Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and provides a communication method and an apparatus, which implement updating of temporary primary channels. A first apparatus receives a first radio frame, the first radio frame comprising first indication information, and the first indication information indicating a first temporary primary channel. The first apparatus updates a second temporary primary channel to the first temporary primary channel. On the basis of the described solution, a second apparatus may update the temporary primary channel to the first temporary primary channel by means of using the indication of the first indication information, such that the temporary primary channel can be updated when the service busyness level on the temporary primary channel increases or the temporary primary channel is outside operating bandwidths of many first apparatuses, thus improving the performance of non-primary channel access.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202410840252.9, filed on June 25, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0004] Nowadays, a large bandwidth channel used by a device using 802.11 protocol for wireless communication is logically divided into a plurality of sub-channels with 20MHz as a unit, such as 4 20MHz sub-channels for an 80MHz channel, 8 20MHz sub-channels for a 160MHz channel, and the like. Among these sub-channels, the device knows that a certain sub-channel is a primary channel and the rest are non-primary channels according to the configuration information of a basic service set (BSS).

[0005] The primary channel plays an important role in 802.11 protocol communication. The device needs to determine whether the channel is idle, and a large part of the basis for the determination comes from the state of the primary channel. The device needs to perform preamble detection (PD) on the primary channel and set the corresponding network allocation vector (NAV) timer through the duration field decoded from the primary channel. Among them, the device is not allowed to compete for the channel before the end of the NAV timer countdown. "PD on the primary channel" can also be referred to as "primary channel access".

[0006] The mechanism based on primary channel access is logically neat and simple to operate, but as the deployment of devices becomes more intensive and the bandwidth of devices becomes larger, the frequency of spectrum use caused by primary channel access is also reduced. For example, a 160MHz station has only a primary 20MHz channel detected as busy, and the remaining sub-channels are all detected as idle. According to the primary channel access mechanism, this device cannot use any channel and can only back off, but in fact the remaining sub-channels are all idle and can theoretically be used. Therefore, it is proposed that when the primary channel is busy, transmission is not backed off but is performed through an idle non-primary channel. At this time, the device switches to the idle non-primary channel and performs PD on the idle non-primary channel. This operation is referred to as non-primary channel access (NPCA), and the idle non-primary channel is referred to as a temporary primary channel.

[0007] In the currently discussed non-primary channel access mechanism, the temporary primary channel is predefined by the protocol or indicated by the AP. However, different temporary primary channels can bring different communication performance. For example, the degree of busyness of the temporary primary channel can change over time, and when the degree of busyness of the temporary primary channel increases, more stations can communicate on the temporary primary channel, causing increased conflict in channel competition. SUMMARY

[0008] The present application provides a communication method and device, which realizes updating of a temporary primary channel.

[0009] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. It can be understood that the first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device receives a first wireless frame, the first wireless frame including first indication information, the first indication information indicating a first temporary primary channel. The first device updates a second temporary primary channel to the first temporary primary channel.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, the second device can update the temporary primary channel to the first temporary primary channel through the first indication information, so as to update the temporary primary channel when the degree of busyness of the temporary primary channel increases or the temporary primary channel is outside the operating bandwidth of more first devices, and improve the performance of non-primary channel access.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first device receives a second wireless frame, the second wireless frame including second indication information, the second indication information indicating a second temporary primary channel.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first device receives a traffic indication map (TIM) frame. The TIM frame includes a detection beacon frame field, and a value of the detection beacon frame field is different from a value of a detection beacon frame field in a last received TIM frame.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the temporary primary channel update can be one of the system critical update times. After receiving the TIM frame, the first device determines that the value of the detection beacon frame field is different from the value of the detection beacon frame field in the last received TIM frame, receives the first wireless frame, and obtains the first indication information of the updated temporary primary channel.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first device receives a basic multi-link element. The basic multi-link element includes a basic service set parameter change count field, and a value of the basic service set parameter change count field is different from a value of a basic service set parameter change count field in a last received basic multi-link element.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, the temporary primary channel update can be one of the system critical update times. After receiving the basic multi-link element, the first device determines that the value of the basic service set parameter change count field is different from the value of the basic service set parameter change count field in the last received basic multi-link element, receives the first wireless frame, and obtains the first indication information of the updated temporary primary channel.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame further includes validity time information, and the validity time information indicates a validity time. The validity time is used to indicate a validity time of the first temporary primary channel.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine the validity time of the first temporary primary channel through the validity time information. Therefore, invalid switching caused by switching to an un-updated temporary primary channel before the temporary primary channel is valid can be avoided.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame further includes one or more of the following: a time length threshold or a received power threshold. The time length threshold is used to indicate that the non-primary channel access is triggered when a duration corresponding to the received cross basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the time length threshold. The received power threshold is used to indicate that the non-primary channel access is triggered when a received power of the received cross basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the received power threshold.

[0019] Based on the above scheme, the time length threshold and / or the received power threshold for triggering switching to the temporary primary channel can also be indicated in the first wireless frame, so that the first device can detect whether to switch to the temporary primary channel based on the time length threshold and / or the received power threshold.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame is a beacon frame.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the parameter required for the temporary primary channel access changes or the temporary primary channel changes as a system critical event.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the temporary primary channel update can be one of the system critical update events. The first device receives the first wireless frame to obtain the first indication information of the updated temporary primary channel when detecting the system critical update event.

[0023] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. It can be understood that the first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device receives a third wireless frame, the third wireless frame including third indication information, the third indication information indicating whether enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters used in a first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from EDCA parameters used in a primary channel. The first device determines the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel based on the third indication information.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, after the first device switches to the temporary primary channel, EDCA channel contention needs to be performed for data transmission. Therefore, the third wireless frame can indicate the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel.

[0025] In a possible implementation, when the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the third wireless frame further includes the EDCA parameters. The first device uses the EDCA parameters included in the third wireless frame as the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel. Alternatively, when the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the first device uses the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel as the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, if the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the third wireless frame carries the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, and does not need to carry the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, thereby saving overhead. If the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the third wireless frame can further include the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, and the first device can perform channel contention according to the EDCA parameters.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the first device receives a fourth wireless frame, and the fourth wireless frame comprises fourth indication information. The fourth indication information indicates whether the multi-user (MU EDCA) parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel. The first device determines the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel based on the fourth indication information.

[0028] Based on the foregoing scheme, after the first device switches to the temporary primary channel, the first device can still perform the MU EDCA channel contention to perform data transmission. Therefore, the fourth wireless frame can indicate the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel.

[0029] In a possible implementation, when the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the fourth wireless frame further comprises the MU EDCA parameters. The first device regards the MU EDCA parameters comprised in the fourth wireless frame as the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel. Alternatively, when the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the first device regards the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel as the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel.

[0030] Based on the foregoing scheme, if the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the fourth wireless frame carries the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, and does not need to carry the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, thereby saving overhead. If the third indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the fourth wireless frame can further comprise the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, and the first device can perform channel contention according to the MU EDCA parameters.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the MU EDCA channel contention is not performed on the first temporary primary channel. Based on the foregoing scheme, the first device does not start the MU EDCA mode on the first temporary primary channel, thereby simplifying the operation of the first device on the temporary primary channel.

[0032] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. It can be understood that the first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. The first device generates a fifth wireless frame, and the fifth wireless frame comprises fifth indication information. The fifth indication information is used to indicate whether to turn off or turn on a non-primary channel access function. The fifth wireless frame is sent.

[0033] Based on the above scheme, the first device can temporarily turn on or turn off the NPCA function, so that the NPCA function can be turned on when it is needed to switch to the temporary primary channel, and the NPCA function can be turned off when it is not needed to switch to the temporary primary channel, thereby saving the energy consumption of the first device.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the first device sends a sixth wireless frame, and the sixth wireless frame includes sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate an initial state of the non-primary channel access function. The initial state includes turning on or turning off. Based on the above scheme, the first device can inform the second device of the initial state of the NPCA function.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the first device receives a seventh wireless frame, and the seventh wireless frame includes seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to indicate turning on or turning off the non-primary channel access function of the basic service set. Based on the above scheme, the second device can indicate the first device in the basic service set to turn on or turn off the NPCA function through the seventh indication information, so as to save the energy consumption.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. It can be understood that the first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device receives an eighth wireless frame, and the first device includes identification information of one or more stations in the eighth wireless frame. If the identification information of the one or more stations includes identification information of a non-access point station, and an event triggering a non-primary channel access operation is detected, the first device performs the non-primary channel access operation. Alternatively, if the identification information of the one or more stations does not include identification information of a non-access point station, or does not support a non-primary channel access function or turns off the non-primary channel access function, and the event triggering the non-primary channel access operation is detected, the first device enters sleep.

[0037] Based on the above scheme, through the identification information of the one or more stations, the first device can determine whether it is needed to switch to the primary channel, so that the first device can enter sleep when it is not needed to switch to the primary channel, thereby saving the energy consumption of the first device.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the one or more stations includes an identification list of the one or more stations, or an identification bitmap of the one or more stations.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. It can be appreciated that the first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device switches to a temporary primary channel. The first device receives identification information of one or more stations. If the identification information of the one or more stations does not include identification information of a non-access point station, the first device switches to a primary channel.

[0040] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine whether to switch to the primary channel based on the identification information of the one or more stations, and thus switch to the primary channel when it is not necessary to switch to the primary channel.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the first device becomes unavailable.

[0042] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine whether to switch to the primary channel based on the identification information of the one or more stations, and thus switch to the primary channel when it is not necessary to switch to the primary channel, and enter into an unavailable state, which can save energy consumption of the first device.

[0043] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first non-access point multi-link device, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first non-access point multi-link device receives a first wireless frame, and the first wireless frame includes identification information of one or more non-access point multi-link devices and one or more link identification information. If the identification information of the one or more non-access point multi-link devices includes identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, and the one or more link identification information includes link identification information in which a first non-access point station included in the first non-access point multi-link device is located, and the first non-access point station detects an event triggering a non-primary channel access operation, the first non-access point station performs the non-primary channel access operation. Alternatively, if the identification information of the one or more non-access point multi-link devices does not include identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, and any non-access point station included in the first non-access point multi-link device detects the event triggering the non-primary channel access operation, the any non-access point station enters into an unavailable state. Alternatively, if the identification information of the one or more non-access point multi-link devices includes identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, and the one or more link identification information does not include the link identification information in which the first non-access point station included in the first non-access point multi-link device is located, and the first non-access point station detects the event triggering the non-primary channel access operation, the first non-access point station enters into the unavailable state.

[0044] Based on the above scheme, through the identification information of the one or more non-access point multi-link devices, the first non-access point multi-link device can determine whether to switch to the temporary main channel, so that when it is not necessary to switch to the temporary main channel, the first non-access point multi-link device can enter sleep. And, through the one or more link identification information to determine which link needs to switch to the temporary main channel, and put the non-access point station on the link which does not need to switch to the temporary main channel to sleep, so as to save energy consumption.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be a non-access point station or an access point, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device generates a first wireless frame, the first wireless frame including first indication information, the first indication information indicating a first temporary main channel, the first wireless frame indicating that a second temporary main channel is updated to the first temporary main channel. The second device transmits the first wireless frame.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the second wireless frame is transmitted, and the second wireless frame includes second indication information, the second indication information indicating a second temporary main channel.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the second device transmits a TIM frame. The TIM frame includes a probe beacon frame field, and a value of the probe beacon frame field is different from a value of a probe beacon frame field in a last transmitted TIM frame.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the second device transmits a basic multi-link element. The basic multi-link element includes a basic service set parameter change count field, and a value of the basic service set parameter change count field is different from a value of a basic service set parameter change count field in a last transmitted basic multi-link element.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the second device includes a basic service set parameter change count field in a neighbor report element corresponding to the second device. A value of the basic service set parameter change count field included in the neighbor report element is different from a value of a basic service set parameter change count field included in a last transmitted neighbor report element.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame further includes validity time information, and the validity time information indicates a validity time. The validity time is used to indicate a validity time of the first temporary main channel.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame further includes one or more of the following: a time duration threshold or a received power threshold. The time duration threshold is used to indicate that the non-primary channel access is triggered when a duration corresponding to the received cross basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the time duration threshold. The received power threshold is used to indicate that the non-primary channel access is triggered when a received power of the received cross basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the received power threshold.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame is a beacon frame.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the change of the parameter required for the temporary primary channel access or the change of the temporary primary channel is a system critical event.

[0054] In an eighth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be a non-access point station or an access point, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device generates a third wireless frame, the third wireless frame including third indication information indicating whether EDCA parameters used in a first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from EDCA parameters used in a primary channel. The second device transmits the third wireless frame.

[0055] In a possible implementation, when the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the third wireless frame further includes the EDCA parameters.

[0056] In a possible implementation, the second device transmits a fourth wireless frame, the fourth wireless frame including fourth indication information indicating whether MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel.

[0057] In a possible implementation, when the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the fourth wireless frame further includes the MU EDCA parameters.

[0058] In a ninth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be a non-access point station or an access point, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device receives a fifth wireless frame, the fifth wireless frame including fifth indication information. The fifth indication information is used to indicate whether a non-primary channel access function is turned off or on. The second device determines, based on the fifth wireless frame, whether the non-access point station turns off or on the non-primary channel access function.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the second device receives a sixth wireless frame, and the sixth wireless frame includes sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to indicate an initial state of the non-primary channel access function. The initial state includes turning on or turning off.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the second device sends a seventh wireless frame, and the seventh wireless frame includes seventh indication information, where the seventh indication information is used to indicate turning on or turning off the non-primary channel access function of the basic service set.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the fifth indication information is carried in an extremely high throughput (EHT) operation mode control field.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the seventh wireless frame includes a first element, and the first element carries the seventh indication information and parameters required for the non-primary channel access.

[0063] In a tenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be a non-access point station or an access point, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device generates an eighth wireless frame, and the eighth wireless frame includes identification information of one or more stations. The eighth wireless frame is used to indicate that the one or more stations participate in the non-primary channel access. The second device sends the eighth wireless frame.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the one or more stations includes an identification list of the one or more stations, or an identification bitmap of the one or more stations.

[0065] In an eleventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be a non-access point station or an access point, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device generates a ninth wireless frame, and the ninth wireless frame includes identification information of one or more non-access point multi-link devices and one or more link identification information. The ninth wireless frame is used to indicate that the one or more non-access point multi-link devices and the links corresponding to the one or more link identification information participate in the non-primary channel access. The second device sends the ninth wireless frame.

[0066] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0067] The transceiver unit is configured to receive a first wireless frame, and the first wireless frame includes first indication information, where the first indication information indicates a first temporary primary channel. The processing unit is configured to update a second temporary primary channel to the first temporary primary channel.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive a second wireless frame, and the second wireless frame comprises second indication information, and the second indication information indicates a second temporary primary channel.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive a TIM frame. The TIM frame comprises a detected beacon frame field, and a value of the detected beacon frame field is different from a value of a detected beacon frame field in a last received TIM frame.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive a basic multi-link element. The basic multi-link element comprises a basic service set parameter change count field, and a value of the basic service set parameter change count field is different from a value of a basic service set parameter change count field in a last received basic multi-link element.

[0071] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame further comprises validity time information, and the validity time information indicates a validity time. The validity time is used to indicate a validity time of the first temporary primary channel.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame further comprises one or more of the following: a time duration threshold or a received power threshold. The time duration threshold is used to indicate that the non-primary channel access is triggered when a duration corresponding to the received cross basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the time duration threshold. The received power threshold is used to indicate that the non-primary channel access is triggered when a received power of the received cross basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the received power threshold.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame is a beacon frame.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the change of the parameter required for the temporary primary channel access or the change of the temporary primary channel is a system critical event.

[0075] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0076] The transceiver is configured to receive a third wireless frame, and the third wireless frame comprises third indication information, and the third indication information indicates whether EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from EDCA parameters used in a primary channel. The processing unit is configured to determine the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel based on the third indication information.

[0077] In a possible implementation, the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel is different from the EDCA parameter used in the main channel, and the third wireless frame further includes the EDCA parameter. The processing unit is specifically configured to use the EDCA parameter included in the third wireless frame as the EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel. Alternatively, the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel is the same as the EDCA parameter used in the main channel, and the processing unit is specifically configured to use the EDCA parameter used in the main channel as the EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel.

[0078] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive a fourth wireless frame, and the fourth wireless frame includes fourth indication information. The fourth indication information indicates whether the MU EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel is the same as or different from the MU EDCA parameter used in the main channel. The processing unit is further configured to determine the MU EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel based on the fourth indication information.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel is different from the MU EDCA parameter used in the main channel, and the fourth wireless frame further includes the MU EDCA parameter. The processing unit is specifically configured to use the MU EDCA parameter included in the fourth wireless frame as the MU EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel. Alternatively, the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel is the same as the MU EDCA parameter used in the main channel, and the processing unit is specifically configured to use the MU EDCA parameter used in the main channel as the MU EDCA parameter used in the first temporary main channel.

[0080] In a possible implementation, no MU EDCA channel contention is performed on the first temporary main channel.

[0081] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0082] The processing unit is configured to generate a fifth wireless frame. The fifth wireless frame includes fifth indication information. The fifth indication information is used to indicate whether a non-main channel access function is turned off or turned on. The transceiver is configured to send the fifth wireless frame.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send a sixth wireless frame. The sixth wireless frame includes sixth indication information. The sixth indication information is used to indicate an initial state of the non-main channel access function. The initial state includes being turned on or turned off.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive a seventh wireless frame, and the seventh wireless frame comprises seventh indication information, where the seventh indication information is used to indicate whether to enable or disable the non-primary channel access function of the basic service set.

[0085] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0086] The transceiver is configured to receive an eighth wireless frame, and the first apparatus comprises the identification information of one or more stations in the eighth wireless frame. If the identification information of the one or more stations comprises the identification information of the non-access point station, and an event triggering the non-primary channel access operation is detected, the processing unit is configured to perform the non-primary channel access operation. Alternatively, if the identification information of the one or more stations does not comprise the identification information of the non-access point station, or the non-primary channel access function is not supported or is disabled, and the event triggering the non-primary channel access operation is detected, the processing unit is configured to enter into dormancy.

[0087] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the one or more stations comprises an identification list of the one or more stations, or an identification bitmap of the one or more stations.

[0088] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0089] The processing unit is configured to switch to a temporary primary channel. The transceiver is configured to receive the identification information of the one or more stations. If the identification information of the one or more stations does not comprise the identification information of the non-access point station, the processing unit is further configured to switch to a primary channel.

[0090] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to become unavailable.

[0091] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0092] The transceiver unit is configured to receive a first wireless frame, wherein the first wireless frame comprises identification information of one or more non-access point multi-link devices and one or more link identification information. If the identification information of the one or more non-access point multi-link devices comprises identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, and the one or more link identification information comprises link identification information of a first non-access point station comprised by the non-access point multi-link device, and the first non-access point station detects an event triggering a non-primary channel access operation, the processing unit is configured to control the first non-access point station to perform the non-primary channel access operation. Alternatively, if the identification information of the one or more non-access point multi-link devices does not comprise identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, and any non-access point station comprised by the first non-access point multi-link device detects an event triggering a non-primary channel access operation, the processing unit is configured to control the any non-access point station to enter sleep. Alternatively, if the identification information of the one or more non-access point multi-link devices comprises identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, and the one or more link identification information does not comprise link identification information of the first non-access point station comprised by the non-access point multi-link device, and the first non-access point station detects an event triggering a non-primary channel access operation, the processing unit is configured to control the first non-access point station to enter sleep.

[0093] In an eighteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0094] The processing unit is configured to generate a first wireless frame, wherein the first wireless frame comprises first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a first temporary primary channel, and the first wireless frame indicates that a second temporary primary channel is updated to the first temporary primary channel. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit the first wireless frame.

[0095] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a second wireless frame, wherein the second wireless frame comprises second indication information, and the second indication information indicates a second temporary primary channel.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a TIM frame. The TIM frame comprises a probe beacon frame field, and a value of the probe beacon frame field is different from a value of a probe beacon frame field in a last transmitted TIM frame.

[0097] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a basic multi-link element. The basic multi-link element comprises a basic service set parameter change count field, and a value of the basic service set parameter change count field is different from a value of a basic service set parameter change count field in a last transmitted basic multi-link element.

[0098] In a possible implementation, the second device includes a basic service set parameter change count field in the corresponding neighbor report element. A value of the basic service set parameter change count field in the neighbor report element is different from a value of the basic service set parameter change count field in the last transmitted neighbor report element.

[0099] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame further includes validity time information, and the validity time information indicates a validity time. The validity time is used to indicate the validity time of the first temporary primary channel.

[0100] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame further includes one or more of the following: a time duration threshold or a received power threshold. The time duration threshold is used to indicate that the non-primary channel access is triggered when a duration corresponding to the received cross basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the time duration threshold. The received power threshold is used to indicate that the non-primary channel access is triggered when a received power of the received cross basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the received power threshold.

[0101] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame is a beacon frame.

[0102] In a possible implementation, the system critical event is that a parameter required for the temporary primary channel access changes or the temporary primary channel changes.

[0103] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame is a beacon frame.

[0104] The processing unit is configured to generate a third wireless frame, and the third wireless frame includes third indication information. The third indication information indicates whether EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from EDCA parameters used in the primary channel. The transceiver is configured to transmit the third wireless frame.

[0105] In a possible implementation, when the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the third wireless frame further includes the EDCA parameters.

[0106] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to transmit a fourth wireless frame. The fourth wireless frame includes fourth indication information. The fourth indication information indicates whether MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel.

[0107] In a possible implementation, when the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the fourth wireless frame further includes the MU EDCA parameters.

[0108] A twentieth aspect provides a communication apparatus, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0109] The transceiver unit is configured to receive a fifth wireless frame, the fifth wireless frame comprising fifth indication information. The fifth indication information is used to indicate whether to turn off or turn on the non-primary channel access function. The processing unit is configured to determine, based on the fifth wireless frame, whether the non-access point station turns off or turns on the non-primary channel access function.

[0110] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a sixth wireless frame, the sixth wireless frame comprising sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate an initial state of the non-primary channel access function. The initial state comprises turning on or turning off.

[0111] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a seventh wireless frame, the seventh wireless frame comprising seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to indicate whether to turn on or turn off the non-primary channel access function of the basic service set.

[0112] In a possible implementation, the fifth indication information is carried in an EHT operation mode control field.

[0113] In a possible implementation, the seventh wireless frame comprises a first element, the first element carrying the seventh indication information and parameters required for the non-primary channel access.

[0114] A twenty-first aspect provides a communication apparatus, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0115] The processing unit is configured to generate an eighth wireless frame, the eighth wireless frame comprising identification information of one or more stations. The eighth wireless frame is used to indicate that the one or more stations participate in the non-primary channel access. The transceiver unit is configured to send the eighth wireless frame.

[0116] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the one or more stations comprises an identification list of the one or more stations, or an identification bitmap of the one or more stations.

[0117] A twenty-second aspect provides a communication apparatus, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0118] The processing unit is configured to generate a ninth wireless frame, the ninth wireless frame comprising identification information of one or more non-access point multi-link devices and one or more link identification information. The ninth wireless frame is used to indicate that the one or more non-access point multi-link devices and the links corresponding to the one or more link identification information participate in the non-primary channel access. The transceiver unit is configured to send the ninth wireless frame.

[0119] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the methods described above. The communication apparatus can be the first apparatus in the first aspect to the sixth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second apparatus in the seventh aspect to the twelfth aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described above, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0120] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to communicate with modules outside the communication apparatus. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions, so that the methods described in any of the aspects above are performed. The communication apparatus can be the first apparatus in the first aspect to the sixth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second apparatus in the seventh aspect to the twelfth aspect.

[0121] In a twenty-fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, so as to implement the methods described in any of the aspects above. The memory can be coupled to the processor, or can be independent of the processor. The communication apparatus can be the first apparatus in the first aspect to the sixth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second apparatus in the seventh aspect to the twelfth aspect.

[0122] In a twenty-sixth aspect, a communication system is provided, which can include the first apparatus performing the method in the first aspect and the second apparatus performing the method in the seventh aspect. Alternatively, the communication system can include the first apparatus performing the method in the second aspect and the second apparatus performing the method in the eighth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system can include the first apparatus performing the method in the third aspect and the second apparatus performing the method in the ninth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system can include the first apparatus performing the method in the fourth aspect and the second apparatus performing the method in the tenth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system can include the first apparatus performing the method in the fifth aspect and the second apparatus performing the method in the tenth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system can include the first apparatus performing the method in the sixth aspect and the second apparatus performing the method in the eleventh aspect.

[0123] In a twenty-seventh aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores computer readable instructions. When a computer reads and executes the computer readable instructions, the computer performs the method in any possible implementation of any of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect.

[0124] In a twenty-eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect.

[0125] In a twenty-ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip for reading a computer program stored in a memory, so as to perform the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect.

[0126] It can be understood that the technical effects of the seventh aspect to the twenty-ninth aspect can refer to the technical effects of any possible implementation of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, which will not be described here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0127] FIG. 1 is a network architecture diagram of a WLAN to which embodiments of the present application are applicable;

[0128] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a primary channel and a non-primary channel;

[0129] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of primary channel access;

[0130] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of non-primary channel access;

[0131] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0132] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a first wireless frame provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0133] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another frame structure of a first wireless frame provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0134] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another frame structure of a first wireless frame provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0135] FIG. 9 is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0136] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a control field provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0137] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of seventh indication information provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0138] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a communication apparatus provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0139] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0140] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0141] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0142] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0143] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to the scenario of WLAN, for example, can be applied to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 system standard, such as 802.11be standard, Wi-Fi 7 or extremely high throughput (EHT), 802.11bf, or 802.11be next generation, such as Wi-Fi 8 or the next generation of standards. Or the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle to X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and future communication systems.

[0144] In the following, the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the scenario of WLAN. It should be understood that WLAN starts from 802.11a / g standard, goes through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be which is currently being discussed. Among them, 802.11n can also be referred to as high throughput (HT); 802.11ac can also be referred to as very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax can also be referred to as high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; 802.11be can also be referred to as EHT or Wi-Fi 7, and the standards before HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, etc. can be collectively referred to as Non-HT.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 1, a network architecture diagram of a WLAN to which embodiments of the present application are applicable is shown. FIG. 1 takes an example in which the WLAN includes one access point (AP) and two stations (STAs). A STA associated with the AP can receive wireless frames transmitted by the AP and can also transmit wireless frames to the AP. In addition, embodiments of the present application are also applicable to communication between APs, for example, APs can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS), and are also applicable to communication between STAs. It should be understood that the number of APs and STAs in FIG. 1 is only an example, and there can be more or fewer.

[0146] The access point can be an access point for a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, and is mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens of meters to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. The access point is equivalent to a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, and its main role is to connect various wireless network clients together and then access the Ethernet network. Specifically, the access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) with a Wi-Fi chip, or a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal with access point function. The access point can be a device supporting the 802.11be standard. The access point can also be a device supporting multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and the next generation of 802.11be.

[0147] The station can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, the station can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a vehicle-mounted communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication function, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication function, etc. Optionally, the station can support the 802.11be standard. The station can also support multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, the next generation of 802.11be, etc.

[0148] For example, the access point and the station can be devices applied in vehicle-to-vehicle communication, Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, sensors, etc. in Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controllers, smart water meters, and sensors, etc. in smart cities.

[0149] The AP and the STA involved in the embodiments of the present application can be APs and STAs applicable to IEEE 802.11 system standards. The AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP can be used as the hub of the communication system, and is usually a network-side product supporting the MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard, such as a base station, a router, a gateway, a repeater, a communication server, a switch, or a bridge, etc. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. For the sake of convenience, the above-mentioned devices are collectively referred to as APs. The STA is usually a terminal product supporting the MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard, such as a mobile phone, a laptop, etc.

[0150] Nowadays, the large bandwidth channel used by the device using the 802.11 protocol for wireless communication is logically divided into several sub-channels with 20MHz as a unit, such as 4 20MHz sub-channels for an 80MHz channel, 8 20MHz sub-channels for a 160MHz channel, etc. In these sub-channels, the device knows that a certain sub-channel is the primary channel and the rest are non-primary channels according to the configuration information of the basic service set (BSS), as shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiments of the present application, the primary channel is referred to as the "primary 20MHz channel", the sub-channel is referred to as "a 20MHz sub-channel", and the non-primary channel is referred to as "a 20MHz sub-channel that is not the primary 20MHz channel".

[0151] The primary channel plays an important role in 802.11 protocol communication. In the aforementioned CSMA / CA mechanism, the device needs to determine whether the channel is idle, and a large part of the basis for the determination comes from the state of the primary channel. Referring to FIG. 3, the device needs to perform energy detection (ED) on each sub-channel and preambled detection (PD) on the primary channel. ED has lower requirements for hardware but poorer accuracy. PD has higher requirements for hardware but is more accurate in detecting whether there is a WiFi signal. PD detects whether there is a PPDU in the air interface according to the characteristics of the WiFi signal, and decodes the PPDU after capturing it to extract necessary information. For example, the necessary information includes the duration field. The duration field indicates how long it takes to complete frame interaction after the PPDU. The duration field of the first frame of the TXOP can be used to assist in indicating the length of the TXOP. In this article, the "length of the TXOP" is the "length of the PPDU in which the first frame of the TXOP is located" plus the "length indicated by the duration field of the first frame of the TXOP", and the PPDU length is indicated in the physical layer (PHY) header information.

[0152] The protocol requires PD on the primary channel and sets the corresponding network allocation vector (NAV) timer through the duration field decoded from the primary channel. Before the end of the countdown of the NAV timer, the device is not allowed to compete for the channel, that is, the aforementioned "protection of the TXOP" mechanism. Considering the implementation complexity of PD, the protocol does not require the station to perform PD on a channel other than the primary channel or outside the operating bandwidth. Currently, "PD on the primary channel" can also be referred to as "primary channel access".

[0153] The mechanism based on primary channel access is logically neat and simple to operate, but as the deployment of devices becomes more and more dense and the bandwidth of devices becomes larger and larger, the frequency of spectrum use caused by primary channel access is also decreasing. For example, a 160MHz station only detects that the primary 20MHz channel is busy, and the remaining sub-channels are all idle. According to the primary channel access mechanism, the device cannot use any channel and can only back off, but in fact the remaining sub-channels are all idle and can be used in theory. Therefore, it is proposed that when the primary channel is busy, transmission is not backed off but is performed through an idle non-primary channel. At this time, the device switches to the idle non-primary channel and performs PD on the idle non-primary channel. This operation is referred to as non-primary channel access (NPCA), and the idle non-primary channel is referred to as a temporary primary channel.

[0154] The NPCA mechanism can be used between infrastructure BSSs. Referring to FIG. 4, the AP and STAs of BSS1 find that there is an overlapped basic service set (OBSS) TXOP on the primary channel, such as the TXOP of BSS2, and then the AP and STAs of BSS1 can switch to a non-primary channel for transmission and reception. Incidentally, for the AP and STAs of an infrastructure BSS, the non-primary channel access mechanism can be used only when an OBSS TXOP is detected on the primary channel; if a BSS TXOP is detected on the primary channel, it means that the AP of the BSS is participating in the transmission of the STAs of the BSS, and at this time, the STAs that do not participate in the transmission cannot communicate with the AP even if they switch to a non-primary channel.

[0155] In the non-primary channel access mechanism discussed at present, a temporary primary channel is predefined by the protocol or indicated by the AP. However, different temporary primary channels can bring different communication performance. For example, the busy degree of the temporary primary channel can change over time, and when the busy degree of the temporary primary channel increases, more STAs can communicate on the temporary primary channel, causing the conflict in channel competition to intensify. Or, when the temporary primary channel is outside the operating bandwidth of more STAs, it takes a long time for the STAs to switch to the temporary primary channel.

[0156] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method. In the method, the update of the temporary primary channel can be supported. The method can be performed by a first device and a second device. Exemplarily, the first device can be an AP or an STA, or the first device can be a device included in the AP or the STA, or the first device can be a chip capable of performing the functions of the AP or the STA. Similarly, the second device can be an AP or an STA, or the first device can be a device included in the AP or the STA, or the first device can be a chip capable of performing the functions of the AP or the STA.

[0157] Exemplarily, when the first device is an AP, the second device can be an AP or an STA. When the first device is an STA, the second device can be an AP or an STA.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps.

[0159] S501: The second device sends a first wireless frame.

[0160] Correspondingly, the first device receives the first wireless frame.

[0161] The first wireless frame includes first indication information, which can indicate the first temporary primary channel. The temporary primary channel in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as an NPCA primary channel. In the embodiments of the present application, the NPCA primary channel can refer to a target sub-channel for switching in the NPCA.

[0162] S502: The second device updates the second temporary primary channel to the first temporary primary channel.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the first wireless frame can be a beacon frame or a data traffic indication message (DTIM) beacon frame. The first indication information can be carried in the beacon frame. When the second device needs to update the temporary primary channel, the first indication information can be carried in the beacon frame to indicate a first temporary primary channel different from the used temporary primary channel (such as the second temporary primary channel).

[0164] For example, referring to FIG. 6, the second device can carry an NPCA parameter set element in the beacon frame. The NPCA parameter set element can be used to indicate parameters required for switching to the temporary primary channel. Optionally, the beacon frame can further include the first indication information. For example, the first indication information can be carried in the NPCA parameter set element. In FIG. 6, the first indication information is taken as an example of “NPCA primary channel”. It can be understood that the name of the field, the position of the field, or the length of the field shown in the embodiments of the present application are only exemplary and will not be repeatedly described below.

[0165] It should be noted that FIG. 6 is only exemplary, and the first indication information can also be carried in other fields of the first wireless frame.

[0166] In some embodiments, before S501, the second device can send a second wireless frame, which can include second indication information. The second indication information can indicate the second temporary primary channel. The first device can take the second temporary primary channel as the NPCA primary channel. In S501, the second device sends the first wireless frame, which includes the first indication information. The first indication information can indicate the first temporary primary channel. Therefore, the first device can consider that the NPCA primary channel has changed, and can update the second temporary primary channel to the first temporary primary channel.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second wireless frame can be a same type of frame as the first wireless frame, such as a beacon frame or a DTIM beacon frame. For example, the second device can indicate the second temporary primary channel to the first device through a beacon frame as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, the second indication information can be a same field as the first indication information but with a different value. For example, the "NPCA primary channel" field as shown in FIG. 6.

[0168] Based on the above scheme, the second device can indicate to update the temporary primary channel to the first temporary primary channel through the first indication information, so that the temporary primary channel can be updated when the traffic load on the temporary primary channel is increased or the temporary primary channel is outside the operating bandwidth of more first devices, and the performance of non-primary channel access is improved.

[0169] In another possible implementation, the first wireless frame can further carry validity time information (NPCA primary channel switch time), which can indicate the validity time of the first temporary primary channel. For example, referring to FIG. 7, taking a beacon frame as the first wireless frame, the validity time information can be carried in the beacon frame. In FIG. 7, the validity time information is taken as an example of "NPCA primary channel switch time". It can be understood that the validity time information can be carried in the NPCA parameter set element field in the beacon frame, or in other fields in the beacon frame.

[0170] In one example, the validity time information can indicate a specific time value, such as a number of bits of a timing synchronization function (TSF) timer, a specific time or index of a time unit, etc., or the validity time information can indicate a time period. The unit of the time period can be microsecond, or the time period can be a number of time units or a target beacon transmission time (TBTT) interval, etc.

[0171] The first device can determine the validity time of the first temporary primary channel according to the validity time information. For example, if the validity time information indicates a specific time value, the time value can be taken as the validity time of the first temporary primary channel. For another example, if the validity time information indicates a time period, the end time of the time period can be taken as the validity time of the first temporary primary channel. In one possible example, the first device and / or the second device can switch to the first temporary primary channel after the first temporary primary channel is valid. In this way, invalid switching caused by switching to an updated temporary primary channel before the temporary primary channel is valid can be avoided.

[0172] In another possible implementation, one or more of a time duration threshold or a received power threshold is further included in the first wireless frame. The time duration threshold can be a NAV time duration threshold triggering the NPCA operation. When the first device receives an OBSS PPDU corresponding to a duration greater than or equal to the time duration threshold, the first device performs or triggers the NPCA operation. For example, the duration corresponding to the OBSS PPDU can be understood as a duration of channel occupation, such as a duration of a basic NAV set by the OBSS PPDU or a PPDU length of the OBSS PPDU.

[0173] The received power threshold can be a received power threshold of the OBSS PPDU triggering the NPCA operation. When the first device receives an OBSS PPDU corresponding to a received power greater than or equal to the received power threshold, the first device performs or triggers the NPCA operation. For example, the received power can be determined according to a received channel power indicator (RCPI).

[0174] The NPCA operation mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be understood as an operation of switching from a primary channel to a temporary primary channel for data transmission, and switching back to the primary channel after the data transmission ends, which can also be referred to as temporary primary channel access or non-primary channel access.

[0175] For example, referring to FIG. 8, taking a beacon frame as an example of the first wireless frame, the time duration threshold and / or the received power threshold can be carried in the beacon frame. For example, the time duration threshold and / or the received power threshold can be carried in an NPCA parameter set element field in the beacon frame, or in other fields in the beacon frame.

[0176] In the embodiments of the present application, in order to enable the first device to update the temporary primary channel, the second device needs to take "replacement / update of the temporary primary channel" or "change of parameters of the temporary primary channel" as one of system critical update events. When the system critical update event occurs, the second device needs to perform one or more of the following operations:

[0177] 1) The second device increases the value of a check beacon field in a traffic indication map (TIM) frame sent by the second device by 1 (modulo 256). Then, when the first device detects that the value of the check beacon field in the received TIM frame is different from the value of the check beacon field in the last received TIM frame, the first device can receive the beacon frame to obtain the updated temporary primary channel.

[0178] 2) The second device increments by 1 (modulo 256) the value of the BSS parameters change count field in the basic multi-link element it sends. Then the first device can receive the beacon frame to obtain the updated temporary primary channel when the value of the BSS parameters change count field in the received basic multi-link element is different from the value of the BSS parameters change count field in the last received basic multi-link element.

[0179] In a possible case, if the second device belongs to a multi-link device (MLD), then the second device (for the sake of distinction, referred to as the third device) on other links in the MLD also needs to perform one or more of the following operations:

[0180] 1) The third device increments by 1 (modulo 256) the value of the check beacon field in the traffic indication map (TIM) frame it sends.

[0181] 2) The third device increments by 1 (modulo 256) the value of the BSS parameters change count field in the information corresponding to the second device in the reduced neighbor report element it sends.

[0182] Based on the above scheme, the temporary primary channel update can be one of the system critical update times. After receiving the basic multi-link element, the first device determines that the value of the BSS parameters change count field is different from the value of the BSS parameters change count field in the last received basic multi-link element, receives the first wireless frame, and obtains the first indication information of the updated temporary primary channel.

[0183] In a possible case, the first device does not need to perform EDCA channel contention after switching to the temporary primary channel. In another possible case, the first device needs to perform EDCA channel contention after switching to the temporary primary channel to perform data transmission. Embodiments of the present application also provide another communication method. Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application can include the following steps.

[0184] S901: The second device sends a third wireless frame.

[0185] Correspondingly, the first device receives the third wireless frame.

[0186] The third wireless frame can be a beacon frame or a DTIM beacon frame. The third wireless frame includes third indication information. The third indication information can indicate that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel. Because the number of first devices performing channel contention in the temporary primary channel is different from (smaller than) the number of first devices performing channel contention in the primary channel, the EDCA parameters in the temporary primary channel can be smaller. However, because the first devices do not perform reception in the temporary primary channel before switching to the temporary primary channel, the occupation of the temporary primary channel is unknown. Therefore, after switching, a more conservative EDCA parameter (a larger value) should be used. In consideration of the above factors, the EDCA parameters used by the stations in the temporary primary channel for channel contention can be the same as or different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel.

[0187] The third indication information can be one-bit indication information. When the one-bit indication information is 1, it can indicate that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel. When the one-bit indication information is 0, it can indicate that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel. Conversely, when the one-bit indication information is 0, it can indicate that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel. When the one-bit indication information is 1, it can indicate that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel.

[0188] Based on the above scheme, after the first devices switch to the temporary primary channel, EDCA channel contention needs to be performed for data transmission. Therefore, the third wireless frame can indicate the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel.

[0189] If the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the third wireless frame carries the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, and does not need to carry the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, thereby saving overhead. If the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the third wireless frame can further include the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel.

[0190] In another example, if the third wireless frame does not carry the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, it indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the EDCA parameters used in the primary channel.

[0191] Optionally, the third wireless frame can carry indication information of whether the EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel exist. If the indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel do not exist, it means that the EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel are the same as the EDCA parameters used by the primary channel. Optionally, the indication information can be carried in the NPCA parameter set element.

[0192] S902: The first device determines the EDCA parameters used on the first temporary primary channel based on the third indication information.

[0193] For example, if the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel are the same as the EDCA parameters used by the primary channel, the first device can use the EDCA parameters used by the primary channel as the EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel. For another example, if the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel are different from the EDCA parameters used by the primary channel, the first device can use the EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel included in the third wireless frame as the EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel.

[0194] In addition, when the first device is currently working on the primary channel, if a trigger frame sent by the second device is received and data transmission is successfully performed, the first device needs to use the MU EDCA parameter set to compete for the channel for a period of time. When the first device switches to the first temporary primary channel to work, if a trigger frame sent by the second device is received and data transmission is successfully performed, the first device can determine the MU EDCA parameters to be used or the second device can determine whether to perform the MU EDCA operation.

[0195] Case 1: The MU EDCA parameters used by the first device on the primary channel are the same as or different from the MU EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel.

[0196] For example, the first device can use the MU EDCA parameters used on the primary channel as the MU EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel by default. For another example, the first device can receive a fourth wireless frame from the second device, and the fourth wireless frame can include fourth indication information. The fourth indication information can indicate that the MU EDCA parameters used by the first temporary primary channel are the same as the MU EDCA parameters used by the primary channel. It can be understood that the fourth wireless frame can be implemented with reference to the third wireless frame, and the fourth indication information can be implemented with reference to the third indication information. In one possible case, the fourth wireless frame can be a beacon frame or a DTIM beacon frame.

[0197] Exemplarily, the fourth indication information can be 1-bit indication information. Wherein, when the 1-bit indication information is 1, it can indicate that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel; and when the 1-bit indication information is 0, it can indicate that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel. Conversely, when the 1-bit indication information is 0, it can indicate that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel; and when the 1-bit indication information is 1, it can indicate that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel.

[0198] If the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the fourth wireless frame carries the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, and does not need to carry the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, thereby saving overhead. If the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel, the fourth wireless frame can further include the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel.

[0199] In another example, if the fourth wireless frame does not carry the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, it indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel.

[0200] Optionally, the fourth wireless frame can carry indication information of “whether the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel exist”, and if the indication information indicates that “the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel do not exist”, it indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel. Optionally, the indication information can be carried in the NPCA parameter set element.

[0201] Based on the fourth wireless frame, the first device can determine the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel, and perform the MU EDCA operation.

[0202] Case 2: The first device does not perform the MU EDCA operation on the first temporary primary channel.

[0203] For example, after receiving the trigger frame sent by the second device and successfully performing data transmission, the first device still performs EDCA channel contention by using the determined EDCA parameter set for the first temporary main channel use. The EDCA parameter for the first temporary main channel use can be determined based on the third wireless frame, which is not described herein again. In this way, the first device does not start the MU EDCA mode on the first temporary main channel, and the operation of the first device on the temporary main channel is simplified.

[0204] Optionally, the first device can receive a fourth wireless frame. The fourth wireless frame can carry indication information about whether the MU EDCA parameter for the first temporary main channel use exists. If the indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameter for the first temporary main channel use does not exist, it can be considered that the first device does not perform the MU EDCA operation, and still performs EDCA channel contention by using the determined EDCA parameter set for the first temporary main channel use. Optionally, the indication information can be carried in the NPCA parameter set element.

[0205] For example, after receiving the trigger frame sent by the second device and successfully performing data transmission, the first device does not perform channel contention. After receiving the last trigger frame sent by the second device and successfully performing data transmission, the first device directly switches back to the main channel, and the operation of the first device on the temporary main channel can be simplified.

[0206] Another communication method is further provided in the embodiments of the present application. In the method, the first device can temporarily close or start the NPCA function. For example, the first device sends a fifth wireless frame, and the second device receives the fifth wireless frame. The fifth wireless frame can include fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information can be used to indicate the closing or starting of the NPCA function. For example, the fifth indication information can be 1-bit indication information. When the value of the 1-bit indication information is 0, it indicates that the NPCA function is closed, and when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 1, it indicates that the NPCA function is started. Conversely, when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 1, it indicates that the NPCA function is closed, and when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 0, it indicates that the NPCA function is started. Based on the above scheme, the first device can temporarily start or close the NPCA function, so that the NPCA function can be started when it is needed to switch to the temporary main channel, and the NPCA function can be closed when it is not needed to switch to the temporary main channel, thereby saving the energy consumption of the first device.

[0207] In one example, the fifth wireless frame can carry control, such as an EHT operation type (OM) control field. The fifth indication information can be carried in the EHT OM control field. For example, refer to FIG. 10, which shows a schematic diagram of a structure of an EHT OM control field. It should be noted that the fifth indication information can be carried in a newly added field in the EHT OM control field, or the fifth indication information can be carried in an existing field in the EHT OM control field, such as a reserved field. In FIG. 10, the fifth indication information is carried in a reserved field in the EHT OM control field. In FIG. 10, an example is shown in which the fifth indication information is named as an NPCA disable field.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the first device can indicate an initial state of the NPCA function, such as being turned on or turned off, to the second device. For example, the first device can send a sixth wireless frame to the second device, and the sixth wireless frame can include sixth indication information. The sixth indication information can be used to indicate the initial state of the NPCA function. For example, the sixth wireless frame can be an association request frame or a re-association request frame.

[0209] In another possible implementation, the initial state of the NPCA function can be defined by a protocol as being turned on or turned off. For example, the protocol can define the initial state of the NPCA function as being turned on, and then the first device can default the NPCA function to being turned on after a successful association. For another example, the protocol can define the initial state of the NPCA function as being turned off, and then the first device can default the NPCA function to being turned off after a successful association.

[0210] Another communication method is also provided in the embodiments of the present application. In this method, the second device can temporarily turn on or turn off the NPCA function of the BSS. For example, the second device can send a seventh wireless frame, and the seventh wireless frame can include seventh indication information. The seventh indication information can be used to indicate turning on or turning off the NPCA function of the BSS. For example, the seventh indication information can be one-bit indication information. When the one-bit indication information has a value of 0, it can indicate turning off the NPCA function of the BSS, and when the one-bit indication information has a value of 1, it can indicate turning on the NPCA function of the BSS. Conversely, when the one-bit indication information has a value of 1, it can indicate turning off the NPCA function of the BSS, and when the one-bit indication information has a value of 0, it can indicate turning on the NPCA function of the BSS. Based on the above scheme, the second device can use the seventh indication information to instruct the first device in the basic service set to turn on or turn off the NPCA function, so as to save energy.

[0211] Optionally, the first apparatus can start or stop the NPCA function based on the seventh indication information. For example, when the seventh indication information indicates to stop the NPCA function of the BSS, the first apparatus stops the NPCA function. For another example, when the seventh indication information indicates to start the NPCA function of the BSS, the first apparatus starts the NPCA function.

[0212] In one example, the seventh wireless frame can be a beacon frame or a DTIM beacon frame, and the seventh indication information can be carried in the beacon frame. Referring to FIG. 11, the seventh indication information is carried in the NPCA parameter set element field in the beacon frame as an example. In FIG. 11, the name of the seventh indication information is taken as the NPCA disable field as an example. Optionally, the seventh indication information can also be carried in other frames or other fields in the beacon frame.

[0213] In some cases, the second apparatus performs the NPCA operation only with some first apparatuses, such as the first apparatuses having low latency service requirements or the first apparatuses having large data requirements, and does not perform the NPCA operation with other first apparatuses. Therefore, the second apparatus can send the identification information of the first apparatuses, which is used to indicate the first apparatuses that need to perform the NPCA operation. Other first apparatuses can not perform the NPCA operation, and can enter sleep when detecting the event triggering the NPCA operation, so as to achieve the effect of energy saving.

[0214] For example, the time triggering the NPCA operation can include one or more of the following events:

[0215] A. An OBSS wireless frame, such as an OBSS PPDU carrying wireless frame, is set with a basic network allocation vector (NAV). For example, the first apparatus and / or the second apparatus can detect the channel and receive the OBSS wireless frame, which is set with the basic NAV or the OBSS PPDU carrying the OBSS wireless frame is set with the basic NAV.

[0216] B. The set basic NAV exceeds a threshold. Here, the threshold can be the time length threshold in the first wireless frame. If the OBSS wireless frame received by the first apparatus and / or the second apparatus is set with the basic NAV exceeding the time length threshold, the NPCA operation can be triggered.

[0217] C. The temporary primary channel is not occupied by an OBSS wireless frame, such as a wireless frame carrying an OBSS PPDU. For example, the first apparatus and / or the second apparatus can detect the temporary primary channel and determine that the temporary primary channel is not occupied by an OBSS wireless frame. Optionally, the first apparatus and / or the second apparatus can detect the temporary primary channel on the primary channel or after switching to the temporary primary channel.

[0218] D. The received power of the received OBSS wireless frame exceeds a threshold. Here, the threshold can be the aforementioned received power threshold in the first wireless frame. If the received power of the received OBSS wireless frame by the first apparatus and / or the second apparatus exceeds the received power threshold, or the received power of the OBSS PPDU carried by the OBSS wireless frame exceeds the received power threshold, the NPCA operation can be triggered.

[0219] In one possible implementation, before switching to the temporary primary channel, the second apparatus can transmit an eighth wireless frame, and the corresponding first apparatus can receive the eighth wireless frame. For example, the eighth wireless frame can be a beacon frame or a DTIM beacon frame. Here, the eighth wireless frame can include identification information of one or more stations. If the identification information of the one or more stations includes the identification information of the first apparatus, and the first apparatus detects the event triggering the NPCA operation, the first apparatus performs the NPCA operation, such as switching to the temporary primary channel. If the identification information of the one or more stations does not include the identification information of the first apparatus, the first apparatus becomes unavailable when detecting the event triggering the NPCA operation. The first apparatus can become unavailable during the time period when the primary channel is occupied. Here, the time period when the primary channel is occupied can be determined by the NAV set by the OBSS PPDU or the length of the OBSS PPDU, which will not be described herein again. Optionally, the first apparatus that becomes unavailable can become available or active after the time period when the primary channel is occupied. For example, the first apparatus that becomes unavailable can become available when the NAV is zero or when the OBSS PPDU ends.

[0220] For example, the identification information of the one or more stations can be implemented by an application identifier (AID) list or an AID bitmap. For example, when the first apparatus determines that the identification information of the first apparatus is not included in the AID list or the corresponding value of the identification information of the first apparatus in the AID bitmap is 0 (or 1), the first apparatus becomes unavailable when detecting the event triggering the NPCA operation. For another example, when the first apparatus determines that the identification information of the first apparatus is included in the AID list or the corresponding value of the identification information of the first apparatus in the AID bitmap is 1 (or 0), the first apparatus switches to the temporary primary channel to work.

[0221] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine whether to switch to the primary channel through the identification information of one or more stations, and thus can enter dormancy when there is no need to switch to the primary channel, thereby saving energy consumption of the first device.

[0222] In some embodiments, if a station has turned off the NPCA function or does not support the NPCA function, and the station detects an event triggering the NPCA operation, the station can enter dormancy for a period of time. The period of time here can be a period of time during which the channel is occupied, such as a length of the set basic NAV or a length (PPDU length) of a received OBSS packet. In other words, the station should become available when the basic NAV is zero (or when the OBSS packet ends).

[0223] Optionally, if a station has turned off the NPCA function or does not support the NPCA function, the station can also send indication information to the AP to indicate whether the station will enter dormancy when detecting an event triggering the NPCA operation. The AP receives the indication information, and if it is found that the station will enter dormancy when detecting an event triggering the NPCA operation, the AP does not communicate with the station for a period of time during which the station is in dormancy. It should be understood that even if the AP ends the NPCA operation in advance and switches to the primary channel for a period of time during which the station is in dormancy, the AP does not communicate with the station.

[0224] Based on the above scheme, a station that has turned off the NPCA function or a station that does not support the NPCA function can enter dormancy when detecting an event triggering the NPCA operation, thereby achieving the purpose of saving energy consumption.

[0225] In a possible case, the second device can carry the identification information of one or more stations in a beacon frame or in other frames.

[0226] Optionally, the first device can send eighth indication information to the second device to indicate that the first device will enter dormancy after detecting an event triggering the NPCA operation after turning off the NPCA function. Then the second device cannot send a wireless frame to the first device for a period of time during which the primary channel is occupied.

[0227] In another possible implementation, after the first device switches to the temporary primary channel in response to the event triggering the NPCA operation, the second device can send an eighth wireless frame, and the first device can receive the eighth wireless frame. The eighth wireless frame can include identification information of one or more stations. If the identification information of the one or more stations includes identification information of the first device, the first device operates on the temporary primary channel. If the identification information of the one or more stations does not include the identification information of the first device, the first device becomes unavailable after switching to the primary channel. The first device can become unavailable during a time period in which the primary channel is occupied.

[0228] In this implementation, the identification information of the one or more stations can be carried in an initial control frame. The initial control frame can be a MU-RTS (request to send) frame, a MU-RTS block ack request (BAR) frame, or a MU-buffer status report (BSRP) frame.

[0229] In another possible implementation, the second device can send identification information of one or more stations and link identification information of one or more links. For example, the second device can send a ninth wireless frame. The ninth wireless frame can include the identification information of the one or more stations and the link identification information of the one or more links.

[0230] If the identification information of the one or more stations includes identification information of a multi-link device to which the first device belongs, and the link identification information of the one or more links includes link identification of a link on which the first device is located, the first device switches to the temporary primary channel to operate when detecting the event triggering the NPCA operation. If the identification information of the one or more stations includes identification information of a multi-link device to which the first device belongs, and the link identification information of the one or more links does not include link identification of a link on which the first device is located, the first device becomes unavailable when detecting the event triggering the NPCA operation. If the identification information of the one or more stations does not include identification information of a multi-link device to which the first device belongs, the multi-link station device to which the first device belongs becomes unavailable when detecting the event triggering the NPCA operation on any link.

[0231] Optionally, the link identification information of the one or more links can be implemented by a link identification list or a link identification bitmap, which will not be described herein.

[0232] If the first device receives the ninth wireless frame after switching to the temporary primary channel, if the identification information of the one or more stations includes the identification information of the multi-link device to which the first device belongs, and the one or more link identification information does not include the link identification of the first device, the first device switches to the primary channel and enters sleep. Similarly, if the identification information of the one or more stations does not include the identification information of the multi-link device to which the first device belongs, the multi-link station device to which the first device belongs switches to the primary channel and enters sleep.

[0233] Optionally, the ninth wireless frame can be a beacon frame, a DTIM beacon frame, or an initial control frame.

[0234] Based on the above scheme, through the identification information of the one or more non-access point multi-link devices, the non-access point multi-link device can determine whether it needs to switch to the temporary primary channel, so that the non-access point multi-link device can enter sleep when it does not need to switch to the temporary primary channel. And, through the one or more link identification information, it is determined which link needs to switch to the temporary primary channel, and the non-access point station on the link that does not need to switch to the temporary primary channel is put to sleep, so as to save energy.

[0235] Based on the above embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, the embodiment of the application provides a communication device 1200, which includes a processing unit 1201 and a transceiver unit 1202. The device 1200 can be a communication device, or can be applied to a communication device, and can support the communication device to perform a communication method.

[0236] The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a transceiver module, a transceiver, a transceiver, a transceiver device, etc. The processing unit can also be referred to as a processor, a processing board, a processing unit, a processing device, etc. Optionally, the device used to realize the receiving function in the transceiver unit can be regarded as a receiving unit, and it should be understood that the transceiver unit is used to perform the transmitting operation and the receiving operation of the communication device in the above method embodiment, and the device used to realize the transmitting function in the transceiver unit is regarded as a transmitting unit, that is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit.

[0237] In addition, it should be noted that if the device is implemented by a chip / chip circuit, the transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, which performs an input operation (corresponding to the above-mentioned receiving operation) and an output operation (corresponding to the above-mentioned transmitting operation); the processing unit is an integrated processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit.

[0238] In some possible implementation, the communication apparatus 1200 can correspond to the behaviors and functions of the first device in the above-mentioned method embodiments. For example, the communication apparatus 1200 can be the first device, or a component (for example, a chip or a circuit) applied to the first device. The transceiver 1220 can be used to perform all receiving or transmitting operations performed by the first device in the embodiments shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 11. For example, S501 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein; wherein the processing unit 1210 is configured to perform all operations performed by the first device in the embodiments shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 11, except for the transceiver operations.

[0239] Based on the above-mentioned embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication apparatus 1300. The communication apparatus 1300 includes a processor 1310. Optionally, the communication apparatus 1300 can further include a memory 1320, used to store instructions executed by the processor 1310 or store input data required by the processor 1310 to run instructions or store data generated after the processor 1310 runs instructions. The processor 1310 can realize the method shown in the above-mentioned method embodiments through the instructions stored in the memory 1320.

[0240] Based on the above-mentioned embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication apparatus 1400, which can be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0241] The communication apparatus 1400 can include at least one processor 1410 coupled with a memory. Optionally, the memory can be located inside the apparatus, or outside the apparatus. For example, the communication apparatus 1400 can further include at least one memory 1420. The memory 1420 stores necessary computer programs, configuration information, computer programs or instructions and / or data in any of the above-mentioned embodiments; the processor 1410 can execute the computer programs stored in the memory 1420 to complete the method in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Optionally, the memory can also be integrated with the processor.

[0242] The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, used for information interaction between devices, units or modules. The processor 1410 can operate in cooperation with the memory 1420. The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1430, the processor 1410 and the memory 1420 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0243] The communication apparatus 1400 can further include a transceiver 1430, and the communication apparatus 1400 can interact with other devices through the transceiver 1430. The transceiver 1430 can be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver, or any other device that can be used for information interaction, or a signal transceiving unit. As shown in FIG. 14, the transceiver 1430 includes a transmitter 1431, a receiver 1432, and an antenna 1433. In addition, when the communication apparatus 1400 is a chip-type device or a circuit, the transceiver in the communication apparatus 1400 can also be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, which can input data (or receive data) and output data (or send data), and the processor is an integrated processor or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit, and the processor can determine the output data according to the input data.

[0244] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus 1400 can be applied to a communication apparatus, and specifically, the communication apparatus 1400 can be a communication apparatus or a device capable of supporting a communication apparatus, and can implement the functions of the first device or the second device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The memory 1420 stores necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data for implementing the functions of the first device or the second device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The processor 1410 can execute the computer programs stored in the memory 1420 to complete the method executed by the first device or the second device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0245] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor can be a general processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, and can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware processor execution or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0246] In the embodiments of the present application, the memory can be a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), and can also be a volatile memory such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory can also be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and capable of being accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory in the embodiments of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function, used for storing computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data.

[0247] Based on the above embodiments, referring to FIG. 15, the embodiments of the present application further provide another communication apparatus 1500, comprising: an input / output interface 1510 and a logic circuit 1520; the input / output interface 1510 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the logic circuit 1520; the logic circuit 1520 is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method performed by the first apparatus or the second apparatus in any of the above embodiments.

[0248] In an optional implementation, the communication apparatus 1500 can be applied to the first apparatus to perform the method performed by the first apparatus.

[0249] Since the communication apparatus 1500 provided by the embodiments can be applied to the first apparatus to perform the method performed by the first apparatus, the technical effects that can be achieved thereby can refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described here again.

[0250] In an optional implementation, the communication apparatus 1500 can be applied to the second apparatus to perform the method performed by the second apparatus, for example, the method performed by the second apparatus in the above embodiments of FIG. 5 to FIG. 11.

[0251] Since the communication apparatus 1500 provided by the embodiments can be applied to the second apparatus to perform the method performed by the second apparatus, the technical effects that can be achieved thereby can refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described here again.

[0252] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which comprises at least one second apparatus and at least one first apparatus. The technical effects that can be achieved thereby can refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described here again.

[0253] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer programs or instructions, when the instructions are executed, the method performed by the communication apparatus in any of the above embodiments is implemented. The computer readable storage medium can include: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0254] In order to realize the functions of the communication apparatuses in FIG. 12 to FIG. 15, the embodiments of the present application further provide a chip, which comprises a processor configured to support the communication apparatus to realize the functions related to the first apparatus or the second apparatus in the above method embodiments. In a possible design, the chip is connected with a memory or the chip comprises a memory, and the memory is configured to save computer programs or instructions and data necessary for the first apparatus or the second apparatus.

[0255] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present application can be readily used as a method, a system or a computer program product. Accordingly, the present application can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present application can take the form of a computer program product on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, etc.) embodying computer readable program code.

[0256] The present application is described in reference to the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program or instructions. These computer program or instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart or block diagram block or blocks.

[0257] These computer program or instructions can also be stored in a computer- readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function specified in the flowchart or block diagram block or blocks.

[0258] The computer program or instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart or block diagram block or blocks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first device, comprising: Receive a first radio frame, the first radio frame including first indication information, the first indication information indicating a first temporary main channel; Update the second temporary main channel to the first temporary main channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the first wireless frame, the method further includes: A second radio frame is received, the second radio frame including second indication information, the second indication information indicating the second temporary main channel.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive Traffic Indication Frame (TIM); The TIM frame includes a detection beacon frame field, and the value of the detection beacon frame field is different from the value of the detection beacon frame field in the previously received TIM frame.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive basic multilink elements; The basic multi-link element includes a basic service set parameter change count field, and the value of the basic service set parameter change count field is different from the value of the basic service set parameter change count field in the previously received basic multi-link element.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, comprising: A first radio frame is generated, the first radio frame including first indication information, the first indication information indicating a first temporary primary channel, and the first radio frame indicating that the second temporary primary channel is updated to the first temporary primary channel; Send the first wireless frame.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before sending the first wireless frame, the method further includes: A second radio frame is transmitted, the second radio frame including second indication information, the second indication information indicating the second temporary main channel.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Also includes: Send Traffic Indication Frame (TIM); The TIM frame includes a detection beacon frame field, and the value of the detection beacon frame field is different from the value of the detection beacon frame field in the previously sent TIM frame.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Also includes: Send basic multilink elements; The basic multi-link element includes a basic service set parameter change count field, and the value of the basic service set parameter change count field is different from the value of the basic service set parameter change count field in the previously sent basic multi-link element.

9. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The neighbor report element corresponding to the second device includes a basic service set parameter change count field; wherein, the value of the basic service set parameter change count field in the neighbor report element is different from the value of the basic service set parameter change count field in the previously sent neighbor report element.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes one or more of the following: Duration threshold or receive power threshold; Wherein, the duration threshold is used to indicate that non-primary channel access is triggered when the duration of the received cross-basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the duration threshold; the receive power threshold is used to indicate that non-primary channel access is triggered when the receive power of the received cross-basic service set protocol data unit is greater than or equal to the receive power threshold.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first radio frame is a beacon frame.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Changes in the parameters required for temporary primary channel access or changes in the temporary primary channel are considered critical system events.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a third radio frame, the third radio frame including third indication information, the third indication information indicating whether the enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters used in the first temporary master channel are the same as or different from the EDCA parameters used in the master channel; Based on the third indication information, the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel are determined.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The third indication information indicates that when the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the main channel, the third radio frame also includes EDCA parameters; The determination of the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary master channel includes: The EDCA parameters included in the third radio frame are the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel; Alternatively, when the third indication information indicates that the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as those used in the primary channel, determining the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel includes: The EDCA parameters used in the main channel will be used as the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a fourth radio frame, the fourth radio frame including fourth indication information, the fourth indication information indicating whether the multi-user enhanced distributed channel access (MU EDCA) parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel; Based on the fourth indication information, the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel are determined.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fourth indication information indicates that when the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the main channel, the fourth radio frame also includes MU EDCA parameters; The determination of the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel based on the fourth indication information includes: The MU EDCA parameters included in the fourth radio frame are used as the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary master channel; Alternatively, if the fourth indication information indicates that the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as those used in the primary channel, then determining the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary primary channel based on the fourth indication information includes: The MU EDCA parameters used in the main channel are used as the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel.

17. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, No MU EDCA channel contention will occur on the first temporary main channel.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A third radio frame is generated, the third radio frame including third indication information, the third indication information indicating whether the enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters used in the first temporary master channel are the same as or different from the EDCA parameters used in the master channel; The third wireless frame is sent.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The third indication information indicates that when the EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel are different from the EDCA parameters used in the main channel, the third radio frame also includes EDCA parameters.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, Also includes: A fourth radio frame is transmitted, the fourth radio frame including fourth indication information indicating whether the Multi-User Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (MU EDCA) parameters used in the first temporary primary channel are the same as or different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the primary channel.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The fourth indication information indicates that when the MU EDCA parameters used in the first temporary main channel are different from the MU EDCA parameters used in the main channel, the fourth radio frame also includes MU EDCA parameters.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A fifth radio frame is generated, the fifth radio frame including fifth indication information; wherein, the fifth indication information is used to indicate whether the non-main channel access function is turned off or on; The fifth wireless frame is sent.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, Also includes: A sixth radio frame is sent, the sixth radio frame including a sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate the initial state of the non-main channel access function; The initial state includes being on or off.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, Also includes: A seventh radio frame is received, the seventh radio frame including a seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to indicate whether the non-main channel access function of the basic service set is enabled or disabled.

25. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A fifth radio frame is received, the fifth radio frame including fifth indication information; wherein, the fifth indication information is used to indicate whether the non-main channel access function is turned off or on; Based on the fifth radio frame, it is determined whether the non-access point site has disabled or enabled the non-main channel access function.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a sixth radio frame, the sixth radio frame including a sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate the initial state of the non-main channel access function; The initial state includes being on or off.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, Also includes: A seventh radio frame is transmitted, the seventh radio frame including a seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to indicate whether the non-main channel access function of the basic service set is enabled or disabled.

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that, The fifth indication information is carried in the EHT operation mode control field for extremely high throughput.

29. The method according to claim 24 or 27, characterized in that, The seventh radio frame includes a first element, which carries parameters required for non-main channel access and the seventh indication information.

30. A communication method, characterized in that, Applicable to non-access point sites, including: Receive an eighth radio frame, which includes identification information of one or more stations; If the identification information of one or more sites includes the identification information of the non-access point site, and an event triggering a non-primary channel access operation is detected, a non-primary channel access operation is performed; or, If the identification information of one or more sites does not include the identification information of the non-access point site, or does not support the non-main channel access function, or disables the non-main channel access function, the site will enter sleep mode when an event triggering the non-main channel access operation is detected.

31. A communication method, characterized in that, include: An eighth radio frame is generated, which includes identification information of one or more stations; wherein the eighth radio frame is used to indicate that the one or more stations participate in non-main channel access; The eighth wireless frame is transmitted.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that, The identification information of the one or more sites includes a list of identifiers for one or more sites, or a bitmap of identifiers for one or more sites.

33. A communication method, characterized in that, Applicable to non-access point sites, including: Switch to temporary primary channel; Receive an eighth radio frame, which includes identification information of one or more stations; If the identification information of one or more sites does not include the identification information of the non-access point site, switch to the main channel.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, Also includes: The non-access point site enters hibernation.

35. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first non-access point multi-link device, the method includes: Receive a ninth radio frame, the ninth radio frame including identification information of one or more non-access point multilink devices and one or more link identification information; If the identification information of one or more non-access point multi-link devices includes the identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, and the one or more link identifiers include the link identifier information of the first non-access point site included in the non-access point multi-link device, and the first non-access point site detects an event that triggers a non-primary channel access operation, then the first non-access point site performs a non-primary channel access operation; or, If the identification information of one or more non-access point multi-link devices does not include the identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, when any non-access point station included in the first non-access point multi-link device detects an event that triggers a non-primary channel access operation, that non-access point station enters a sleep state; or, If the identification information of one or more non-access point multi-link devices includes the identification information of the first non-access point multi-link device, and the one or more link identifiers do not include the link identifier information of the first non-access point site included in the non-access point multi-link device, the first non-access point site enters sleep mode when it detects an event that triggers a non-master channel access operation.

36. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A ninth radio frame is generated, the ninth radio frame including identification information of one or more non-access point multi-link devices and one or more link identification information; wherein, the first radio frame is used to indicate that the one or more non-access point multi-link devices and the links corresponding to the one or more link identification information participate in non-main channel access. The ninth wireless frame is transmitted.

37. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, 10-12, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 5-12, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 13-17, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 18-21, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 22-24, 28-29, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 25-29, or the method as claimed in claim 30 or 32, or the method as claimed in claim 31 or 32, or the method as claimed in claim 33 or 34, or the method as claimed in claim 35, or the method as claimed in claim 36.

38. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes: Communication interface; A processor is configured to invoke and execute the instructions via the communication interface, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, 10-12, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 5-12, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13-17, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 18-21, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 22-24, 28-29, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 25-29, or to perform the method as described in claim 30 or 32, or to perform the method as described in claim 31 or 32, or to perform the method as described in claim 33 or 34, or to perform the method as described in claim 35, or to perform the method as described in claim 36.

39. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when invoked by an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, 10-12, or as described in any one of claims 5-12, or as described in any one of claims 13-17, or as described in any one of claims 18-21, or as described in any one of claims 22-24, 28-29, or as described in any one of claims 25-29, or as described in claim 30 or 32, or as described in claim 31 or 32, or as described in claim 33 or 34, or as described in claim 35, or as described in claim 36.

40. A computer program product, characterized in that, The method includes computer execution instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, 10-12, or as described in any one of claims 5-12, or as described in any one of claims 13-17, or as described in any one of claims 18-21, or as described in any one of claims 22-24, 28-29, or as described in any one of claims 25-29, or as described in claim 30 or 32, or as described in claim 31 or 32, or as described in claim 33 or 34, or as described in claim 35, or as described in claim 36.

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