other.

[0057] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, global system of mobile communication (GSM) systems, code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) systems, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, and future 5G communication systems or other systems that may appear in the future. Some of the terms in this application are explained below to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. For the convenience of description, the embodiments of the present application are described based on the WLAN communication system as an example, which does not constitute a limitation of the present application. It should be noted that when the solutions of the embodiments of the present application are applied to other systems, the names of the sites and access points may change, but this does not affect the implementation of the solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] First, the technical terms involved in this application are explained:

[0060] 1) Station (STA), also known as station equipment; a station can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connectivity. A station can also be a device that detects data, such as a sensor. A station can also be an intelligent device, such as a smart home device or wearable device deployed indoors. Common terminal devices include: air quality monitoring sensors, temperature sensors, smoke sensors, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, among which wearable devices include: smart watches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc. A station is a current or future wireless communication station or limited communication station, such as a WLAN station or cellular station. A station is, for example, a client / workstation.

[0061] 2) Access point (AP), also known as access point device, can be a network device or a radio access network (RAN) device. An access point is a device that connects a site to the network through licensed spectrum and unlicensed spectrum. It includes network devices in various communication formats, such as but not limited to: wireless access points (such as wireless LAN access points), base stations, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home network devices (such as home evolved NodeBs or home Node Bs, HNBs), base band units (BBUs), etc.

[0062] 3) An electronic device, which may be the aforementioned station or the aforementioned access point.

[0063] 4) “Multiple” means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0064] 5) "Correspondence" can refer to an association relationship or a binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association relationship or a binding relationship between A and B.

[0065] It should be pointed out that the nouns or terms involved in the embodiments of the present application can refer to each other and will not be repeated here.

[0066] In a WLAN communication network, the medium access control (MAC) layer coordinates multiple electronic devices to access a shared wireless channel (also called a channel), thereby allowing one of the electronic devices to occupy the wireless channel (channel). After occupying the wireless channel (channel), the electronic device transmits information frames, where the information frames are control frames or data frames, thereby ensuring that the information frames can be effectively transmitted. The electronic device can be a station (i.e., a client / workstation) or an access point.

[0067] In the above process, the process in which the electronic device occupies the channel is called the channel access mechanism, wherein the channel access mechanism determines when the electronic device can send an information frame.

[0068] When electronic devices (e.g., stations) transmit information frames on a channel, multiple devices may occupy the channel simultaneously to transmit information frames, resulting in conflicts. This necessitates the implementation of carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA / CA).

[0069] Furthermore, electronic devices (e.g., stations) can perform carrier sensing on the channel. When the electronic device determines that the channel is idle, in order to avoid conflicts, the electronic device does not immediately seize the channel, but instead executes the distributed coordination function (DCF) mechanism. The principle of the DCF mechanism is based on the CSMA / CA mechanism and includes two processes: sensing and backoff.

[0070] In one example, when an electronic device determines that a channel is idle, in order to avoid conflicts, the electronic device does not immediately seize the channel; the electronic device first waits for a fixed Distributed Coordination Function Frame Interval (DCF inter-frame space, DIFS) duration, and after the DIFS duration has passed, it backs off using a random number in the backoff window (i.e., counts down based on a random value). When the random value counts down to zero, or when the countdown of the random number is smaller than the countdown of the random number of other electronic devices, the electronic device will occupy the channel to send an information frame. In the above backoff process, if the electronic device determines that the channel is occupied, the countdown is paused, and the backoff process is suspended; then, when the electronic device determines that the channel is idle again, the countdown that was paused last time is directly started.

[0071] FIG1 is a timing diagram of a fallback process of an electronic device based on a DCF mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , four electronic devices are provided, namely, electronic device 1, electronic device 2, electronic device 3, and electronic device 4. For example, electronic device 1, electronic device 2, electronic device 3, and electronic device 4 are all stations, or electronic device 1 and electronic device 2 are access points, and electronic device 3 and electronic device 4 are stations.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, electronic device 1 first occupies the channel and sends a frame of information frame, and electronic device 1 can first generate a random number corresponding to electronic device 1. At this time, the channel is idle, and each of electronic devices 2, electronic device 3 and electronic device 4 detects that the channel is idle, then each of electronic devices 2, electronic device 3 and electronic device 4 executes the DCF mechanism, that is, each of electronic devices 2, electronic device 3 and electronic device 4 waits for the DIFS period, and then counts down based on their respective random numbers (that is, each electronic device backs off). Then, since the countdown value of electronic device 3 is the smallest (that is, electronic device 3 is the electronic device with the smallest backoff count), electronic device 3 determines that it can send the information frame, then electronic device 3 first occupies the channel to send the information frame; and the backoff of electronic devices 2 and 4 is suspended, that is, the countdown of electronic devices 2 and 4 is paused.

[0073] Then, after electronic device 3 sends the information frame, other electronic devices that need to send information frames need to wait for DIFS; and electronic device 3 generates a new random number corresponding to electronic device 3; at the same time, the countdown that was previously paused by electronic device 2 and electronic device 4 starts again; at the same time, electronic device 1 counts down based on the random number corresponding to electronic device 1.

[0074] Then, if it is determined that the countdown timer of electronic device 4 is the smallest (i.e., electronic device 4 is the electronic device with the smallest backoff count), electronic device 4 will determine to occupy the channel to send the information frame. After electronic device 4 sends the information frame, other electronic devices that need to send information frames must wait for the DIFS period. As shown in Figure 1, if the countdown timer of electronic device 2 is the smallest, electronic device 2 will occupy the channel to send the information frame.

[0075] Among them, the DIFS duration used by each of the above electronic devices is the same.

[0076] During the above process, when the electronic device is executing the DCF mechanism, when the channel is idle, the electronic device needs to wait for the DIFS duration first, and then count down based on a random number before it can occupy the channel to send information frames. As a result, the electronic device needs to wait for a long time before it can occupy the channel to send information frames; this leads to a waste of air interface resources and increases the delay of the electronic device in sending information frames.

[0077] In addition, since there are multiple electronic devices that need to occupy channels to transmit information frames, and each electronic device has more services, the air interface services also increase. Furthermore, multiple electronic devices will need to occupy channels at the same time to transmit information frames, which increases the probability of conflict.

[0078] In one example, if two electronic devices use the same random number, the countdown of the random numbers of the two electronic devices reaches zero at the same time, or the countdown of the random numbers of the two electronic devices is the minimum, and then the two electronic devices simultaneously determine that they can occupy the channel to send information frames, resulting in the problem of information frames of the two electronic devices colliding at the air interface, and then the two electronic devices cannot successfully send information frames. The more electronic devices there are, the higher the probability will be. Moreover, after an electronic device generates a random number, if the above-mentioned conflict occurs, the electronic device will double the value of the random number. If the conflict still occurs again, the electronic device will double the value of the random number again; it can be seen that the electronic device will double the backoff window (i.e., the contention window), which further increases the delay. For example, the value range of the backoff window (i.e., the contention window) is [15, 1000]. Electronic device A randomly generates a random number from [0, 15] for the first time; if electronic device A conflicts with other electronic devices on the channel, electronic device A needs to randomly generate a random number from [0, 30], and so on, which leads to the random numbers used by electronic devices becoming larger and larger, and the delay in the electronic device transmitting information frames increases.

[0079] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, multiple electronic devices need to occupy channels, and one of the electronic devices will occupy the channel to send an information frame. For example, electronic device 01, electronic device 02, and electronic device 03 all need to occupy channel 02 to send an information frame.

[0080] FIG3 is a signaling diagram of a method for sending an information frame based on a channel state according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the method includes:

[0081] S31. If the electronic device determines that the channel state is idle within a fixed time period, it sends an information frame based on the channel at a specified time.

[0082] Among them, when the fixed duration is the duration before the first moment, the end moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, the designated moment is the first moment, and the first moment is the moment when the information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process; when the fixed duration is the duration after the first moment, the initial moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, and the designated moment is the end moment of the fixed duration after the first moment.

[0083] For example, in this embodiment, the electronic device monitors the channel status of the channel in real time. If the electronic device determines that the channel status of the channel is busy, it determines that the channel is occupied by other electronic devices. At this time, the electronic device needs to execute the DCF mechanism, that is, the electronic device first waits for a fixed distributed coordination function frame interval (DCF inter-frame space, DIFS) time. After the DIFS time has passed, the electronic device backs off with a random number in the backoff window (that is, counts down based on a random value). When the random value counts down to zero, or when the countdown of the random number is smaller than the countdown of the random number of other electronic devices, the electronic device will occupy the channel to send the information frame.

[0084] If an electronic device determines that the channel state is idle within a fixed duration, it determines that the channel is not occupied by other electronic devices. At this time, the electronic device does not execute the DCF mechanism and does not send information frames after a countdown based on a random number. If an electronic device determines that the channel state is idle within a fixed duration, it sends information frames based on the channel at a specified time; in this case, it waits for a fixed "fixed duration" without performing a random number backoff.

[0085] Among them, in the process of "if the electronic device determines that the channel state of the channel is idle within a fixed time period, then sending the information frame based on the channel at a specified time", the electronic device completes the sending of the information frame based on the following two implementation methods.

[0086] The first implementation method. The "moment when the information frame to be sent by the electronic device triggers the channel access process" is the first moment; wherein, the "information frame to be sent" is the first frame of each information frame in the buffer to be sent by the electronic device. The channel access process is triggered by the "first frame", and when the electronic device successfully accesses the channel, it enters the information frame sending process; before the information frame sending process is completed, a new channel access process will not be triggered by subsequent information frames. That is: if the channel access process has been triggered based on other information frames before a certain information frame is sent, a new channel access process will not be triggered before the information sending process ends. The electronic device has been monitoring the channel before the first moment, and the electronic device determines that the channel has been idle for a fixed time period before the first moment, then the electronic device directly occupies the channel to send the information frame at the first moment. Among them, the end moment of the fixed time period is the first moment. It can be seen that the electronic device does not perform random number backoff.

[0087] It can be seen that the electronic device has been monitoring the channel before the moment it is ready to trigger the channel access process. The electronic device is always in a non-sleep state. The electronic device starts to count a fixed time period from the moment it is ready to trigger the channel access process. If it is determined that the channel has been idle for this fixed time period (that is, it belongs to the channel idle scenario), the electronic device can directly occupy the channel to send information frames when the channel access process is triggered.

[0088] The second implementation method. The "moment when the electronic device has an information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process" is the first moment; wherein, the "information frame to be sent" is the first frame of each information frame in the buffer to be sent of the electronic device. The electronic device did not monitor the channel before the first moment, but because it is necessary to send an information frame at the first moment, the electronic device can turn on the channel monitoring function, and the electronic device monitors from the first moment, and then determines that the channel has been idle within a fixed time period from the first moment, then it can directly occupy the channel at the end of the fixed moment to send the information frame, that is, directly occupy the channel at the moment after the fixed time period after the first moment to send the information frame. Among them, the initial moment of the fixed time period is the first moment. It can be seen that the electronic device does not perform a random number backoff.

[0089] It can be seen that when the electronic device is about to send an information frame at the first moment, the electronic device turns on the channel monitoring function at the first moment, and the electronic device counts a fixed time period from the first moment. If it is determined that the channel has been idle during this fixed time period, it is determined that the current situation belongs to the channel idle scenario, and the electronic device directly occupies the channel to send information frames at the end of the fixed time period.

[0090] In addition, if the electronic device determines that the monitoring situation of the channel does not belong to the first and second implementation methods mentioned above, the electronic device determines that the channel is occupied by other electronic devices, that is, it determines that the current scenario is that the channel is busy. At this time, the electronic device needs to execute the DCF mechanism, that is, the electronic device first waits for a fixed DIFS duration, and after the DIFS duration, it backs off using a random number in the backoff window (that is, counts down based on a random value). When the random value counts down to zero, or when the countdown of the random number is smaller than the countdown of the random number of other electronic devices, the electronic device will occupy the channel to send information frames.

[0091] S32: If it is determined that the information frame fails to be sent based on the channel at the designated time, the information frame is resent based on the distributed coordination function DCF mechanism.

[0092] For example, in the above process, if the electronic device fails to send an information frame based on the channel at a specified time, for example, the electronic device and other electronic devices are both occupying the channel, then a conflict is determined to have occurred, and the current electronic device fails to send an information frame based on the channel at the specified time. Then, the current electronic device needs to implement the DCF mechanism; that is, the electronic device first waits for a fixed DIFS duration, and after the DIFS duration, backs off using a random number in the backoff window (that is, counts down based on a random value). When the random value counts down to zero, or when the countdown of the random number is smaller than the countdown of the random number of other electronic devices, the electronic device will occupy the channel to send the information frame.

[0093] In this embodiment, the electronic device has been monitoring the channel before the moment of triggering the channel access process, and the electronic device is always in a non-sleep state. The electronic device counts a fixed time period from the moment of triggering the channel access process. If it is determined that the channel has been idle for this fixed time period (i.e., it belongs to the channel idle scenario), the electronic device can directly occupy the channel to send information frames at the moment of triggering the channel access process. Alternatively, if the electronic device is to send information frames at the moment of triggering the channel access process, the electronic device turns on the channel monitoring function at the moment of triggering the channel access process. The electronic device counts a fixed time period from the moment of triggering the channel access process. If it is determined that the channel has been idle for this fixed time period, it is determined that it is currently in the channel idle scenario. The electronic device directly occupies the channel to send information frames at the end of the fixed time period. Therefore, there is no need to execute the DCF mechanism, thereby reducing the waste of air interface resources and reducing the delay of the electronic device in sending information frames.

[0094] FIG4 is a signaling diagram of another method for sending an information frame based on a channel state according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the method includes:

[0095] S41: If the electronic device determines that the channel state is idle within a fixed time period, it sends an information frame based on the channel at a specified time.

[0096] Among them, when the fixed duration is the duration before the first moment, the end moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, the designated moment is the first moment, and the first moment is the moment when the information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process; when the fixed duration is the duration after the first moment, the initial moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, and the designated moment is the end moment of the fixed duration after the first moment.

[0097] In one example, the fixed duration is greater than or equal to the distributed coordination function interframe distance DIFS duration. For example, the fixed duration is equal to the sum of the DIFS duration and the duration occupied by one time slot.

[0098] Alternatively, in one example, the fixed duration corresponds to the access category level of the electronic device, and the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is greater than or equal to the arbitration interframe spacing (AIFS) duration corresponding to the access category level. For example, the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is equal to the sum of the AIFS duration corresponding to the access category level and the duration occupied by one time slot.

[0099] In one example, when the fixed time period is a time period before the first moment, the electronic device is in a non-sleep state before the initial moment of the fixed time period.

[0100] In one example, when the fixed time period is a time period after the first moment, the electronic device is in a dormant state before the initial moment of the fixed time period.

[0101] For example, in this embodiment, the electronic device monitors the channel status of the channel in real time. If the electronic device determines that the channel status of the channel is busy, it determines that the channel is occupied by other electronic devices. At this time, the electronic device needs to execute the DCF mechanism, that is, the electronic device first waits for a fixed distributed coordination function frame interval (DCF inter-frame space, DIFS) time. After the DIFS time has passed, the electronic device backs off with a random number in the backoff window (that is, counts down based on a random value). When the random value counts down to zero, or when the countdown of the random number is smaller than the countdown of the random number of other electronic devices, the electronic device will occupy the channel to send the information frame.

[0102] If the electronic device determines that the channel state is idle, it determines that the channel is not occupied by other electronic devices. At this time, the electronic device does not execute the DCF mechanism and does not send information frames after a random number countdown. If the electronic device determines that the channel state is idle within a fixed duration, it sends information frames based on the channel at the specified time; in this case, it waits for a fixed "fixed duration" without performing a random number backoff.

[0103] Among them, in the process of "if the electronic device determines that the channel state of the channel is idle within a fixed time period, then sending the information frame based on the channel at a specified time", the electronic device completes the sending of the information frame based on the following two implementation methods.

[0104] The first implementation method. The "moment when the electronic device has an information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process" is the first moment; wherein, the "information frame to be sent" is the first frame of all information frames in the buffer to be sent of the electronic device. The electronic device has been monitoring the channel before the first moment, and the electronic device determines that the channel has been idle for a fixed period of time before the first moment, then the electronic device directly occupies the channel to send the information frame at the first moment. The end moment of the fixed period is the first moment. It can be seen that the electronic device does not perform random number backoff.

[0105] The fixed duration is greater than or equal to the DIFS duration. The fixed duration is a fixed period of time and does not include random numbers. For example, the fixed duration is equal to the sum of the DIFS duration and the duration of a time slot, that is, fixed duration = DIFS duration + a slot time.

[0106] Alternatively, the electronic device has multiple access category (AC) levels, each fixed duration corresponds to each AC level, and the fixed duration corresponding to the AC level is greater than or equal to the arbitration inter-frame space (AIFS) duration corresponding to the AC level. The fixed duration is a fixed period of time and does not include a random number. For example, the fixed duration corresponding to the AC level is equal to the sum of the AIFS duration corresponding to the AC level and the duration occupied by a time slot, that is, the fixed duration corresponding to the AC level = the AIFS duration corresponding to the AC level + a slot time.

[0107] Furthermore, since "the electronic device has been monitoring the channel before the first moment, and the electronic device determines that the channel has been in an idle state for a fixed period of time before the first moment", in this case, the electronic device is in a non-sleep state before the initial moment of the fixed period of time.

[0108] It can be seen that the electronic device has been monitoring the channel before the channel access process is triggered, and the electronic device has been in a non-sleep state. The electronic device counts a fixed time period from the moment the channel access process is triggered. If it is determined that the channel has been idle for this fixed time period (that is, it belongs to the channel idle scenario), the electronic device can directly occupy the channel to send information frames when the channel access process is triggered.

[0109] The second implementation method. The "moment when the electronic device has an information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process" is the first moment; wherein, the "information frame to be sent" is the first frame of each information frame in the buffer to be sent of the electronic device. The electronic device did not monitor the channel before the first moment, but because it is necessary to send an information frame at the first moment, the electronic device can turn on the channel monitoring function, and the electronic device monitors from the first moment, and then determines that the channel has been idle within a fixed time period from the first moment, then it can directly occupy the channel at the end of the fixed moment to send the information frame, that is, directly occupy the channel at the moment after the fixed time period after the first moment to send the information frame. Among them, the initial moment of the fixed time period is the first moment. It can be seen that the electronic device does not perform a random number backoff.

[0110] The fixed duration is greater than or equal to the DIFS duration. The fixed duration is a fixed period of time and does not include random numbers. For example, the fixed duration is equal to the sum of the DIFS duration and the duration of a time slot, that is, fixed duration = DIFS duration + a slot time.

[0111] Alternatively, the electronic device has multiple AC levels, each with a fixed duration corresponding to each AC level, and the fixed duration corresponding to each AC level is greater than or equal to the AIFS duration corresponding to the AC level. The fixed duration is a fixed period of time and does not include random numbers. For example, the fixed duration corresponding to an AC level is equal to the sum of the AIFS duration corresponding to the AC level and the duration occupied by a time slot, that is, the fixed duration corresponding to the AC level = the AIFS duration corresponding to the AC level + a slot time.

[0112] Furthermore, since "the electronic device did not monitor the channel before the first moment, but since it is necessary to send an information frame at the first moment, the electronic device can turn on the channel monitoring function", in this case, the electronic device is in a sleep state before the initial moment of the fixed time length, or the electronic device is in a non-sleep state before the initial moment of the fixed time length.

[0113] It can be seen that when the electronic device is about to send an information frame at the first moment, the electronic device turns on the channel monitoring function at the first moment, and the electronic device counts a fixed time period from the first moment. If it is determined that the channel has been idle during this fixed time period, it is determined that the current situation belongs to the channel idle scenario, and the electronic device directly occupies the channel to send information frames at the end of the fixed time period.

[0114] In addition, if the electronic device determines that the monitoring situation of the channel does not belong to the first and second implementation methods mentioned above, the electronic device determines that the channel is occupied by other electronic devices, that is, it determines that the current scenario is that the channel is busy. At this time, the electronic device needs to execute the DCF mechanism, that is, the electronic device first waits for a fixed DIFS duration, and after the DIFS duration, it backs off using a random number in the backoff window (that is, counts down based on a random value). When the random value counts down to zero, or when the countdown of the random number is smaller than the countdown of the random number of other electronic devices, the electronic device will occupy the channel to send information frames.

[0115] S42: If it is determined that the information frame fails to be sent based on the channel at the designated time, the information frame is resent based on the distributed coordination function DCF mechanism.

[0116] For example, in the above process, if the electronic device fails to send an information frame based on the channel at a specified time, for example, the electronic device and other electronic devices are both occupying the channel, then a conflict is determined to have occurred, and the current electronic device fails to send an information frame based on the channel at the specified time. Then, the current electronic device needs to implement the DCF mechanism; that is, the electronic device first waits for a fixed DIFS duration, and after the DIFS duration, backs off using a random number in the backoff window (that is, counts down based on a random value). When the random value counts down to zero, or when the countdown of the random number is smaller than the countdown of the random number of other electronic devices, the electronic device will occupy the channel to send the information frame.

[0117] In this embodiment, the collision probability (i.e., collision rate) can be analyzed for busy channel scenarios (channel occupied by other electronic devices) and idle channel scenarios (channel not occupied by other electronic devices). The collision probability (i.e., collision rate) refers to the situation where multiple electronic devices occupy the same channel.

[0118] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the probability of receiving a packet according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, Figure 5 (a) is a schematic diagram of the probability of receiving a packet in a busy channel scenario, and Figure 5 (b) is a schematic diagram of the probability of receiving a packet in an idle channel scenario. The probability of receiving a packet refers to the probability that an electronic device will receive an information frame that it needs to send.

[0119] Each electronic device follows the following principles: if the channel is determined to be idle, the electronic device waits for the DIFS duration, and directly accesses the channel at the end of the DIFS duration; at the end of the DIFS duration, the electronic device does not execute the random number fallback mechanism in the DCF mechanism.

[0120] According to the above principles, the collision rate of the first electronic device directly sending information frames at time t3 (i.e., the end of the DIFS duration) and the collision rate of other electronic devices sending information frames in busy channel scenarios and idle channel scenarios is analyzed, that is, the collision rate of the first electronic device directly sending information frames at time t3 (i.e., the end of the DIFS duration) is calculated.

[0121] For busy channel scenarios, as shown in Figure 5 (a), the duration [t1, t2] is the transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration of the last electronic device occupying the channel, which is also the packet transmission duration. A first electronic device receives a packet during the period [t1, t2]. This indicates that the packet arrives within the TXOP period of the last electronic device occupying the channel. Starting at t2, the first electronic device waits for a DIFS duration before directly transmitting an information frame. The first electronic device does not perform a random number backoff, so it is necessary to calculate the collision rate of the first electronic device directly transmitting an information frame at t3 (i.e., the end of the DIFS duration).

[0122] In a busy channel scenario, other electronic devices that collide with the first electronic device on the channel must send packets before time t2. Therefore, calculating the collision rate of the first electronic device directly sending information frames at time t3 is actually calculating the probability P of packets sent by other electronic devices before time t2. collision .

[0123] Among them, in the channel busy scenario, the probability of packets from other electronic devices before time t2 includes two parts: one is the probability of packets before time t1 P1, and the other is the probability of packets during the duration [t1, t2] P2; thus, the probability of packets from other electronic devices before time t2 P is obtained. collision =P1+P2.

[0124] Here, P1 is a value greater than or equal to 0.

[0125] Assuming that the total probability density function of incoming packets from other electronic devices is p(t), we can calculate Here, p(t) at each moment is an assumed value greater than 0. The longer t2-t1 is, the larger P2 is. That is, the longer the TXOP duration of the last electronic device occupying the channel is, the greater the probability of an incoming packet. The larger p(t) is, the busier the other electronic devices are, and the greater the probability of an incoming packet P2 is.

[0126] Thus, the probability of packets from other electronic devices before time t2 can be obtained. That is, the collision rate of the first electronic device directly sending the information frame at time t3 (i.e., the end of the DIFS duration) is obtained.

[0127] It can be seen that the busier the channel (i.e., the larger p(t) is, the longer the TXOP duration of the last electronic device occupying the channel is), the greater the probability of a conflict resulting from sending packets directly on the channel without random backoff after the DIFS duration. Therefore, in a busy channel scenario, the first electronic device needs to implement the random number backoff mechanism in the DCF mechanism to reduce the probability of sending conflicts on the channel; that is, the first electronic device needs to wait for a DIFS duration from time t2, and then perform a random number backoff based on a random number at the end of the DIFS duration, time t3.

[0128] For the channel idle scenario, as shown in (b) in Figure 5, the first electronic device receives a packet at time t2; the first electronic device waits for a DIFS period from time t2 and directly sends an information frame. The first electronic device does not perform random number backoff, and it is necessary to calculate the collision rate of the first electronic device directly sending the information frame at time t3 (i.e., the end of the DIFS period).

[0129] Among them, in the channel idle scenario, calculating the collision rate of the first electronic device directly sending the information frame at time t3 is actually calculating the probability P of packets from other electronic devices at time t2 and before. collision .

[0130] Among them, the probability of packets from other electronic devices before time t2 includes two parts: one is the probability of packets before time t2 P3, and the other is the probability of packets at time t2 P4; thus, the probability of packets from other electronic devices before time t2 P collision =P3+P4.

[0131] Among them, since the channel is in an idle state at time t2 and remains idle within the fixed time length [t2, t3], and all electronic devices follow the rule of "waiting for a fixed time length (for example, the fixed time length is DIFS) after the channel is idle before directly accessing the channel", the probability of packets coming from other electronic devices before time t2 is P3 = 0.

[0132] Assuming that the total probability density function of incoming packets from other electronic devices is p(t), the probability of incoming packets from other electronic devices at time t2 can be obtained as Thus, we can get the probability P of packets coming from other electronic devices before time t2. collision = P3 + P4 = 0. That is, the collision rate P of the first electronic device directly sending the information frame at time t3 (i.e., the end of the DIFS duration) is obtained. collision =P3+P4=0.

[0133] As can be seen, as long as the channel is detected to be idle for a fixed period of time after the moment the channel access process is triggered (time t2), the probability of a collision on the channel when sending information frames at the end of the DIFS time (i.e., time t3) can be determined to be zero. Therefore, in the channel idle scenario, electronic devices do not need to implement the random number fallback mechanism in the DCF mechanism.

[0134] Figure 6 is a timing diagram of an electronic device sending an information frame provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, electronic device 1 can be an AP, and electronic device 2 and electronic device 3 can be STAs. Electronic device 2 and electronic device 3 are both associated with electronic device 1. At the initial moment, electronic device 2 and electronic device 3 both turn on the channel monitoring function (CCA awake) to monitor the busyness of the air interface in real time. "CCA awake" in Figure 6 means turning on the channel detection function; "channel idle" means the channel is idle; "data arrival" means an incoming packet (that is, it is determined that there is an information frame that needs to be sent); "CCA sleep" means turning off the channel detection function. CCA is clear channel assessment (CCA).

[0135] Among them, at time T(1) in Figure 6, electronic device 3 needs to send an information frame, and electronic device 3 determines that the channel is idle at time T(1). Since electronic device 3 has been monitoring the channel before time T(1), and electronic device 3 has determined that the channel is idle for a fixed time period (for example, fixed time period = DIFS time period + a Slot time) before time T(1), electronic device 3 does not execute the DCF mechanism, and electronic device 3 directly occupies the channel at time T(1) to send the information frame. At this time, electronic device 3 sends a request to send (RTS) frame to the channel at time T(1) to request to send the information frame; the AP feeds back a clear to send (CTS) frame to electronic device 3 to indicate that electronic device 3 is allowed to send the information frame; then, electronic device 3 uploads a protocol data unit (PPDU), wherein the PPDU information frame, and AP replies to electronic device 3 with a block acknowledgement (BA) frame. After a certain period of time, the TXOP duration of electronic device 3 ends.

[0136] Among them, during the TXOP duration of electronic device 3, electronic device 2 enters the sleep state, so the channel detection function of electronic device 2 is turned off (CCA sleep), that is, electronic device 2 no longer monitors the channel status of the channel. Then, electronic device 2 receives a packet at time T(2), and then electronic device 2 wakes up from the sleep state, and electronic device 2 turns on the channel monitoring function (CCA awake). Electronic device 2 determines that the channel has been idle for a fixed time (for example, fixed time = DIFS time + a Slot time) from the time the channel monitoring function is turned on. Then electronic device 2 does not execute the DCF mechanism, and electronic device 2 directly occupies the channel to send information frames at the end of the fixed time. At this time, electronic device 2 sends an RTS frame to the channel at the end of the fixed time to request to send an information frame; the AP feeds back a CTS frame to electronic device 2 to indicate that electronic device 2 is allowed to send an information frame; then, electronic device 2 uploads PPDU, wherein the PPDU information frame, AP replies to electronic device 2 with a BA frame, and after a certain time, the TXOP duration of electronic device 2 ends.

[0137] Among them, electronic device 3 receives a packet at time T(3), but time T(3) is within the TXOP time of electronic device 2. Therefore, electronic device 3 determines that the channel is occupied, and this is a busy channel scenario. Therefore, after the TXOP time of electronic device 2 ends, electronic device 3 needs to execute the DCF mechanism. That is, after the TXOP time of electronic device 2 ends, electronic device 3 first waits for a DIFS duration, and then electronic device 3 counts down based on a random number. After electronic device 3 determines that the countdown of the random number is 0, the channel has been idle within the DIFS duration and the countdown duration, then electronic device 3 occupies the channel to send information frames. At this time, electronic device 3 sends an RTS frame to the channel when the countdown of the random number is 0 to request the transmission of the information frame; the AP feeds back a CTS frame to electronic device 3 to indicate that electronic device 3 allows the transmission of the information frame; then, electronic device 3 uploads PPDU, wherein the PPDU information frame, the AP replies to the electronic device 3 with a BA frame, and after a certain period of time, the TXOP duration of electronic device 3 ends.

[0138] The latency of transmitting information frames at different access category levels can be simulated to determine the latency. EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) has four access category levels: AC_BK, AC_BE, AC_VI, and AC_VO. Table 1 shows the data values ​​for different AC categories, including CWmin, CWmax, and AIFS. CWmin is the minimum contention window value, CWmax is the maximum contention window value, and AIFSN is the AIFS time corresponding to the AC category.

[0139] Table 1

[0140] Figure 7 is a delay simulation diagram for the AC_BK access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7(a) is a delay simulation diagram when the DCF mechanism is executed in a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and the access category level is AC_BK. The horizontal axis of Figure 7(a) is delay, and the vertical axis of Figure 7(a) is frequency. Figure 7(a) shows the frequency distribution of the transmission delay when sending information frames with a preset flow interruption duration.

[0141] Among them, AC_BK represents access categories (AC) and BK represents background services (BK).

[0142] Figure 7(b) is a latency simulation diagram for a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and an AC_BK access category without the DCF mechanism. This is a latency simulation diagram for the solution of this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 7(b) is latency, and the vertical axis is frequency. Figure 7(b) shows the frequency distribution of transmission latency when sending information frames at a preset traffic flow duration.

[0143] The sparse packet arrival scenario (ie, sparse air interface traffic) refers to a scenario where the electronic device needs to send information frames less frequently.

[0144] As can be seen from Figure 7, the delay in sending information frames based on the solution of this embodiment is lower and the delay is more concentrated. Wherein, "delay is more concentrated" means that the delay of each electronic device is within a small range.

[0145] Figure 8 is a first delay simulation diagram for the AC_BE access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8(a) is a delay simulation diagram when the DCF mechanism is executed in a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and the access category level is AC_BE. The horizontal axis of Figure 8(a) is delay, and the vertical axis of Figure 8(a) is frequency. Figure 8(a) shows the frequency distribution of the transmission delay when sending information frames with a preset flow duration.

[0146] In AC_BE, AC stands for access categories (AC), and BE stands for best effort (BE).

[0147] Figure 8(b) is a latency simulation diagram for a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and an AC_BE access category without the DCF mechanism. This diagram illustrates the latency simulation for the solution of this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 8(b) represents latency, and the vertical axis represents frequency. Figure 8(b) shows the frequency distribution of transmission latency when sending information frames at a preset traffic flow duration.

[0148] As can be seen from Figure 8, the delay in sending information frames based on the solution of this embodiment is lower and the delay is more concentrated. Wherein, "delay is more concentrated" means that the delay of each electronic device is within a small range.

[0149] Figure 9 is a first delay simulation diagram for the AC_VI access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9(a) is a delay simulation diagram when the DCF mechanism is executed in a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and the access category level is AC_VI. The horizontal axis of Figure 9(a) is delay, and the vertical axis of Figure 9(a) is frequency. Figure 9(a) shows the frequency distribution of the transmission delay when sending information frames with a preset flow duration.

[0150] In AC_VI, AC represents access categories (AC) and VI represents video services (VI).

[0151] Figure 9(b) is a latency simulation diagram for a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and an AC_VI access category without the DCF mechanism. This is a latency simulation diagram for the solution of this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 9(b) is latency, and the vertical axis is frequency. Figure 9(b) shows the frequency distribution of transmission latency when sending information frames at a preset traffic flow duration.

[0152] As can be seen from Figure 9, the delay in sending information frames based on the solution of this embodiment is lower and more concentrated. "More concentrated delay" means that the delays of various electronic devices are all within a small range.

[0153] Figure 10 is a delay simulation diagram for the AC_VO access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 10(a) is a delay simulation diagram when the DCF mechanism is executed in a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and the access category level is AC_VO. The horizontal axis of Figure 10(a) is delay, and the vertical axis of Figure 10(a) is frequency. Figure 10(a) shows the frequency distribution of the transmission delay when sending information frames with a preset flow duration.

[0154] Among them, AC_VO is access categories (AC), and VO is voice service (VO).

[0155] Figure 10(b) is a latency simulation diagram for a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and when the DCF mechanism is not implemented at the AC_VO access category level, i.e., a latency simulation diagram for the implementation of the solution of this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 10(b) is latency, and the vertical axis of Figure 10(b) is frequency. Figure 10(b) shows the frequency distribution of transmission latency when sending information frames at a preset traffic flow duration.

[0156] As can be seen from Figure 10, the delay in sending information frames based on the solution of this embodiment is lower and the delay is more concentrated. Wherein, "delay is more concentrated" means that the delay of each electronic device is within a small range.

[0157] Figure 11 is a second delay simulation diagram for the AC_BK access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 11(a) is a delay simulation diagram when the DCF mechanism is executed in a fully loaded packet scenario (i.e., air interface service is close to saturation) and the access category level is AC_BK. The horizontal axis of Figure 11(a) is delay, and the vertical axis of Figure 11(a) is frequency. Figure 11(a) shows the frequency distribution of the transmission delay when sending information frames with a preset flow duration.

[0158] Figure 11(b) is a latency simulation diagram for a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and an AC_BK access category without the DCF mechanism. This is a latency simulation diagram for the solution of this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 11(b) is latency, and the vertical axis is frequency. Figure 11(b) shows the frequency distribution of transmission latency when sending information frames at a preset traffic flow duration.

[0159] The fully loaded incoming packet scenario (ie, the air interface service is close to saturation) refers to a scenario in which the electronic device needs to send information frames at a high frequency.

[0160] As can be seen from Figure 11, the delays of sending information frames based on the solution of this embodiment are more concentrated. Here, "delays are more concentrated" means that the delays of various electronic devices are all within a small range.

[0161] Figure 12 is a second delay simulation diagram for the AC_BE access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 12(a) is a delay simulation diagram when the DCF mechanism is executed in a fully loaded packet scenario (i.e., air interface service is close to saturation) and the access category level is AC_BE. The horizontal axis of Figure 12(a) is delay, and the vertical axis of Figure 12(a) is frequency. Figure 12(a) shows the frequency distribution of the transmission delay when sending information frames with a preset flow duration.

[0162] Figure 12(b) is a latency simulation diagram for a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and when the DCF mechanism is not implemented at the AC_BE access category level, i.e., a latency simulation diagram for the implementation of the solution of this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 12(b) is latency, and the vertical axis of Figure 12(b) is frequency. Figure 12(b) shows the frequency distribution of transmission latency when sending information frames at a preset traffic flow duration.

[0163] As can be seen from Figure 12, the delays of sending information frames based on the solution of this embodiment are more concentrated. Here, "delays are more concentrated" means that the delays of various electronic devices are all within a small range.

[0164] Figure 13 is a second delay simulation diagram for the AC_VI access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 13(a) is a delay simulation diagram when the DCF mechanism is executed in a fully loaded packet scenario (i.e., air interface traffic is close to saturation) and the access category level is AC_VI. The horizontal axis of Figure 13(a) is delay, and the vertical axis of Figure 13(a) is frequency. Figure 13(a) shows the frequency distribution of the transmission delay when sending information frames with a preset flow duration.

[0165] Figure 13(b) is a latency simulation diagram for a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and an AC_VI access category without the DCF mechanism. This diagram illustrates the latency simulation for the solution of this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 13(b) represents latency, and the vertical axis represents frequency. Figure 13(b) shows the frequency distribution of transmission latency when sending information frames at a preset traffic flow duration.

[0166] As can be seen from Figure 13, the delays of sending information frames based on the solution of this embodiment are more concentrated. Here, "delays are more concentrated" means that the delays of various electronic devices are all within a small range.

[0167] Figure 14 is a second delay simulation diagram for the AC_VO access category level provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 14(a) is a delay simulation diagram when the DCF mechanism is executed in a fully loaded packet scenario (i.e., air interface service is close to saturation) and the access category level is AC_VO. The horizontal axis of Figure 14(a) is delay, and the vertical axis of Figure 14(a) is frequency. Figure 14(a) shows the frequency distribution of the transmission delay when sending information frames with a preset flow duration.

[0168] Figure 14(b) is a latency simulation diagram for a sparse packet arrival scenario (i.e., sparse air interface traffic) and when the DCF mechanism is not implemented at the AC_VO access category level, i.e., a latency simulation diagram for the implementation of the solution of this embodiment. The horizontal axis of Figure 14(b) is latency, and the vertical axis of Figure 14(b) is frequency. Figure 14(b) shows the frequency distribution of transmission latency when sending information frames at a preset traffic flow duration.

[0169] As can be seen from Figure 14, the delays in sending information frames based on the solution of this embodiment are more concentrated. Here, "delays are more concentrated" means that the delays of various electronic devices are all within a small range.

[0170] It can be seen from the above simulation diagram that based on the solution of this embodiment, the DCF mechanism is not executed when the channel is idle, but the solution of this embodiment is executed, which can make the delay distribution more concentrated in the low value area, especially in the sparse packet arrival scenario, which can effectively reduce the delay.

[0171] In this embodiment, the electronic device monitors the channel before triggering the channel access process, and the electronic device is always in a non-sleep state. Starting from the moment the channel access process is triggered, the electronic device counts a fixed period of time. If it is determined that the channel has been idle for this fixed period of time (i.e., it is a channel idle scenario), the electronic device can directly occupy the channel to send information frames when the channel access process is triggered. Alternatively, if the electronic device is about to send information frames when the channel access process is triggered, the electronic device activates the channel monitoring function at the moment the channel access process is triggered. The electronic device counts a fixed period of time from the moment the channel access process is triggered. If it is determined that the channel has been idle for this fixed period of time, it is determined that it is currently in a channel idle scenario. At the end of the fixed period of time, the electronic device directly occupies the channel to send information frames. As a result, there is no need to execute the DCF mechanism, thereby reducing the waste of air interface resources and the delay of the electronic device sending information frames. In addition, the DCF mechanism based on random number doubling is not executed, further reducing the delay of the electronic device sending information frames. Furthermore, since the DCF mechanism based on random number doubling is not executed, conflicts can be reduced when multiple electronic devices need to occupy a channel to transmit information frames.

[0172] The above describes in detail the method for sending an information frame based on the channel state according to an embodiment of the present application. The following describes the device for sending an information frame based on the channel state according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0173] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a device for transmitting information frames based on channel state, provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device in this embodiment of the present application can be the electronic device described in the method embodiment above, or it can be one or more chips within the electronic device. The device can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the terminal device described in the method embodiment above. The device can include the following units and modules.

[0174] The sending unit 151 is used to send an information frame based on the channel at a specified time if it is determined that the channel state of the channel is an idle state within a fixed time period; wherein, when the fixed time period is a time period before the first time period, the end time period of the fixed time period is the first time period, the specified time period is the first time period, and the first time period is the time period when the information frame to be sent is used to trigger the channel access process; when the fixed time period is a time period after the first time period, the initial time period of the fixed time period is the first time period, and the specified time period is the end time period of the fixed time period after the first time period.

[0175] The sending unit 151 is further configured to: if it is determined that the information frame fails to be sent based on the channel at the designated time, resend the information frame based on the distributed coordination function DCF mechanism.

[0176] The sending module 151 is used to execute the communication action of the terminal device in the above embodiment.

[0177] In one example, the fixed duration is greater than or equal to the distributed coordination function interframe distance DIFS duration. For example, the fixed duration is equal to the sum of the DIFS duration and the duration occupied by one time slot.

[0178] Alternatively, in one example, the fixed duration corresponds to the access category level of the electronic device, and the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is greater than or equal to the arbitration interframe spacing (AIFS) duration corresponding to the access category level. For example, the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is equal to the sum of the AIFS duration corresponding to the access category level and the duration occupied by one time slot.

[0179] In one example, when the fixed time period is a time period before the first moment, the electronic device is in a non-sleep state before the initial moment of the fixed time period.

[0180] In one example, when the fixed time period is a time period after the first moment, the electronic device is in a dormant state before the initial moment of the fixed time period.

[0181] The apparatus of this embodiment can be used to execute the actions of the terminal device in the above method. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0182] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG16 , the electronic device includes: a processor 1601 , a transmitter 1602 , and a receiver 1603 .

[0183] Processor 1601 can be used to execute the processing process of the electronic device in the above method embodiment, or the program of the various units and modules shown in the above embodiment. Processor 1601 calls the program to execute the operation of the above method embodiment to implement the various units and modules shown in the above embodiment.

[0184] Optionally, the electronic device may further include a memory 1604 , and the memory 1604 is used to store program codes and data of the electronic device.

[0185] Optionally, the electronic device may further include a bus 1605. The processor 1601, transmitter 1602, receiver 1603, and memory 1604 may be interconnected via the bus 1605; the bus 1605 may be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, for example. The bus 1605 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, for example. For ease of illustration, FIG16 shows only one thick line, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0186] In the embodiments of the present application, the above embodiments can refer to and learn from each other, and the same or similar steps and nouns will not be repeated one by one.

[0187] Alternatively, some or all of the above modules may be implemented by being embedded in a chip of the device in the form of an integrated circuit. They may be implemented separately or integrated together. In other words, the above modules may be configured as one or more integrated circuits that implement the above methods, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital singular processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0188] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which program code is stored. When the program code is executed by a processor of a communication device, the above method is implemented.

[0189] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, and when the program code contained in the computer program product is executed by a processor in an electronic device, the above method is implemented.

[0190] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes at least one electronic device provided by the above embodiment.

[0191] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and so forth in the embodiments and accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar items and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. Furthermore, the terms "including," "comprising," and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to indicate a non-exclusive inclusion, e.g., inclusion of a list of steps or elements. A method, system, product, or apparatus is not necessarily limited to the steps or elements specifically listed but may include other steps or elements not specifically listed or inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0192] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" 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 or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0193] It should be understood that in this application, the size of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The term "coupling" mentioned in this application is used to express the intercommunication or interaction between different components, which can include direct connection or indirect connection through other components.

[0194] In the above embodiments of the present application, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function according to the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, etc.) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk and tape; it can be an optical medium, such as a DVD; it can also be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0195] In the embodiments of this application, memory refers to a device or circuit capable of storing data or information and providing instructions and data to a processor. Memory includes read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, and the like.

[0196] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for sending information frames based on channel status, characterized in that The method includes: If it is determined that the channel state of the channel is idle within a fixed duration, an information frame is sent based on the channel at a specified moment; Wherein, when the fixed duration is the duration before the first moment, the end moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, the specified moment is the first moment, and the first moment is the moment for the information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process; when the fixed duration is the duration after the first moment, the start moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, and the specified moment is the end moment of the fixed duration after the first moment.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The fixed duration is greater than or equal to the Distributed Coordination Function Inter-Frame Space (DIFS) duration.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The fixed duration is equal to the sum of the DIFS duration and the duration occupied by one time slot.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The fixed duration corresponds to the access category level of the electronic device, and the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is greater than or equal to the Arbitration Inter-Frame Space (AIFS) duration corresponding to the access category level.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is equal to the sum of the AIFS duration corresponding to the access category level and the duration occupied by one time slot.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, When the fixed duration is the duration before the first moment, the electronic device is in a non-sleep state before the start moment of the fixed duration.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, When the fixed duration is the duration after the first moment, the electronic device is in a sleep state before the start moment of the fixed duration.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is determined that the sending of the information frame based on the channel at the specified moment fails, the information frame is re-sent based on the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) mechanism.

9. An information frame sending device based on channel state, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: A sending unit, configured to send an information frame based on the channel at a specified moment if it is determined that the channel state of the channel is idle within a fixed duration; Wherein, when the fixed duration is the duration before the first moment, the end moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, the specified moment is the first moment, and the first moment is the moment for the information frame to be sent to trigger the channel access process; when the fixed duration is the duration after the first moment, the start moment of the fixed duration is the first moment, and the specified moment is the end moment of the fixed duration after the first moment.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fixed duration is greater than or equal to the Distributed Coordination Function Inter-Frame Space (DIFS) duration.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fixed duration is equal to the sum of the DIFS duration and the duration occupied by one time slot.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein The fixed duration corresponds to the access category level of the electronic device, and the fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is greater than or equal to the Arbitration Inter-Frame Space (AIFS) duration corresponding to the access category level.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The fixed duration corresponding to the access category level is equal to the sum of the AIFS duration corresponding to the access category level and the duration occupied by one time slot.

14. The device according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, When the fixed duration is the duration before the first moment, the electronic device is in a non-sleep state before the start moment of the fixed duration.

15. The device according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, When the fixed duration is the duration after the first moment, the electronic device is in a sleep state before the start moment of the fixed duration.

16. The device according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that The sending unit is further configured to: If it is determined that the transmission of the information frame based on the channel at the specified moment fails, the information frame is retransmitted based on the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) mechanism.

17. An electronic device, characterized in that, Comprising: a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver; the transmitter and the receiver are coupled to the processor, the processor controls the transmission action of the transmitter, and the processor controls the reception action of the receiver; wherein, the memory is configured to store computer-executable program code, and the program code includes instructions; when the processor executes the instructions, the instructions cause the electronic device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Computer-executable instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, they are used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, Comprising a computer program, which when executed by the processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

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