Communication method and device and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of communication, and provide a communication method and device, and a storage medium. The method is applied to an AP and comprises: determining a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame is used for indicating load information of at least one first secondary channel for which channel sensing is performed, and the first secondary channel is obtained by means of negotiation with at least one associated STA; and sending the first radio frame. The embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an indication manner for load information of a secondary channel.

Description

Communication method, device and storage medium Technical Field

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

[0002] The continuous development of Ultra High Reliability (UHR) technology is placing higher demands on system throughput and transmission latency. To improve system throughput and reduce transmission latency, when the primary channel is busy, communication devices can switch to a secondary channel for communication, thereby improving system throughput and reducing transmission latency.

[0003] In order to facilitate the communicating parties to access the secondary channel more quickly and accurately for communication when the primary channel is busy, it is necessary to strengthen the relevant research on the load information of the secondary channel.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, device, and storage medium.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, applied to an AP, the method comprising:

[0007] Determining a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing; wherein the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA;

[0008] Send the first wireless frame.

[0009] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, applied to a first STA, the method including:

[0010] A first wireless frame is received, where the first wireless frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing, where the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA, and the first STA is associated with the AP.

[0011] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AP, including:

[0012] a processing module, configured to determine a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing; wherein the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA;

[0013] The transceiver module is configured to send a first wireless frame.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a STA, including:

[0015] The transceiver module is used to receive a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing, where the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, comprising one or more processors;

[0017] When the communication device acts as an AP, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect of the embodiment of this disclosure; when the communication device acts as an STA, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect of the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes an AP and a STA; wherein the AP is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect, and the STA is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect.

[0020] Based on the communication method, device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for indicating load information about a secondary channel after an AP and a STA complete negotiation of the secondary channel can be provided.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be given in part in the following description, which will become apparent from the following description or be learned through practice of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG4 is a second flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a structure of an AP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG6 is a second structural diagram of a STA shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a device, and a storage medium.

[0032] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is applied to an AP and includes:

[0033] Determining a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing; wherein the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA;

[0034] Send the first wireless frame.

[0035] In the above embodiment, after the AP conducts secondary channel negotiation with the associated STA, it can indicate the load information of the first channel for channel listening negotiated with at least one associated STA through the first wireless frame, so that the corresponding associated STA can select the first channel for channel listening based on the load information of the first channel when the main channel is busy, thereby realizing rapid channel switching and improving communication efficiency.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0037] During the initial association process with each STA, a secondary channel negotiation is performed with the corresponding STA.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes at least one first information field, each of the first information fields corresponds to a different channel bandwidth, each of the first information fields includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit in each of the first information fields corresponds to a different sub-channel of the corresponding channel bandwidth, and each of the first identification bits indicates, by a first value, that the corresponding sub-channel is a first sub-channel;

[0039] The above-mentioned first wireless frame includes a second information field associated with each first information field, each of the above-mentioned second information fields includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field in each of the above-mentioned second information fields includes load information of a first channel indicated by the corresponding first information field.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the first radio frame can use different identification bits in each first information field to indicate whether a secondary channel with different channel bandwidths is on the primary channel, which helps associated STAs quickly determine the primary channel for channel sensing. Furthermore, the first radio frame can also use each first sub-information field in each second information field to indicate the load information of each primary channel, which helps associated STAs quickly determine the load information of each primary channel, thereby helping to improve the efficiency of channel switching and sensing, and thus improve communication efficiency.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the load information of each of the first channel includes at least one of the following:

[0042] Number of connected STAs;

[0043] The proportion of time during which the channel is perceived as busy.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the load information of each first channel may include the number of accessed STAs or the proportion of the time when the channel is perceived as busy, which is beneficial for both the AP and the associated STAs to perform channel switching listening based on at least one of the number of accessed STAs or the proportion of the time when the channel is perceived as busy, thereby achieving diversity in channel switching.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first radio frame includes at least one of the following:

[0046] Sending a first radio frame to all associated STAs in a broadcast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated with each associated STA;

[0047] Sending a first radio frame to each associated STA in a unicast manner, wherein the first radio frame sent to each associated STA is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA;

[0048] Among them, the at least one first channel negotiated with each associated STA includes all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA, or includes 20MHz secondary channels other than the working channel in all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the AP can simultaneously indicate the load information of the first channel for channel listening negotiated with all associated STAs to all associated STAs in a broadcast manner, or it can separately indicate the load information of the first channel for channel listening negotiated with the corresponding associated STA to each associated STA in a unicast manner, so that the indication method of the load information can adapt to the requirements of different communication scenarios and improve the indication diversity of the load information.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0051] A second radio frame is sent according to a preset period, where the second radio frame is used to update the load information of each of the first channels.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the AP can update the load information of each first channel according to a preset period, so that the AP and the associated STA can always perform channel switching listening according to the latest load information, thereby improving the effectiveness of channel switching listening and improving communication quality.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0054] When the primary channel negotiated with each associated STA is busy, the secondary channel is sensed according to the load information of the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA.

[0055] In the above embodiment, when the primary channel with each associated STA is busy, the AP can directly perform secondary channel listening based on the load information of the first channel indicated to the associated STA, without having to obtain the load information of the first channel again, thereby improving the efficiency of channel switching listening.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the performing of secondary channel sensing based on the load information of the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA includes:

[0057] Switch to a second channel for channel sensing, wherein the second channel includes at least one of the following:

[0058] A secondary channel in which the number of access STAs in the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA meets the first quantity condition;

[0059] The secondary channel in which the proportion of the duration of the channel perceived busy in the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA meets the first duration condition.

[0060] In the above embodiment, when the main channel of the associated STA is busy, the AP may select a secondary channel whose number of access STAs meets the first number condition for channel listening, and / or select a secondary channel whose proportion of the duration of the channel perception busy meets the first duration condition for channel listening, thereby realizing diversified listening of the secondary channels and improving communication quality.

[0061] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is applied to a first STA and includes:

[0062] A first wireless frame is received, where the first wireless frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing, where the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA, and the first STA is associated with the AP.

[0063] In the above embodiment, after the first STA conducts secondary channel negotiation with the AP, it can determine the load information of the first channel for channel listening negotiated with at least one associated STA through the first wireless frame. This allows the first STA to select the first channel for channel listening based on the load information of the first channel when the main channel is busy, thereby achieving rapid channel switching and improving communication efficiency.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0065] During the initial association process with the AP, a secondary channel negotiation is performed with the AP.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes at least one first information field, each of the first information fields corresponds to a different channel bandwidth, each of the first information fields includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit in each of the first information fields corresponds to a different sub-channel of the corresponding channel bandwidth, and each of the first identification bits indicates, by a first value, that the corresponding sub-channel is a first sub-channel;

[0067] The above-mentioned first wireless frame includes a second information field associated with each first information field, each of the above-mentioned second information fields includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field in each of the above-mentioned second information fields includes load information of a first channel indicated by the corresponding first information field.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the first radio frame can use different identification bits in each first information field to indicate whether a secondary channel with different channel bandwidths is on the primary channel, which helps associated STAs quickly determine the primary channel for channel sensing. Furthermore, the first radio frame can also use each first sub-information field in each second information field to indicate the load information of each primary channel, which helps associated STAs quickly determine the load information of each primary channel, thereby helping to improve the efficiency of channel switching and sensing, and thus improve communication efficiency.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the load information of each of the first channels includes at least one of the following:

[0070] Number of connected STAs;

[0071] The proportion of time during which the channel is perceived as busy.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the load information of each first channel may include the number of accessed STAs or the proportion of the time when the channel is perceived as busy, which is beneficial for both the AP and the associated STAs to perform channel switching listening based on at least one of the number of accessed STAs or the proportion of the time when the channel is perceived as busy, thereby achieving diversity in channel switching.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving of the first radio frame includes at least one of the following:

[0074] receiving a first radio frame sent by the AP in a broadcast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and each associated STA;

[0075] receiving a first radio frame sent by the AP in a unicast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and the first STA;

[0076] Among them, the at least one first channel negotiated by the above-mentioned AP and each associated STA includes all secondary channels for channel monitoring negotiated by the above-mentioned AP and the corresponding associated STA, or includes 20MHz secondary channels other than the working channel among all secondary channels for channel monitoring negotiated by the above-mentioned AP and the corresponding associated STA.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the first STA can receive the first wireless frame in a broadcast or unicast manner, and determine the load information of the first channel for channel listening negotiated with the AP based on the first wireless frame, so that the way the first STA obtains the load information of the first channel can adapt to different communication scenario requirements and improve the indication diversity of the load information.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0079] A second radio frame is received according to a preset period, where the second radio frame is used to update the load information of each of the first channels.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the first STA can obtain the latest load information of each first channel according to a preset period, so that the first STA can always perform channel switching listening according to the latest load information, thereby improving the effectiveness of channel switching listening and improving communication quality.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0082] When the primary channel negotiated with the AP is busy, the secondary channel is sensed according to the load information of the first channel negotiated with the AP.

[0083] In the above embodiment, when the primary channel is busy, the first STA can directly perform secondary channel listening based on the load information of the first channel indicated by the AP without obtaining the load information of the first channel again, thereby improving the efficiency of channel switching listening.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, performing secondary channel sensing based on load information of the first channel negotiated with the AP includes:

[0085] Switch to a second channel for channel sensing, wherein the second channel includes at least one of the following:

[0086] A secondary channel in which the number of STAs accessing the first channel negotiated with the AP meets the first quantity condition;

[0087] The secondary channel in which the proportion of the duration of the channel being perceived as busy in the first channel negotiated with the AP meets the first duration condition.

[0088] In the above embodiment, when the main channel is busy, the first STA may select a secondary channel whose number of access STAs meets the first number condition for channel listening, and / or select a secondary channel whose proportion of the duration of the channel perception being busy meets the first duration condition for channel listening, thereby realizing diversified listening of the secondary channels and improving communication quality.

[0089] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AP, including:

[0090] a processing module, configured to determine a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing; wherein the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA;

[0091] The transceiver module is configured to send a first wireless frame.

[0092] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a STA, including:

[0093] The transceiver module is used to receive a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing, where the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA.

[0094] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, comprising one or more processors;

[0095] In which, when the above-mentioned communication device acts as an AP, the above-mentioned processor executes the communication method provided in the first aspect and the optional implementation method of the first aspect, or when acting as an STA, the above-mentioned processor executes the communication method provided in the second aspect and the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0096] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0097] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0098] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0099] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0100] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes an AP and an STA; wherein the AP is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the STA is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0101] It is understandable that the aforementioned AP, STA, communication system, communication device, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system is used to perform the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0102] The present disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" are interchangeable, the terms "communication device" and "information processing device" are interchangeable, and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0103] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0104] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0105] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "above", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0107] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0109] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0110] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0111] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0112] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0113] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0115] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0116] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0117] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0118] The continuous development of Ultra High Reliability (UHR) technology is placing higher demands on system throughput and transmission latency. To improve system throughput and reduce transmission latency, when the primary channel is busy, communication devices can switch to a secondary channel for communication, thereby improving system throughput and reducing transmission latency.

[0119] When the primary channel is busy, the communicating parties need to switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing before exchanging data. The existing switching to the secondary channel for channel sensing is divided into two ways: sequential sensing and simultaneous sensing. However, some secondary channels are also the primary channels of certain Basic Service Sets (BSSs). In this case, the secondary channel and the BSS will also form an overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS). In order for the communicating parties to transmit more quickly and reduce latency, a mechanism is needed to assist the communicating parties to quickly access the secondary channel. However, the existing mechanism only defines the BSS Load mechanism.

[0120] For example, the format of the BSS Load element is as shown in the following table:

[0121] The Element ID field and the Length field indicate the element ID and length respectively. The Station Count field indicates the total number of STAs currently associated with the BSS. The Channel Utilization field indicates the primary channel utilization. The Available Admission Capacity field is used to indicate the available access capacity.

[0122] For example, the format of the Extended BSS Load element is shown in the following table:

[0123] Among them, the Element ID field and Length field indicate the element ID and length respectively, the MU-MIMO Capable STA Count field indicates the total number of STAs currently associated with the BSS, the Spatial Stream Underutilization field indicates the time percentage of the underutilized spatial domain, the Observable Secondary 20MHz Utilization field indicates the observable load of the 20MHz secondary channel, the Observable Secondary 40MHz Utilization field indicates the observable load of the 40MHz secondary channel, and the Observable Secondary 80MHz Utilization field indicates the observable load of the 80MHz secondary channel.

[0124] For example, the format of the HE BSS Load element is shown in the following table:

[0125] Among them, the Element ID field and Length field indicate the element ID and length respectively, the Element ID Extension field is used to indicate element extension information, the HE STA Count field indicates the total number of STAs currently associated with the BSS, the Utilization field indicates the time when the transmission between the AP and HE STAs is busy, the Frequency Underutilization field indicates the percentage of time when the frequency domain resources are not fully utilized, and the Spatial Stream Underutilization field indicates the percentage of time when the spatial domain resources are not fully utilized.

[0126] The above BSS Load mechanism cannot meet all communication scenarios, nor can it meet the requirements of fast switching of secondary channels. Therefore, it is necessary to re-indicate the load information of the secondary channel.

[0127] To address the above issues, the following will further describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure in a clear and complete manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not constitute all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0128] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 1 , a communication system 100 includes an AP 101 and a first STA 102 .

[0130] The AP 101 may be an independent AP or an AP subordinate to an AP MLD, and the first STA 102 may be an independent STA or an STA subordinate to a Non-AP MLD, which is not limited here.

[0131] Among them, AP101 is associated with the first STA.

[0132] In some embodiments, the AP 101 and the first STA 102 may be terminal devices or network devices with Wi-Fi chips.

[0133] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0134] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or a portion of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The link relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be linked or unlinked, and the links may be of any type, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0135] The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs), such as IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11bf, 802.11be, or their successors, such as 802.11bn. Alternatively, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to wireless local area network systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle to X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, and fifth generation (5G) communication system.

[0136] FIG2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method shown in FIG2 includes:

[0137] S21: The first STA and the AP perform secondary channel negotiation during the initial association establishment process.

[0138] In some embodiments, a first STA located in a BSS where an AP is located performs secondary channel negotiation during an initial association process with the AP to determine at least one secondary channel for channel sensing.

[0139] The first STA may exchange channel-related information, such as channel status, available channel list, etc., with the AP through corresponding radio frames to determine at least one secondary channel for channel sensing.

[0140] After the first STA establishes an initial association with the AP, the first STA is associated with the AP.

[0141] S22: The AP sends the first wireless frame in a broadcast or unicast manner.

[0142] In some embodiments, after the AP negotiates with each associated STA at least one secondary channel for channel sensing, it may determine and send the first radio frame.

[0143] The first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA for channel sensing.

[0144] Among them, at least one first channel negotiated by the AP with each associated STA includes all secondary channels negotiated with the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing, or includes all secondary channels negotiated with the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing, except the working channel where the AP and the corresponding associated STA are located (such as other 20MHz secondary channels).

[0145] In some embodiments, the AP may send the first radio frame to all associated STAs in a broadcast manner.

[0146] In this case, the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and each associated STA for channel sensing.

[0147] As an example, after completing secondary channel negotiation with all associated STAs, the AP may broadcast a first radio frame to all associated STAs. The first radio frame indicates load information for all secondary channels negotiated with all STAs for channel sensing, or indicates load information for 20 MHz secondary channels other than the working channel of each associated STA among all secondary channels negotiated with all STAs for channel sensing.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field corresponds to a different channel bandwidth, each first information field includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit in each first information field corresponds to a different sub-channel of the corresponding channel bandwidth, and each first identification bit indicates that the corresponding sub-channel is the first channel through a first value, and indicates that the corresponding sub-channel is not the first channel through a second value.

[0149] The first value and the second value are different values. The first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0, which is not limited here.

[0150] For example, the first radio frame includes three first information fields, and each first information field corresponds to 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz, respectively.

[0151] For the first information field corresponding to 20MHz, the first information field includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit corresponds to a 20MHz sub-channel, and when the identification value of each first identification bit is the first value, the 20MHz sub-channel corresponding to the first identification bit is a first sub-channel.

[0152] Optionally, the first information fields included in the first radio frame may be a Secondary 20 MHz bitmap information field, a Secondary 40 MHz bitmap information field, and a Secondary 80 MHz bitmap information field.

[0153] For example, the Secondary 20 MHz bitmap information field includes at least one first identification bit. When the identification value of each first identification bit is a first value, the corresponding 20 MHz secondary channel is a first secondary channel.

[0154] In the case where the AP sends the first wireless frame by broadcasting, the first wireless frame may indicate, through at least one first information field, the load information of all sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with all associated STAs, or the load information of other sub-channels (such as a 20 MHz sub-channel) among all sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with all associated STAs, except the working channel of each associated STA.

[0155] For example, the first radio frame includes a Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, a Secondary 40MHz bitmap information field, and a Secondary 80MHz bitmap information field. The Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field indicates all 20MHz sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with all associated STAs, the Secondary 40MHz bitmap information field indicates all 40MHz sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with all associated STAs, and the Secondary 80MHz bitmap information field indicates all 80MHz sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with all associated STAs.

[0156] For example, the first radio frame includes a Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, which indicates, through the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, all 20MHz secondary channels negotiated with all associated STAs for channel sensing, excluding the working channel of each associated STA. In this case, in the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, the identification value of the first identification bit of the working channel of each associated STA is the second value.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a second information field associated with each first information field, each second information field includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field in each second information field includes load information of a first sub-channel indicated by the corresponding first information field.

[0158] For example, the first radio frame includes three first information fields, each corresponding to 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz. The first information field also includes three second information fields, each associated with one first information field.

[0159] For the second information field associated with the first information field corresponding to 20 MHz, the second information field includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field includes load information of a first sub-channel indicated by the first information field corresponding to 20 MHz.

[0160] As an example, the formats of the first information field and the second information field in the first radio frame may be as follows:

[0161] The first information fields included in the first radio frame may be the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, the Secondary 40MHz bitmap information field, and the Secondary 80MHz bitmap information field, and the second information fields included in the first radio frame may be the Each 20MHz utilization information field, the Each 40MHz utilization information field, and the Each 40MHz utilization information field.

[0162] Each 20MHz utilization information field includes at least one first sub-information field, each of which includes load information for a primary channel (20MHz) indicated by the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field. Each 40MHz utilization information field includes at least one first sub-information field, each of which includes load information for a primary channel (40MHz) indicated by the Secondary 40MHz bitmap information field. Each 80MHz utilization information field includes at least one first sub-information field, each of which includes load information for a primary channel (80MHz) indicated by the Secondary 80MHz bitmap information field.

[0163] In the case where the AP sends the first radio frame in a broadcast manner, the first radio frame may indicate the load information of all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated with all associated STAs in the above format.

[0164] As an example, the formats of the first information field and the second information field in the first radio frame may also be as follows:

[0165] The first information field included in the first radio frame is the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, and the second information field included in the first radio frame may be the Each 20MHz utilization information field. When the AP sends the first radio frame via broadcast, the Each 20MHz utilization information field includes at least one first sub-information field, each of which includes other 20MHz secondary channels in the primary channel (20MHz) indicated by the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, excluding the working channels of all associated STAs.

[0166] At this time, the identification value of the first identification bit corresponding to the working channel of each associated STA in the Secondary 20 MHz bitmap information field is the second value.

[0167] In some embodiments, the AP may send the first radio frame to each associated STA separately in a unicast manner.

[0168] In this case, the first radio frame sent by the AP to each associated STA is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing.

[0169] Among them, at least one first channel negotiated by the AP with each associated STA includes all secondary channels negotiated with the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing, or includes all secondary channels negotiated with the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing, except the working channel where the AP and the corresponding associated STA are located (such as other 20MHz secondary channels).

[0170] As an example, after the AP completes secondary channel negotiation with any associated STA, it may send a first radio frame to the associated STA via unicast. The first radio frame is used to indicate load information of all secondary channels negotiated with the associated STA for channel sensing, or to indicate load information of other 20 MHz secondary channels, excluding the associated STA's working channel, among all secondary channels negotiated with the associated STA for channel sensing.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field corresponds to a different channel bandwidth, each first information field includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit in each first information field corresponds to a different sub-channel of the corresponding channel bandwidth, and each first identification bit indicates that the corresponding sub-channel is the first channel through a first value, and indicates that the corresponding sub-channel is not the first channel through a second value.

[0172] The first value and the second value are different values. The first value can be 1 and the second value can be 0, which is not limited here.

[0173] For example, the first radio frame includes three first information fields, and each first information field corresponds to 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz, respectively.

[0174] For the first information field corresponding to 20MHz, the first information field includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit corresponds to a 20MHz sub-channel, and when the identification value of each first identification bit is the first value, the 20MHz sub-channel corresponding to the first identification bit is a first sub-channel.

[0175] Optionally, the first information fields included in the first radio frame may be a Secondary 20 MHz bitmap information field, a Secondary 40 MHz bitmap information field, and a Secondary 80 MHz bitmap information field.

[0176] For example, the Secondary 20 MHz bitmap information field includes at least one first identification bit. When the identification value of each first identification bit is a first value, the corresponding 20 MHz secondary channel is a first secondary channel.

[0177] In the case where the AP sends the first wireless frame in a unicast manner, the first wireless frame sent by the AP to each associated STA can indicate the load information of all sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA through at least one first information field, or indicate the load information of other sub-channels (such as 20MHz sub-channels) among all sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA except the working channel of the corresponding associated STA.

[0178] For example, the AP sends a first radio frame to the first STA via unicast. The first radio frame includes a Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, a Secondary 40MHz bitmap information field, and a Secondary 80MHz bitmap information field. The Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field indicates all secondary channels negotiated with the first STA for channel sensing, the Secondary 40MHz bitmap information field indicates all 40MHz secondary channels negotiated with the first STA for channel sensing, and the Secondary 80MHz bitmap information field indicates all 80MHz secondary channels negotiated with the first STA for channel sensing.

[0179] For example, the AP sends a first radio frame to the first STA via unicast. The first radio frame includes a Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field. The Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field indicates all 20MHz sub-channels negotiated with the first STA for channel sensing, excluding the first STA's working channel. At this time, in the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, the identification value of the first identification bit associated with the working channel of the first associated STA is the second value.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a second information field associated with each first information field, each second information field includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field in each second information field includes load information of a first sub-channel indicated by the corresponding first information field.

[0181] For example, the first radio frame includes three first information fields, each corresponding to 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz. The first information field also includes three second information fields, each associated with one first information field.

[0182] For the second information field associated with the first information field corresponding to 20 MHz, the second information field includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field includes load information of a first sub-channel indicated by the first information field corresponding to 20 MHz.

[0183] As an example, the formats of the first information field and the second information field in the first radio frame may be as follows:

[0184] The first information fields included in the first radio frame may be the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, the Secondary 40MHz bitmap information field, and the Secondary 80MHz bitmap information field, and the second information fields included in the first radio frame may be the Each 20MHz utilization information field, the Each 40MHz utilization information field, and the Each 40MHz utilization information field.

[0185] Each 20MHz utilization information field includes at least one first sub-information field, each of which includes load information for a primary channel (20MHz) indicated by the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field. Each 40MHz utilization information field includes at least one first sub-information field, each of which includes load information for a primary channel (40MHz) indicated by the Secondary 40MHz bitmap information field. Each 80MHz utilization information field includes at least one first sub-information field, each of which includes load information for a primary channel (80MHz) indicated by the Secondary 80MHz bitmap information field.

[0186] When the AP sends the first radio frame to each associated STA respectively in a unicast manner, the first radio frame sent by the AP to each associated STA can indicate the load information of all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA in the above manner.

[0187] As an example, the formats of the first information field and the second information field in the first radio frame may also be as follows:

[0188] The first information field included in the first radio frame is the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, and the second information field included in the first radio frame may be the Each 20MHz utilization information field. When the AP sends the first radio frame to each associated STA via unicast, the Each 20MHz utilization information field in the first radio frame sent to each associated STA includes at least one first sub-information field, each of which includes other 20MHz secondary channels indicated by the Secondary 20MHz bitmap information field, in addition to the working channel of the corresponding associated STA.

[0189] At this time, the identification value of the first identification bit corresponding to the working channel of the responding associated STA in the Secondary 20 MHz bitmap information field in the first radio frame sent by each associated STA is the second value.

[0190] In some embodiments, the load information of each first channel includes at least one of the number of access STAs or the proportion of time during which the channel is perceived to be busy.

[0191] The number of STAs accessing each first channel indicates the total number of STAs accessing the first channel. The proportion of the duration of the channel being perceived as busy for each first channel indicates the proportion of the duration of the first channel being perceived as busy to the measurement duration within a certain measurement period.

[0192] As an example, each first sub-information field in each second information field in the first wireless frame may include at least one field, each field indicating the number of access STAs and the proportion of the duration of the channel perception busy.

[0193] In some embodiments, since the load information of the secondary channel for channel listening negotiated between the AP and each associated STA may change in real time, such as changes in the number of STAs accessing the secondary channel, the AP may update the load information of all first channels for channel listening negotiated with all associated STAs according to a preset period.

[0194] Specifically, the AP may send a second radio frame according to a preset period, where the second radio frame is used to update the load information of each first channel.

[0195] The AP may send the second radio frame to all associated STAs in a broadcast manner according to a preset period.

[0196] In this case, the second radio frame is used to update load information of all first-time channels negotiated between the AP and each STA for channel sensing.

[0197] As an example, the AP may send a second wireless frame to all associated STAs by broadcasting according to a preset period, where the second wireless frame is used to indicate the latest load information of all sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with all STAs, or used to indicate the latest load information of other 20MHz sub-channels among all sub-channels for channel sensing negotiated with all STAs, except the working channel of each associated STA.

[0198] The AP may send the second radio frame to each associated STA in a unicast manner according to a preset period.

[0199] In this case, the second radio frame sent by the AP to each associated STA is used to update the load information of all first-time channels negotiated between the AP and the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing.

[0200] As an example, the AP may send a second radio frame to the associated STA via unicast according to a preset period. The second radio frame is used to indicate the latest load information of all secondary channels negotiated with the associated STA for channel sensing, or to indicate the latest load information of other 20 MHz secondary channels, excluding the associated STA's working channel, among all secondary channels negotiated with the associated STA for channel sensing.

[0201] The manner in which the second radio frame carries the latest load information of each first channel can refer to the manner in which the first radio frame carries the load information of the first channel, and will not be repeated here.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second wireless frame may be a beacon frame or an unsolicited probe response frame.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first radio frame may be a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0204] S23 , when the primary channel negotiated with the AP is busy, the first STA performs secondary channel sensing according to load information of the first channel negotiated with the AP.

[0205] In some embodiments, for a first STA (ie, any STA associated with an AP), the first STA may perform channel sensing according to load information of a first channel negotiated with the AP when the primary channel negotiated with the AP is busy.

[0206] Among them, when the AP updates the load information of the first channel negotiated with the first STA according to a preset period, the first STA needs to perform channel listening according to the latest load information of the first channel negotiated with the AP when the main channel negotiated with the AP is busy.

[0207] Specifically, if the load information of each primary channel includes the number of access STAs, the first STA can determine a secondary channel whose number of access STAs meets the first number condition from all the primary channels negotiated with the AP and use it as the secondary channel. The first STA can then switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing.

[0208] Optionally, if the load information of each primary channel includes the duration ratio of the channel being perceived as busy, the first STA may determine, from all the primary channels negotiated with the AP, a secondary channel whose duration ratio of the channel being perceived as busy meets the first duration condition, and use it as the secondary channel. The first STA may then switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing.

[0209] Optionally, when the load information of each first channel includes the number of access STAs and the proportion of the duration in which the channel is perceived as busy, the first STA may first determine whether there is a secondary channel among all the first channels negotiated with the AP whose number of access STAs meets the first quantity condition. If so, the first STA may use the secondary channel with the smallest number of access STAs as the secondary channel and switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing. If not, the first STA may use the secondary channel with the smallest proportion of the duration in which the channel is perceived as busy among all the first channels negotiated with the AP as the secondary channel and switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing.

[0210] Alternatively, when the load information of each first channel includes the number of accessed STAs and the proportion of the duration when the channel is perceived as busy, the first STA may first determine whether there is a secondary channel among all the first channels negotiated with the AP whose proportion of the duration when the channel is perceived as busy meets the first duration condition. If so, the first STA may determine the secondary channel with the smallest proportion of the duration when the channel is perceived as busy as the second channel and switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing. If not, the first STA may determine the secondary channel with the smallest number of accessed STAs among all the first channels negotiated with the AP as the second channel and switch to the second channel for channel sensing.

[0211] Alternatively, when the load information of each first channel includes the number of access STAs and the proportion of the time when the channel is perceived as busy, the first STA can determine, from all the first channels negotiated with the AP, a secondary channel in which the number of access STAs meets the first number condition and the proportion of the time when the channel is perceived as busy meets the first time condition, and determine the secondary channel as the second channel, and then switch to the second channel for channel listening.

[0212] S24 , when the primary channel negotiated with each associated STA is busy, the AP performs channel sensing according to the load information of the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA.

[0213] In some embodiments, when the primary channel negotiated with each associated STA is busy, the AP performs channel sensing according to load information of the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA.

[0214] Among them, when the AP updates the load information of the first channel negotiated with each STA according to a preset period, when the main channel negotiated with each associated STA is busy, the AP needs to perform channel listening based on the latest load information of the first channel negotiated with the responding associated STA.

[0215] Specifically, if the load information of each primary channel includes the number of accessed STAs, for each associated STA, the AP can determine, from all primary channels negotiated with the associated STA, a secondary channel whose number of accessed STAs meets the first number condition and use it as the secondary channel. The AP can then switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing.

[0216] Optionally, if the load information of each primary channel includes the duration ratio of the channel being perceived as busy, for each associated STA, the AP may determine, from all primary channels negotiated with the associated STA, a secondary channel whose duration ratio of the channel being perceived as busy meets the first duration condition, and use it as the secondary channel. The AP may then switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing.

[0217] Optionally, when the load information of each first channel includes the number of accessed STAs and the proportion of the duration in which the channel is perceived as busy, for each associated STA, the AP may first determine whether there is a secondary channel among all the first channels negotiated with the associated STA whose number of accessed STAs meets the first quantity condition. If so, the AP may use the secondary channel with the smallest number of accessed STAs as the secondary channel and switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing. If not, the AP may use the secondary channel with the smallest proportion of the duration in which the channel is perceived as busy among all the first channels negotiated with the associated STA as the secondary channel and switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing.

[0218] Alternatively, when the load information of each first channel includes the number of accessed STAs and the proportion of the duration when the channel is perceived as busy, for each associated STA, the AP may first determine whether there is a secondary channel among all the first channels negotiated with the associated STA whose proportion of the duration when the channel is perceived as busy meets the first duration condition. If so, the AP may determine the secondary channel with the smallest proportion of the duration when the channel is perceived as busy as the second channel and switch to the secondary channel for channel sensing. If not, the AP may determine the secondary channel with the smallest number of accessed STAs among all the first channels negotiated with the associated STA as the second channel and switch to the second channel for channel sensing.

[0219] Alternatively, when the load information of each first channel includes the number of access STAs and the proportion of the time when the channel is perceived as busy, for each associated STA, the AP can determine, from all the first channels negotiated with the associated STA, a secondary channel in which the number of access STAs meets the first quantity condition and the proportion of the time when the channel is perceived as busy meets the first time condition, and determine the secondary channel as the second channel, and then switch to the second channel for channel listening.

[0220] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned steps and embodiments. For example, any one of steps S21-S24 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S21-S24 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As an example, steps S21-S24 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S21-S22 and S24 may be implemented as independent embodiments.

[0221] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , the method is executed by an AP and includes:

[0222] S31, determining a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing, where the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA.

[0223] In some embodiments, the AP may perform secondary channel negotiation with each STA during the initial association process with the corresponding STA. Specific implementations can be found in step S21 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0224] In some embodiments, at least one first channel negotiated by the AP with each associated STA includes all secondary channels negotiated with the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing, or includes all secondary channels negotiated with the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing, except for the working channel where the AP and the corresponding associated STA are located (such as other 20MHz secondary channels).

[0225] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field corresponds to a different channel bandwidth, each first information field includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit in each first information field corresponds to a different sub-channel of the corresponding channel bandwidth, and each first identification bit indicates that the corresponding sub-channel is a first sub-channel through a first value;

[0226] The first radio frame includes a second information field associated with each first information field, each second information field includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field in each second information field includes load information of a first sub-channel indicated by the corresponding first information field.

[0227] The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S22 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0228] In some embodiments, the load information of each first-pass channel includes at least one of the following:

[0229] Number of connected STAs;

[0230] The proportion of time during which the channel is perceived as busy.

[0231] The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S22 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0232] In some embodiments, the manner in which the AP sends the first radio frame may include at least one of the following:

[0233] Sending a first radio frame to all associated STAs in a broadcast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated with each associated STA;

[0234] Sending a first radio frame to each associated STA in a unicast manner, wherein the first radio frame sent to each associated STA is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA;

[0235] Among them, the at least one first channel negotiated with each associated STA includes all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA, or includes 20MHz secondary channels other than the working channel in all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA.

[0236] The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S22 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0237] In some embodiments, the AP may further send a second radio frame according to a preset period, and the second radio frame is used to update the load information of each first channel. For specific implementation methods, please refer to the relevant implementation methods in step S22 in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] In some embodiments, after indicating the load information of the first channel, the AP may also perform secondary channel listening according to the load information of the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA when the main channel negotiated with each associated STA is busy. The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S24 in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0239] In some embodiments, when the AP performs secondary channel sensing according to load information of the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA, the process includes:

[0240] Switch to a second channel for channel sensing, where the second channel includes at least one of the following:

[0241] A secondary channel in which the number of access STAs in the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA meets the first quantity condition;

[0242] The secondary channel in which the proportion of the duration of the channel perceived busy in the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA meets the first duration condition.

[0243] The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S24 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0244] S32, sending a first wireless frame.

[0245] In some embodiments, the manner in which the AP sends the first wireless frame can refer to the implementation manner in which the AP sends the first wireless frame in step S22 in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0246] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned steps and embodiments. For example, any one of steps S31 and S32 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S31 and S32 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0247] FIG4 is a second flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 , the method is executed by a first STA, and the method includes:

[0248] S41: Receive a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing, where the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first STA is associated with an AP.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first STA may perform secondary channel negotiation with the AP during the initial association process with the AP. Specific implementations can be found in step S21 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0251] In some embodiments, the AP may perform secondary channel negotiation with each STA during the initial association process. The at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and each associated STA includes all secondary channels negotiated with the associated STA for channel sensing, or includes other secondary channels (e.g., other 20 MHz secondary channels) among all secondary channels negotiated with the associated STA for channel sensing, excluding the working channel between the AP and the associated STA.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes at least one first information field, each of the first information fields corresponds to a different channel bandwidth, each of the first information fields includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit in each of the first information fields corresponds to a different sub-channel of the corresponding channel bandwidth, and each of the first identification bits indicates, by a first value, that the corresponding sub-channel is a first sub-channel;

[0253] The first radio frame includes a second information field associated with each first information field, each second information field includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field in each second information field includes load information of a first sub-channel indicated by the corresponding first information field.

[0254] The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S22 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0255] In some embodiments, the load information of each of the first channels includes at least one of the following:

[0256] Number of connected STAs;

[0257] The proportion of time during which the channel is perceived as busy.

[0258] The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S22 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0259] In some embodiments, a first STA receives a first radio frame including at least one of the following:

[0260] receiving a first radio frame sent by the AP in a broadcast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and each associated STA;

[0261] receiving a first radio frame sent by the AP in a unicast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and the first STA;

[0262] Among them, at least one first channel negotiated by the AP and each associated STA includes all secondary channels negotiated by the AP and the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing, or includes 20MHz secondary channels other than the working channel in all secondary channels negotiated by the AP and the corresponding associated STA for channel sensing, and the first STA is associated with the AP.

[0263] The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S22 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first STA may also receive a second wireless frame according to a preset period, and the second wireless frame is used to update the load information of each of the first channels. For specific implementation methods, please refer to the relevant implementation methods in step S22 in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0265] In some embodiments, when the main channel negotiated with the AP is busy, the first STA performs secondary channel monitoring based on the load information of the first channel negotiated with the AP. For specific implementation methods, please refer to the relevant implementation methods in step S23 in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first STA performs secondary channel sensing according to load information of the first channel negotiated with the AP, including:

[0267] Switch to a second channel for channel sensing, wherein the second channel includes at least one of the following:

[0268] A secondary channel in which the number of STAs accessing the first channel negotiated with the AP meets a first quantity condition;

[0269] A secondary channel in which the proportion of the duration of the channel being perceived as busy in the first channel negotiated with the AP meets the first duration condition.

[0270] The specific implementation method can be found in the relevant implementation method in step S23 in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0271] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5 , an AP 500 may include a processing module 510 and a transceiver module 520 .

[0272] In some embodiments, the processing module 510 is configured to determine a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is configured to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated with at least one associated STA for channel sensing.

[0273] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 520 is configured to send a first wireless frame.

[0274] Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module 510 is used to execute at least one of the processing steps (for example, step S24, step S31, but not limited to this) performed by the AP device in any of the above methods, and the above-mentioned transceiver module 520 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (for example, step S21-step S22, step S32, but not limited to this) performed by the AP device in any of the above methods, and the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0275] FIG6 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , STA 600 may include a transceiver module 610 .

[0276] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 610 is configured to receive a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA for channel sensing.

[0277] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (such as step S41 and step S21, but not limited thereto) executed by the first STA in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0278] It should be understood that the division of the above units or modules is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, including a processor connected to a memory, the memory storing instructions, and the processor calling the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or the functions of the above units or modules, where the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory inside or outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of some or all of the above units or modules are realized by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the remaining part by the form of hardware circuits.

[0279] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the above hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable, such as a hardware circuit implemented by a processor as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0280] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 700 can be a first network device or a second network device, or can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first network device or the second network device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0281] As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701. The processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 700 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0282] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 may be located outside the communication device 700.

[0283] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more transceivers 703. When the communication device 700 includes one or more transceivers 703, the transceiver 703 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, steps S21-S22, step S32, and step S41, but not limited thereto), and the processor 701 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S23-S24, and step S31, but not limited thereto).

[0284] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0285] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may include one or more interface circuits 704. Optionally, the interface circuit 704 is connected to the memory 702. The interface circuit 704 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 702 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 702 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 704 may read instructions stored in the memory 702 and send the instructions to the processor 701.

[0286] The communication device 700 described in the above embodiment may be a first network device or a second network device, but the scope of the communication device 700 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 700 may not be limited by FIG. 7 . The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the above communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0287] 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chip 800 includes one or more processors 801, and the chip 800 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0288] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more interface circuits 803. Optionally, interface circuit 803 is connected to memory 802. Interface circuit 803 can be used to receive signals from memory 802 or other devices, and interface circuit 803 can be used to send signals to memory 802 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 803 can read instructions stored in memory 802 and send the instructions to processor 801.

[0289] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 803 executes at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S21-step S22, step S32, step S41, but not limited to these), and the processor 801 executes at least one of the other steps (for example, step S23-step S24, step S31, but not limited to these).

[0290] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0291] In some embodiments, the chip 800 further includes one or more memories 802 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memory 802 may be external to the chip 800.

[0292] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 700, the communication device 700 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0293] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 700, enables the communication device 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0294] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute any of the above methods. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of disclosure involved in the present disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by a specific combination of the above-mentioned technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above-mentioned technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the above-mentioned disclosed concepts. For example, the above-mentioned features are replaced with the technical features with similar functions disclosed in the present disclosure (but not limited to) and the technical solutions formed.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to an AP, the method includes: Determining a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing; wherein the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA; The first radio frame is sent.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: During the initial association process with each STA, a secondary channel negotiation is performed with the corresponding STA.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first radio frame includes at least one first information field, each of the first information fields corresponds to a different channel bandwidth, each of the first information fields includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit in each of the first information fields corresponds to a different sub-channel of the corresponding channel bandwidth, and each of the first identification bits indicates, by a first value, that the corresponding sub-channel is a first sub-channel; The first radio frame includes a second information field associated with each first information field, each second information field includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field in each second information field includes load information of a first sub-channel indicated by the corresponding first information field.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The load information of each of the first channels includes at least one of the following: Number of connected STAs; The proportion of time during which the channel is perceived as busy.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending of the first radio frame includes at least one of the following: Sending a first radio frame to all associated STAs in a broadcast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated with each associated STA; Sending a first radio frame to each associated STA in a unicast manner, wherein the first radio frame sent to each associated STA is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA; Among them, the at least one first channel negotiated with each associated STA includes all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA, or includes 20MHz secondary channels other than the working channel in all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated with the corresponding associated STA.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second radio frame is sent according to a preset period, where the second radio frame is used to update the load information of each of the first channels.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the primary channel negotiated with each associated STA is busy, the secondary channel is sensed according to the load information of the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The performing secondary channel sensing according to the load information of the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA includes: Switch to a second channel for channel sensing, wherein the second channel includes at least one of the following: A secondary channel in which the number of access STAs in the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA meets the first quantity condition; The secondary channel in which the proportion of the duration of the channel perceived busy in the first channel negotiated with the corresponding associated STA meets the first duration condition.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first STA, the method includes: A first radio frame is received, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing, where the first channel is negotiated between an AP and at least one associated STA, and the first STA is associated with the AP.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Perform secondary channel negotiation with the AP during the process of establishing an initial association with the AP.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first radio frame includes at least one first information field, each of the first information fields corresponds to a different channel bandwidth, each of the first information fields includes at least one first identification bit, each first identification bit in each of the first information fields corresponds to a different sub-channel of the corresponding channel bandwidth, and each of the first identification bits indicates, by a first value, that the corresponding sub-channel is a first sub-channel; The first radio frame includes a second information field associated with each first information field, each second information field includes at least one first sub-information field, and each first sub-information field in each second information field includes load information of a first sub-channel indicated by the corresponding first information field.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The load information of each of the first channels includes at least one of the following: Number of connected STAs; The proportion of time during which the channel is perceived as busy.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The receiving the first radio frame includes at least one of the following: receiving a first radio frame sent by the AP in a broadcast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and each associated STA; receiving a first radio frame sent by the AP in a unicast manner, wherein the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel negotiated between the AP and the first STA; Among them, the at least one first channel negotiated by the AP and each associated STA includes all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated by the AP and the corresponding associated STA, or includes 20MHz secondary channels other than the working channel among all secondary channels for channel sensing negotiated by the AP and the corresponding associated STA.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second radio frame is received according to a preset period, where the second radio frame is used to update the load information of each of the first channels.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the primary channel negotiated with the AP is busy, the secondary channel is sensed according to the load information of the first channel negotiated with the AP.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The performing secondary channel sensing according to the load information of the first channel negotiated with the AP includes: Switch to a second channel for channel sensing, wherein the second channel includes at least one of the following: A secondary channel in which the number of STAs accessing the first channel negotiated with the AP meets a first quantity condition; A secondary channel in which the proportion of the duration of the channel being perceived as busy in the first channel negotiated with the AP meets the first duration condition.

17. An AP, characterized in that: include: a processing module, configured to determine a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing; wherein the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA; The transceiver module is configured to send a first wireless frame.

18. A STA, characterized in that: include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first radio frame, where the first radio frame is used to indicate load information of at least one first channel for channel sensing, where the first channel is negotiated between the AP and at least one associated STA.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The processor is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 16.

20. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 16.

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