Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. In the present application, a first frame sent by a first device by means of a first link comprises first indication information corresponding to a second link, the first indication information being used for determining a first duration, the first duration being a duration in which a device participating in a measurement occupies a channel on the second link, and the second link being different from the first link. Thus, in a multi-link coordination scenario, by means of one of the links, a TXOP of the other link can be protected to ensure communication and / or measurement performance in the multi-link coordination scenario.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410697763.X, filed on May 30, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) have evolved to the point where 802.11 is one of the mainstream wireless access standards, enjoying widespread commercial application over the past decade. 802.11bf is a next-generation wireless standard focusing on WLAN sensing. WLAN sensing allows devices with WLAN sensing capabilities to determine the characteristics of a predetermined target (such as an object, animal, or person) in a given environment based on received wireless signals. These characteristics include the target's distance, orientation, speed, movement, and behavior. 802.11az is a next-generation wireless standard focusing on positioning or ranging, which allows a device to measure its absolute and / or relative position relative to one or more other devices.

[0004] When performing sensing or ranging measurements at high frequencies, transmission opportunity (TXOP) protection on the high-frequency link is achieved by sending control frames on the high-frequency link. However, high-frequency links have limited coverage and are easily obstructed. When a device obtains a TXOP and sends control frames on the high-frequency link for TXOP protection, other devices may not receive the information in the control frames and may send data on the high-frequency link, leading to collisions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, which aims to protect the TXOP of other links through one link in a multi-link collaboration scenario, thereby ensuring communication and / or measurement performance in a multi-link collaboration scenario.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device, or by a chip or circuit in the first device, and this application does not limit the execution thereto. For ease of description, the following explanation uses execution by the first device as an example.

[0007] The method includes: generating a first frame, the first frame being used for measurement, the measurement being sensing measurement or ranging measurement; transmitting the first frame through a first link, the first frame including first indication information corresponding to a second link, the first indication information being used to determine a first duration, the first duration being the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, the second link being different from the first link.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the first frame sent by the first device through the first link includes first indication information, which indicates the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. This avoids collisions caused by non-participating devices sending data on the second link during the measurement period and ensures communication and / or measurement performance in multi-link collaborative scenarios. For example, if the first link is a low-frequency link and the second link is a high-frequency link, the large coverage of the low-frequency link can be utilized to better protect the TXOP on the high-frequency link, thereby helping to ensure the accuracy and precision of measurements performed through the high-frequency link.

[0009] For example, the first link is a low-frequency link and the second link is a high-frequency link, or the first link is a high-frequency link and the second link is a low-frequency link, or both the first link and the second link are low-frequency links, or both the first link and the second link are high-frequency links.

[0010] For example, the first frame is a control or management frame for measurement. For instance, the first frame can be a control or management frame for sensing measurements, such as at least one of the following frames: a sensing polling trigger frame, a cross-link sensing polling trigger frame, a clear to send (CTS) frame, a cross-link CTS frame, a require to send (RTS) frame, a cross-link RTS frame, a null data PPDU announcement (NDPA) frame, or an Integrated mmWave (IMMW) NDPA frame. For example, the first frame is a control or management frame used for ranging measurement. The first frame can be at least one of the following frames: ranging polling frame, cross link ranging polling trigger frame, CTS frame, cross link CTS frame, RTS frame, cross link RTS frame, ranging sounding trigger frame, cross link ranging sounding trigger frame, security sounding trigger frame, cross link secure sounding ranging trigger frame, passive trigger-based (TB) sounding trigger frame, and cross link passive sounding trigger frame.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first duration is not less than the duration of the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, or the first duration is not less than the duration of the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report; the first PPDU is used for measurement.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the second link until the last PPDU transmission for measurement is completed, thus ensuring that the device can perform the measurement smoothly and guarantee its accuracy. Alternatively, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the second link until the measurement report transmission is completed, thus ensuring that the device participating in the measurement can promptly feed back the measurement report on the second link. Furthermore, compared to the solution of switching to the first link to feed back the measurement report, the latency caused by link switching can be avoided.

[0013] For example, the end time of the first frame is one of the following: the first device sends the end time of the first frame, the second device receives the end time of the first frame, or the third device receives the end time of the first frame. The end time of the last first PPDU is one of the following: the device participating in the measurement sends the end time of the last first PPDU, or the device participating in the measurement receives the end time of the last PPDU. The end time of the measurement report is one of the following: the device participating in the measurement sends the end time of the measurement report, or the device participating in the measurement receives the end time of the measurement report.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a second frame through the first link, the second frame including second indication information, the second indication information being used to determine a second duration, the second duration being the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link.

[0015] For example, the second duration satisfies one of the following conditions: not less than the duration between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the third frame, where the third frame is a response frame to the first or second frame; or, not less than the duration between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the measurement report; or, not less than the duration between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the fourth frame, where the fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU, or, the fourth frame is a notification frame and the first PPDU is used for measurement; or, the second duration is 0.

[0016] The end time of the third frame is one of the following: the end time of the third frame is sent by the second device, or the end time of the third frame is received by the first device.

[0017] The fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU. For example, the fourth frame is an SR2SI detection trigger frame, or an SR2SR detection trigger frame, or a ranging detection trigger frame. Alternatively, the fourth frame is a declaration frame, for example, an NDPA frame. The end time of the fourth frame is one of the following: the first device sends the end time of the fourth frame, or the first device receives the end time of the fourth frame.

[0018] Based on the above technical solutions, the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link can end at the end of the third frame, thereby avoiding the device occupying the channel for an extended period and reducing channel resource consumption. Alternatively, the device participating in the measurement can occupy the channel on the first link continuously until the measurement report transmission ends, ensuring timely feedback of the measurement report. Or, the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link can end at the end of the fourth frame, thereby avoiding the device occupying the channel for an extended period and reducing channel resource consumption.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a second PPDU through a second link, the second PPDU occupying the channel of the second link in a first time period, the start time of the first time period not being earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period not being greater than the first duration.

[0020] The start time of the first frame is one of the following: the start time when the first device sends the first frame, or the start time when the second device receives the first frame.

[0021] Based on the above technical solution, sending the second PPDU through the second link can occupy the channel on the second link, thereby preventing devices other than those participating in the measurement from preempting the channel on the second link.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a third PPDU through the first link, the third PPDU occupying the channel of the first link in a second time period, the start time of the second time period not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period not greater than the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel of the first link.

[0023] Based on the above technical solution, sending the third PPDU through the first link can occupy the channel on the first link, thereby preventing devices other than those participating in the measurement from preempting the channel on the first link.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a third frame via a first link, the third frame being a response frame to the first frame, the third frame including third indication information, the third indication information being used to determine a third duration, the third duration being the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, the third duration satisfying one of the following conditions: not less than the duration between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, the first PPDU being used for measurement; or, not less than the duration between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report.

[0025] Based on the above technical solution, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the second link until the last first PPDU transmission ends, thus ensuring that the device can perform the measurement smoothly and guarantee the measurement accuracy. Alternatively, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the second link until the measurement report transmission ends, thus ensuring that the device participating in the measurement can promptly feed back the measurement report on the second link. Furthermore, compared to the solution of switching to the first link to feed back the measurement report, the latency caused by link switching can be avoided.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third frame further includes fourth indication information, which is used to determine a fourth duration. The fourth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link. The fourth duration satisfies one of the following conditions: it is 0; or it is not less than the duration between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report; or it is not less than the duration between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the fourth frame. The fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU, or the fourth frame is a notification frame.

[0027] Based on the above technical solutions, the device participating in the measurement can release the channel after transmitting the third frame on the first link, thus reducing channel resource occupation. Alternatively, the device participating in the measurement can occupy the channel on the first link until the measurement report transmission ends, ensuring timely feedback of the measurement report. Alternatively, the device participating in the measurement can occupy the channel on the first link until the end of the fourth frame, thus avoiding prolonged channel occupation and reducing channel resource occupation.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, the first PPDU being used for measurement, the method further includes: sending a fifth frame through the first link, the fifth frame including fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to determine the fifth duration, the fifth duration being the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, the fifth frame being used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement, or, the fifth frame including a measurement report of the measurement, the fifth duration being not less than the duration between the end time of the fifth frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, the first PPDU being used for measurement, the method further includes: sending a sixth frame through the first link, the sixth frame including sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to determine the sixth duration, the sixth duration being the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, the sixth frame being used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement, or, the sixth frame including a measurement report of the measurement, the sixth duration being not less than the duration between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first frame further includes seventh indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission of a second PPDU via the second link and / or the transmission of a third PPDU via the first link; the second PPDU occupies the channel of the second link in a first time period, the start time of the first time period is not earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is not greater than the first duration; the third PPDU occupies the channel of the first link in a second time period, the start time of the second time period is not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period is not greater than the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel of the first link.

[0031] Based on the above technical solution, the second device can send a second PPDU and / or a third PPDU according to the seventh instruction information. Sending the second PPDU through the second link can occupy the channel on the second link, thereby preventing devices other than the device participating in the measurement from preempting the channel on the second link; sending the third PPDU through the first link can occupy the channel on the first link, thereby preventing devices other than the device participating in the measurement from preempting the channel on the first link.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first frame also includes eighth indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission direction of the second PPDU and / or the third PPDU.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first frame also includes ninth indication information, which is used to determine the second link.

[0034] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first frame also includes tenth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of the first frame.

[0035] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device or a third device, or by a chip or circuit in the second or third device; this application does not limit this. For ease of description, the following explanation uses execution by a second or third device as an example.

[0036] The method includes: receiving a first frame through a first link, the first frame being used for measurement, the measurement being sensing measurement or ranging measurement, the first frame including first indication information corresponding to a second link, determining a first duration of the first indication information, the first duration being the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, the second link being different from the first link; and parsing the first frame.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: performing a measurement based on the first frame; or, keeping silent during the time the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, based on the first indication information.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first duration is not less than the duration of the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, or the first duration is not less than the duration of the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report; the first PPDU is used for measurement.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving a second frame via a first link, the second frame including second indication information, the second indication information being used to determine a second duration, the second duration being the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, and the second duration satisfies one of the following conditions: not less than the duration between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the third frame, where the third frame is a response frame to the first or second frame; or, not less than the duration between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the measurement report; or, not less than the duration between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the fourth frame, where the fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU, or, the fourth frame is a notification frame and the first PPDU is used for measurement; or, is 0.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a second PPDU through a second link, the second PPDU occupying the channel of the second link in a first time period, the start time of the first time period not being earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period not being greater than the first duration.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a third PPDU through the first link, the third PPDU occupying the channel of the first link in a second time period, the start time of the second time period not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period not greater than the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel of the first link.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a third frame through the first link, the third frame being a response frame to the first frame, the third frame including third indication information, the third indication information being used to determine a third duration, the third duration being the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, the third duration satisfying one of the following conditions: not less than the duration between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, the first PPDU being used for measurement; or, not less than the duration between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third frame further includes fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to determine the fourth duration. The fourth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link. The fourth duration satisfies one of the following conditions: it is 0; or it is not less than the duration between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report; or it is not less than the duration between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the fourth frame. The fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU, or the fourth frame is a notification frame.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU. The method further includes: receiving a fifth frame through the first link, the fifth frame including fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to determine the fifth duration, the fifth duration being the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, the fifth frame being used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement, or the fifth frame including a measurement report of the measurement, the fifth duration being not less than the duration between the end time of the fifth frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU. The method further includes: receiving a sixth frame through the first link, the sixth frame including sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to determine the sixth duration, the sixth duration being the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, the sixth frame being used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement, or the sixth frame including a measurement report of the measurement, the sixth duration being not less than the duration between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first frame further includes seventh indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission of a second PPDU via the second link and / or the transmission of a third PPDU via the first link; the second PPDU occupies the channel of the second link in a first time period, the start time of the first time period is not earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is not greater than the first duration; the third PPDU occupies the channel of the first link in a second time period, the start time of the second time period is not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period is not greater than the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel of the first link.

[0048] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first frame also includes eighth indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission direction of the second PPDU and / or the third PPDU.

[0049] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first frame also includes ninth indication information, which is used to determine the second link.

[0050] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first frame also includes tenth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of the first frame.

[0051] The technical effects of the methods shown in the second aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the first aspect and its possible designs.

[0052] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the first aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the first aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0053] In one implementation, the communication device is a first device, and the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. In one possible implementation, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. In another possible implementation, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0054] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in the first device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0055] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the second aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the second aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0056] In one implementation, the communication device is a second or third device, and the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. In one possible implementation, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. In another possible implementation, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0057] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in a second or third device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0058] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, causes the method of any one of the implementations of the first to second aspects described above to be performed.

[0059] Sixthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run, the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to second aspects described above is executed.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reading instructions through the communication interface and executing the method provided by any one of the implementations of the first to second aspects described above.

[0061] One possible implementation is that the chip further includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions, and a processor that executes the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor performs the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to second aspects described above.

[0062] Eighthly, a communication system is provided, including a communication device of the third aspect and a communication device of the fourth aspect.

[0063] Ninthly, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to second aspects to be executed. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0065] Figure 2 illustrates a communication device provided in this application.

[0066] Figure 3 shows several examples of trigger-based perception measurement interactions.

[0067] Figure 4 shows an example diagram of trigger-based perception measurement interaction.

[0068] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of how a perceived availability window can contain multiple perceived measurement interactions.

[0069] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a perceived availability window that can contain a perceived measurement interaction.

[0070] Figure 7 shows an example diagram of non-trigger-based perception measurement interaction.

[0071] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of an availability window that can contain multiple range measurement interactions.

[0072] Figure 9 shows an example diagram of the distance measurement interaction.

[0073] Figure 10 shows an example diagram of the reporting phase of the distance measurement interaction.

[0074] Figure 11 shows an example diagram of a non-trigger-based ranging measurement interaction.

[0075] Figure 12 shows an example diagram of passively triggered ranging measurement interaction.

[0076] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figures 14 to 25 show schematic flowcharts of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0078] Figures 26 to 28 show schematic diagrams of the frame structure of the first frame provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0079] Figure 29 shows a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the third frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 30 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0083] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0084] In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0085] The information indicated by the instruction is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0086] In this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., "#1," "#2," etc.) are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the processes described below do not imply an order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "S1410" are merely identifiers for descriptive convenience and do not limit the order of execution steps.

[0087] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0088] In the embodiments of this application, "storage" can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application is not limited to this.

[0089] In the implementation of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as the NR protocol and related protocols applied in future communication systems, and this application does not limit it.

[0090] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)", "corresponding", and "associate" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their distinctions are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0091] In the embodiments of this application, "under the circumstances", "when", and "if" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0092] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0093] In the accompanying drawings relating to message structures in this application, some examples of field lengths in the message are provided. It should be understood that the byte lengths shown in the accompanying drawings of this application are merely examples, and in actual applications, the length of any byte may vary.

[0094] The accompanying drawings in this application involve message structures, and some provide examples of field names in the message. It should be understood that the field names shown in the accompanying drawings of this application are merely examples, and in actual applications, the name of any field may change.

[0095] The accompanying drawings in this application's embodiments relate to the message structure. Some drawings indicate that a field's length of 0 or variable means it is optional; that is, when the field is not included in the message, its length is 0. If the field's length is variable, it means its length is uncertain. In actual design, the specific length of the field can be indicated by other information, or the sender and receiver can negotiate the field's length in advance, or the field's length is predefined, or the receiver can determine the field's length based on other auxiliary information when receiving a message carrying that field, and then parse the message. This application does not limit the method for determining the specific length of variable-length fields; refer to the descriptions of variable field lengths in SBP request frames in current related technologies, which will not be repeated here. The following text will not repeat the description of the length of variable-length fields involved in the message.

[0096] In this application embodiment, messages or frames are involved. No restrictions are placed on the message name or frame name, as long as the corresponding function can be achieved.

[0097] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, they support IEEE 802.11 related standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), also known as Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8), or the next-generation Wi-Fi 8 standard. They also include 802.11ad, 802.11ay standards, or Integrated mmWave (IMMW) protocols or Spark Link / Near Link protocols. They can also be applied to wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-wideband (UWB), such as the 802.15 series standards, and to sensing systems, such as the 802.11bf series standards. The 802.11ax standard is known as the high-efficiency (HE) standard, and the 802.11be standard is known as the extremely high throughput (EHT) standard. 802.11bf includes two main categories: low-frequency (e.g., sub7GHz) and high-frequency (e.g., 60GHz) standards. Sub7GHz implementations primarily rely on 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and next-generation standards, while 60GHz implementations primarily rely on 802.11ad, 802.11ay, and next-generation standards. 802.11ad can also be called the directional multi-gigabit (DMG) standard, and 802.11ay can also be called the enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) standard.

[0099] Although the embodiments of this application are primarily illustrated using the deployment of WLAN networks, particularly those employing the IEEE 802.11 system standard, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as high-performance radio local area networks (HIPERLANs), wireless wide area networks (WWANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), or other networks now known or developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0100] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: WLAN communication systems, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, 5th generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR) systems, 6th generation (6G) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) networks or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, etc.

[0101] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited to these. They will be uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0102] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication method provided by this application is applicable to data communication between access points (APs) (AP1 and AP2 shown in Figure 1) and stations (STAs) (non-AP STA1, non-AP STA2, and non-AP STA3 shown in Figure 1). A station can be a non-access point station (non-AP STA), simply referred to as a non-AP station or STA, while an AP can be called an access station. Specifically, the solution of this application is applicable to data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP stations (e.g., data communication between AP1 and non-AP STA1, non-AP STA2), data communication between APs (e.g., data communication between AP1 and AP2), and data communication between non-AP STAs (e.g., data communication between non-AP STA2 and non-AP STA3).

[0103] Access points are nodes that allow terminals (e.g., mobile phones) to access wired (or wireless) networks. They are mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, they can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0104] Specifically, the access point can be a terminal or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. This network device can be a server, router, switch, bridge, computer, mobile phone, relay station, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, network equipment in a 5G network, network equipment in a 6G network, or network equipment in a public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to these. The access point can be a device that supports Wi-Fi standards. For example, the access point can also support one or more standards of the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, or the IMW protocol or Star Flash protocol.

[0105] Non-AP sites can be wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals, and may also be referred to as users, user equipment (UE), access terminals, user units, user stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication equipment, user agents, or user devices. Non-AP sites can be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, IoT devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, terminal devices in 6G networks, or terminal devices in PLMNs, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to these. Non-AP sites can be devices that support WLAN standards. For example, non-AP sites can support one or more standards of the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay, or the IMW or Star Flash protocol.

[0106] For example, non-AP sites can be mobile phones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs, smart wearable devices, vehicle communication devices, computers, Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, sensors, smart home devices such as smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities.

[0107] The aforementioned AP or non-AP sites may include transmitters, receivers, memory, processors, etc., wherein the transmitter and receiver are used for transmitting and receiving packet structures, respectively, the memory is used for storing signaling information and pre-agreed preset values, etc., and the processor is used for parsing signaling information and processing related data, etc.

[0108] For example, Figure 2 illustrates a communication device provided in this application. The device shown in Figure 2 can be an access point (AP) or a non-AP site. The medium access control (MAC) layer processing module, physical (PHY) layer processing module, and radio frequency / antenna are used to implement the relevant functions of the transmitter and receiver mentioned above. As shown in Figure 2, in addition to the MAC layer processing module, PHY layer processing module, radio frequency / antenna, memory, and processor, the device may also include a controller and a scheduler.

[0109] It should be understood that Figure 2 is merely an example of an apparatus provided in this application and does not constitute a limitation of this application. For example, the apparatus may not include a controller and / or scheduler.

[0110] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, some terms or concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described first.

[0111] 1. Sensing Technology: Signals emitted by WiFi devices are typically reflected, diffracted, and scattered by various obstacles before being received by terminal devices. This phenomenon means that the actual received signal is often a superposition of multiple signals, meaning the channel environment can become complex. However, this also facilitates the sensing of the physical environment through which the wireless signal passes. By analyzing the wireless signal after being affected by various obstacles, such as channel state information (CSI), the surrounding environment can be inferred and sensed, thus giving rise to sensing technology.

[0112] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11bf is a next-generation wireless standard for WLAN sensing. WLAN sensing is the ability of devices with WLAN sensing capabilities to use received wireless signals in a given environment to determine the characteristics of a predetermined target (such as an object, animal, or person). These characteristics include the target's distance, orientation, speed, movement, and behavior.

[0113] Currently, the following roles mainly exist in WLAN sensing technology:

[0114] (1) Sensing initiator: The device that initiates sensing behavior.

[0115] (2) Sensing responder: A device that responds to the sensing behavior initiated by the sensing initiator and participates in the sensing behavior.

[0116] (3) Sensing transmitter (TX): A device that transmits physical protocol data units (PPDUs) for sensing measurements during the sensing process.

[0117] (4) Sensing receiver (RX): A device that receives PPDUs sent by the sensing transmitter and performs sensing measurements during the sensing process.

[0118] Sensing measurement is presented in the form of a session. The sensing measurement process includes: sensing capability interaction, sensing measurement session establishment, sensing measurement interaction, and sensing measurement closure. There are two forms of sensing measurement interaction: trigger-based (TB) sensing measurement exchange and non-trigger-based (non-TB) sensing measurement exchange. Trigger-based sensing measurement exchange is initiated by the AP (Agent Pilot) as the sensing initiator, while non-trigger-based sensing measurement exchange is initiated by a non-AP STA (Standard Pilot).

[0119] 2. Trigger-based perception measurement interaction:

[0120] Figure 3 illustrates several examples of trigger-based perceptual measurement interactions. As shown in Figure 3(a), the perceptual measurement interaction includes a polling phase, an NDPA sounding phase, and a reporting phase. As shown in Figure 3(b), the perceptual measurement interaction includes a polling phase and a trigger frame (TF) sounding phase. As shown in Figure 3(c), the perceptual measurement interaction includes a polling phase, an NDPA sounding phase, a TF sounding phase, and a reporting phase. As shown in Figure 3(d), the perceptual measurement interaction includes an NDPA sounding phase and a reporting phase. As shown in Figure 3(e), the perceptual measurement interaction includes a TF sounding phase.

[0121] Generally speaking, the sensing initiator can perform sensing measurement interaction with the sensing response end as shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the stages included in the sensing measurement interaction shown in Figure 3 are described below.

[0122] Polling Phase: At the start of the sensing measurement, the sensing initiator polls all devices that need to participate in the sensing measurement interaction. For example, the sensing initiator sends a sensing polling trigger frame to all devices participating in the sensing measurement interaction. Correspondingly, when a device receives the sensing polling trigger frame and decides to participate in the sensing measurement interaction, it replies to the sensing initiator with a clear to send (CTS) frame (CTS-to-self frame) back to its own site.

[0123] NDAP Polling Phase: During the NDPA probe phase, the sensing initiator sends NDPA and null data PPDU (NDP) to the sensing response end. NDPA and NDP are PPDUs used for sensing measurements. It should be understood that in this phase, the sensing initiator is the sensing transmitter, and the sensing response end is the sensing receiver. For example, the AP broadcasts a sensing NDPA frame to one or more STAs, followed by an NDP after a short interframe space (SIFS).

[0124] During the TF polling phase: The sensing initiator sends a trigger frame to the sensing response end during the TF probing phase. The sensing response end, triggered by the trigger frame, sends an NDP (Non-Personalized Demand) to the sensing initiator. The NDP is a PPDU (Personalized Product Duty Unit) used for sensing measurements. It should be understood that in this phase, the sensing response end is the sensing sender, and the sensing initiator is the sensing receiver. For example, the AP sends a sensing response to sensing initiator (SR2SI) sounding trigger frame to all devices participating in sensing measurements. After SIFS (Sensing Response Function), the devices participating in sensing measurements send an SR2SI NDP to the AP according to the settings in the SR2SI sounding trigger frame.

[0125] Reporting Phase: During the reporting phase, the sensing initiator sends a trigger frame to the sensing response end, triggering the sensing response end to send back sensing content, including sensing measurement results, to the sensing initiator. For example, during the NDPA detection phase, after receiving the NDPA from the AP, the device participating in the sensing measurement generates a report locally, which may include CSI data. Subsequently, the AP can trigger the device to send a report by sending a sensing reporting trigger frame. Correspondingly, after receiving the sensing reporting trigger frame and passing through SIFS, the device participating in the sensing measurement sends a sensing measurement report frame.

[0126] To facilitate understanding, Figure 4 provides a brief overview of the TB perception measurement interaction. Figure 4 is an example diagram of a TB perception measurement interaction, illustrating the polling phase, NDPA detection phase, TF detection phase, and reporting phase included in the aforementioned perception measurement interaction.

[0127] As shown in Figure 4, AP is the sensing initiator, and STA1, STA2, STA3, STA4, STA5 and STA6 are the sensing response ends. Among them, STA1, STA2 and STA3 are the sensing transmitters, and STA4, STA5 and STA6 are the sensing receivers.

[0128] For example, as shown in Figure 4, during the polling phase, the AP sends a sensing polling trigger frame to STA1, STA2, STA3, STA4, and STA5 respectively, and STA1, STA2, STA3, STA4, and STA5 send a CTS to the AP respectively. During the NDPA detection phase, the AP sends a sensing NDP announcement frame to STA4, STA5, and STA6 respectively to inform them that an NDP is about to be sent. Then, the AP sends an NDP to STA4, STA5, and STA6 respectively for sensing measurement. During the TF detection phase, the AP sends a sensing SR2SI detection trigger frame to STA1 and STA2 respectively, and STA1 and STA2 send an SR2SI NDP to the AP respectively. During the reporting phase, the AP sends a sensing report trigger frame to STA5 and STA6 respectively, and STA5 and STA6 send a sensing measurement report frame to the AP respectively.

[0129] It should be noted that all TB sensing measurement exchanges should take place within the sensing availability window. The access point (AP) competes for a transmission opportunity (TXOP) within the sensing availability window, and the sensing measurement exchange occurs within the TXOP. A TXOP can contain one TB sensing measurement exchange or multiple TB sensing measurement exchanges.

[0130] As shown in Figure 5, a perceived availability window includes a TXOP, and a TXOP contains two TB perceived measurement interactions (TB perceived measurement interaction #1 and TB perceived measurement interaction #2 shown in Figure 5). TB perceived measurement interaction #1 includes a polling phase and a TF probing phase, while TB perceived measurement interaction #2 includes a polling phase, an NDPA probing phase, and a reporting phase.

[0131] As shown in Figure 6, a perceived availability window includes two TXOPs (TXOP#1 and TXOP#2 as shown in Figure 6). One TXOP contains one TB perceived measurement interaction (TB perceived measurement interaction #1 contained in TXOP#1 and TB perceived measurement interaction #2 contained in TXOP#2 as shown in Figure 6). Each perceived measurement interaction includes a polling phase, an NDPA probe phase, a TF probe phase, and a reporting phase.

[0132] 3. Non-trigger-based perception measurement interaction:

[0133] Figure 7 is an example diagram of a non-TB sensing measurement interaction. As shown in Figure 7, the non-TB sensing measurement interaction can include a measurement sounding phase and a reporting phase. STA1 acts as the sensing initiator and transmitter, while AP acts as the sensing response and receiver.

[0134] As shown in Figure 7, in a non-TB scenario, STA1, acting as the sensing initiator, first sends a sensing NDPA frame, followed by a sensing initiator-to-sensing responder (SI2SR) NDP after SIFS. AP, acting as the sensing responder, sends an SR2SI NDP after SIFS. If a reporting phase exists, AP sends a report after transmitting the SR2SI NDP.

[0135] Similarly, the entire phase of the non-TB sensing measurement interaction is completed within the TXOP. Unlike the TB sensing measurement interaction, where the AP acquires the TXOP, the non-TB sensing measurement interaction acquires the TXOP through the non-AP STA.

[0136] 4. Fine-time measurement (FTM) process in positioning or ranging:

[0137] In the precise timing measurement process, the initiating STA (ISTA) is the initiating STA, and the responding STA (RSTA) is the responding STA.

[0138] An FTM session consists of a negotiation phase, a measurement phase, and a termination phase. Measurement types include TB ranging measurement exchange, non-TB ranging measurement exchange, and passive TB ranging measurement exchange.

[0139] The TB ranging measurement interaction includes a polling phase, a measurement sounding phase, and a measurement reporting phase. As shown in Figure 8, one TXOP contains one TB ranging measurement interaction (as shown in Figure 8, TXOP#1 contains TB ranging measurement interaction #1 and TXOP#2 contains TB ranging measurement interaction #2), and each ranging measurement interaction includes a polling phase, a measurement sounding phase, and a measurement reporting phase.

[0140] The following describes the range measurement interaction, which includes the stages mentioned above.

[0141] Polling Phase: As shown in Figure 9, in each polling phase instance, the RSTA sends a poll ranging trigger frame to each ISTA. Correspondingly, the ISTA replies with a CTS-to-self frame.

[0142] Measurement and Probe Phase: As shown in Figure 9, after receiving the CTS-to-self frame from ISTA, RSTA sends a TF ranging sounding frame to ISTA. Then, ISTA sends an I2R NDP to the initiating device (ISTA to RSTA) based on the allocated uplink resources. After receiving the last I2R NDP from ISTA, RSTA sends a ranging NDP announcement frame, followed by an I2I NDP to the initiating device (RSTA to ISTA).

[0143] Location Measurement Report Phase: As shown in Figure 9, after the measurement and detection phase ends, the RSTA sends an R2I location measurement report (LMR). Optionally, as shown in Figure 10, if the negotiation phase is successful, the RSTA can send a ranging LMR trigger frame, and then the ISTA sends an I2R LMR.

[0144] Non-TB ranging measurement interaction includes a wheel measurement detection phase and a measurement reporting phase. As shown in Figure 11, in the measurement detection phase, the ISTA sends a ranging NDP declaration frame, followed by an I2R NDP. The RSTA receives the I2R NDP and then sends an R2I NDP. After SIFS, in the measurement reporting phase, the RSTA sends an LMR.

[0145] The passive TB ranging measurement interaction includes a polling phase, a measurement detection phase, and a measurement reporting phase. As shown in Figure 12, in the polling phase, the RSTA sends a polling ranging trigger frame to each ISTA. Correspondingly, the ISTA replies with a CTS-to-self frame. In the measurement detection phase, the RSTA interacts with each ISTA sequentially. For example, the interaction between the RSTA and ISTA 1 is as follows: the RSTA sends a passive TB ranging sounding trigger frame (TF passive TB ranging sounding), and then ISTA 1 sends an I2R NDP measurement. After completing its interaction with the last ISTA, the RSTA sends a ranging NDP declaration frame, followed by an R2I NDP. In the position measurement reporting phase, the RSTA sends an R2I LMR and a ranging LMR trigger frame (TF ranging LMR). It then receives ISTA passive TB ranging measurement report frames from each ISTA, and subsequently sends an RSTA broadcast passive TB ranging measurement report frame to each ISTA sequentially.

[0146] The aforementioned sensing polling trigger frame, CTS-to-self frame, sensing NDPA frame, sensing SR2SI probe trigger frame, sensing report trigger frame, ranging polling trigger frame, ranging NDPA frame, ranging probe trigger frame, and ranging report trigger frame are all control frames. One function of control frames is to protect the TXOP (Transmission Request Point) of the executed service. For example, TXOP protection is achieved by the device acquiring the TXOP through a contention mechanism (e.g., CSMA / CA) and then sending a control frame on the current link. The MAC header of the control frame sent by the device includes a duration field, which indicates the time the channel will be occupied. Other unrelated devices, upon receiving the control frame, parse the duration field, set their own network allocation vector (NAV) based on this field, and do not transmit data during this time period.

[0147] Because high-frequency links have limited coverage and are easily obstructed, when a device obtains a TXOP (Transmission Default Point) and sends a control frame to protect sensing or ranging activities via the high-frequency link, other devices may not receive the control frame information and instead send data, leading to collisions. For example, as shown in Figure 13, AP and STA1 and STA2 are performing sensing and measurement interactions, while STA3 and STA4 are other devices. STA4 is clearly not within the millimeter-wave coverage area. Therefore, STA4 may not receive the control frame from AP, STA1, or STA2 and instead send data, potentially colliding with the data sent by AP, STA1, or STA2, thus failing to achieve TXOP protection for this sensing and measurement interaction.

[0148] In view of this, this application provides a communication method that aims to protect the TXOP of other links through one link in a multi-link collaboration scenario, thereby ensuring communication and / or measurement performance in a multi-link collaboration scenario.

[0149] The technical solutions provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of this application can be applied to multiple different scenarios, including the scenario shown in Figure 1, but are not limited to that scenario.

[0150] It should be understood that the embodiments shown below do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, for example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be a receiving end device or a sending end device, or a functional module in the receiving end device or the sending end device that can call and execute the program.

[0151] Without loss of generality, the communication method provided in this application embodiment will be described in detail using the interaction between the first device and the second device as an example. The first device involved in the embodiments of this application can be an access point (AP) or a chip system or multi-link device (MLD) inside the AP (e.g., access point MLD, AP MLD) or a non-access point (e.g., STA) or a chip system or MLD inside the non-AP (e.g., station MLD, STA MLD); the second device can be an AP or a chip system or AP MLD inside the AP, or a non-AP (e.g., STA) or a chip system or STA MLD inside the non-AP.

[0152] It should be noted that this application does not limit the name of the implementing entity, and all devices capable of performing the corresponding functions are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0153] It should also be noted that the method provided in this application embodiment is applicable to sensing, ranging, or channel detection processes, and can also be applied to sensing + ranging processes. In this application embodiment, "ranging" and "positioning" can be used interchangeably.

[0154] It should also be noted that the cross-link frame described in the embodiments below, such as the cross-link sensing polling trigger frame, refers to a frame associated with multiple links. These multiple links include the link used to transmit the cross-link frame, and at least one link different from the link used to transmit the cross-link frame. The cross-link frame can also be called a multi-link frame, and this application does not limit it to that.

[0155] Figure 14 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, method 1400 includes the following steps.

[0156] S1410, the first device generates the first frame.

[0157] S1420, the first device sends the first frame.

[0158] Correspondingly, the second and third devices receive the first frame.

[0159] Specifically, the first device transmits the first frame through the first link. Correspondingly, the second and third devices receive the first frame through the first link. This application does not limit the first link. For example, the first link is a low-frequency link, which can refer to a link with a corresponding frequency range between 2.4 GHz and 7.25 GHz; for example, the first link is a sub-7 GHz link. As another example, the first link is a high-frequency link, which can refer to a link with a corresponding frequency range between 42 GHz and 71 GHz; for example, the first link is a millimeter-wave link.

[0160] The first device is a measurement initiator, and the measurement may include one or more of the following: sensing measurement, ranging measurement, or channel sounding. For example, the first device may be a sensing measurement initiator, a ranging measurement initiator, or a channel sounding initiator, or a sensing measurement and ranging measurement initiator.

[0161] The second device is a measurement response end. For example, if the first device is a sensing measurement initiator, then the second device is a sensing measurement response end; if the first device is a ranging measurement initiator, then the second device is a ranging measurement response end; if the first device is a channel sounding initiator, then the second device is a channel sounding response end. For example, if the first device is both a sensing measurement and a ranging measurement initiator, then the second device is both a sensing measurement and a ranging measurement response end. The second device may include one or more devices.

[0162] The third device is a device other than the device involved in the measurement that can receive the first frame.

[0163] The first frame is used for measurement; for example, it may be a control or management frame for measurement. For instance, the first frame may be a control or management frame for sensing measurements. Or, for example, the first frame may be a control or management frame for ranging measurements. Or, for example, the first frame may be a control or management frame for channel sensing.

[0164] For example, the first frame can be at least one of the following frames: a polling trigger frame, an NDPA frame, and a probe trigger frame. The first frame in different measurement processes is described below.

[0165] In one possible implementation, the first device performs TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase, an NDPA probe phase, and a reporting phase; or, the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase and a TF probe phase. In this case, the first frame is a polling trigger frame for sensing measurements. For example, the first frame could be called a sensing polling trigger frame, or a cross-link sensing polling trigger frame. Alternatively, the first frame could be a response frame to the polling trigger frame, such as a CTS frame, a cross-link CTS frame, a require-to-send (RTS) frame, or a cross-link RTS frame.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the first device performs TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes an NDPA detection phase and a reporting phase; in this case, the first frame is a declaration frame for sensing measurements. For example, the first frame could be called an NDPA frame, or it could be called an IMMW NDPA frame.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the first device performs TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a TF probing phase; in this case, the first frame is a probe trigger frame for sensing measurements. For example, the first frame could be called a sensing SR2SI probe trigger frame, or it could be called a cross-link SR2SI trigger frame.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the first device performs non-TB-based sensing or ranging measurements, or the first device performs channel sensing, then the first frame is a declaration frame for measurement; for example, the first frame may be called an NDPA frame, or the first frame may be called an IMMW NDPA frame.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the first device performs TB-based ranging measurement or passive TB ranging measurement, and the TB-based ranging measurement interaction or passive TB ranging measurement interaction includes a polling phase. In this case, the first frame is a polling trigger frame for ranging measurement. For example, the first frame could be called a ranging polling frame, or a cross-link ranging poll trigger frame (cross-link TF ranging polling frame). Alternatively, the first frame could be a response frame to the polling trigger frame; for example, the first frame could be a CTS frame, or a cross-link CTS frame, or an RTS frame, or a cross-link RTS frame.

[0170] In one possible implementation, the first device performs TB-based ranging measurement, and the TB-based ranging measurement interaction does not include a polling phase; in this case, the first frame is a probe trigger frame for ranging measurement. For example, the first frame could be called a ranging probe trigger frame, or a cross-link ranging sounding trigger frame (cross-link TF ranging sounding frame).

[0171] In one possible implementation, the first device performs TB-based ranging measurement, and a secure HE-LTF measurement is established during negotiation; in this case, the first frame is a secure sounding ranging trigger frame. For example, the first frame could be called a cross-link secure sounding ranging trigger frame.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the first device performs passive TB ranging measurement, and the passive TB ranging measurement interaction does not include a polling phase. In this case, the first frame can be a probe trigger frame for ranging. For example, the first frame can be called a passive TB probe trigger frame, or a cross-link passive sounding trigger frame.

[0173] The following is a description of the contents of the first frame.

[0174] The first frame includes at least one indication information corresponding to at least one link, whereby the at least one link is related to a measurement performed by the first device, and at least one link is different from the first link. In other words, the first device performs the measurement through the first link and at least one link. The correspondence between the at least one link and the at least one indication information is one-to-one, or many-to-one; this application does not limit this. It should be noted that in the embodiments below, at least one link refers to a link different from the first link.

[0175] Each indication message in at least one indication message is used to determine the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the link corresponding to the indication message. For example, the first indication message corresponding to the second link in at least one indication message is used to determine a first duration, which is the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, or, in other words, the duration for which a device other than the device participating in the measurement remains silent on the second link after receiving the first frame. It should be understood that a device remaining silent on the link means that the device does not transmit signals on the link, or that the device does not transmit Wi-Fi signals (including any PPDU or NDP) on the link. It is understood that even if the device does not transmit Wi-Fi signals on the link, it may transmit Bluetooth signals or UWB signals on the link.

[0176] For example, the second link is a high-frequency link, such as a millimeter-wave (mmWave) link. As another example, the second link is a low-frequency link, such as a sub-7GHz link.

[0177] The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the first indication information. For example, the first indication information can be directly used to indicate the first duration, or the first indication information can be used to indicate the index or intermediate value corresponding to the first duration, and the index or intermediate value corresponding to the first duration can be used to determine the first duration.

[0178] For example, the first duration is not less than the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the last first PPDU.

[0179] The first PPDU is used for measurement. For example, the first PPDU is a PPDU used for sensing measurement and / or ranging measurement, or the first PPDU is a PPDU used for channel sensing. In other words, the first PPDU is a PPDU used for measurement sent by the device participating in the measurement during the measurement sensing phase of the measurement interaction. The first PPDU can be an NDP or other PPDU, and this application does not limit it.

[0180] The end time of the first frame is one of the following: the first device sends the end time of the first frame, the second device receives the end time of the first frame, or the third device receives the end time of the first frame. The end time of the last first PPDU is one of the following: the device participating in the measurement sends the end time of the last first PPDU, or the device participating in the measurement receives the end time of the last PPDU.

[0181] Based on the above technical solution, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the second link until the last PPDU transmission for measurement ends, thereby ensuring that the device participating in the measurement can perform the measurement smoothly and guarantee the accuracy of the measurement.

[0182] For example, the first duration is not less than the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the measurement report.

[0183] The end time of the measurement report is one of the following: the end time when the device participating in the measurement sends the measurement report, or the end time when the device participating in the measurement receives the measurement report.

[0184] Based on the above technical solution, the devices involved in the measurement always occupy the channel on the second link until the measurement report transmission ends, thus ensuring that the devices involved in the measurement can promptly feed back the measurement report on the second link. Furthermore, compared to the solution of switching to the first link to feed back the measurement report, the latency caused by link switching can be avoided.

[0185] Optionally, at least one indication information included in the first frame is carried in the cross-link duration field of the first frame. Optionally, the cross-link duration field may include multiple subfields, each subfield corresponding to a multiple link, and each subfield is used to carry the indication information corresponding to the link to which the subfield is located. For a more detailed description of the cross-link duration field, please refer to the description of Figure 26 below, which will not be elaborated here.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the first frame also includes indication information #A for determining the duration #A. The duration #A is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, or in other words, the duration #A is the duration during which devices other than the device participating in the measurement remain silent on the first link after receiving the first frame.

[0187] For example, the duration #A is 0.

[0188] For example, the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end of the first frame and the end of the third frame. The third frame is the response frame to the first frame.

[0189] The end time of the third frame is one of the following: the end time when the second device sends the third frame, or the end time when the first device receives the third frame.

[0190] As mentioned earlier, if the first frame is a polling trigger frame, then the third frame is the response frame to the first frame. For example, the third frame may be a CTS frame, an RTS frame, a cross-link CTS frame, or a cross-link RTS frame.

[0191] Based on the above technical solution, the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link can be extended to the end of the third frame, thereby avoiding the device participating in the measurement from occupying the channel on the first link for a long time and reducing the occupation of channel resources.

[0192] For example, the duration #A is not less than the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the measurement report.

[0193] Based on the above technical solution, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the first link before the measurement report transmission ends, thereby ensuring that the device participating in the measurement can promptly feed back the measurement report on the first link.

[0194] For example, the duration #A is not less than the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the fourth frame.

[0195] The fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU. For example, the fourth frame is an SR2SI detection trigger frame, or an SR2SR detection trigger frame, or a ranging detection trigger frame. Alternatively, the fourth frame is a declaration frame, for example, an NDPA frame. The end time of the fourth frame is one of the following: the first device sends the end time of the fourth frame, or the first device receives the end time of the fourth frame.

[0196] Based on the above technical solution, the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link can be extended to the end of the fourth frame, thereby avoiding the device participating in the measurement from occupying the channel on the first link for a long time and reducing the occupation of channel resources.

[0197] Optionally, if the first duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, the device participating in the measurement can transmit the measurement report through the second link. In this case, the device participating in the measurement does not need to occupy the channel on the first link until the measurement report transmission ends. Therefore, the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the third frame, or the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the fourth frame.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the first frame also includes a seventh indication information, which indicates whether a second PPDU is sent via at least one link, and / or whether a third PPDU is sent via a first link.

[0199] In this process, the second PPDU occupies the channel of at least one link in the first time period. The start time of the first time period is no earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is no greater than the first duration. The start time of the first frame is one of the following: the start time when the first device sends the first frame, or the start time when the second device receives the first frame.

[0200] The third PPDU occupies the channel of the first link in the second time period. The start time of the second time period is no earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period is no greater than the duration #A.

[0201] The second or third PPDU can be any PPDU. For example, the second or third PPDU can contain a CTS, an RTS, a trigger frame, or an NDPA frame. Alternatively, the second or third PPDU can be an NDP without a frame. Optionally, the second or third PPDU can be called a dummy PPDU or an auxiliary PPDU.

[0202] It should be understood that the purpose of sending a second PPDU via at least one link is to occupy the channel on at least one link, thereby preventing devices other than those involved in the measurement from preempting the channel on at least one link. Similarly, the purpose of sending a third PPDU via the first link is to occupy the channel on the first link, thereby preventing devices other than those involved in the measurement from preempting the channel on the first link.

[0203] For example, if the device participating in the measurement is transmitting on the first link while occupying a channel on at least one link, the seventh indication information included in the first frame can be used to indicate that the second PPDU is transmitted through at least one link. If the device participating in the measurement is transmitting on the first link while not occupying a channel on at least one link, the seventh indication information included in the first frame can be used to indicate that the second PPDU is not transmitted through at least one link.

[0204] For example, if the device participating in the measurement is transmitting on at least one link while occupying a channel on the first link, the seventh indication information included in the first frame can be used to indicate that a third PPDU is sent through the first link. If the device participating in the measurement is transmitting on at least one link while not occupying a channel on the first link, the seventh indication information included in the first frame can be used to indicate that a third PPDU is not sent through the first link.

[0205] This application does not limit the seventh instruction information.

[0206] For example, the seventh indication information is a 1-bit message. If the value of the seventh indication information is "1", it indicates that the second PPDU is sent through at least one link, and / or the third PPDU is sent through the first link. If the value of the seventh indication information is "0", it indicates that the second PPDU is not sent through at least one link, and / or the third PPDU is not sent through the first link. Alternatively, if the value of the seventh indication information is "1", it indicates that the second PPDU is sent through at least one link; if the value of the seventh indication information is "0", it indicates that the third PPDU is sent through the first link.

[0207] For example, the seventh indication information is a 3-bit information. If the value of the seventh indication information is "000", then the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the second PPDU is sent through at least one link; if the value of the seventh indication information is "001", then the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the third PPDU is sent through the first link; if the value of the seventh indication information is "010", then the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the second PPDU is not sent through at least one link; if the value of the seventh indication information is "011", then the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the third PPDU is not sent through the first link; if the value of the seventh indication information is "100", then the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the second PPDU is sent through at least one link and the third PPDU is sent through the first link; if the value of the seventh indication information is "101", then the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the second PPDU is not sent through at least one link and the third PPDU is not sent through the first link.

[0208] For example, the seventh indication information is an L-bit message, where each of the L bits corresponds one-to-one with one of the L links. Each of the L links includes at least one link, or at least one link and a first link, where L is a positive integer. Bit #1 of the L bits indicates whether the second or third PPDU should be sent through the link corresponding to bit #1, where l = 1, 2, ..., L. For example, if bit #1 is "0", then bit #1 indicates that the second or third PPDU should not be sent through the link corresponding to bit #1; if bit #1 is "1", then bit #1 indicates that the second or third PPDU should be sent through the link corresponding to bit #1.

[0209] Optionally, the position of the bit corresponding to the link within the L bits is related to the link's identifier (ID). For example, if the link's ID is (l-1), then the bit corresponding to that link is the l-th bit out of the L bits. For example, if the link's ID is 5, then the bit corresponding to that link is the 6th bit out of the L bits.

[0210] Optionally, the seventh indication information included in the first frame is carried in the cross-link dummy PPDU request field of the first frame. The cross-link dummy PPDU request field can also be called the cross-link assistant PPDU request field.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the first frame also includes an eighth indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission direction of the second PPDU and / or the third PPDU.

[0212] The eighth indication information indicates that the transmission direction of the second PPDU and / or the third PPDU is omnidirectional or directional. For example, the eighth indication information indicates that the transmission direction of the second PPDU and / or the third PPDU is the same as that of the first PPDU.

[0213] Optionally, if the first frame includes seventh indication information, then the first frame may include eighth indication information. Alternatively, if the first frame includes seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate the transmission of a second PPDU via at least one link, and / or the transmission of a third PPDU via a first link, then the first frame may include eighth indication information.

[0214] Optionally, the eighth indication information carries the cross-link dummy NDP beamindex field of the first frame. This cross-link dummy NDP beamindex field can also be called the cross-link assistant NDP beamindex field. Optionally, the length of the cross-link dummy NDP beamindex field is 6 bits.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the first frame also includes a ninth indication information, which is used to identify at least one link.

[0216] This application does not limit the ninth instruction information.

[0217] For example, the ninth indication information can be a bitmap indicating at least one link, where the position of the bitmap with a value of 1 represents the ID of at least one link. For example, the bitmap consists of I bits, the i-th bit in the bitmap has a value of 1, the bit position is i-1, and the link ID corresponding to the i-th bit is i-1.

[0218] For example, the ninth indication information may include the ID of each link in at least one link.

[0219] It should be noted that when the first frame includes at least one indication information corresponding to at least one link and a ninth indication information, the at least one indication information corresponds sequentially to the at least one link determined according to the ninth indication information. For example, if at least one piece of information is carried in the cross-link duration field, and the ninth indication information includes the ID of at least one link, then the cross-link r duration subfield of the cross-link duration field corresponds to the r-th link ID included in the ninth indication information. The cross-link r duration subfield is used to indicate the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the link identified by the r-th link ID, where r is a positive integer.

[0220] It should also be noted that if at least one link is a predefined or default link, for example, if the measurement session mode is high-low frequency cooperation, i.e., the first link is a low-frequency link and the second link is a high-frequency link, then the first frame may not include the ninth indication information.

[0221] Optionally, the ninth indication information carries the cross link ID field of the first frame.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the first frame also includes tenth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of the first frame.

[0223] Optionally, the first frame may also include other information, such as information indicating the address of the first device, information indicating the address of the second device, etc., which are not limited in this application. The following will describe in detail the more information included in the first frame in conjunction with the frame structure of the first frame, but for the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0224] S1430, the second device parses the first frame.

[0225] For example, parsing the first frame by the second device includes: the second device determining a first duration based on the first indication information included in the first frame.

[0226] After the second device parses the first frame, it can execute the measurement process based on the first frame. The subsequent measurement process will be described in conjunction with Figures 15, 21 and 23 below. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0227] It should be understood that if the third device receives the first frame in S1420, then S1430 also includes: the third device parses the first frame.

[0228] The third device parses the first frame by determining, based on at least one indication information included in the first frame, the time during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on at least one link. Furthermore, the third device does not transmit a signal on the at least one link during the time the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel. For example, if the third device determines, based on the first indication information, the time during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, then it does not transmit a signal on the second link during that time, thereby avoiding collisions.

[0229] For example, after receiving the first frame, the third device can set at least one NAV corresponding to a link based on at least one indication information included in the first frame. The duration of the NAV set by the third device is the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel. For instance, the duration of the NAV set by the third device for the second link is the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link.

[0230] Optionally, if the first frame also includes indication information #A, then after receiving the first frame, the third device can determine the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link based on the indication information #A included in the first frame, and thus not send a signal on the first link during the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link.

[0231] For example, after receiving the first frame, the third device can set the NAV corresponding to the first link according to the indication information #A included in the first frame. The duration of the NAV corresponding to the first link set by the third device is the duration of the device participating in the measurement occupying the channel on the first link.

[0232] Optionally, method 1400 also includes S1440. S1440 can be executed before or after S1420, and this application does not limit this.

[0233] S1440, the first device sends the second frame.

[0234] Correspondingly, the second and third devices receive the second frame.

[0235] Specifically, the first device sends the second frame through the first link. Correspondingly, the second and third devices receive the second frame through the first link.

[0236] The second frame is used for measurement; for example, it is a control or management frame for measurement. For instance, it could be a polling trigger frame, a probe trigger frame, or a declaration frame.

[0237] The second frame also includes second indication information for determining the second duration. The second duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, or in other words, the duration during which devices other than the device participating in the measurement remain silent on the first link after receiving the first frame.

[0238] For example, the second duration is 0.

[0239] For example, the second duration is not less than the duration between the end of the second frame and the end of the third frame.

[0240] The end time of the second frame is one of the following: the first device sends the end time of the second frame, the second device receives the end time of the second frame, or the third device receives the end time of the second frame.

[0241] The third frame is a response frame to either the first or second frame. For example, the third frame may be a CTS frame, an RTS frame, a cross-link CTS frame, or a cross-link RTS frame.

[0242] Based on the above technical solution, the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link can be cut off until the end of the transmission or reception of the third frame, thereby avoiding the device participating in the measurement from occupying the channel on the first link for a long time and reducing the occupation of channel resources.

[0243] For example, the second duration is not less than the duration between the end of the second frame and the end of the measurement report.

[0244] Based on the above technical solution, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the first link before the measurement report transmission ends, thereby ensuring that the device participating in the measurement can promptly feed back the measurement report on the first link.

[0245] For example, the second duration is not less than the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the fourth frame.

[0246] The description of the fourth frame can be found in S1420 above.

[0247] Based on the above technical solution, the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link can be cut off until the end of the transmission or reception of the fourth frame, thereby avoiding the device participating in the measurement from occupying the channel on the first link for a long time and reducing the occupation of channel resources.

[0248] Optionally, if the first duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, the device participating in the measurement can transmit the measurement report through the second link. In this case, the device participating in the measurement does not need to occupy the channel on the first link until the measurement report is transmitted. Therefore, the second duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the third frame, or the second duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the fourth frame.

[0249] It should be understood that after the third device receives the second frame, it can determine the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link based on the second indication information included in the second frame, and thus not send a signal on the first link during the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link.

[0250] For example, after receiving the second frame, the third device can set the NAV corresponding to the first link according to the second indication information included in the second frame. The duration of the NAV corresponding to the first link set by the third device is the duration of the device participating in the measurement occupying the channel on the first link.

[0251] In this embodiment, the first frame sent by the first device via the first link includes at least one indication message to indicate the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on at least one link. This avoids collisions caused by devices not participating in the measurement sending data on at least one link during the measurement period, and ensures communication and / or measurement performance in multi-link collaborative scenarios. If the first link is a low-frequency link, and at least one link includes a high-frequency link, the large coverage of the low-frequency link can be utilized to better protect the TXOP on the high-frequency link, thereby helping to ensure the accuracy and precision of measurements performed through the high-frequency link.

[0252] The following description, with reference to Figures 15 to 25, using the execution of S1410 to S1430 in method 1400 as an example, describes one or more steps performed by the first device and the second device after S1430.

[0253] As shown in Figure 15, if the first device performs TB-based sensing measurement, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase, an NDPA detection phase, and a reporting phase, or if the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase and a TF detection phase, then after S1430, the first device and the second device continue to perform one or more steps in S1431a to S1437a.

[0254] Alternatively, if the first device performs TB-based ranging measurement or passive TB ranging measurement, and the TB-based ranging measurement interaction or passive TB ranging measurement interaction includes a polling phase, a measurement detection phase, and a measurement reporting phase, then after S1430, the first device and the second device continue to perform one or more steps in S1431a to S1437a.

[0255] S1431a, the second device sends the third frame.

[0256] Correspondingly, the first and fourth devices receive the third frame.

[0257] Specifically, the second device sends the third frame through the first link. Correspondingly, the first device and the fourth device receive the third frame through the first link.

[0258] The fourth device is a device other than the device involved in the measurement that can receive the third frame.

[0259] The third frame is a response frame to the first frame. For example, the third frame may be a CTS frame, an RTS frame, a cross-link CTS frame, or a cross-link RTS frame; this application does not limit this.

[0260] The following describes the contents of the third frame.

[0261] The third frame includes third indication information for determining a third duration, which is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, or, in other words, the duration during which devices other than the device participating in the measurement remain silent on the second link after receiving the third frame.

[0262] For example, the third duration is not less than the duration between the end of the third frame and the end of the last first PPDU.

[0263] Optionally, if the first duration is not less than the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the last first PPDU, then the third duration is not less than the duration between the end of the third frame and the end of the last first PPDU.

[0264] Based on the above technical solution, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the second link before the last first PPDU transmission ends, which can ensure that the device participating in the measurement can perform the measurement smoothly and ensure the accuracy of the measurement.

[0265] For example, the third duration is not less than the duration between the end of the third frame and the end of the measurement report.

[0266] Optionally, if the first duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, then the third duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report.

[0267] Based on the above technical solution, the devices involved in the measurement always occupy the channel on the second link until the measurement report transmission ends, thus ensuring that the devices involved in the measurement can promptly feed back the measurement report on the second link. Furthermore, compared to the solution of switching to the first link to feed back the measurement report, the latency caused by link switching can be avoided.

[0268] Optionally, if, in addition to the second link, at least one link includes other links different from the second link (e.g., the third link), the third frame may also include indication information #1 corresponding to the third link, which is used to determine the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the third link.

[0269] Optionally, the third indication information included in the third frame is carried in the cross-link duration field of the third frame. For a more detailed description of the cross-link duration field included in the third frame, please refer to the description of the cross-link duration field included in the first frame in S1410.

[0270] It should be understood that after the fourth device receives the third frame, it can determine the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link based on the third indication information included in the third frame. Therefore, the fourth device does not send a signal on the second link during the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel.

[0271] For example, after receiving the third frame, the fourth device can set the NAV corresponding to the second link according to the third indication information included in the third frame. The duration of the NAV corresponding to the second link set by the fourth device is the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link.

[0272] In one possible implementation, the third frame also includes fourth indication information for determining a fourth duration. The fourth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, or in other words, the duration during which devices other than the device participating in the measurement remain silent on the first link after receiving the third frame.

[0273] For example, the fourth duration is 0.

[0274] If the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the third frame, then the fourth duration is 0.

[0275] Based on the above technical solution, the device participating in the measurement releases the channel after transmitting the third frame on the first link, which can reduce the occupation of channel resources.

[0276] For example, the fourth duration is not less than the duration between the end of the third frame and the end of the measurement report.

[0277] If the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, then the fourth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report.

[0278] Based on the above technical solution, the device participating in the measurement always occupies the channel on the first link before the measurement report transmission ends, thereby ensuring that the device participating in the measurement can promptly feed back the measurement report on the first link.

[0279] For example, the duration of the fourth frame is not less than the duration of the interval between the end of the third frame and the end of the fourth frame. Further description of the fourth frame can be found in S1410 above.

[0280] If the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end of the first frame and the end of the fourth frame, then the duration of the fourth frame is not less than the interval between the end of the third frame and the end of the fourth frame.

[0281] Based on the above technical solution, the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link can be extended to the end of the fourth frame, thereby avoiding the device participating in the measurement from occupying the channel on the first link for a long time and reducing the occupation of channel resources.

[0282] It should be understood that after the fourth device receives the third frame, it can determine the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link based on the fourth indication information included in the third frame, and thus does not send a signal on the first link during the time that the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link.

[0283] For example, after receiving the third frame, the fourth device can set the NAV corresponding to the first link according to the fourth indication information included in the third frame. The duration of the NAV corresponding to the first link set by the fourth device is the duration of the device participating in the measurement occupying the channel on the first link.

[0284] In one possible implementation, the third frame also includes indication information #2, which is used to identify at least one link. Further description of indication information #2 can be found in the description of the ninth indication information in S1410 above.

[0285] Optionally, the third frame may also include other information, such as information indicating the frame type of the third frame, information indicating the address of the second device, etc., which are not limited in this application. The following will describe in detail the more information included in the third frame in conjunction with its frame structure; for the sake of brevity, these details will not be elaborated here.

[0286] S1432a, the first device sends the fourth frame.

[0287] Correspondingly, the second device receives the fourth frame.

[0288] Specifically, the first device sends the fourth frame through the first link. Correspondingly, the second device receives the fourth frame through the first link. Alternatively, the first device sends the fourth frame through the second link, and correspondingly, the second device receives the fourth frame through the second link.

[0289] In one possible implementation, if the duration #A is the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the fourth frame, or if the duration #A is the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the measurement report, then the first device can send the third frame through the first link or the second link.

[0290] In one possible implementation, if the duration #A is the duration between the end of the first frame and the end of the third frame, then the first device sends the third frame through the second link.

[0291] Optionally, if the fourth frame is a declaration frame, then method 1400 executes S1434a after S1432a. If the first device performs sensing measurement and the fourth frame is a detection trigger frame, then method 1400 executes S1433a after S1432a. If the first device performs ranging measurement and the fourth frame is a detection trigger frame, then method 1400 executes both S1433a and S1434a after S1432a.

[0292] S1433a, the second device sends the first PPDU.

[0293] Accordingly, the first device or the second device receives the first PPDU.

[0294] For example, if the first device performs TB-based sensing measurement, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase and a TF measurement triggering phase, where the TF measurement triggering phase is an SR2SI variant, then in S1433a, the second device sends a first PPDU, and the first device receives the first PPDU. As another example, if the first device performs TB-based sensing measurement, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase and a TF measurement triggering phase, where the TF measurement triggering phase is an SR2SR variant, then in S1433a, one or more of the second devices send the first PPDU, and a device other than the one used to send the first PPDU receives the first PPDU.

[0295] Specifically, the second device sends the first PPDU through the second link. The first device or the second device receives the first PPDU through the second link.

[0296] If the first device and the second device perform sensing measurements, the second device sends one or more first PPDUs. If the first device and the second device perform ranging measurements, the second device sends one first PPDU.

[0297] S1434a, the first device sends the first PPDU.

[0298] Correspondingly, the second device receives the first PPDU.

[0299] Specifically, the first device sends a first PPDU to the second device via the second link. The second device receives the first PPDU via the second link.

[0300] If the first device and the second device perform sensing measurements, the first device sends one or more first PPDUs. If the first device and the second device perform ranging measurements, the first device sends one first PPDU.

[0301] Optionally, if the measurement process performed by the first and second devices further includes a reporting phase, then after S1434a, method 1400 continues to perform one or more steps from S1435a to S1437a. For example, if the first device performs a sensing measurement, then method 1400 continues with S1435a and S1437a. As another example, if the first device performs a ranging measurement, then method 1400 continues with S1435a, or continues with S1435a to S1437a.

[0302] S1435a, the first device sends the fifth or sixth frame.

[0303] Correspondingly, the second device receives the fifth or sixth frame.

[0304] Specifically, the first device transmits the fifth or sixth frame via the first link. Correspondingly, the second device receives the fifth or sixth frame via the first link. Alternatively, the first device transmits the fifth or sixth frame via the second link, and correspondingly, the second device receives the fifth or sixth frame via the second link.

[0305] In one possible implementation, if the first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, the first device can send the fifth or sixth frame through the second link.

[0306] In one possible implementation, if the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, the first device can send the fifth or sixth frame through the first link.

[0307] In one possible implementation, the first device can preempt the channel on the first link and then transmit the fifth or sixth frame through the first link. For example, after receiving the third frame or transmitting the fourth frame on the first link, the first device releases the channel on the first link. If the first device needs to transmit the fifth or sixth frame through the first link, it must first preempt the channel on the first link.

[0308] The fifth frame is described below.

[0309] The fifth frame is used to trigger a measurement report, or it includes a measurement report of the measurement, which is a measurement report sent from the first device to the second device. For example, if the first and second devices perform sensing measurements, the fifth frame is used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement, and this fifth frame can be a cross-link sensing reporting trigger frame or a cross-link sensing threshold-based reporting trigger frame. As another example, if the first and second devices perform ranging measurements, the fifth frame includes a measurement report of the measurement, which can be an R2I LMR (Range-to-Range Interchange) measurement.

[0310] In one possible implementation, the fifth frame includes fifth indication information for determining a fifth duration, which is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link, or, in other words, the duration during which devices other than the device participating in the measurement remain silent on the second link after receiving the fourth frame.

[0311] For example, the duration of the fifth frame is not less than the duration of the interval between the end of the fifth frame and the end of the measurement report.

[0312] The end time of the fifth frame is one of the following: the end time of the fifth frame is sent by the first device, or the end time of the fifth frame is received by the second device.

[0313] Optionally, if, in addition to the second link, at least one link includes other links different from the second link (e.g., the third link), the fifth frame may also include indication information #3 corresponding to the third link, which is used to determine the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the third link.

[0314] Optionally, the fifth indication information included in the fifth frame is carried in the cross-link duration field of the fifth frame. Further description of the cross-link duration field included in the fifth frame can be found in the description of the cross-link duration field included in the first frame in S1410.

[0315] In one possible implementation, the fifth frame also includes indication information #4, which is used to identify at least one link. Further description of indication information #4 can be found in the description of the ninth indication information in S1410 above.

[0316] Optionally, the fifth frame may also include other information, such as information indicating the frame type of the fifth frame, information indicating the address of the second device, etc., which are not limited in this application. The following will describe in detail the more information included in the fifth frame in conjunction with its frame structure; for the sake of brevity, these details will not be elaborated here.

[0317] The sixth frame is described below.

[0318] The sixth frame is used to trigger a measurement report for the measurement, or the sixth frame includes a measurement report for the measurement, which is a measurement report sent by the first device to the second device. For example, if the first device and the second device perform a sensing measurement, the sixth frame is used to trigger a measurement report for the measurement, and the sixth frame can be a cross-link sensing report trigger frame or a threshold-based cross-link sensing report trigger frame. As another example, if the first device and the second device perform a ranging measurement, the sixth frame includes a measurement report for the measurement, which can be an R2ILMR measurement.

[0319] In one possible implementation, the sixth frame includes sixth indication information for determining a sixth duration, which is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, or, in other words, the duration during which devices other than the device participating in the measurement remain silent on the first link after receiving the fourth frame.

[0320] For example, the sixth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the measurement report, or the sixth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the seventh frame, or the sixth duration is 0. If the first device and the second device perform ranging measurements, the sixth frame is a report trigger frame, for example, the sixth frame can be an LMR trigger frame.

[0321] The end time of the sixth frame is one of the following: the end time of the sixth frame is transmitted by the first device, or the end time of the sixth frame is received by the second device. The end time of the seventh frame is one of the following: the end time of the seventh frame is transmitted by the first device, or the end time of the seventh frame is received by the second device.

[0322] Optionally, if, in addition to the second link, at least one link includes other links different from the second link (e.g., the third link), the sixth frame may also include indication information #5 corresponding to the third link, which is used to determine the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the third link.

[0323] Optionally, the sixth indication information included in the sixth frame is carried in the cross-link duration field of the sixth frame. Further description of the cross-link duration field included in the sixth frame can be found in the description of the cross-link duration field included in the first frame in S1410.

[0324] In one possible implementation, the sixth frame also includes indication information #6, which is used to identify at least one link. Further description of indication information #6 can be found in the description of the ninth indication information in S1410 above.

[0325] Optionally, the sixth frame may also include other information, such as information indicating the frame type of the sixth frame, information indicating the address of the second device, etc., which are not limited in this application. The following will describe in detail the more information included in the fourth frame in conjunction with the frame structure of the sixth frame, which will not be elaborated here for the sake of brevity.

[0326] S1436a, the first device sends the seventh frame.

[0327] Correspondingly, the second device receives the seventh frame.

[0328] Specifically, the first device sends the seventh frame through the first link. Correspondingly, the second device receives the seventh frame through the first link. Alternatively, the first device sends the seventh frame through the second link, and correspondingly, the second device receives the seventh frame through the second link.

[0329] In one possible implementation, if the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, or if the sixth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the measurement report, or if the sixth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the seventh frame, then the first device can send the seventh frame through the first link.

[0330] In one possible implementation, if the first duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, or if the fifth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the fifth frame and the end time of the measurement report, then the first device can send the seventh frame through the second link.

[0331] S1437a, the second device sends a measurement report.

[0332] Accordingly, the first device receives the measurement report.

[0333] Specifically, the second device sends a measurement report through the first link, and correspondingly, the first device receives a measurement report through the first link. Alternatively, the second device sends a measurement report through the second link, and correspondingly, the first device receives a measurement report through the second link.

[0334] In one possible implementation, if the first duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, or if the fifth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the fifth frame and the end time of the measurement report, then the first device can send the measurement report through the second link.

[0335] In one possible implementation, if the duration #A is not less than the interval between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report, or if the sixth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the measurement report, then the first device can send a measurement report through the first link.

[0336] Optionally, method 1400 further includes: the first device and / or the second device transmitting a second PPDU via a second link, the second PPDU occupying a channel of the second link in a first time period. The start time of the first time period is not earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is not greater than a first duration.

[0337] It should be understood that during the first time period, if the device participating in the measurement needs to occupy the channel of the second link, and the device participating in the measurement does not transmit through the second link, then the first device and / or the second device will send the second PPDU through the second link.

[0338] For example, during the process of the first device transmitting the first frame through the first link, if the first device and the second device need to occupy the channel of the second link, but the first device and the second device do not transmit through the second link, then the first device or the second device can transmit the second PPDU through the second link. For example, the first device transmits the first frame at the same time as the first device transmits the first frame, and the first device or the second device transmits the second PPDU through the second link, or after the start time of the first device transmitting the first frame, the first device or the second device transmits the second PPDU through the second link.

[0339] For example, during the transmission of the fourth frame by the first device through the first link, if the first device and the second device need to occupy the channel of the second link, but the first device and the second device do not transmit through the second link, then the first device or the second device can transmit the second PPDU through the second link. For example, the first device can transmit the fourth frame at the same time as the first device transmits the fourth frame, or the first device or the second device can transmit the second PPDU through the second link after the start of the transmission of the fourth frame by the first device.

[0340] Optionally, if the first frame includes seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the second PPDU is sent through at least one link, then the second device may send the second PPDU through the second link within the first time period.

[0341] Optionally, either the first device or the second device may transmit the second PPDU quasi-omnidirectionally via the second link, or the first device or the second device may transmit the second PPDU in one or more directions via the second link. For example, the first device may determine the direction of transmitting the second PPDU based on some prior information. The second device may determine the direction of transmitting the second PPDU based on the eighth indication information included in the first frame.

[0342] It should be understood that the first or second device sending the second PPDU through the second link can prevent devices not involved in the measurement from preempting the channel on the second link if they do not receive the first and / or third frames.

[0343] Optionally, method 1400 further includes: the first device and / or the second device transmitting a third PPDU through the first link, the third PPDU occupying the channel of the first link in a second time period. The start time of the second time period is not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is not greater than the duration #A.

[0344] It should be understood that during the second time period, if the device participating in the measurement needs to occupy the channel of the first link, and the device participating in the measurement does not transmit through the first link, then the first device and / or the second device will send the third PPDU through the first link.

[0345] For example, during the process of the first device or the second device transmitting the first PPDU through the second link, the first device and the second device need to occupy the channel of the first link, but the first device and the second device do not transmit through the first link. In this case, the first device or the second device can transmit the third PPDU through the first link. For example, the first device or the second device can transmit the third PPDU at the same time as transmitting the first PPDU, or the first device or the second device can transmit the third PPDU through the first link after the start time of transmitting the first PPDU.

[0346] Optionally, if the first frame includes a seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate that a third PPDU is sent through the first link, then the second device may send the third PPDU through the first link during the second time period.

[0347] Optionally, either the first device or the second device may transmit the third PPDU quasi-omnidirectionally via the first link, or the first device or the second device may transmit the third PPDU in one or more directions via the first link. For example, the first device may determine the direction of transmitting the third PPDU based on some prior information. The second device may determine the direction of transmitting the third PPDU based on the eighth indication information included in the first frame.

[0348] It should be understood that the first or second device sending the third PPDU through the first link can prevent devices not involved in the measurement from preempting the channel on the first link if they do not receive the first and / or third frames.

[0349] Optionally, method 1400 further includes: the first device sending frame #A via the first link, frame #A being used to share the TXOP of the first link during a second time period.

[0350] Based on the above technical solution, the first device shares the TXOP of the first link during the second time period, thereby avoiding the waste of channel resources.

[0351] The following explanation, in conjunction with Figures 16 to 20, uses the example of a first link being a sub-7GHz link and a second link being a millimeter-wave link to illustrate method 1400 shown in Figure 15.

[0352] It should be noted that Figures 16 to 20 use two STAs as examples of devices participating in the measurement, but this application does not limit the number of STAs participating in the measurement. It should also be noted that the number of NDPs shown in Figures 16 to 20 is merely an example; the number of NDPs transmitted during the measurement process can be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0353] As shown in Figure 16, AP (an example of the first device), STA1 (an example of the second device), and STA2 (an example of the second device) perform TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase, an NDPA detection phase, and a reporting phase.

[0354] The AP acquires the TXOPs for the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link. As shown in Figure 16(a), this is the sub-7GHz link TXOP1 and the millimeter-wave link TXOP. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16(b), this is the sub-7GHz link TXOP and the millimeter-wave link TXOP.

[0355] During the polling phase, the AP sends a cross-link sensing polling trigger frame (an example of the first frame) on the sub-7GHz link. In this frame, the AP sets the channel duration it will occupy on the sub-7GHz and millimeter-wave links for T1 (an example of duration #A) and T2 (an example of the first duration), respectively. Upon receiving the cross-link sensing polling trigger frame, surrounding devices (other STAs as shown in Figure 16) set the NAVs (NAV1 and NAV2 as shown) for these links according to the instructions in the frame and do not transmit Wi-Fi signals (including any PPDUs or NDPs) for the time period indicated by the cross-link sensing polling trigger frame. After receiving the cross-link sensing polling trigger frame, STA1 and STA2 reply with a cross-link CTS (an example of the third frame). In the cross-link CTS, STA1 and STA2 set the time that they occupy the channel on the sub 7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link, respectively, T3 (an example of the fourth duration) and T4 (an example of the third duration). This is used to set up their own NAV for devices around STA1 and STA2, so that they do not emit Wi-Fi signals (including any PPDU or NDP).

[0356] As shown in Figure 16(a), T1 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub 7GHz link until STA1 and STA2 finish transmitting the cross-link CTS, and T2 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link until the NDPs transmission ends. T3 is 0, and T4 represents the time STA1 and STA2 occupy the channel on the millimeter-wave link until the NDPs transmission ends.

[0357] As shown in Figure 16(b), T1 indicates that the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub 7GHz link ends until STA1 and STA2 finish sending their measurement reports; T2 indicates that the time the AP occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link ends until the NDPs transmission ends; T3 indicates that the time STA1 and STA2 occupy the channel on the sub 7GHz link ends until they finish sending their measurement reports; and T4 indicates that the time STA1 and STA2 occupy the channel on the millimeter-wave link ends until the NDPs transmission ends.

[0358] Optionally, the AP can transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the millimeter-wave channel while transmitting a cross-link sensing polling trigger frame on the sub-7GHz link.

[0359] Optionally, while receiving a cross-link CTS on the sub-7GHz link, the AP can transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the millimeter-wave channel.

[0360] After the polling phase, the AP sends an NDPA frame (an example of the fourth frame) via the millimeter-wave link to inform STA1 and STA2 to prepare to receive subsequent NDPs sent by the AP. Optionally, as shown in Figure 16(b), if the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA1 and STA2 have finished sending the measurement reports, then the AP sends a third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while sending the NDPA frame via the millimeter-wave link.

[0361] Figure 16 illustrates an example of an AP transmitting an NDPA frame via a millimeter-wave link. In one possible implementation, if T1 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the NDPA frame is transmitted, or if T1 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA1 and STA2 have finished transmitting their measurement reports, then the AP can transmit the NDPA frame via the sub-7GHz link. Optionally, while transmitting the NDPA frame via the sub-7GHz link, the AP can simultaneously transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the channel.

[0362] After the AP finishes sending the NDPA frame, it sends NDPs via the millimeter-wave link. Optionally, as shown in Figure 16(b), if the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA1 and STA2 finish sending the measurement reports, the AP sends a third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while sending NDPs via the millimeter-wave link.

[0363] During the reporting phase, as shown in Figure 16(a), the AP acquires another TXOP (i.e., sub-7GHz link TXOP2 shown in Figure 16(a)) in this exchange, and then sends a sensing report trigger frame (an example of the sixth frame). Accordingly, STA1 and STA2 send sensing measurement report frames (an example of a measurement report) via the sub-7GHz link. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16(b), the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the measurement report transmission ends, so the AP sends a sensing report trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link, and STA1 and STA2 send sensing measurement report frames via the sub-7GHz link.

[0364] It should be understood that SAT1 and STA2 can also transmit measurement reports via the millimeter-wave link. For example, if T2 indicates that the AP occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link until the transmission of the sensing measurement report frame ends, then the AP can send a sensing report trigger frame via the millimeter-wave link, and STA1 and STA2 can send sensing measurement report frames via the millimeter-wave link.

[0365] It should be noted that within a TXOP, when a device switches links to send frames, the interval between frames can be a fixed duration, such as SIFS, or a variable duration. It should also be noted that the frame interval on the same link can be fixed, while the frame interval on different links can be variable.

[0366] As shown in Figure 17, AP (an example of the first device), STA1 (an example of the second device), and STA2 (an example of the second device) perform TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase, a TF detection phase, and a reporting phase.

[0367] The AP acquires the TXOPs for the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link. As shown in Figure 17(a), this is the sub-7GHz link TXOP1 and the millimeter-wave link TXOP. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17(b), this is the sub-7GHz link TXOP and the millimeter-wave link TXOP.

[0368] The polling phase shown in Figure 17 can be referred to the description of Figure 16 above. The difference between the polling phase shown in Figure 17 and Figure 16 is that STA1 and STA2 transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the millimeter-wave channel while transmitting cross-link CTS on the sub-7GHz link.

[0369] After the polling phase, the AP sends an SR2SR probe trigger frame (an example of the fourth frame) via the millimeter-wave link to inform STA1 to send NDPs to STA2. Optionally, as shown in Figure 17(b), if the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA2 finishes sending the measurement report, then the AP sends a third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while sending the SR2SR probe trigger frame via the millimeter-wave link.

[0370] Figure 17 illustrates an example of an AP transmitting an SR2SR probe trigger frame via a millimeter-wave link. In one possible implementation, if T1 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the SR2SR probe trigger frame is transmitted, or if T1 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA2 transmits the measurement report, then the AP can transmit the SR2SR probe trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link. Optionally, while transmitting the SR2SR probe trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link, the AP can simultaneously transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the channel.

[0371] After receiving the SR2SR probe trigger frame, STA1 sends NDPs via the millimeter-wave link. Optionally, as shown in Figure 17(b), if STA1 occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA2 finishes sending the measurement report, then STA1 sends a third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while sending NDPs via the millimeter-wave link.

[0372] During the reporting phase, as shown in Figure 17(a), the AP acquires another TXOP (i.e., sub-7GHz link TXOP2 shown in Figure 17(a)) in this exchange, and then sends a sensing report trigger frame (an example of the sixth frame). Correspondingly, STA2 sends a sensing measurement report frame (an example of a measurement report) via the sub-7GHz link. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17(b), the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the measurement report transmission ends, so the AP sends a sensing report trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link, and STA2 sends a sensing measurement report frame via the sub-7GHz link.

[0373] It should be understood that STA2 can also transmit measurement reports via the millimeter-wave link. For example, if T2 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link until the transmission of the sensing measurement report frame ends, then the AP can send a sensing report trigger frame via the millimeter-wave link, and STA2 can send a sensing measurement report frame via the millimeter-wave link.

[0374] As shown in Figure 18, AP (an example of the first device), STA1 (an example of the second device), and STA2 (an example of the second device) perform TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase and a TF probing phase.

[0375] The AP obtains the TXOPs for the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link. Figure 18 shows the TXOPs for the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link.

[0376] The polling phase shown in Figure 18 can be referenced in the description of Figure 16 above. The difference between the polling phase shown in Figure 18 and Figure 16 is that, while STA1 and STA2 are transmitting cross-link CTS on the sub-7GHz link, they are also transmitting a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the millimeter-wave channel.

[0377] After the polling phase, the AP sends an SR2SI probe trigger frame (an example of the fourth frame) via the millimeter-wave link to inform STA1 and STA2 to send NDPs.

[0378] Figure 18 illustrates an example of an AP transmitting an SR2SI probe trigger frame via a millimeter-wave link. In one possible implementation, if T1 indicates that the AP should occupy the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the SR2SI probe trigger frame is transmitted, then the AP can transmit the SR2SI probe trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link. Optionally, while transmitting the SR2SI probe trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link, the AP can simultaneously transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the channel.

[0379] After receiving the SR2SI probe trigger frame, STA1 and STA2 send NDPs via the millimeter-wave link.

[0380] As shown in Figure 19, AP (an example of the first device), STA1 (an example of the second device), and STA2 (an example of the second device) perform TB-based ranging measurements, and the TB-based ranging measurement interaction includes a polling phase, a ranging detection phase, and a reporting phase.

[0381] The AP acquires the TXOPs for the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link. As shown in Figure 19(a), this is the sub-7GHz link TXOP1 and the millimeter-wave link TXOP. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19(b), this is the sub-7GHz link TXOP and the millimeter-wave link TXOP.

[0382] The polling phase shown in Figure 19 can be referenced in the description of Figure 16 above. The difference between the polling phase shown in Figure 19 and that in Figure 16 is that STA1 and STA2 transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the millimeter-wave channel while transmitting the cross-link CTS on the sub-7GHz link.

[0383] After the polling phase, the AP sends a ranging probe trigger frame (an example of the fourth frame) via the millimeter-wave link to inform STA1 and STA2 to send an NDP. Optionally, as shown in Figure 19(b), if the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA1 and STA2 have finished sending the measurement report, then the AP sends a third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while sending the ranging probe trigger frame via the millimeter-wave link.

[0384] Figure 19 illustrates an example of an AP transmitting a ranging trigger frame via a millimeter-wave link. In one possible implementation, if T1 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the ranging trigger frame is transmitted, or if T1 represents the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA1 and STA2 have transmitted their measurement reports, then the AP can transmit the ranging trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link. Optionally, while transmitting the ranging trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link, the AP can simultaneously transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the channel.

[0385] After receiving the ranging detection trigger frame, STA1 and SAT1 transmit the NDP via the millimeter-wave link. Optionally, as shown in Figure 19(b), if the time STA1 and STA2 occupy the channel on the sub-7GHz link ends when STA1 and STA2 have finished transmitting the measurement report, then STA1 and STA2 transmit the third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while transmitting the NDP via the millimeter-wave link.

[0386] Furthermore, the AP sends an NDPA frame (an example of the fourth frame) via the millimeter-wave link to inform STA1 and STA2 to receive the NDP. Optionally, as shown in Figure 19(b), if the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until STA1 and STA2 have finished sending the measurement report, then the AP sends a third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while sending the NDPA frame via the millimeter-wave link.

[0387] After the AP sends the NDPA frame, it sends the NDP via the millimeter-wave link. Optionally, as shown in Figure 19(b), if the AP occupies the channel on the sub7GHz link until STA1 and STA2 have finished sending the measurement reports, the AP sends the NDP via the millimeter-wave link while simultaneously sending the third PPDU on the sub7GHz link to occupy the channel.

[0388] During the reporting phase, as shown in Figure 19(a), the AP acquires another TXOP in this exchange (i.e., sub-7GHz link TXOP2 shown in Figure 19(a)), then sends an R2I LMR (an example of the sixth frame), followed by a ranging LMR trigger frame (an example of the seventh frame). Correspondingly, STA1 and STA2 send an I2R LMR (an example of a measurement report) via the sub-7GHz link. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19(b), the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the measurement report transmission ends, so the AP sends an R2I LMR and a ranging LMR trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link, and STA1 and STA2 send an I2RLMR via the sub-7GHz link.

[0389] It should be understood that AP, STA1, and STA2 can also transmit measurement reports via millimeter-wave links. For example, if T2 indicates that the AP occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link until the transmission of the sensing measurement report frame ends, then AP can send R2I LMR and ranging LMR trigger frames via the millimeter-wave link, and STA1 and STA2 can send I2R LMR via the millimeter-wave link.

[0390] As shown in Figure 20, AP (an example of the first device), STA1 (an example of the second device), and STA2 (an example of the second device) perform TB-based sensing measurements. The TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a polling phase, an NDPA detection phase, a TF detection phase, and a reporting phase. The polling phase, NDPA phase, and reporting phase shown in Figure 20 can be referred to the description of Figure 16 above. The TF detection phase shown in Figure 20 can be referred to the description of Figure 18 above.

[0391] As shown in Figure 21, if the first device and the second device perform passive TB ranging measurement or TB-based ranging measurement, and the passive TB ranging measurement interaction or TB-based ranging measurement interaction includes a detection phase and a reporting phase, then after S1430, the first device and the second device continue to perform one or more steps in S1431b to S1435b. If the first device and the second device perform TB-based sensing measurement, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a TF detection phase, then after S1430, the first device and the second device continue to perform S1431b.

[0392] S1431b, the second device sends the first PPDU.

[0393] Accordingly, the first device receives the first PPDU.

[0394] For further details on S1431b, please refer to the description of S1433a in Figure 15 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0395] S1432b, the first device sends the first PPDU.

[0396] Correspondingly, the second device receives the first PPDU.

[0397] For further details on S1432b, please refer to the description of S1434a in Figure 15 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0398] S1433b, the first device sends the fifth or sixth frame.

[0399] Correspondingly, the second device receives the fifth or sixth frame.

[0400] For further details on S1433b, please refer to the description of S1435a in Figure 15 above. It will not be repeated here.

[0401] S1434b, the first device sends the seventh frame.

[0402] Correspondingly, the second device receives the seventh frame.

[0403] For further details on S1434b, please refer to the description of S1436a in Figure 15 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0404] S1435b, the second device sends a measurement report.

[0405] Accordingly, the first device receives the measurement report.

[0406] For further details on S1435b, please refer to the description of S1437a in Figure 15 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0407] The following example, with reference to Figure 22, illustrates the method 1400 shown in Figure 21, where the first link is a sub-7GHz link and the second link is a millimeter-wave link.

[0408] It should be noted that Figure 22 uses an example of two STAs participating in the measurement, but this application does not limit the number of STAs participating in the measurement. It should also be noted that the number of NDPs shown in Figure 22 is merely an example; the number of NDPs transmitted during the measurement process can be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0409] As shown in Figure 22, AP (an example of the first device) and STA1 perform TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes a TF detection phase.

[0410] The AP obtains the TXOPs for the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link. Figure 22 shows the TXOPs for the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link.

[0411] The AP sends a cross-link SR2SI trigger frame (an example of the first frame) on the sub-7GHz link. In this frame, the AP sets the channel duration it will occupy on the sub-7GHz and millimeter-wave links, specifically T1 (a duration of #A) and T2 (an example of the first duration), respectively. Upon receiving the cross-link SR2SI trigger frame, surrounding devices (other STAs as shown in Figure 22) set the NAV (NAV2 as shown in Figure 22) for these links according to the frame's indication and do not transmit Wi-Fi signals (including any PPDUs or NDPs) during the time period indicated by the cross-link SR2SI trigger frame. Here, T1 is 0, and T2 indicates that the AP's channel occupation on the millimeter-wave link ends when the NDP transmission ends. Optionally, the AP can simultaneously send a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the millimeter-wave channel while sending the cross-link SR2SI trigger frame on the sub-7GHz link. Then, STA1 and STA2 transmit NDPs via the millimeter-wave link.

[0412] As shown in Figure 23, if the first device and the second device perform TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes an NDPA detection phase and a reporting phase, then after S1430, the first device and the second device continue to execute S1431c, S1433c, and S1434c. If the first device and the second device perform non-TB-based sensing measurements or ranging measurements, then after S1430, the first device and the second device continue to execute S1431c, S1432c, and S1434c. Alternatively, if the first device and the second device perform channel sensing, then after S1430, the first device and the second device execute S1431c, S1433c, and S1434c.

[0413] S1431c, the first device sends the first PPDU.

[0414] Correspondingly, the second device receives the first PPDU.

[0415] For a more detailed description of S1431c, please refer to the description of S1434a in Figure 15 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0416] S1432c, the second device sends a PPDU for measurement.

[0417] Accordingly, the first device receives the PPDU used for measurement.

[0418] For a more detailed description of S1432c, please refer to the description of S1433a in Figure 15 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0419] S1433c, the first device sends the fifth or sixth frame.

[0420] Correspondingly, the second device receives the fifth or sixth frame.

[0421] For more details on S1433c, please refer to the description of S1435a in Figure 15 above. It will not be repeated here.

[0422] S1434c, the second device sends a measurement report.

[0423] Accordingly, the first device receives the measurement report.

[0424] For a more detailed description of S1434c, please refer to the description of S1437a in Figure 15 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0425] The following explanation, in conjunction with Figures 24 and 25, uses the example of a first link being a sub-7GHz link and a second link being a millimeter-wave link to illustrate method 1400 shown in Figure 23.

[0426] It should be noted that Figures 24 and 25 illustrate measurements with two STAs, but this application does not limit the number of STAs involved in the measurement. It should also be noted that the number of NDPs shown in Figures 24 and 25 is merely an example; the number of NDPs transmitted during the measurement process can be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0427] As shown in Figure 24, AP (an example of the first device) and STA1 perform non-TB-based sensing measurements.

[0428] STA1 acquires the TXOPs of the sub 7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link. This is shown in Figure 24(a) as the sub 7GHz link TXOP1 and the millimeter-wave link TXOP. Alternatively, it is shown in Figures 24(b) and (c) as the sub 7GHz link TXOP and the millimeter-wave link TXOP.

[0429] STA1 transmits an IMW NDPA frame (an example of the first frame) on the sub-7GHz link, and the AP sets the time it will occupy the channel on the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link in the IMW NDPA frame, which are T1 (an example of duration #A) and T2 (an example of the first duration), respectively. After receiving the IMW NDPA frame, devices around STA1 (other STAs as shown in Figure 24) set the NAVs of these links (NAV1 and NAV2 as shown in Figure 24) according to the instructions in the frame, and do not transmit Wi-Fi signals (including any PPDU or NDP) during the time period indicated by the IMW NDPA frame.

[0430] As shown in Figure 24(a), T1 is 0, and T2 indicates that the time STA1 occupies the channel in the millimeter-wave link ends until the transmission of NDPs ends.

[0431] As shown in Figure 24(b), T1 is 0, and T2 indicates that the time STA1 occupies the channel in the millimeter-wave link ends when the transmission of the sensing measurement report frame ends.

[0432] As shown in Figure 24(c), T1 indicates that the time STA1 occupies the channel on the sub 7GHz link ends when the transmission of the sensing measurement report frame ends, and T2 indicates that the time STA1 occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link ends when the transmission of NDPs ends.

[0433] Optionally, STA1 can transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the millimeter-wave channel while transmitting an IMW NDPA frame on the sub 7GHz link.

[0434] After STA1 sends the IMMW NDPA frame, it then sends the NDP via the millimeter-wave link. Optionally, as shown in Figure 24(c), if STA1 occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the end of the sensing measurement report frame transmission, then STA1 sends a third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while sending the NDP via the millimeter-wave link.

[0435] After receiving the NDP, the AP transmits the NDP via the millimeter-wave link. Optionally, as shown in Figure 24(c), if the AP occupies the channel on the sub7GHz link until the end of the sensing measurement report frame transmission, the AP transmits the NDP via the millimeter-wave link while simultaneously transmitting a third PPDU on the sub7GHz link to occupy the channel.

[0436] During the reporting phase, as shown in Figure 24(a), the AP acquires another TXOP (i.e., sub-7GHz link TXOP2 shown in Figure 24(a)) in this exchange, and then sends the sensing measurement report frame through the sub-7GHz link. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 24(c), the AP always occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the sensing measurement report frame transmission ends, so the AP sends the sensing measurement report frame through the sub-7GHz link. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 24(b), the AP always occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link until the sensing measurement report frame transmission ends, so the AP sends the sensing measurement report frame through the millimeter-wave link.

[0437] As shown in Figure 25, AP (an example of the first device), STA1 (an example of the second device), and STA2 (an example of the second device) perform TB-based sensing measurements, and the TB-based sensing measurement interaction includes an NDPA detection phase and a reporting phase.

[0438] The AP acquires the TXOPs for the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link. As shown in Figure 25(a), this is the sub-7GHz link TXOP1 and the millimeter-wave link TXOP. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 25(b), this is the sub-7GHz link TXOP and the millimeter-wave link TXOP.

[0439] The AP sends an IMW NDPA frame (an example of the first frame) on the sub-7GHz link, and in the IMW NDPA frame, the AP sets the time it will occupy the channel on the sub-7GHz link and the millimeter-wave link, which are T1 (an example of duration #A) and T2 (an example of the first duration), respectively. After receiving the IMW NDPA frame, devices around the AP (other STAs as shown in Figure 25) set the NAVs of these links (NAV1 and NAV2 as shown in the figure) according to the instructions in the frame, and do not transmit Wi-Fi signals (including any PPDU or NDP) during the time period indicated by the IMW NDPA frame.

[0440] As shown in Figure 25(a), T1 is 0, and T2 indicates that the AP occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link until the NDPs transmission ends.

[0441] As shown in Figure 25(b), T1 indicates that the time the AP occupies the channel on the sub 7GHz link ends until the transmission of the sensing measurement report frame ends, and T2 indicates that the time the AP occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link ends until the transmission of NDPs ends.

[0442] Optionally, the AP can transmit a second PPDU on the millimeter-wave link to occupy the millimeter-wave channel while transmitting the IMW NDPA frame on the sub-7GHz link.

[0443] After the AP sends the IMMW NDPA frame, it then sends the NDP via the millimeter-wave link. Optionally, as shown in Figure 25(b), if the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the end of the sensing measurement report frame transmission, the AP sends a third PPDU on the sub-7GHz link to occupy the channel while sending the NDP via the millimeter-wave link.

[0444] During the reporting phase, as shown in Figure 25(a), the AP acquires another TXOP (i.e., sub-7GHz link TXOP2 shown in Figure 25(a)) in this exchange, and then sends a sensing report trigger frame (an example of the sixth frame). Accordingly, STA1 and STA2 send sensing measurement report frames (an example of a measurement report) via the sub-7GHz link. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 25(b), the AP occupies the channel on the sub-7GHz link until the sensing measurement report frame transmission ends, so the AP sends the sensing report trigger frame via the sub-7GHz link, and STA1 and STA2 send sensing measurement report frames via the sub-7GHz link.

[0445] It should be understood that STA1 and STA2 can also transmit measurement reports via the millimeter-wave link. For example, if T2 indicates that the AP occupies the channel on the millimeter-wave link until the transmission of the sensing measurement report frame ends, then the AP can send a sensing report trigger frame via the millimeter-wave link, and STA1 and STA2 can send sensing measurement report frames via the millimeter-wave link.

[0446] If the AP and STA (which may include STA1 and / or STA2) perform channel detection, the frame interaction between the AP and STA can be referred to Figure 25. The frame interaction between the AP and STA during the channel detection process is different from the frame interaction in Figure 25 as follows: (1) In the NDPA detection phase, the AP or STA initiates the channel detection; (2) In the reporting phase, the AP can send a channel detection report trigger frame, and correspondingly, the STA sends a channel detection report frame.

[0447] The frame structure of the first frame will be described below with reference to Figures 26 to 28.

[0448] In one possible implementation, if the first frame is a perception polling trigger frame or a perception detection trigger frame, then the frame structure of the first frame can be as shown in Figure 26.

[0449] As shown in Figure 26(a), the first frame may include the following fields: frame control, duration, receiver address (RA), transmitter address (TA), common info, user info list, padding, and frame checking sequence (FCS). The duration field can be used to carry the second indication information described in the previous embodiment.

[0450] As shown in Figure 26(b), the public information field may include the following fields: trigger type, uplink (UL) length, more trigger frames (TF), carrier sense required (CS), uplink bandwidth (UL BW), guard interval and long training sequence type (GI and HE-LTF type), multi-user multiple-input multiple-output long training sequence mode (MU-MIMO HE-LTF mode), number of HE-LTF symbols and midamble periodicity, uplink space-time block coding (UL STBC), low-density parity-check code extra symbol segment (LDPC), AP transmit power (AP TX power), pre-FEC padding factor, packet disambiguation (PE disambiguity), uplink spatial reuse (UL spatial reuse), Doppler, uplink signaling field A2 reserved (UL HE-SIG-A2 reserved), reserved, and public information based on trigger type (trigger). dependent common information.

[0451] The types of the first frame differ, resulting in different fields included in the public information fields based on the trigger frame type.

[0452] As shown in Figure 26(c), if the first frame is a cross-link sensing polling trigger frame or a cross-link SR2SI probe trigger frame, the public information fields based on the trigger frame type may include the following fields: sensing trigger subtype, sensing, token, cross-link duration, cross-link ID, cross-link auxiliary PPDU request, cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index, and reservation.

[0453] As shown in Figure 26(d), if the first frame is a cross-link SR2SR probe trigger frame, the public information fields based on the trigger frame type may include the following fields: perception trigger subtype, perception, measurement session ID, measurement exchange ID, cross-link duration, cross-link identifier, cross-link auxiliary PPDU request, cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index, and reservation.

[0454] The perception trigger subtype carries the tenth indication information in the above embodiment; in other words, the perception trigger subtype indicates the type of the first frame. For example, the values ​​of the perception trigger frame subtype are shown in Table 1 below. If the value of the perception trigger frame subtype is 5, it indicates that the first frame is a cross-link perception polling trigger frame; if the value of the perception trigger frame subtype is 6, it indicates that the first frame is a cross-link SR2SI detection trigger frame; if the value of the perception trigger frame subtype is 7, it indicates that the first frame is a cross-link SR2SR detection trigger frame.

[0455] Table 1

[0456] The cross-link duration field carries at least one indication information as described in the above embodiments; in other words, the cross-link duration field indicates the channel occupancy time of at least one link to be protected in the first frame. The cross-link identifier field carries the ninth indication information as described in the above embodiments; in other words, the cross-link identifier field indicates at least one link to be protected in the first frame.

[0457] It should be noted that the cross-link duration field can be used independently; in other words, the first frame includes the cross-link duration field but not the cross-link identifier field. For example, if the measurement session mode is high-low frequency cooperation with low frequency assisting high frequency, and the participating devices perform measurements through one low-frequency link and one high-frequency link, then the cross-link duration field can be 2 bytes long, indicating the duration of the high-frequency link by default, and the first frame may not include the cross-link identifier field. In one possible implementation, the first frame may also include the cross-link identifier field. As shown in Figure 26(e), the cross-link identifier field is 1 byte and is used to indicate the link identifier of the high-frequency link.

[0458] The cross-link duration field can also be used in conjunction with the cross-link identifier field; in other words, the first frame includes both the cross-link duration field and the cross-link identifier field. For example, if the measurement session mode is a multi-link measurement session, then the length of the cross-link duration field is variable, and it includes multiple subfields, each containing the duration of one link. As shown in Figure 26(f), the cross-link duration field can be 2n bytes, where n is the number of links indicated by the cross-link duration field, ranging from 1 to 15. The cross-link duration field can include cross-link 1 duration subfields, cross-link 2 duration subfields, cross-link 3 duration subfields, etc. The cross-link identifier field can contain a bitmap indicating the n links. The cross-link identifier field is 2 bytes long, and the position of 1 in the bitmap represents the link ID. For example, when the i-th bit in the bitmap is set to 1, the bit position is i-1, and the corresponding link ID is i-1. Alternatively, the cross-link identifier field can also contain a list of link IDs. The duration field in the cross-link duration field and the link ID field in the cross-link identifier field are in a one-to-one correspondence in sequence.

[0459] The cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field carries the seventh indication information described in the above embodiments. In other words, the cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field indicates whether the measurement initiator requests the measurement response end to send a second PPDU and / or a third PPDU. The first frame may or may not include the cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field. The cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field can be 1 bit, indicating whether the measurement response end sends a third PPDU on the first link and / or sends a second PPDU on one or more other links besides the first link. Alternatively, the cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field can be 16 bits, a bitmap where each position corresponds one-to-one with a link ID. For example, if the 6th position of the bitmap is 1, it indicates that the measurement response end needs to send a second or third PPDU on the link with link ID 5.

[0460] The cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index field is used to carry the eighth indication information described in the above embodiments. In other words, the cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index field is used to indicate the transmission direction of the second PPDU and / or the third PPDU.

[0461] In one possible implementation, one or more of the aforementioned cross-link duration field, cross-link identifier field, cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field, and cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index field may be included in the user information list field included in the first frame. For example, the user information list field includes a user info field as shown in Figure 26(g), where the value of the associated identifier (AID) AID12 / unassociated STA identifier (USID) USID12 field is set to a common preset value, such as any value within the range of 2008-2044 or 2047-4094.

[0462] In one possible implementation, if the first frame is a declaration frame, then the frame structure of the first frame can be as shown in Figure 27.

[0463] As shown in Figure 27(a), the first frame may include the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, Common Info, STA Info List, and FCS. The Duration field can be used to carry the second indication information described in the previous embodiment.

[0464] As shown in Figure 27(b), the public information field may include the following fields: sounding dialog token, cross-link duration, and cross-link identifier. Optionally, as shown in Figure 27(c), the public information field may also include the following fields: cross-link auxiliary PPDU request and cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index.

[0465] For more details on the cross-link duration field, cross-link identifier field, cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field, and cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index field, please refer to the description of Figure 26 above.

[0466] As shown in Figure 27(c), the probe dialogue token field may include the following fields: NDP announcement variant and probe dialogue token number. The NDP announcement variant field is used to indicate the type of the first frame. For example, the values ​​of the NDP announcement variant field are shown in Table 2 below. If the value of the NDP announcement variant field is 0, it indicates that the first frame is an IMW NDPA frame or a channel sensing NDPA frame; if the value of the NDP announcement variant field is 1, it indicates that the first frame is a ranging NDPA frame and / or a sensing NDPA frame. It can be understood that if the first frame is a channel sensing NDPA frame, it means that the first frame is used for channel sensing; if the first frame is a ranging NDPA frame, it means that the first frame is used for ranging; if the first frame is a sensing NDPA frame, it means that the first frame is used for sensing; if the first frame is a ranging and sensing NDPA frame, it means that the first frame is used for both ranging and sensing.

[0467] Table 2

[0468] In one possible implementation, one or more of the aforementioned cross-link duration field, cross-link identifier field, cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field, and cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index field may be included in the STA information list field included in the first frame. For example, the STA information list field includes the STA info field shown in (e), (f), or (g) of Figure 27, where the value of the AID12 field is set to a common preset value, such as any value within the range of 2008-2042, 2046.

[0469] In one possible implementation, if the first frame is a ranging polling trigger frame or a ranging detection trigger frame, then the frame structure of the first frame can be as shown in Figure 28.

[0470] As shown in Figure 28(a), the first frame may include the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, Public Information, User Information List, Padding, and FCS. The Duration field can be used to carry the second indication information described in the previous embodiment.

[0471] As shown in Figure 28(b), the public information field may include the following fields: trigger frame type, uplink length, more trigger frames, carrier sensing required, UL BW, GI and HE-LTF type, MU-MIMO HE-LTF mode, long training sequence symbol score and intermediate preamble period, UL STBC, low-density parity check code extra symbol fragmentation, AP transmit power, padding factor before forward error correction code, packet spread disambiguation, uplink spatial multiplexing, Doppler, uplink signaling field A2 reservation, reservation, and public information based on trigger frame type.

[0472] The types of the first frame differ, resulting in different fields included in the public information fields based on the trigger frame type.

[0473] As shown in Figure 28(c), if the first frame is a cross-link ranging polling trigger frame, a cross-link ranging probe trigger frame, or a cross-link security probe ranging trigger frame, the public information field based on the trigger frame type may include the following fields: ranging trigger subtype, reservation, token, cross-link duration, cross-link identifier, cross-link auxiliary PPDU request, cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index, and reservation.

[0474] As shown in Figure 28(d), if the first frame is a passive detection ranging trigger frame, the public information fields based on the trigger frame type can include the following fields: ranging trigger subtype, sounding dialog token number, cross-link duration, cross-link identifier, cross-link auxiliary PPDU request, cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index, and reservation.

[0475] For more details on the cross-link duration field, cross-link identifier field, cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field, and cross-link auxiliary NDP beam index field, please refer to the description of Figure 26 above.

[0476] The ranging trigger subtype is used to indicate the type of the first frame. For example, the values ​​of the ranging trigger frame subtype are shown in Table 3 below. If the value of the ranging trigger frame subtype is 5, it indicates that the first frame is a cross-link polling trigger frame; if the value of the ranging trigger frame subtype is 6, it indicates that the first frame is a cross-link probe trigger frame; if the value of the ranging trigger frame subtype is 7, it indicates that the first frame is a cross-link security probe trigger frame; if the value of the ranging trigger frame subtype is 8, it indicates that the first frame is a cross-link passive probe trigger frame.

[0477] Table 3

[0478] The frame structure of the third frame will be described below with reference to Figure 29.

[0479] In one possible implementation, if the third frame is a response frame to the first frame, then the frame structure of the third frame can be as shown in Figure 29.

[0480] As shown in Figure 29(a), the third frame may include the following fields: frame control, duration, RA, cross-link duration, and cross-link identifier. The duration field can be used to carry the fourth indication information described in the previous embodiment. Further description of the cross-link duration field and the cross-link identifier field can be found in the description of Figure 26 above.

[0481] As shown in Figure 29(b), the frame control field may include the following fields: protocol version, type, subtype, control frame extension, power management, more data, protected frame, and high throughput control (+HTC).

[0482] The control frame extension field is used to indicate the type of the third frame. For example, the values ​​of the control frame extension field are shown in Table 4 below. If the value of the control frame extension field is 1100, it indicates that the third frame is a cross-link RTS; if the value of the control frame extension field is 1101, it indicates that the third frame is a cross-link CTS.

[0483] Table 4

[0484] In one possible implementation, the third frame is carried in a control encapsulation frame as shown in Figure 29(c). The control encapsulation frame may include the following fields: frame control, duration / identifier, address 1, carried frame control, high throughput control (HT control), carried frame, and FCS.

[0485] The carried frame control field is used to indicate that the frame carried in the control encapsulation frame is the third frame, and the carried frame field is used to carry other parts of the third frame. For example, the carried frame field may include the following fields as shown in Figure 29(d): duration, RA, cross-link identifier, and FCS. The duration field is used to carry the third indication information described in the above embodiment, and the cross-link identifier is used to carry the indication information #2 described in the above embodiment. For more details on the duration field and the cross-link identifier field, please refer to the description of the cross-link duration field and the cross-link identifier field in Figure 26 above.

[0486] This application also provides a frame structure for a fifth or sixth frame, and a schematic diagram of the frame structure for the fifth or sixth frame can be found in the description of Figure 26 above. It should be noted that, based on the fifth or sixth frame provided in this application, the variable perception trigger frame in Table 1 adds a cross-link perception report trigger frame and a threshold-based cross-link perception report trigger frame. For example, if the value of the perception trigger frame subtype is 8, it indicates that the fifth or sixth frame is a cross-link perception report trigger frame; if the value of the perception trigger frame subtype is 8, it indicates that the fifth or sixth frame is a threshold-based cross-link perception report trigger frame.

[0487] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the order of the fields included in each frame. For example, the cross-link duration field included in the first frame may be after the cross-link identifier field, or after the cross-link auxiliary PPDU request field.

[0488] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0489] The communication device provided in this application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 30 to 32. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for details not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above; for brevity, some details will not be repeated.

[0490] This application embodiment can divide the transmitting or receiving device into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0491] Figure 30 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 3000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 3000 includes a transceiver module 3011 and a processing module 3012. The transceiver module 3011 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 3012 is used for data processing. In other words, the transceiver module 3011 is used to perform receiving and sending related operations, while the processing module 3012 is used to perform other operations besides receiving and sending. The transceiver module 3011 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0492] In one possible implementation, the device 3000 may further include a storage module 3013, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 3012 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module 3013 to enable the device to perform the actions of the device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0493] In one design, the device 3000 may correspond to the first device in the above method embodiments, or to a component of the first device (such as a chip).

[0494] The device 3000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 3011 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 3012 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments.

[0495] In one possible implementation, processing module 3012 is used to generate a first frame, which is used for measurement; transceiver module 3011 is used to send the first frame through a first link. The first frame includes first indication information corresponding to a second link. The first indication information is used to determine a first duration. The first duration is the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. The second link is different from the first link.

[0496] When the device 3000 is used to execute the method in FIG14, the transceiver module 3011 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1420 and S1440; the processing module 3012 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1410.

[0497] When the device 3000 is used to execute the method in FIG15, the transceiver module 3011 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1420, S1431a to S1436a; the processing module 3012 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1410.

[0498] When the device 3000 is used to execute the method in FIG21, the transceiver module 3011 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1420, S1431b to S1435b; the processing module 3012 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1410.

[0499] When the device 3000 is used to execute the method in FIG23, the transceiver module 3011 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1420, S1431c to S14354c; the processing module 3012 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1410.

[0500] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0501] In another design, the device 3000 may correspond to the second device in the above method embodiments, or to a component of the second device (such as a chip).

[0502] The device 3000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 3011 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 3012 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0503] In one possible implementation, transceiver module 3011 is used to receive a first frame through a first link. The first frame is used for measurement, which is a sensing measurement and / or a ranging measurement. The first frame includes first indication information corresponding to a second link. The first indication information is used to determine a first duration. The first duration is the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. The second link is different from the first link. Processing module 3012 is used to parse the first frame.

[0504] When the device 3000 is used to execute the method in FIG14, the transceiver module 3011 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1420 and S1440; the processing module 3012 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1430.

[0505] When the device 3000 is used to execute the method in FIG15, the transceiver module 3011 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1420, S1431a to S1436a; the processing module 3012 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1430.

[0506] When the device 3000 is used to execute the method in FIG21, the transceiver module 3011 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1420, S1431b to S1435b; the processing module 3012 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1430.

[0507] When the device 3000 is used to execute the method in FIG23, the transceiver module 3011 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1420, S1431c to S14354c; the processing module 3012 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1430.

[0508] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0509] It should also be understood that the device 3000 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions.

[0510] In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 3000 may specifically be the first device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first device in the above method embodiments; or, the device 3000 may specifically be the second device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0511] The apparatus 3000 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the devices (such as the first device and the second device) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0512] In addition, the transceiver module 3011 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing module 3012 can be a processing circuit.

[0513] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 4000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 4000 includes a processor 4010, which executes computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 4020, or reads data / signaling stored in the memory 4020, to perform the methods in the above-described method embodiments. In one possible implementation, the processor 4010 may be one or more.

[0514] As shown in Figure 31, in one possible implementation, the device 4000 further includes a memory 4020 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 4020 may be integrated with the processor 4010 or may be separately configured. In another possible implementation, there may be one or more memories 4020.

[0515] As shown in Figure 31, one possible implementation of the device 4000 includes a transceiver 4030 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 4010 controls the transceiver 4030 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0516] As one option, the device 4000 is used to implement the operations performed by the first device and the second device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0517] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0518] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0519] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0520] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0521] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 5000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 5000 (or may also be called a processing system) includes logic circuitry 5010 and an input / output interface 5020.

[0522] The logic circuit 5010 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 5000. The logic circuit 5010 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 5000 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 5020 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 5000, outputting processed information from the chip system 5000, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 5000 for processing.

[0523] As one option, the chip system 5000 is used to implement the operations performed by, for example, the first device and / or the second device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0524] For example, logic circuit 5010 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the first device and / or the second device in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 5020 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first device and / or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0525] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0526] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods performed by the first device and / or the second device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0527] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first device and / or the second device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0528] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first device and second device.

[0529] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0530] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0531] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0532] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0533] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0534] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0535] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0536] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Generate a first frame, which is used for measurement, namely, sensing measurement or ranging measurement; The first frame is transmitted through the first link. The first frame includes first indication information corresponding to the second link. The first indication information is used to determine the first duration. The first duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. The second link is different from the first link.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), or the first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement. The first PPDU is used for the measurement.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second frame is sent through the first link. The second frame includes second indication information, which is used to determine a second duration, which is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second duration satisfies one of the following conditions: The duration is not less than the time interval between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the third frame, wherein the third frame is a response frame to the first frame or the second frame; or, Not less than the duration of the interval between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the measurement report; or, The duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the fourth frame, wherein the fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU, or the fourth frame is a notification frame, and the first PPDU is used for the measurement; or... The second duration is 0.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second PPDU is transmitted through the second link. The second PPDU occupies the channel of the second link in a first time period. The start time of the first time period is not earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is not greater than the first duration.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third PPDU is sent through the first link. The third PPDU occupies the channel of the first link in a second time period. The start time of the second time period is not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period is not greater than the duration of the measurement device occupying the channel of the first link.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third frame is received via the first link. The third frame is a response frame to the first frame. The third frame includes third indication information, which is used to determine a third duration. The third duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. The third duration satisfies one of the following conditions: The duration is not less than the time interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, where the first PPDU is used for the measurement; or, The duration is not less than the time interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third frame also includes fourth indication information, which is used to determine a fourth duration. The fourth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, and the fourth duration satisfies one of the following conditions: =0; or, Not less than the duration of the interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report; or, The duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the fourth frame, wherein the fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU, or the fourth frame is a notification frame.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, the first PPDU is used for the measurement, and the method further includes: A fifth frame is sent through the first link. The fifth frame includes fifth indication information, which is used to determine the fifth duration. The fifth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. The fifth frame is used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement. Alternatively, the fifth frame includes a measurement report of the measurement. The fifth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the fifth frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, the first PPDU is used for the measurement, and the method further includes: A sixth frame is sent through the first link. The sixth frame includes sixth indication information, which is used to determine a sixth duration. The sixth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link. The sixth frame is used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement. Alternatively, the sixth frame includes a measurement report of the measurement. The sixth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a seventh indication information, which is used to indicate that a second PPDU is sent through the second link, and / or a third PPDU is sent through the first link; The second PPDU occupies the channel of the second link in a first time period, the start time of the first time period is not earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is not greater than the first duration. The third PPDU occupies the channel of the first link in a second time period, the start time of the second time period is not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period is not greater than the duration of the measurement device occupying the channel of the first link.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first frame also includes an eighth indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission direction of the second PPDU and / or the third PPDU.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a ninth indication information, which is used to determine the second link.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first frame also includes tenth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of the first frame.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A first frame is received via a first link. The first frame is used for measurement, which is a sensing measurement or a ranging measurement. The first frame includes first indication information corresponding to a second link. The first indication information is used to determine a first duration. The first duration is the duration for which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. The second link is different from the first link. Analyze the first frame.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The measurement is performed based on the first frame; or... According to the first indication information, the device participating in the measurement shall remain silent during the time the second link occupies the channel.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), or the first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement. The first PPDU is used for the measurement.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second frame is received via the first link. The second frame includes second indication information, which is used to determine a second duration, which is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, and the second duration satisfies one of the following conditions: The duration is not less than the time interval between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the third frame, wherein the third frame is a response frame to the first frame or the second frame; or, Not less than the duration of the interval between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the measurement report; or, The duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the second frame and the end time of the fourth frame, wherein the fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU, or the fourth frame is a notification frame, and the first PPDU is used for the measurement; or... It is 0.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second PPDU is transmitted through the second link. The second PPDU occupies the channel of the second link in a first time period. The start time of the first time period is not earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is not greater than the first duration.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third PPDU is sent through the first link. The third PPDU occupies the channel of the first link in a second time period. The start time of the second time period is not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period is not greater than the duration of the measurement device occupying the channel of the first link.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third frame is sent via the first link. The third frame is a response frame to the first frame. The third frame includes third indication information, which is used to determine a third duration. The third duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. The third duration satisfies one of the following conditions: The duration is not less than the time interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, where the first PPDU is used for the measurement; or, The duration is not less than the time interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The third frame also includes fourth indication information, which is used to determine a fourth duration. The fourth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link, and the fourth duration satisfies one of the following conditions: =0; or, Not less than the duration of the interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the measurement report; or, The duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the third frame and the end time of the fourth frame, wherein the fourth frame is used to trigger the first PPDU, or the fourth frame is a notification frame.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that, The first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, and the method further includes: A fifth frame is received via the first link. The fifth frame includes fifth indication information, which is used to determine a fifth duration. The fifth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the second link. The fifth frame is used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement. Alternatively, the fifth frame includes a measurement report of the measurement. The fifth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the fifth frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that, The first duration is not less than the duration between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the last first PPDU, and the method further includes: A sixth frame is received via the first link. The sixth frame includes sixth indication information, which is used to determine a sixth duration. The sixth duration is the duration during which the device participating in the measurement occupies the channel on the first link. The sixth frame is used to trigger a measurement report of the measurement. Alternatively, the sixth frame includes a measurement report of the measurement. The sixth duration is not less than the interval between the end time of the sixth frame and the end time of the measurement report of the measurement.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that, The first frame also includes seventh indication information. The seventh indication information is used to indicate that a second PPDU is sent through the second link, and / or a third PPDU is sent through the first link; The second PPDU occupies the channel of the second link in a first time period, the start time of the first time period is not earlier than the start time of the first frame, and the duration of the first time period is not greater than the first duration. The third PPDU occupies the channel of the first link in a second time period, the start time of the second time period is not earlier than the end time of the first frame, and the duration of the second time period is not greater than the duration of the measurement device occupying the channel of the first link.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first frame also includes an eighth indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission direction of the second PPDU and / or the third PPDU.

28. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 27, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a ninth indication information, which is used to determine the second link.

29. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 28, characterized in that, The first frame also includes tenth indication information, which is used to indicate the type of the first frame.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 29.

32. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes the communication device as described in claim 30 and the communication device as described in claim 31.

33. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing computer programs or instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, causing the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

34. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

35. A chip or chip system, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 29.

36. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

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