Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus, used for determining a duration for which an AP retains a sub-channel. In the method, a first apparatus transmits N first switch delays that respectively correspond to N sub-channels, wherein each first switch delay is used for a second apparatus to determine a padding field in a first radio frame, and N is a positive integer. The first apparatus receives the first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame is used for indicating a target sub-channel and a start moment of switching to the target sub-channel, and the start moment is determined on the basis of the padding field. The first apparatus switches to the target sub-channel at the start moment. On the basis of the solution, the first apparatus can transmit, to the second apparatus, the N first switch delays corresponding to the N sub-channels, so that each sub-channel corresponds to a switch delay, and the second apparatus can set the length of the padding field in the first radio frame on the basis of the switch delay corresponding to the target sub-channel, thereby avoiding the problem that the length of the padding field is set to be too long or too short.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202410840246.3, 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] With the update iteration of WiFi technology, the operating bandwidth of devices is getting larger and larger. According to actual experience, the technical update speed of an access point (AP) is greater than that of a station (STA), that is, the operating bandwidth of the AP increases with the technical iteration, but the STA is still small bandwidth. In addition, many small bandwidth, low power consumption devices such as IoT devices are associated in some BSS. The characteristics of these BSSs are that a large bandwidth (such as 160MHz, 320MHz, etc.) AP is associated with many small bandwidth (such as 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, etc.) STAs.

[0005] In order to improve the channel utilization rate of the large bandwidth AP, the concept of dynamic sub-channel operation (DSO) is proposed. Specifically, at the beginning of a transmission opportunity (TXOP), the AP can switch the STA out of its operating channel, the AP and the STA use the allocated sub-channel for communication within the TXOP, and the STA is switched back to the previous operating channel at the end of the TXOP. The "dynamic" in DSO means that the effective range of the allocated sub-channel is only one TXOP, and the AP can more flexibly allocate channels.

[0006] In the currently discussed DSO mechanism, the target STA sends a switch time to the AP, which is the time required for the target STA to switch sub-channels. However, since the positions of the allocated sub-channels are different, the switch time sent by the target STA may not be accurate. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for determining the duration of the sub-channel reserved by the AP.

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. The first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device transmits N first switching time delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively, the first switching time delay being used by a second device to determine a padding field in a first wireless frame, N being a positive integer. The first device receives the first wireless frame, the first wireless frame being used to indicate a target sub-channel and a start time of switching to the target sub-channel. The start time is determined according to the padding field, and the target sub-channel is a sub-channel of the N sub-channels. The first device switches to the target sub-channel at the start time.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, the first device can transmit N first switching time delays corresponding to N sub-channels to the second device, so that each sub-channel corresponds to a switching time delay. The second device can set the length of the padding field in the first wireless frame according to the switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel, and can avoid the problem of setting the length of the padding field too long or too short.

[0010] Optionally, the first switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel is further used to determine one or more of a duration of a data frame of another device that does not participate in the sub-channel switching operation, is temporarily not performing the sub-channel switching operation, or has completed the sub-channel switching operation, a duration of a data segment of the another device, or a control frame duration of the another device.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first device transmits a mapping relationship between N sub-channels and N first switching time delays. The mapping relationship includes the identification of the N sub-channels and the first switching time delay corresponding to each of the N sub-channels. Based on the above scheme, the first device can indicate N first switching time delays corresponding to N sub-channels to the second device through the mapping relationship.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the N sub-channels include one or more of the following: a first sub-channel located in a working bandwidth, a second sub-channel located outside the working bandwidth and in a preferred channel, or a third sub-channel located outside the working bandwidth and outside the preferred channel. The first sub-channel corresponds to a first switching time delay D1, the second sub-channel corresponds to a first switching time delay D2, and the third sub-channel corresponds to a first switching time delay D3. The first switching time delay D1, the first switching time delay D2, and the first switching time delay D3 are different. Based on the above scheme, the first device can be set with a preferred channel, so that the sub-channel switching time delay can be reduced.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the first switching delay is also used by the second device to determine a switching duration required by the first device to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the main channel. Based on the above scheme, the first switching delay can also be used to determine the switching duration required to switch from the subchannel to the main channel, and the second device can determine when to switch to the main channel based on this.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first device sends N second switching delays corresponding to the N subchannels respectively, and the second switching delay is used by the second device to determine a switching duration required by the first device to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the main channel. Based on the above scheme, the second device can determine when to switch to the main channel according to the second switching delay.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the starting moment is a starting moment of the padding field, or the starting moment is an ending moment of a frame check sequence (FCS) field contained in the first wireless frame.

[0016] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. The first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device determines N first switching delays corresponding to N subchannels respectively, and the first switching delay is used by a second device to determine whether to switch to a target subchannel. The first device sends the N first switching delays to the second device.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the second device can determine whether to switch to the target subchannel according to the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel, and the second device can also determine when to switch to the target subchannel according to the switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel, thereby realizing synchronous switching with the first device.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the first device receives first indication information, and the first indication information indicates the target subchannel. The first device switches to the target subchannel when the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel or the target switching delay meets a first condition. The target switching delay is indicated by the second device, and the target switching delay is determined by the second device according to one or more first switching delays corresponding to the target subchannel and sent by the first device. Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine whether to switch to the target subchannel according to the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first device detects cross-basic service set data transmission, and switches to the target subchannel when a difference between a duration of the cross-basic service set data transmission and a round-trip delay is greater than or equal to a first threshold. The round-trip delay is determined according to the target switching delay or the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, when the difference between the duration of the data transmission across the basic service set and the round-trip delay is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, it can be considered that there is still a long remaining time for data transmission, and therefore the first device can switch to the target subchannel and perform data transmission on the target subchannel.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the first device receives second indication information, and the second indication information indicates a target switching delay.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the second device can indicate the target switching delay to the first device through the second indication information, so that the first device and the second device align the duration required for switching to the target subchannel.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the first device receives first effective time information, and the first effective time information is used by the first device to determine an effective time of the target subchannel. The first device switches to the target subchannel when the first switching delay or the target switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel satisfies the first condition after the effective time of the target subchannel. Alternatively, the first device does not switch to the target subchannel before the effective time of the target subchannel.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine the effective time of the target subchannel according to the first effective time information, and switch to the target subchannel after the target subchannel is effective, so that invalid switching caused by the target subchannel not being effective can be avoided.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the first device sends second effective time information, and the second effective time information is used to suggest an effective time of the target subchannel. Based on the above scheme, the first device can suggest the effective time of the target subchannel to the second device.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the first switching delay is also used by the second device to determine the switching duration required for the first device to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the main channel. Based on the above scheme, the first switching delay can also be used to determine the switching duration required for switching from the subchannel to the main channel, and the second device can determine when to switch to the main channel based on this.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the first device sends N second switching delays corresponding to N subchannels respectively, and the second switching delay is used by the second device to determine the switching duration required for the first device to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the main channel. Based on the above scheme, the second device can determine when to switch to the main channel according to the second switching delay.

[0028] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. The first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device transmits first information, the first information comprising a number of supported preferred channels and / or positions of suggested preferred channels. The first device receives second information, the second information comprising positions of M preferred channels corresponding to N devices respectively, the N devices comprising the first device, N and M being integers.

[0029] Based on the above scheme, by setting the preferred channel for the first device, the time length required for the first device to switch to a subchannel located in the preferred channel can be reduced. In addition, by allocating the preferred channel for the first device by the second device, the preferred channels of multiple first devices can be dispersed as much as possible, and the overlap can be reduced.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the first device transmits third information, the third information being used to indicate whether the first device supports reconfiguration of the preferred channel.

[0031] Based on the above scheme, the first device can indicate to the second device whether the reconfiguration of the preferred channel is supported, so that when the target subchannel allocated by the second device is located outside the preferred channel, the position of the preferred channel can be updated, and the switching delay can be reduced.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the preferred channel for the dynamic subchannel operation does not overlap with the preferred channel for the non-primary channel access. Based on the above scheme, the preferred channel for the dynamic subchannel operation does not overlap with the preferred channel for the non-primary channel access, which can reduce the possibility of conflict and mutual influence between the target subchannel for the dynamic subchannel operation and the target subchannel for the non-primary channel access.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the positions of the preferred channels corresponding to at least two devices of the N devices do not overlap. In a possible implementation, of the M preferred channels corresponding to the N devices respectively, the number of overlapping preferred channels is less than or equal to Q, Q being an integer.

[0034] Based on the above scheme, the second device can avoid the overlap of the preferred channels of multiple first devices as much as possible, which can reduce the case that the target subchannels of multiple first devices are allocated in the same subchannel, and reduce the competition conflict of multiple first devices on the target subchannel.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the first device receives a second radio frame, the second radio frame indicating a target subchannel. If the target subchannel is located outside the operating bandwidth and outside the preferred channel, the first device updates the preferred channel. The updating of the preferred channel comprises setting the updated preferred channel to the position of the target subchannel.

[0036] Based on the above scheme, when the target subchannel is located outside the operating bandwidth and located outside the preferred channel, the first device can update the preferred channel, and set the position of the preferred channel to the position of the target subchannel, so as to reduce the time length required for the first device to switch to the target subchannel.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the first device sends third effective time information, and the third effective time information is used to indicate the effective time of the updated preferred channel. Based on the above scheme, the first device can indicate the effective time of the updated preferred channel to the second device, so that the second device can determine the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel according to the updated preferred channel, judge whether to switch to the target subchannel, and when to switch to the target subchannel.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the first device switches to the target subchannel when the condition of non-primary channel access is met after the effective time of the preferred channel. Alternatively, the first device does not switch to the target subchannel before the effective time of the preferred channel. Based on the above scheme, the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel may change before and after the preferred channel switches, so that the accuracy can be improved when judging whether to switch to the target subchannel after the preferred channel is effective.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the first device sends fourth effective time information, and the fourth effective time information is used to suggest the effective time of the target subchannel. Optionally, the fourth effective information is used to indicate that the target subchannel is effective immediately, or the fourth effective information is used to indicate that the target subchannel is effective after a predetermined time length, or the fourth effective information is used to indicate that the effective time of the target subchannel is determined based on the third effective time. Based on the above scheme, the first device can suggest the effective time of the target subchannel to the second device, and the second device can also determine the effective time of the target subchannel according to the suggestion of the first device.

[0040] It should be understood that the predetermined time length can be a specific time period or a specific time, or the predetermined time length can be represented by one or more time units. For example, the predetermined time length can include x frames containing the target subchannel repeatedly sent by the second device, and x is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In other words, the target subchannel can be effective after x frames containing the target subchannel repeatedly sent by the second device.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the first device receives first effective time information, and the first effective time information is used for the first device to determine the effective time of the target subchannel. The first device switches to the target subchannel when the subchannel switching condition is met after the effective time of the target subchannel. Alternatively, the first device does not switch to the target subchannel before the effective time of the target subchannel.

[0042] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine the effective time of the target subchannel according to the first effective time information, and switch to the target subchannel after the target subchannel is effective, so as to avoid invalid switching due to the target subchannel not being effective.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. 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 indicating a first target subchannel, and the third wireless frame further indicating that a second target subchannel being used is updated to the first target subchannel. The first device updates the second target subchannel to the first target subchannel.

[0044] Based on the above scheme, the target subchannel of the first device can be updated, so that the target subchannel can be updated when the target subchannel has a high degree of business or is outside the operating bandwidth of more first devices, thereby improving communication performance.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the first device receives first effective time information, the first effective time information being used to determine an effective time of the first target subchannel. The first device switches to the first target subchannel when the first target subchannel is effective and a subchannel switching condition is met. Alternatively, the first device does not switch to the first target subchannel before the first target subchannel is effective.

[0046] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine the effective time of the target subchannel according to the first effective time information, and switch to the target subchannel after the target subchannel is effective, so as to avoid invalid switching due to the target subchannel not being effective.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the first device sends fourth effective time information, the fourth effective time information being used to suggest an effective time of the target subchannel.

[0048] Based on the above scheme, the first device can suggest the effective time of the target subchannel to the second device, and the second device can also determine the effective time of the target subchannel according to the suggestion of the first device.

[0049] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. The first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device sends third indication information when one or more of third conditions are met, the third indication information indicating not participating in subchannel switching. The third conditions can include one or more of the following:

[0050] 1) The target subchannel of the subchannel switching is outside the operating bandwidth and outside the preferred channel.

[0051] The target subchannel of the subchannel switching of the DSO or the target subchannel of the subchannel switching of the NPCA is located outside the operating bandwidth and outside the preferred channel. At this time, it takes a long time for the first device to switch to the target subchannel, and the channel utilization is low.

[0052] 2) The target subchannel of the subchannel switching is located outside the operating bandwidth.

[0053] The target subchannel of the NPCA is located outside the operating bandwidth. If the target subchannel of the NPCA is outside the operating bandwidth, it can take a long time to switch to the target subchannel. Therefore, if the target subchannel of the NPCA is outside the operating bandwidth, the first device can not participate in the subchannel switching, and thus can also not need to additionally set the preferred channel, saving costs.

[0054] 3) No preferred channel is set.

[0055] If no preferred channel of the DSO is set, the first device does not participate in the subchannel switching of the DSO. If no preferred channel of the NPCA is set, the first device does not participate in the subchannel switching of the NPCA. If no preferred channel is set, it takes a long time for the first device to switch to the target subchannel outside the operating bandwidth, and the channel utilization is low.

[0056] 4) The difference between the first duration and the second duration is less than or equal to the second threshold value. The second duration is the sum of the duration required to switch to the target subchannel of the subchannel switching and the duration required to switch from the target subchannel to the main channel, and the first duration is the duration of the channel unavailable or the remaining duration of the transmission opportunity.

[0057] For example, the NAV of the overlapped basic service set (OBSS) TXOP minus the second duration is less than or equal to the second threshold value, and the first device does not perform the subchannel switching of the NPCA. For another example, the remaining duration of the TXOP obtained by the first device through channel contention minus the second duration is less than or equal to the second threshold value, and the first device does not perform the subchannel switching of the DSO.

[0058] 5) The duration required to switch to the target subchannel is greater than or equal to the third threshold value.

[0059] If the duration required to switch to the target subchannel is greater than or equal to the third threshold value, it indicates that it takes a long time for the first device to switch to the target subchannel, and the channel utilization is low.

[0060] 6) The operating bandwidth is 20 MHz.

[0061] 7) The number of preferred channels is less than or equal to K, K is a positive integer, such as K is 0.

[0062] When the number of preferred channels is small, the target sub-channel is more likely to be located on a non-preferred channel.

[0063] 8) The preferred channel of the DSO overlaps with the preferred channel of the NPCA.

[0064] 9) No data transmission or data volume less than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0065] If the data volume of the first device is small, the first device may not participate in sub-channel handover. Optionally, the first device may perform PD on the main channel.

[0066] 10) The target sub-channel is not active.

[0067] 11) The preferred channel is not active.

[0068] 12) There are unavailable sub-channels within the operating bandwidth.

[0069] Based on the above scheme, the first condition can constrain the first device to participate in sub-channel switching, thereby improving communication performance and reducing switching latency.

[0070] Sixthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device. The first device can be an access point or station, or a chip / chip system. In this method, when the first device satisfies one or more of a fourth condition, it sends fourth indication information, the fourth indication information indicating participation in sub-channel handover. The fourth condition can include one or more of the following:

[0071] 1) The target subchannel for subchannel switching is located within the preferred channel.

[0072] If the target subchannel for DSO subchannel switching or the target subchannel for NPCA subchannel switching is located within the preferred channel, the time required for the first device to switch to the target subchannel is shorter.

[0073] 2) The target subchannel for subchannel switching is located within the operating bandwidth.

[0074] If the target subchannel of the NPCA is within its operating bandwidth, the time required to switch to the target subchannel is shorter.

[0075] 3) Set the preferred channel.

[0076] If the preferred channel of the DSO is set, the first device participates in the sub-channel handover of the DSO. If the preferred channel of the NPCA is set, the first device participates in the sub-channel handover of the NPCA. If the preferred channel is set, the first device switches to a target sub-channel outside the operating bandwidth and the time required to switch to the target sub-channel of the preferred channel is shorter.

[0077] 4) the difference between the first duration and the second duration is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The second duration is the sum of the duration required for switching to the target subchannel of the subchannel switching and the duration required for switching from the target subchannel to the main channel, and the first duration is the duration of the channel unavailability or the remaining duration of the transmission opportunity.

[0078] For example, the NAV of the OBSS TXOP minus the second duration is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the first device can perform the subchannel switching of the NPCA. For another example, the remaining duration of the TXOP obtained by the channel contention of the first device minus the second duration is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the first device can perform the subchannel switching of the DSO.

[0079] 5) the duration required for switching to the target subchannel of the subchannel switching is less than or equal to a third threshold.

[0080] 6) the operating bandwidth is 80MHz or 160MHz.

[0081] 7) the number of preferred channels is greater than or equal to K, K is an integer, and K is 0.

[0082] When the number of preferred channels is large, the target subchannel is more likely to be located in the preferred channel, and thus the time required for the first device to switch to the target subchannel is shorter.

[0083] 8) the preferred channel of the DSO does not overlap with the preferred channel of the NPCA.

[0084] 9) there is data transmission or the amount of data is greater than a fourth threshold.

[0085] 10) the target subchannel of the subchannel switching is effective.

[0086] 11) the preferred channel is effective.

[0087] 12) the subchannels in the operating bandwidth are available.

[0088] Based on the above scheme, the second condition can be used to constrain the first device to participate in the subchannel switching, improve the communication performance, and reduce the switching delay.

[0089] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. The first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device transmits fifth indication information when a fifth condition is met, and the fifth indication information indicates that the subchannel switching is not supported. The fifth condition includes one or more of the following:

[0090] 1) the target subchannel of the subchannel switching is located outside the operating bandwidth.

[0091] 2) no preferred channel is set.

[0092] 3) the operating bandwidth is 20MHz.

[0093] 4) the number of preferred channels is less than K, K is an integer, such as K is 0.

[0094] 5) the preferred channel of the DSO overlaps the preferred channel of the NPCA.

[0095] 6) there is an unavailable subchannel within the operating bandwidth.

[0096] Based on the above scheme, the third condition can be used to constrain the first device to participate in subchannel switching, improve communication performance, and reduce switching delay.

[0097] In an eighth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. The first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device satisfies one or more of the sixth conditions, and sends sixth indication information indicating support for subchannel switching. The sixth conditions include one or more of the following:

[0098] 1) the target subchannel of the subchannel switching is within the operating bandwidth.

[0099] 2) a preferred channel is set.

[0100] 3) the operating bandwidth is 80MHz or 160MHz.

[0101] 4) the number of preferred channels is greater than or equal to K, K is an integer, such as K is 0.

[0102] 5) the preferred channel of the DSO does not overlap the preferred channel of the NPCA.

[0103] 6) the subchannels within the operating bandwidth are available.

[0104] Based on the above scheme, the fourth condition can be used to constrain the first device to participate in subchannel switching, improve communication performance, and reduce switching delay.

[0105] In a ninth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first device. The first device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the first device can simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode. Alternatively, the first device can not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode. Alternatively, the first device can satisfy one or more of the conditions C, and simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode. The conditions C include one or more of the following:

[0106] 1) whether the number of preferred channels satisfies L, L is a positive integer, such as L is 0.

[0107] For example, when the number of preferred channels is less than L, the first device can not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0108] For example, when the number of preferred channels is greater than L, the first device can simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0109] For example, when the number of preferred channels is equal to L, the first device can simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode, or the first device can not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0110] When the number of preferred channels is small, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode are simultaneously enabled, and the possibility of mutual influence is large. When the number of preferred channels is large, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be allocated with non-overlapping preferred channels, so as to avoid mutual influence.

[0111] 2. Whether the preferred channel used by the NPCA and the preferred channel used by the DSO overlap.

[0112] For example, when the preferred channel used by the NPCA and the preferred channel used by the DSO do not overlap, the first device can simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode. For example, when the preferred channel used by the NPCA and the preferred channel used by the DSO overlap, the first device can not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0113] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channel of the NPCA, the DSO mode can not be enabled. For example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA overlaps with the target channel and / or the preferred channel of the device participating in the DSO, the NPCA mode can not be enabled.

[0114] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channel of the NPCA, the DSO mode can be enabled. For example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device does not overlap with the target channel and / or the preferred channel of the device participating in the DSO, the NPCA mode can be enabled.

[0115] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channel of the NPCA, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be simultaneously enabled. For example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channel of the device participating in the DSO, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be simultaneously enabled.

[0116] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channel of the NPCA, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can not be enabled simultaneously. For example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channel of the device participating in the DSO, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can not be enabled simultaneously.

[0117] In a possible implementation, the first device sends indication information to the second device, and suggests a rule and / or a condition for enabling the DSO mode and the NPCA mode simultaneously, such as one or more of the conditions C described above.

[0118] In a tenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device receives N first switching time delays corresponding to N subchannels respectively, the first switching time delay being used by the second device to determine a padding field in a first wireless frame, and N is a positive integer. The second device sends the first wireless frame, the first wireless frame being used to indicate a target subchannel and a start time of switching to the target subchannel. The start time is determined according to the padding field, and the target subchannel is a subchannel of the N subchannels.

[0119] It should be understood that the padding field is used to reserve a subchannel for the first device. In a possible case, the second device can reserve a subchannel by sending one or more of a data frame, a data segment, or a control frame to other devices that do not participate in the DSO operation or are temporarily not performing the DSO operation or have completed the DSO operation. In an example, the second device can reserve a subchannel by one or more of the padding field, sending a data frame, a data segment, or a control frame to other devices that do not participate in the DSO operation or are temporarily not performing the DSO operation or have completed the DSO operation.

[0120] In a possible implementation, the second device receives a mapping relationship between the N subchannels and the N first switching time delays. The mapping relationship includes the identification of the N subchannels and the first switching time delay corresponding to each of the N subchannels.

[0121] In a possible implementation, the N subchannels include one or more of the following: a first subchannel located in the operating bandwidth, a second subchannel located outside the operating bandwidth and located in the preferred channel, or a third subchannel located outside the operating bandwidth and located outside the preferred channel. The first subchannel corresponds to the first switching time delay D1, the second subchannel corresponds to the first switching time delay D2, and the third subchannel corresponds to the first switching time delay D3. The first switching time delay D1, the first switching time delay D2, and the first switching time delay D3 are different.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the first switching delay is further used by the second device to determine a switching duration required by the first device to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the primary channel.

[0123] In a possible implementation, the second device receives N second switching delays respectively corresponding to the N subchannels, and the second switching delay is used by the second device to determine a switching duration required by the first device to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the primary channel.

[0124] In a possible implementation, the starting moment is a starting moment of the padding field, or the starting moment is an ending moment of an intermediate FCS field included in the first radio frame.

[0125] In a possible implementation, the starting moment is a starting moment of the padding field, or the starting moment is an ending moment of an intermediate FCS field included in the first radio frame.

[0126] In a possible implementation, the second device sends first indication information, and the first indication information indicates the target subchannel.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the second device detects cross basic service set data transmission, and switches to the target subchannel when a difference between a duration of the cross basic service set data transmission and a round trip delay is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, where the round trip delay is determined according to the target switching delay or the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel.

[0128] In a possible implementation, the second device sends second indication information, and the second indication information indicates the target switching delay.

[0129] In a possible implementation, the second device sends first validity time information, and the first validity time information is used by the first device to determine a validity moment of the target subchannel. The second device switches to the target subchannel when the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel or the target switching delay satisfies the first condition after the validity moment of the target subchannel. Alternatively, the second device does not switch to the target subchannel before the validity moment of the target subchannel.

[0130] In a possible implementation, the second device receives second validity time information, and the second validity time information is used to suggest the validity moment of the target subchannel.

[0131] In a twelfth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device receives first information including a number of supported preferred channels and / or locations of suggested preferred channels. The second device transmits second information including locations of M preferred channels corresponding to N devices respectively, the N devices including a first device, N and M being integers.

[0132] Optionally, the second device can transmit the second information in a capability negotiation phase (e.g., a capability negotiation phase for dynamic sub-channel operation or a capability negotiation phase for non-primary channel access) or a capability update phase (e.g., a capability update phase for dynamic sub-channel operation or a capability update phase for non-primary channel access).

[0133] In one example, the second device can transmit the second information to one first device at a time, the second information including one or more preferred channels of the one first device. In another example, the second device can transmit the second information to multiple first devices at a time, the second information including preferred channels of the multiple first devices, one first device corresponding to one or more preferred channels. It should be understood that the second device can broadcast, multicast or unicast the second information.

[0134] In a possible implementation, the second device receives third information indicating whether the first device supports reconfiguration of the preferred channels.

[0135] In a possible implementation, the preferred channels for dynamic sub-channel operation do not overlap with the preferred channels for non-primary channel access.

[0136] In a possible implementation, locations of the preferred channels corresponding to at least two devices of the N devices do not overlap.

[0137] In a possible implementation, of the M preferred channels corresponding to the N devices respectively, a number of overlapping preferred channels is less than or equal to Q, Q being an integer.

[0138] In a possible implementation, the second device transmits a second wireless frame indicating a target sub-channel. The second wireless frame is further used for the first device to determine whether to update the preferred channels according to a location of the target sub-channel.

[0139] In a possible implementation, the second device receives third validity time information indicating a validity time of the updated preferred channels.

[0140] In a possible implementation, the second device switches to the target subchannel when the condition for non-primary channel access is met after the validity time of the preferred channel. Alternatively, the second device does not switch to the target subchannel before the validity time of the preferred channel.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the second device receives fourth validity time information, which is used to suggest the validity time of the target subchannel. Optionally, the fourth validity information indicates that the target subchannel is valid immediately, or the fourth validity information indicates that the target subchannel is valid after a predetermined time period, or the fourth validity information indicates that the validity time of the target subchannel is determined based on the third validity time.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the second device sends first validity time information, which is used by the first device to determine the validity time of the target subchannel. The second device switches to the target subchannel when the subchannel switching condition is met after the validity time of the target subchannel. Alternatively, the second device does not switch to the target subchannel before the validity time of the target subchannel.

[0143] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device generates a third wireless frame, which indicates a first target subchannel. The third wireless frame also indicates that a second target subchannel being used is updated to the first target subchannel. The second device sends the third wireless frame.

[0144] In a possible implementation, the second device sends the third wireless frame when one or more of the following second conditions are met. The second conditions include one or more of the following:

[0145] Condition 1: It is determined, through channel contention or channel detection results, that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than the first target subchannel in a future time period.

[0146] Condition 2: It is determined or predicted, through bandwidth indication of received overlapped basic service set (OBSS) frames or transmission opportunities of the OBSS, and / or through time period indication of received overlapped basic service set (OBSS) frames or transmission opportunities of the OBSS, that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a future time period.

[0147] Exemplarily, the second device can determine the bandwidth and duration of the transmission opportunity of the OBSS in the current or future time period according to the information carried in the OBSS frame. Exemplarily, the information carried in the OBSS broadcast frame can include OBSS service period (SP) information.

[0148] Condition 3: By receiving the coexistence situation indication, it is determined or predicted that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a certain time period in the future. It should be understood that the coexistence situation indication can be a coexistence situation indication of different protocols.

[0149] Condition 4: By receiving the channel unavailability situation indication, it is determined or predicted that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a certain time period in the future.

[0150] Condition 5: By receiving the channel interference situation indication, it is determined or predicted that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a certain time period in the future.

[0151] Condition 6: By receiving the indication of DSO enabled or the result of DSO preferred channel allocation, it is determined or predicted that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a certain time period in the future.

[0152] For example, by receiving the indication information of the result of DSO channel allocation, it is found that more than or equal to y (y is a positive integer) first devices set the second target subchannel as the preferred channel, which means that there will be a high probability of channel use conflict with the first devices participating in DSO in the second target subchannel.

[0153] One or more of the above conditions 2-6, the second device can receive the corresponding indication information from one or more first devices, or one or more other second devices.

[0154] Among them, the indication information can indicate the subchannel or bandwidth range affected by the OBSS, interference, coexistence, DSO or other various channel unavailability situations, and the time period when it may appear. For example, the indication information can indicate the SP information of interference, coexistence or other various unavailability situations, such as the duration of each SP, the interval between each SP, etc. For another example, the indication information can also indicate the information of the affected subchannel, such as indicating the information of the affected subchannel through a bit map.

[0155] In a possible implementation, the second device sends first effective time information, the first effective time information being used to determine an effective time of the second target subchannel. The second device switches to the second target subchannel when the subchannel switching condition is met after the effective time of the second target subchannel. Alternatively, the second device does not switch to the second target subchannel before the effective time of the second target subchannel.

[0156] In a possible implementation, the second device receives fourth effective time information, the fourth effective time information being used to suggest an effective time of a target subchannel.

[0157] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device sends one or more of third conditions, the third conditions being used by a first device to determine not to participate in subchannel switching. The third conditions can be implemented with reference to the fifth aspect.

[0158] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device sends one or more of fourth conditions, the fourth conditions being used by a first device to determine to participate in subchannel switching. The fourth conditions can be implemented with reference to the sixth aspect.

[0159] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device sends one or more of fifth conditions, the fifth conditions being used by a first device to determine not to support subchannel switching. The fifth conditions can be implemented with reference to the seventh aspect.

[0160] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device sends one or more of sixth conditions, the sixth conditions being used by a first device to determine to support subchannel switching. The sixth conditions can be implemented with reference to the eighth aspect.

[0161] In an eighteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device receives first capability information. The first capability information includes one or more of a working bandwidth of a first device, a number of preferred channels of the first device, a first switching time delay corresponding to a target sub-channel of the first device, a second switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel of the first device, a position of a preferred channel of the first device, or a position of a non-preferred channel of the first device. The first switching time delay indicates a time length required by the first device to switch from a main channel to the target sub-channel. The second switching time delay indicates a time length required by the first device to switch from the target sub-channel to the main channel. The second device determines, according to one or more of the first capability information and a third condition, that the first device does not participate in sub-channel switching. The third condition can be implemented with reference to the fifth aspect.

[0162] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device receives first capability information. The first capability information includes one or more of a working bandwidth of a first device, a number of preferred channels of the first device, a first switching time delay corresponding to a target sub-channel of the first device, a second switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel of the first device, a position of a preferred channel of the first device, or a position of a non-preferred channel of the first device. The first switching time delay indicates a time length required by the first device to switch from a main channel to the target sub-channel. The second switching time delay indicates a time length required by the first device to switch from the target sub-channel to the main channel. The second device determines, according to one or more of the first capability information and a fourth condition, that the first device participates in sub-channel switching. The fourth condition can be implemented with reference to the sixth aspect.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the second device sends fifth indication information. The fifth indication information includes one or more pieces of identification information. The fifth indication information indicates that the first device corresponding to the one or more pieces of identification information participates in sub-channel switching.

[0164] In a twentieth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device receives first capability information. The first capability information includes one or more of a working bandwidth of a first device, a number of preferred channels of the first device, a first switching time delay corresponding to a target sub-channel of the first device, a second switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel of the first device, a location of a preferred channel of the first device, or a location of a non-preferred channel of the first device. The first switching time delay indicates a time length required by the first device to switch from a main channel to the target sub-channel. The second switching time delay indicates a time length required by the first device to switch from the target sub-channel to the main channel. The second device determines that the first device does not support sub-channel switching according to one or more of the first capability information and a fifth condition. The fifth condition can be implemented with reference to the seventh aspect.

[0165] In a twenty-first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device receives first capability information. The first capability information includes one or more of a working bandwidth of a first device, a number of preferred channels of the first device, a first switching time delay corresponding to a target sub-channel of the first device, a second switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel of the first device, a location of a preferred channel of the first device, or a location of a non-preferred channel of the first device. The first switching time delay indicates a time length required by the first device to switch from a main channel to the target sub-channel. The second switching time delay indicates a time length required by the first device to switch from the target sub-channel to the main channel. The second device determines that the first device supports sub-channel switching according to one or more of the first capability information and a sixth condition. The sixth condition can be implemented with reference to the eighth aspect.

[0166] In a possible implementation, the second device sends sixth indication information. The sixth indication information includes one or more pieces of identification information. The sixth indication information indicates that the first device corresponding to the one or more pieces of identification information supports sub-channel switching.

[0167] In a twenty-second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be an access point or a station, or a chip / chip system. In the method, the second device can determine that a DSO mode and a NPCA mode of a first device are simultaneously enabled. Alternatively, the second device can determine that the DSO mode and the NPCA mode of the first device are not simultaneously enabled. Alternatively, the second device can determine that the DSO mode and the NPCA mode of the first device are simultaneously enabled when one or more of conditions C are met. The conditions C include one or more of the following:

[0168] 1. whether a number of preferred channels satisfies L, L being a positive integer, such as 0.

[0169] For example, when the number of preferred channels is less than L, the second device can determine that the first device can not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0170] For example, when the number of preferred channels is less than L, the second device can determine that the first device can not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0171] For example, when the number of preferred channels is less than L, the second device can determine that the first device can not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0172] 2. Whether the preferred channels used by the NPCA and the preferred channels used by the DSO overlap.

[0173] For example, if the preferred channels used by the NPCA and the preferred channels used by the DSO do not overlap, the second device can determine that the first device simultaneously enables the DSO mode and the NPCA mode. For another example, if the preferred channels used by the NPCA and the preferred channels used by the DSO overlap, the second device can determine that the first device does not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0174] For another example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channels of the NPCA, the second device can determine that the first device does not enable the DSO mode. For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA overlaps with the target channels and / or the preferred channels of the devices participating in the DSO, the second device can determine that the first device does not enable the NPCA mode.

[0175] For another example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channels of the NPCA, the second device can determine that the first device enables the DSO mode. For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device does not overlap with the target channels and / or the preferred channels of the devices participating in the DSO, the second device can determine that the first device enables the NPCA mode.

[0176] For another example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channels of the NPCA, the second device can determine that the first device enables the DSO mode. For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device does not overlap with the target channels and / or the preferred channels of the devices participating in the DSO, the second device can determine that the first device enables the NPCA mode.

[0177] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channel of the second device, the second device can determine that the first device does not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode. For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel of the DSO and / or the preferred channel of the second device, the second device can determine that the first device does not simultaneously enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0178] In a possible implementation, the second device receives indication information from the first device, the indication information indicating rules and / or conditions for suggesting simultaneous enabling of the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0179] In a possible implementation, the second device can further broadcast, multicast or unicast a radio frame containing an NPCA element and / or a DSO element. The NPCA element contains a field indicating whether the NPCA mode is enabled. Similarly, the DSO element contains a field indicating whether the DSO mode is enabled. Optionally, the NPCA element and the DSO element can be contained in the same frame.

[0180] For example, the DSO element contains 1-bit indication information indicating whether the DSO mode is enabled. For example, when the 1-bit indication information is 1, it indicates that the DSO mode is enabled, and when the 1-bit indication information is 0, it indicates that the DSO mode is disabled. Conversely, when the 1-bit indication information is 0, it indicates that the DSO mode is enabled, and when the 1-bit indication information is 1, it indicates that the DSO mode is disabled.

[0181] For another example, the NPCA element contains 1-bit indication information indicating whether the NPCA mode is enabled. When the 1-bit indication information is 1, it indicates that the NPCA mode is enabled, and when the 1-bit indication information is 0, it indicates that the NPCA mode is disabled. Conversely, when the 1-bit indication information is 0, it indicates that the NPCA mode is enabled, and when the 1-bit indication information is 1, it indicates that the NPCA mode is disabled.

[0182] For another example, the DSO element contains indication information indicating whether the DSO mode and the NPCA mode are enabled. Similarly, the NPCA element contains the indication information indicating whether the DSO mode and the NPCA mode are enabled. For example, the indication information can be 2-bit indication information indicating whether the DSO mode and the NPCA mode are enabled, which can be implemented by referring to the 1-bit indication information in the DSO element and the 1-bit indication information in the NPCA element, which will not be repeated here.

[0183] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0184] The transceiver is configured to send N first switching time delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively, the first switching time delay being used by the second device to determine a padding field in a first wireless frame, N being a positive integer. The transceiver is further configured to receive the first wireless frame, the first wireless frame being used to indicate a target sub-channel and a start time of switching to the target sub-channel, the start time being determined according to the padding field, the target sub-channel being a sub-channel of the N sub-channels. The processing unit is configured to switch to the target sub-channel at the start time.

[0185] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is specifically configured to send a mapping relationship between the N sub-channels and the N first switching time delays. The mapping relationship includes the identifiers of the N sub-channels and the first switching time delays corresponding to the N sub-channels respectively.

[0186] In a possible implementation, the N sub-channels include one or more of the following: a first sub-channel located in a working bandwidth, a second sub-channel located outside the working bandwidth and located in a preferred channel, or a third sub-channel located outside the working bandwidth and located outside the preferred channel. The first sub-channel corresponds to a first switching time delay D1, the second sub-channel corresponds to a first switching time delay D2, and the third sub-channel corresponds to a first switching time delay D3. The first switching time delay D1, the first switching time delay D2, and the first switching time delay D3 are different.

[0187] In a possible implementation, the first switching time delay is further used by the second device to determine a switching time length required by the first device to switch from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel.

[0188] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send N second switching time delays corresponding to the N sub-channels respectively, the second switching time delay being used by the second device to determine the switching time length required by the first device to switch from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel.

[0189] In a possible implementation, the start time is a start time of the padding field, or the start time is an end time of an intermediate FCS field included in the first wireless frame.

[0190] The twenty-fourth aspect provides a communication device, including: a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0191] The processing unit is configured to determine N first switching time delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively, the first switching time delay being used by the second device to determine whether to switch to a target sub-channel. The transceiver is configured to send the N first switching time delays to the second device.

[0192] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information indicating the target subchannel. The target subchannel is switched to when the first switching time delay or the target switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel satisfies the first condition. The target switching time delay is indicated by the second device, and the target switching time delay is determined by the second device based on one or more first switching time delays corresponding to the target subchannel sent by the one or more first devices.

[0193] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to detect that a cross basic service set data transmission has a time duration that is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and that is different from a round trip time delay. The round trip time delay is determined based on the target switching time delay or the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel.

[0194] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive second indication information, the second indication information indicating the target switching time delay.

[0195] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive first validity time information, the first validity time information being used by the first device to determine a validity time of the target subchannel. The processing unit is further configured to switch to the target subchannel when the first switching time delay or the target switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel satisfies the first condition after the validity time of the target subchannel. Alternatively, the processing unit is further configured to not switch to the target subchannel before the validity time of the target subchannel.

[0196] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send second validity time information, the second validity time information being used to suggest the validity time of the target subchannel.

[0197] In a possible implementation, the first switching time delay is further used by the second device to determine a switching time required by the first device to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the primary channel.

[0198] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send N second switching time delays corresponding to N subchannels respectively, the second switching time delay being used by the second device to determine a switching time required by the first device to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the primary channel.

[0199] In a twenty-fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0200] The processing unit is configured to generate first information, the first information including a number of supported preferred channels and / or positions of suggested preferred channels. The transceiver is configured to send the first information. The transceiver is further configured to receive second information, the second information including positions of M preferred channels corresponding to N devices respectively, the N devices including the first device, N and M being integers.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send third information, the third information being used to indicate whether the first device supports reconfiguration of the preferred channel.

[0202] In a possible implementation, the preferred channel of the dynamic subchannel operation does not overlap with the preferred channel of the non-primary channel access.

[0203] In a possible implementation, the positions of the preferred channels corresponding to at least two of the N devices do not overlap.

[0204] In a possible implementation, among the M preferred channels corresponding to the N devices respectively, the number of overlapping preferred channels is less than or equal to Q, Q being an integer.

[0205] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive a second radio frame, the second radio frame indicating a target subchannel. If the target subchannel is located outside the operating bandwidth and outside the preferred channel, the preferred channel is updated. The updating of the preferred channel includes setting the updated preferred channel to a position where the target subchannel is located.

[0206] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send third validity time information, the third validity time information being used to indicate a validity time of the updated preferred channel.

[0207] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to switch to the target subchannel when a condition of the non-primary channel access is met after the validity time of the preferred channel. Alternatively, the processing unit is further configured to not switch to the target subchannel before the validity time of the preferred channel.

[0208] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send fourth validity time information, the fourth validity time information being used to suggest a validity time of the target subchannel. Optionally, the fourth validity information is used to indicate that the target subchannel takes effect immediately, or the fourth validity information is used to indicate that the target subchannel takes effect after a predetermined time length, or the fourth validity information is used to indicate that the validity time of the target subchannel is determined based on the third validity time.

[0209] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive first validity time information, the first validity time information being used by the first device to determine the validity time of the target subchannel. The processing unit is further configured to switch to the target subchannel when a subchannel switching condition is met after the validity time of the target subchannel. Alternatively, the processing unit is further configured to not switch to the target subchannel before the validity time of the target subchannel.

[0210] A twenty-sixth aspect provides a communication device, including a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0211] The transceiving unit is configured to receive a third wireless frame, the third wireless frame indicating the first target subchannel, and the third wireless frame further indicating that the second target subchannel being used is to be updated to the first target subchannel. The processing unit is configured to update the second target subchannel to the first target subchannel.

[0212] In a possible implementation, the transceiving unit is further configured to receive first validity time information, the first validity time information being used to determine a validity time of the first target subchannel. The processing unit is further configured to switch to the first target subchannel when the subchannel switching condition is met after the validity time of the first target subchannel. Alternatively, the processing unit is further configured to not switch to the first target subchannel before the validity time of the first target subchannel.

[0213] In a possible implementation, the transceiving unit is further configured to send fourth validity time information, the fourth validity time information being used to suggest a validity time of the target subchannel.

[0214] The twenty-seventh aspect provides a communication apparatus, including a processing unit and a transceiving unit.

[0215] The processing unit is configured to determine that one or more of third conditions are met. The transceiving unit is configured to send third indication information, the third indication information indicating not participating in subchannel switching. The third conditions can be implemented with reference to the fifth aspect.

[0216] The twenty-eighth aspect provides a communication apparatus, including a processing unit and a transceiving unit.

[0217] The processing unit is configured to determine that one or more of fourth conditions are met. The transceiving unit is configured to send fourth indication information, the fourth indication information indicating participating in subchannel switching. The fourth conditions can be implemented with reference to the sixth aspect.

[0218] The twenty-ninth aspect provides a communication apparatus, including a processing unit and a transceiving unit.

[0219] The processing unit is configured to determine that a fifth condition is met. The transceiving unit is configured to send fifth indication information, the fifth indication information indicating not supporting subchannel switching. The fifth condition can be implemented with reference to the seventh aspect.

[0220] The thirtieth aspect provides a communication apparatus, including a processing unit and a transceiving unit.

[0221] The processing unit is configured to determine that one or more of sixth conditions are met. The transceiving unit is configured to send sixth indication information, the sixth indication information indicating supporting subchannel switching. The sixth conditions can be implemented with reference to the eighth aspect.

[0222] The thirty-first aspect provides a communication apparatus, including a processing unit and a transceiving unit.

[0223] The transceiver is configured to receive N first switching time delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively, the first switching time delay being used by the second device to determine the padding field in the first radio frame, and N is a positive integer. The processing unit is configured to generate the first radio frame, the first radio frame being used to indicate a target sub-channel and a start time of switching to the target sub-channel, the start time being determined according to the padding field, and the target sub-channel being a sub-channel in the N sub-channels. The transceiver is further configured to send the first radio frame.

[0224] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is specifically configured to receive a mapping relationship between N sub-channels and N first switching time delays. The mapping relationship includes the identification of the N sub-channels and the first switching time delays corresponding to the N sub-channels respectively.

[0225] In a possible implementation, the N sub-channels include one or more of the following: a first sub-channel located in the operating bandwidth, a second sub-channel located outside the operating bandwidth and located in the preferred channel, or a third sub-channel located outside the operating bandwidth and located outside the preferred channel. The first sub-channel corresponds to the first switching time delay D1, the second sub-channel corresponds to the first switching time delay D2, and the third sub-channel corresponds to the first switching time delay D3. The first switching time delay D1, the first switching time delay D2, and the first switching time delay D3 are different.

[0226] In a possible implementation, the first switching time delay is further used by the second device to determine a switching time length required by the first device to switch from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel.

[0227] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive N second switching time delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively, the second switching time delay being used by the second device to determine a switching time length required by the first device to switch from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel.

[0228] In a possible implementation, the start time is a start time of the padding field, or the start time is an end time of an intermediate FCS field included in the first radio frame.

[0229] In a thirty-second aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0230] The transceiver is configured to receive N first switching time delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively from the first device, the first switching time delay being used by the second device to determine whether to switch to a target sub-channel. The processing unit is configured to switch to the target sub-channel when the first switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel or a target switching time delay meets a first condition. The target switching time delay is determined by the second device according to one or more first switching time delays corresponding to the target sub-channel and sent by the one or more first devices.

[0231] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send first indication information, where the first indication information indicates the target subchannel.

[0232] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically configured to detect a data transmission across the basic service set, and a difference between a duration of the data transmission across the basic service set and the round-trip time delay is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. The round-trip time delay is determined according to the target switching time delay or the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel.

[0233] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send second indication information, where the second indication information indicates the target switching time delay.

[0234] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send first validity time information, where the first validity time information is used by the first device to determine a validity time of the target subchannel. The processing unit is specifically configured to switch to the target subchannel when the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel or the target switching time delay satisfies a first condition after the validity time of the target subchannel. Alternatively, the processing unit is specifically configured to not switch to the target subchannel before the validity time of the target subchannel.

[0235] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive second validity time information, where the second validity time information is used to suggest the validity time of the target subchannel.

[0236] In a thirty-third aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0237] The transceiver is configured to receive first information, where the first information includes a number of supported preferred channels and / or positions of suggested preferred channels. The processing unit is configured to generate second information, where the second information includes positions of M preferred channels corresponding to N devices respectively, the N devices including the first device, and N and M are integers. The transceiver is further configured to send the second information.

[0238] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive third information, where the third information is used to indicate whether the first device supports reconfiguration of the preferred channels.

[0239] In a possible implementation, the preferred channel of the dynamic subchannel operation does not overlap with the preferred channel of the non-primary channel access.

[0240] In a possible implementation, positions of the preferred channels corresponding to at least two devices of the N devices do not overlap.

[0241] In a possible implementation, of the M preferred channels corresponding to the N devices respectively, a number of overlapping preferred channels is less than or equal to Q, where Q is an integer.

[0242] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send a second wireless frame, the second wireless frame indicating the target subchannel. The second wireless frame is further configured to enable the first device to determine whether to update the preferred channel according to a position of the target subchannel.

[0243] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive third effective time information, the third effective time information indicating an effective time of the updated preferred channel.

[0244] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to switch to the target subchannel after the effective time of the preferred channel and when a condition of non-primary channel access is met. Alternatively, the processing unit is further configured to not switch to the target subchannel before the effective time of the preferred channel.

[0245] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive fourth effective time information, the fourth effective time information indicating an effective time of the target subchannel. Optionally, the fourth effective information indicates that the target subchannel is effective immediately, or the fourth effective information indicates that the target subchannel is effective after a predetermined time period, or the fourth effective information indicates that the effective time of the target subchannel is determined based on the third effective time.

[0246] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send first effective time information, the first effective time information enabling the first device to determine the effective time of the target subchannel. The processing unit is further configured to switch to the target subchannel after the effective time of the target subchannel and when a subchannel switching condition is met. Alternatively, the processing unit is further configured to not switch to the target subchannel before the effective time of the target subchannel.

[0247] In a thirty-fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0248] The processing unit is configured to generate a third wireless frame, the third wireless frame indicating a first target subchannel. The third wireless frame further indicates that a second target subchannel being used is updated to the first target subchannel. The transceiver is configured to send the third wireless frame.

[0249] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to determine that the third wireless frame is to be sent when one or more of the following second conditions are met. The second conditions include one or more of the following: a channel contention result changes. Or, a bandwidth of a transmission opportunity across a basic service set changes. Or, a duration of a transmission opportunity across a basic service set changes. Or, in-device coexistence changes. Or, a channel unavailability condition changes. Or, a channel interference condition changes. Or, a first target subchannel being used is unavailable. Or, a second target subchannel exists and has a performance better than the first target subchannel being used. The third wireless frame indicates the second target subchannel, and the second wireless frame further indicates that the first target subchannel being used is to be updated to the second target subchannel.

[0250] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send first validity time information, the first validity time information being used to determine a validity time of the second target subchannel. The processing unit is further configured to switch to the second target subchannel when a subchannel switching condition is met after the validity time of the second target subchannel. Or, the processing unit is further configured to not switch to the second target subchannel before the validity time of the second target subchannel.

[0251] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to receive fourth validity time information, the fourth validity time information being used to suggest a validity time of a target subchannel.

[0252] In a thirty-fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0253] The processing unit is configured to determine one or more of third conditions, the third conditions being used by the first apparatus to determine not to participate in subchannel switching. The transceiver is configured to send the one or more of the third conditions. The third conditions can be implemented with reference to the fifth aspect.

[0254] In a thirty-sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0255] The processing unit is configured to determine one or more of fourth conditions, the fourth conditions being used by the first apparatus to determine to participate in subchannel switching. The transceiver is configured to send the one or more of the fourth conditions. The fourth conditions can be implemented with reference to the sixth aspect.

[0256] In a thirty-seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0257] The processing unit is configured to determine one or more of fifth conditions, the fifth conditions being used by the first apparatus to determine not to support subchannel switching. The transceiver is configured to send the one or more of the fifth conditions. The fifth conditions can be implemented with reference to the seventh aspect.

[0258] In a thirty-eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0259] The processing unit is configured to determine one or more of the sixth conditions for the first apparatus to determine to support the subchannel switching. The transceiver is configured to transmit the one or more of the sixth conditions. The sixth conditions can be implemented with reference to the eighth aspect.

[0260] In a thirty-ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0261] The transceiver is configured to receive the first capability information, the first capability information comprising one or more of a working bandwidth of the first apparatus, a number of preferred channels of the first apparatus, a first switching delay corresponding to a target subchannel of the first apparatus, a second switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel of the first apparatus, a position of the preferred channel of the first apparatus, or a position of a non-preferred channel of the first apparatus. The first switching delay indicates a time length required for the first apparatus to switch from a main channel to the target subchannel, and the second switching delay indicates a time length required for the first apparatus to switch from the target subchannel to the main channel. The processing unit is configured to determine, according to the first capability information and one or more of the third conditions, that the first apparatus does not participate in the subchannel switching. The third conditions can be implemented with reference to the fifth aspect.

[0262] In a fortieth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0263] The transceiver is configured to receive the first capability information, the first capability information comprising one or more of a working bandwidth of the first apparatus, a number of preferred channels of the first apparatus, a first switching delay corresponding to a target subchannel of the first apparatus, a second switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel of the first apparatus, a position of the preferred channel of the first apparatus, or a position of a non-preferred channel of the first apparatus. The first switching delay indicates a time length required for the first apparatus to switch from a main channel to the target subchannel, and the second switching delay indicates a time length required for the first apparatus to switch from the target subchannel to the main channel. The processing unit is configured to determine, according to the first capability information and one or more of the fourth conditions, that the first apparatus participates in the subchannel switching. The fourth conditions can be implemented with reference to the sixth aspect.

[0264] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to transmit fifth indication information, the fifth indication information comprising one or more pieces of identification information, and the fifth indication information indicating that the first apparatus corresponding to the one or more pieces of identification information participates in the subchannel switching.

[0265] In a forty-first aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0266] The transceiver is configured to receive first capability information, the first capability information comprising one or more of a working bandwidth of the first device, a number of preferred channels of the first device, a first switching time delay corresponding to a target sub-channel of the first device, a second switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel of the first device, a position of the preferred channel of the first device, or a position of a non-preferred channel of the first device. The first switching time delay indicates a time length required for the first device to switch from a main channel to the target sub-channel, and the second switching time delay indicates a time length required for the first device to switch from the target sub-channel to the main channel. The processing unit is configured to determine, according to one or more of the first capability information and a fifth condition, that the first device does not support sub-channel switching. The fifth condition can be implemented with reference to the seventh aspect.

[0267] In a forty-second aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: a processing unit and a transceiver.

[0268] The transceiver is configured to receive first capability information, the first capability information comprising one or more of a working bandwidth of the first device, a number of preferred channels of the first device, a first switching time delay corresponding to a target sub-channel of the first device, a second switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel of the first device, a position of the preferred channel of the first device, or a position of a non-preferred channel of the first device. The first switching time delay indicates a time length required for the first device to switch from a main channel to the target sub-channel, and the second switching time delay indicates a time length required for the first device to switch from the target sub-channel to the main channel. The processing unit is configured to determine, according to one or more of the first capability information and a sixth condition, that the first device supports sub-channel switching. The sixth condition can be implemented with reference to the eighth aspect.

[0269] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to send sixth indication information, the sixth indication information comprising one or more pieces of identification information, and the sixth indication information indicating that the first device corresponding to the one or more pieces of identification information supports sub-channel switching.

[0270] In a forty-third aspect, a communication apparatus for implementing the methods described above is provided. The communication apparatus can be the first device in the first aspect to the ninth aspect described above; or the communication apparatus can be the second device in the tenth aspect to the twenty-second aspect described above. The communication apparatus comprises modules, units, or means for implementing the corresponding methods described above, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software comprises one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0271] In a forty-fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is configured to communicate with a module outside the communication apparatus; the processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions, so that the method in any one of the preceding aspects is performed. The communication apparatus can be the first device in the first aspect to the ninth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second device in the tenth aspect to the twenty-second aspect.

[0272] In a forty-fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: at least one processor; the processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, so as to implement the method in any one of the preceding aspects. The memory can be coupled with the processor, or can be independent of the processor. The communication apparatus can be the first device in the first aspect to the ninth aspect; or the communication apparatus can be the second device in the tenth aspect to the twenty-second aspect.

[0273] In a forty-sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which can comprise the first device executing the method in the first aspect and the second device executing the method in the ninth aspect. Or, the communication system can comprise the first device executing the method in the second aspect and the second device executing the method in the tenth aspect. Or, the communication system can comprise the first device executing the method in the third aspect and the second device executing the method in the eleventh aspect. Or, the communication system can comprise the first device executing the method in the fourth aspect and the second device executing the method in the twelfth aspect. Or, the communication system can comprise the first device executing the method in the fifth aspect and the second device executing the method in the thirteenth aspect. Or, the communication system can comprise the first device executing the method in the sixth aspect and the second device executing the method in the fourteenth aspect. Or, the communication system can comprise the first device executing the method in the seventh aspect and the second device executing the method in the fifteenth aspect. Or, the communication system can comprise the first device executing the method in the eighth aspect and the second device executing the method in the sixteenth aspect.

[0274] In a forty-seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer readable instructions, when a computer reads and executes the computer readable instructions, the computer executes the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of any one of the first aspect to the twenty-second aspect.

[0275] In a forty-eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, when a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer executes the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of any one of the first aspect to the twenty-second aspect.

[0276] In a forty-ninth aspect, a chip is provided for reading a computer program stored in a memory to perform the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first aspect to the twenty-second aspect.

[0277] It can be understood that the technical effects of the ninth aspect to the forty-ninth aspect can refer to the technical effects of any possible implementation of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0278] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a WLAN to which embodiments of the present application are applicable;

[0279] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a TXOP according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0280] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a primary channel and a non-primary channel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0281] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a primary channel access according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0282] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a DSO according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0283] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a DSO according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0284] FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of a DSO according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0285] FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram of a DSO according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0286] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a non-primary channel access according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0287] FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0288] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a preferred channel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0289] FIG. 9 is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0290] FIG. 10 is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0291] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of a DSO element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0292] FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of another DSO element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0293] FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram of a NPCA element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0294] Fig. 11D is a schematic diagram of another NPCA element provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0295] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0296] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0297] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0298] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided by embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0299] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided by embodiments of the present application, the following explains and describes technical terms related to embodiments of the present application.

[0300] 1) Preferred channel, also referred to as desired channel, refers to a specific channel or channels in DSO or NPCA that is set up by using increased hardware resources or reserving configured hardware in order to speed up channel switching and reduce the time delay required for switching.

[0301] 2) Anchor channel, also referred to as anchor point channel, refers to the target channel for switching in NPCA, which is also the main channel of NPCA.

[0302] The following introduces the technical solutions provided by embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the drawings.

[0303] The embodiments of the present application can be applicable to the scenario of WLAN, for example, can be applicable to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 system standard, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax standard, 802.11be standard, Wi-Fi 7 or extremely high throughput (EHT), 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf, for example, 802.11be next generation, such as 802.11bn or more next generation standard. Or the embodiments of the present application can also be applicable 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 applicable to other possible communication systems, for example, LTE system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile communication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, 5G communication system, and future communication system, etc.

[0304] In the following, the embodiments of the present application can be applicable 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, 802.11be and 802.11bn which is currently discussed. Among them, 802.11n can also be called high throughput (HT); 802.11ac can also be called very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax can also be called high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; 802.11be can also be called EHT or Wi-Fi 7, and for the standards before HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, etc. can be collectively called Non-HT; 802.11bn can also be called Wi-Fi 8 or ultra high reliability (UHR).

[0305] 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 as an example that the WLAN includes one wireless access point (AP) and two stations (STAs). A STA associated with the AP can receive wireless frames sent by the AP and can also send wireless frames to the AP. In addition, embodiments of the present application are also applicable to communication between APs, for example, each AP can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS), and embodiments of the present application 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 less.

[0306] 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 a home, a building, and a park, and has a typical coverage radius of tens of meters to hundreds of meters. Of course, the access point can also be deployed outdoors. The access point is equivalent to a bridge connecting a wired network and a wireless network, and mainly functions to connect various wireless network clients together and then access the wireless network to an Ethernet. 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 an access point function. The access point can be a device supporting the 802.11be standard. The access point can also be a device supporting various 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, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and the next generation.

[0307] 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 television 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, and the like. Optionally, the station can support the 802.11be standard. The station can also support various 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, 802.11be, 801.11bn, and the next generation.

[0308] For example, the access point and the station can be devices applied to the Internet of Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, sensors, smart cameras in smart homes, smart remote controllers, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities, and the like.

[0309] The AP and the STA involved in the embodiments of the present application can be APs and STAs applicable to the IEEE 802.11 system standard. 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 network bridge, and the like. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, and the like. Here, 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 computer, and the like.

[0310] The information transmitted in IEEE 802.11 protocol exists in the form of a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) in the air interface. Obviously, the longer the PPDU, the more information it carries, but at the same time, the greater the possibility that it cannot be accurately received, and the lower the reliability. Due to the uncertainty of the environment, the bits of the PPDU have a probability of error in transmission. The more bits transmitted at one time, the more bits are likely to be in error, and the more difficult it is to correctly unpack, and even impossible to correctly unpack. When the packet cannot be correctly unpacked, it means that the longer the PPDU, the more air interface resources are wasted. Therefore, in order to balance the amount of information and reliability to achieve more efficient transmission, the length of the PPDU is limited. The current standard clearly stipulates the maximum length of the PPDU.

[0311] Generally, the length of a PPDU cannot meet the traffic demand, that is, the device needs to transmit multiple PPDUs to complete a service interaction. If carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) is performed every time a PPDU is transmitted, the transmission efficiency is not high. The introduction of transmission opportunity (TXOP) improves the transmission efficiency. Referring to FIG. 2, when the device has a service transmission demand, it is considered to have obtained a transmission time, that is, TXOP, after the CSMA / CA mechanism is backoff. In this period of time, the device can transmit multiple PPDUs according to its own needs, and the time interval between adjacent PPDUs (received PPDUs and transmitted PPDUs, or transmitted PPDUs and transmitted PPDUs) is only a short inter frame space (SIFS), saving the time spent on backoff. When other devices detect the TXOP, they will analyze the duration of the TXOP, and will not compete for the channel within the TXOP duration, so as to avoid interference to the device that has obtained the TXOP, which is called “protection of the TXOP”.

[0312] The device that obtains the TXOP through backoff competition is called the TXOP holder of this TXOP, and the station of the device that performs within the TXOP with the TXOP holder is called the TXOP responder of this TXOP.

[0313] The introduction of TXOP enables the device with demand to use the channel reliably and efficiently.

[0314] Nowadays, a large bandwidth channel used by a device using 802.11 protocol for wireless communication is logically divided into several sub-channels with 20MHz as a unit, for example, an 80MHz channel has 4 sub-channels of 20MHz, an 160MHz channel has 8 sub-channels of 20MHz, and so on. In these sub-channels, a 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), as shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiments of the present application, the primary channel is referred to as a "primary 20MHz channel", the sub-channel is referred to as a "certain 20MHz sub-channel", and the non-primary channel is referred to as a "certain 20MHz sub-channel that is not a primary 20MHz channel".

[0315] The primary channel plays an important role in 802.11 protocol communication. In the aforementioned CSMA / CA mechanism, a device needs to determine whether a channel is idle, and a large part of the basis for the determination comes from the state of the primary channel. Referring to FIG. 4, a device needs to perform energy detection (ED) on each sub-channel and perform preamble 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 a duration field. The duration field indicates how long it will take to complete frame interaction after the PPDU. The duration field of the first frame of a TXOP can be used to assist in indicating the length of the TXOP. In this paper, 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.

[0316] The protocol requires PD on the primary channel and sets a corresponding network allocation vector (NAV) timer through the duration field decoded from the primary channel. Before the NAV timer expires, the device is not allowed to compete for the channel, that is, the aforementioned "protection of the TXOP" mechanism. Considering the complexity of PD implementation, the protocol does not require a station to perform PD on a non-primary channel or a channel outside the operating bandwidth. Currently, "performing PD on the primary channel" is referred to as "primary channel access".

[0317] With the iteration of WiFi technology, the operating bandwidth of devices is getting larger and larger. According to actual experience, the technology update speed of AP is greater than that of STA, that is, the operating bandwidth of AP increases with the iteration of technology, but the STA is still small bandwidth. In addition, there are many small bandwidth, low power consumption devices, such as IoT devices, associated in some BSS. The characteristics of these BSS are that the large bandwidth (such as 160MHz, 320MHz, etc.) AP is associated with many small bandwidth (such as 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, etc.) STAs.

[0318] As mentioned above, the current protocol stipulates that when the AP communicates with the STA, it needs to access the air interface through the primary channel. Then in the scenario of large bandwidth AP and small bandwidth STA, the following problems will occur:

[0319] 1) If the AP only communicates with one STA in a TXOP, due to the bandwidth asymmetry of the AP and the STA, the channel efficiency is low, and the large bandwidth advantage of the AP is not reflected.

[0320] 2) If the AP can communicate with multiple STAs in a TXOP, because the standard stipulates that the resources used must be within the working bandwidth of both parties, the channel efficiency can be improved through algorithm scheduling. It should be noted that because of the restriction of "the resources used must be within the working bandwidth of both parties" in the existing standard, the large bandwidth advantage of the AP is still not reflected, and the channel efficiency is still not high.

[0321] In view of the above problems, in order to improve the channel utilization rate of large bandwidth AP, the concept of dynamic sub-band operation (DSO) is proposed. Specifically, at the beginning of the TXOP, the AP can tune the STA out of its operating channel, and the AP and the STA use the allocated sub-channel to communicate within the TXOP, and at the end of the TXOP, the STA is tuned back to the previous operating channel. "Dynamic" in DSO means that the effective range of the allocated sub-channel is only one TXOP, and the AP can more flexibly allocate channels.

[0322] Referring to FIG. 5A, within the TXOP, the AP can indicate the subchannel to the DSO capable STA. The AP initiates the transmission to the target STA after a sufficient time delay, which is set to guarantee the target STA to complete the subchannel switching (center frequency change), since the phase-locked loop of the target STA generates a new clock frequency and waits for locking until the generated clock is stable, which takes a long time. The AP also ensures that the subchannel is reserved during this switching. At the end of the TXOP, the target STA switches back to the primary channel. For example, the AP can use the method of adding a media access control (MAC) padding field at the end of the initial control frame (ICF) to reserve the subchannel during the channel switching of the target STA. Optionally, the target STA returns an initial control response frame (ICR) after completing the channel switching.

[0323] In order to start the subchannel switching before the start of the MAC padding field, a new frame check sequence (FCS2) 2 needs to be set before the MAC padding field, which can be referred to as an intermediate FCS. The FCS2 is set in the user information field of the ICF frame. After receiving the ICF frame, the target STA performs a check on the FCS2, and if the check is passed, the target STA starts the subchannel switching, and the length of the MAC padding field after the FCS2 is used to complete the subchannel switching.

[0324] The above method relies on the added FCS2. If the FCS2 is not added, a double control frame solution is proposed as shown in FIG. 5B. Specifically, the AP first sends an initial control frame with a MAC padding field, the target STA is triggered to start the subchannel switching at the start of the MAC padding field of the initial control frame, and the FCS check after the MAC padding field is no longer performed. The STA does not need to reply to the initial control frame. After the initial control frame is sent for a SIFS interval, the AP sends a second control frame, which is used to solicit the target STA to reply to a response frame after the switching of the new resource unit (RU). If the AP receives the response frame, it is confirmed that the target STA has completed the DSO subchannel switching.

[0325] The above methods all reserve the sub-channel during the sub-channel switching by setting a MAC padding field, the length of which can cover the time required for sub-channel switching, but the setting of the MAC padding field reduces the channel utilization efficiency. Therefore, a new method is proposed to reduce the length of the MAC padding field, i.e., to classify the target STAs, the AP first communicates data with the target STAs with short sub-channel switching time, and then communicates data with the target STAs with long sub-channel switching time, as shown in FIG. 5C. Thus, when setting the MAC padding field, only the length of the MAC padding field needs to cover the sub-channel switching time required by the target STAs with shorter sub-channel switching time. The target STAs with shorter sub-channel switching time normally reply to the initial control response frame after completing the sub-channel switching; the target STAs with longer sub-channel switching time do not need to reply to the initial control response frame after completing the sub-channel switching.

[0326] Currently, a new channel reservation method has also been proposed to avoid the use of the MAC padding field. The specific method is to make the AP serve other STAs and transmit downlink data to other STAs that do not perform sub-channel switching during the sub-channel switching of the target STAs. This new channel reservation method improves the channel utilization efficiency during the sub-channel switching of the target STAs. As shown in FIG. 5D, after receiving the PPDU1 of the AP notification of wake-up, the target STA can reply to the confirmation frame on the original channel to confirm the effective reception of the wake-up notification, and then the target STA starts sub-channel switching. Alternatively, the process omits the step of the target STA replying to the initial control response frame. Omitting the confirmation step cannot guarantee the effective reception of the initial control frame, which may affect the subsequent data transmission. The method of serving other stations by the AP during the sub-channel switching not only reserves the channel, but also improves the channel utilization efficiency of other stations.

[0327] However, in the above DSO technology, the target STA sends a switch time to the AP, which is the time required for the sub-channel switching of the target STA, for the AP to determine the length of the MAC padding field or for the AP to determine the data transmission time with other STAs that do not perform sub-channel switching. However, if the switch time is set too small, it may not be able to guarantee the completion of the sub-channel switching in DSO. If the switch time is set too large, unnecessary switch time will be generated.

[0328] The mechanism based on primary channel access is logical 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 decreasing. For example, a 160MHz station has only the primary 20MHz channel detected as busy, and the remaining sub-channels are all detected as 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 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 (anchor channel). At this time, the device switches to the anchor channel and performs PD on the anchor channel. This operation is referred to as non-primary channel access (NPCA).

[0329] The NPCA mechanism can be used between infrastructure BSSs. Referring to FIG. 6, the AP and STA of BSS1 find that the primary channel has an operating TXOP (OBSS TXOP) such as the TXOP of BSS2, and then the AP and STA of BSS1 can jump to a non-primary channel for transmission and reception. Incidentally, for the AP and STA 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 stations of the BSS, and at this time, the stations that do not participate in the transmission cannot communicate with the AP even if they jump to a non-primary channel.

[0330] In the currently discussed non-primary channel access mechanism, considering the compatibility of legacy devices (referring to devices of previous generations and previous generations of wifi protocols) and the setting of NAV, the mainstream design requires the device to use only the anchor channel for transmission only when the primary channel is detected as busy, and to jump back to the primary channel from the non-primary channel before the primary channel recovers to idle again (i.e., before the end of the countdown of the NAV of the primary channel).

[0331] In the above NPCA mechanism, the target STA sends a switch time to the AP, which is the time required for the target STA to switch sub-channels, and is used by the AP and the STA to determine whether to switch to the non-primary channel for communication. However, only one anchor channel is set in NPCA, but because the anchor channel is set at different positions, the target STA needs different switching times to switch to the anchor channel.

[0332] In addition, the OBSS bandwidth or other interference in the NPCA can cover the operating bandwidth of the target STA. If the anchor channel is set in the operating bandwidth of the target STA, the anchor channel is still interfered, and the purpose of non-primary channel access is not achieved.

[0333] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method can be performed by a first device and a second device. Exemplarily, the first device can be an AP or a 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 completing the function of the AP or the STA. Similarly, the second device can be an AP or a 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 completing the function of the AP or the STA.

[0334] Exemplarily, when the first device is an AP, the second device can be an AP or a STA. When the first device is a STA, the second device can be an AP or a STA.

[0335] Hereinafter, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are described in conjunction with the drawings.

[0336] Embodiment one, STA reports multiple switching delays in DSO technology.

[0337] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps.

[0338] S701: The first device sends N first switching delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively.

[0339] Correspondingly, the second device receives N first switching delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively.

[0340] The first switching delay can be used to indicate the time length required for the first device to switch from the primary channel to the corresponding sub-channel. In this way, the second device can determine the padding field in the first wireless frame based on the first switching delay corresponding to the target sub-channel of the DSO. For example, the second device can determine the length of the MAC padding field in the initial control frame based on the first switching delay corresponding to the target sub-channel, to cover the time length of the first device switching to the target sub-channel.

[0341] It can be understood that the padding field in the first wireless frame is used to reserve the subchannel during the switching of the first device. In the embodiments of the present application, the second device can also reserve the subchannel in other manners. Referring to FIG. 5D, the second device can serve other STAs, and reserve the subchannel by transmitting downlink data to other STAs that do not perform or have not performed or have completed the switching of the subchannel. Then, the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel can be used by the second device to determine the duration of data transmission with the STAs that do not perform the switching of the subchannel, or can be used by the second device to determine the duration of the data frame or data segment transmitted to other STAs that do not perform or have not performed or have completed the switching of the subchannel.

[0342] In some embodiments, the subchannel can also be reserved in other manners. For example, the subchannel can be reserved by a control frame. The control frame can be transmitted by the second device to the first device, or can be transmitted by the first device to the second device. In the embodiments of the present application, the type of the control frame is not limited. If the subchannel is reserved by the control frame, the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel can also be used to determine the duration of the control frame.

[0343] In yet some embodiments, different manners of reserving the subchannel can be used in combination. For example, the subchannel can be reserved by the padding field and the transmission of downlink data to other STAs that do not perform or have not performed or have completed the switching of the subchannel, and then the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel can be used to determine the length of the padding field + the duration of the data transmission. For another example, the subchannel can be reserved by the padding field, the transmission of downlink data to other STAs that do not perform or have not performed or have completed the switching of the subchannel, and the control frame, and then the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel can be used to determine the length of the padding field + the duration of the data transmission + the duration of the control frame.

[0344] In a possible implementation, the first device can send, to the second device, a mapping relationship between N subchannels and N first switching delays in S701. The mapping relationship can include the identification of the N subchannels and the first switching delays corresponding to the N subchannels. For example, the N subchannels can be divided into a plurality of subchannel groups, one subchannel group can include one or more subchannels, and one subchannel group corresponds to one first switching delay. In other words, one subchannel included in the N subchannels can correspond to one first switching delay, or a plurality of subchannels included in the N subchannels can correspond to one first switching delay.

[0345] In a possible example, the mapping relationship can be implemented by a mapping relationship table. For example, the mapping relationship table can include one or more subchannel groups and a first switching delay corresponding to each subchannel group. In this example, the one or more subchannel groups can be implemented by a bitmap. Taking an 80MHz working bandwidth of the second device as an example, two first switching delays are used for illustration, and the 80MHz bandwidth is divided into two subchannel groups. Then, the first subchannel group is represented by 1 in the bitmap, and the second subchannel group is represented by 0 in the bitmap, for example, 1100. For example, the first subchannel group, that is, the subchannel represented by 1 in the bitmap, corresponds to the first switching delay D1, and the second subchannel group, that is, the subchannel represented by 0 in the bitmap, corresponds to the first switching delay D2.

[0346] In a possible design, the first device can only send N first switching delays. That is, the first device does not indicate which subchannel or subchannel group corresponds to the first switching delay. Then, a predefined manner can be used to specify which switching delay is mapped to which subchannel or subchannel group. For example, taking an 80MHz working bandwidth of the second device as an example, the first device can send two first switching delays, D1 and D2, and a predefined manner is used to specify that the first subchannel group, for example, the first two subchannels from low to high, corresponds to D1, and the second subchannel group, for example, the last two subchannels from low to high, corresponds to D2.

[0347] In the embodiments of this application, the subchannels in the working bandwidth can be used as the first subchannel group, and the subchannels outside the working bandwidth can be used as the second subchannel group. If the target subchannel of the first device is allocated outside the working bandwidth, a larger switching delay is needed to ensure that the first device switches to the corresponding target subchannel. If the target subchannel of the first device is allocated within the working bandwidth, a smaller switching delay is needed to ensure that the first device has switched to the corresponding target subchannel. Therefore, the first switching delay corresponding to the first subchannel group is smaller, and the first device can report the first switching delay corresponding to the first subchannel group to the second device or not report the first switching delay corresponding to the first subchannel group to the second device and use a default value, for example, 0. The first switching delay corresponding to the second subchannel group is larger, and the first device can report the first switching delay corresponding to the second subchannel group to the second device.

[0348] In the embodiments of the present application, in order to reduce the channel switching delay, the first device can be provided with a preferred channel. For example, the first device can be provided with one or more preferred channels. Referring to FIG. 8, an example of the preferred channel of the first device is shown. In FIG. 8, the operating bandwidth of the second device is 320 MHz, and within the operating bandwidth of the second device, the positions of the preferred channels of the first device are within the primary 160 MHz channel and the secondary 160 MHz channel respectively. The operating bandwidth of the second device includes the operating bandwidth 80 MHz of the first device, the preferred channel 160 MHz of the first device, and the non-preferred channel 80 MHz of the first device.

[0349] When setting the first switching delay of the first device, the first switching delay of the first subchannel within the operating bandwidth can be set as D1, the first switching delay of the second subchannel within the preferred channel outside the operating bandwidth can be set as D2, and the first switching delay of the third subchannel outside the preferred channel outside the operating bandwidth can be set as D3. Wherein, D1, D2 and D3 are not the same. If the target subchannel allocation of the first device is within the operating bandwidth, a smaller switching delay is needed to ensure that the first device switches to the target subchannel, and if the target subchannel allocation of the first device is outside the operating bandwidth and outside the preferred channel, a larger switching delay is needed to ensure that the first device switches to the target subchannel. Therefore, generally, D3 is greater than D2 which is greater than D1.

[0350] In S701, the first device can send the first switching delay D1, D2 and D3 corresponding to the first subchannel, the second subchannel and the third subchannel to the second device respectively. For example, the first subchannel can be indicated by D1, the second subchannel can be indicated by D2, and the third subchannel can be indicated by D3 through a predefined manner.

[0351] Optionally, the first device can send the mapping relationship between the second subchannel and the third subchannel and the corresponding first switching delay to the second device. For example, the second subchannel can be indicated by 1 in the bit map and the third subchannel can be indicated by 0 in the bit map. For the first subchannel, other ways can be used for indication, such as indication through a predefined manner. In a possible design, the first switching delay D1 corresponding to the first subchannel can be specified by a protocol, such as 0. In this design, the first device can send the first switching delay corresponding to the second subchannel and the third subchannel, such as D2 and D3. That is, in this design, the first device can not send the first switching delay corresponding to the first subchannel.

[0352] In some embodiments, if the mapping relationship table contains the mapping relationship between the first subchannel, the second subchannel, the third subchannel and the corresponding first switching delay, the 0 in the bit map can represent two types of subchannels. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the first subchannel or the second subchannel. For example, the first x 0s in the bit map represent the first subchannel, and the 0s after the x bits represent the second subchannel. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the first subchannel or the third subchannel. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the second subchannel or the third subchannel.

[0353] In some embodiments, if the mapping relationship table contains the mapping relationship between the first subchannel, the second subchannel, the third subchannel and the corresponding first switching delay, the 0 in the bit map can represent two types of subchannels. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the first subchannel or the second subchannel. For example, the first x 0s in the bit map represent the first subchannel, and the 0s after the x bits represent the second subchannel. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the first subchannel or the third subchannel. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the second subchannel or the third subchannel.

[0354] In some embodiments, if the mapping relationship table contains the mapping relationship between the first subchannel, the second subchannel, the third subchannel and the corresponding first switching delay, the 0 in the bit map can represent two types of subchannels. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the first subchannel or the second subchannel. For example, the first x 0s in the bit map represent the first subchannel, and the 0s after the x bits represent the second subchannel. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the first subchannel or the third subchannel. For example, the 0 in the bit map can represent the second subchannel or the third subchannel.

[0355] In a possible implementation, the first device can send N first switching delays corresponding to N subchannels in the DSO capability negotiation phase or the DSO capability update phase. The first device can send N first switching delays corresponding to N subchannels at a time, or the first device can send N first switching delays corresponding to N subchannels in multiple times. For example, the first device can send N first switching delays corresponding to N subchannels at a time in the DSO capability negotiation phase or the DSO capability update phase. For example, the first device can send part of N first switching delays corresponding to N subchannels in the DSO capability negotiation phase, and send the remaining part of N first switching delays corresponding to N subchannels in the DSO capability update phase.

[0356] For example, if the DSO rule stipulates that the target subchannel of the first device cannot be allocated to a non-preferred channel or stipulates that no DSO subchannel switching is performed after the target subchannel is allocated to a non-preferred channel, the first device can send the first switching delays D1 and D2 corresponding to the first and second subchannels in the DSO capability negotiation stage, and after the DSO rule is updated, the DSO rule no longer has this stipulation, the first device can send the first switching delay D3 corresponding to the third subchannel in the DSO capability update stage. Alternatively, if the DSO rule is not updated, the first switching delay D3 corresponding to the third subchannel can not be sent.

[0357] For another example, if the DSO rule stipulates that the target subchannel of the first device cannot be located within the operating bandwidth, the first device can send the first switching delays D2 and D3 corresponding to the second and third subchannels in the DSO capability negotiation stage, and after the DSO rule is updated, this stipulation is no longer performed, the first device can send the first switching delay D1 corresponding to the first subchannel in the DSO capability update stage. Alternatively, if the DSO rule is not updated, the first device can not send the first switching delay D1 corresponding to the first subchannel.

[0358] It should be noted that when the DSO capability of the first device is updated, if part or all of the N first switching delays change, the first device can update the first switching delays to the second device. It can be understood that when the first device updates the first switching delays to the second device, the first device can incrementally update, that is, the first device can send the changed first switching delays to the second device, or the first device can update all, that is, the first device can send the N first switching delays to the second device.

[0359] In the embodiment of the application, the first switching delay described above can also be used to determine the second switching delay, which indicates the switching time required to switch from the corresponding subchannel to the main channel. For example, when the first switching delay is D1, the second switching delay is D1; when the first switching delay is D2, the second switching delay can be D1, D2 or a default value; when the first switching delay is D3, the second switching delay is also D3.

[0360] Alternatively, the first device can also send N second switching delays corresponding to N subchannels to the second device, which can be implemented by referring to the first device sending N first switching delays corresponding to N subchannels, which will not be described here.

[0361] In a possible design, the first device in S701 can send the N first switching delays corresponding to the N sub-channels through an association request frame, or a reassociation request frame, or a DSO mode start frame, or a DSO mode notification frame, or another frame. For example, the N first switching delays corresponding to the N sub-channels can be included in a DSO element or a DSO parameter update field of the above-mentioned frames, or another field in the frames.

[0362] S702: The second device sends a first wireless frame.

[0363] Correspondingly, the first device receives the first wireless frame.

[0364] The first wireless frame can be used to indicate a target sub-channel and a start time of switching to the target sub-channel. The target sub-channel can be understood as a target sub-channel of channel switching in the DSO technology. The start time of switching to the target sub-channel can be determined based on the padding field. For example, the start time can be the start time of the padding field, such as a MAC padding field, in the first wireless frame, or can be the end time of the middle FCS field in the first wireless frame.

[0365] In a possible implementation, the second device can determine the target sub-channel of the one or more first devices according to one or more of a channel contention result, a bandwidth of the OBSS TXOP, a duration of the OBSS TXOP, or other ongoing interference or channel unavailability, or interference or channel unavailability in a future period of time. The first wireless frame can include an RU allocation field to indicate the target sub-channel. It can be understood that the second device can allocate target sub-channels for multiple first devices through one first wireless frame, or the second device can allocate target sub-channels for one first device through one first wireless frame, which is not limited in the present application.

[0366] In the embodiments of the present application, the bandwidth of the OBSS TXOP, the duration of the OBSS TXOP, other ongoing interference or channel unavailability, and the related information of interference or channel unavailability in a future period of time are obtained by the second device from an indication obtained in the DSO capability negotiation or DSO capability update stage or before the DSO capability negotiation, which includes sub-channels that are interfered or unavailable due to other factors (represented by an available bitmap) and a duration period, etc.

[0367] It should be noted that the interference or unavailability herein includes but is not limited to: OBSS interference, in-device coexistence (IDC), P2P transmission, interference or coexistence problem caused by other protocol or system sharing channel, mutual influence between NPCA and DSO, such as overlap between anchor channel of NPCA and preferred channel of DSO, etc.

[0368] In a possible implementation, the second device can determine the length of the reserved channel according to the N first switching time delays sent by the plurality of first devices, such as determining one or more of the length of the padding field or the duration of the data frame, data segment or control frame serving other STAs not participating in DSO operation or temporarily not performing DSO operation or having completed DSO operation. For example, the second device can determine the length of the reserved channel according to the maximum, minimum or average value of the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel sent by the plurality of first devices, which is not limited in the present application. For example, the second device can determine the length of the reserved channel according to the maximum value of the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel sent by the plurality of first devices.

[0369] Optionally, different subchannel reservation methods can be combined to reserve subchannels in stages, and the second device can determine the length of the reserved subchannel in each stage according to other values (such as other values other than the maximum value).

[0370] S703: The first device switches to the target subchannel at the start time of the switching to the target subchannel.

[0371] In S703, the first device can switch to the target subchannel at the start time of the MAC padding field in the first wireless frame or the end time of the intermediate FCS field. Optionally, the first device can send a response frame, such as an initial control response frame, to the second device after switching to the target subchannel to indicate that the subchannel switching is completed.

[0372] Based on the method shown in FIG. 7, the first device can send N first switching time delays corresponding to N subchannels to the second device, so that each subchannel corresponds to a switching time delay, and the second device can set the length of the padding field in the first wireless frame according to the switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel, which can avoid the problem of setting the length of the padding field or the length of the reserved channel too long or too short.

[0373] It should be noted that the skilled in the art can select part or all of the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment of FIG. 7 as a separate embodiment, such as S701 as a separate embodiment, which is not limited in the present application.

[0374] Embodiment two, STA reports multiple switching time delays in NPCA technology.

[0375] Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary flow chart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps.

[0376] S901: The first device sends N first switching time delays respectively corresponding to N sub-channels.

[0377] Correspondingly, the second device receives N first switching time delays respectively corresponding to N sub-channels.

[0378] The first switching time delay can be used to indicate a time length required by the first device to switch from the main channel to the corresponding sub-channel. In this way, the first device and the second device can determine whether to switch to the target sub-channel based on the first switching time delay corresponding to the target sub-channel of the NPCA.

[0379] Optionally, the time length required by the second device to switch to the target sub-channel within the operating bandwidth can be different from the time length required by the first device to switch to the target sub-channel. Therefore, in order to switch to the target sub-channel synchronously, the starting time of the second device to switch to the target sub-channel can be different from the starting time of the first device to switch to the target sub-channel. The first switching time delay in Embodiment Two can also be used by the second device to determine the starting time to switch to the target sub-channel. For example, the second device can determine the starting time of the first device to switch to the target sub-channel based on the first switching time delay, and determine the starting time of the second device to switch to the target sub-channel in combination with the time length required by the second device to switch to the target sub-channel. Exemplarily, the starting time of the second device to switch to the target sub-channel can be later than the starting time of the first device to switch to the target sub-channel, so as to achieve synchronous switching to the target sub-channel.

[0380] The manner in which the first device sends N first switching time delays respectively corresponding to N sub-channels in S901 can refer to the implementation in S701, which will not be described herein again. The second switching time delay indicating switching from the target sub-channel to the main channel can also refer to the second switching time delay in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7, which will not be described herein again.

[0381] Optionally, the embodiments shown in FIG. 9 can also include S902 and S903.

[0382] S902: The second device sends first indication information.

[0383] Correspondingly, the first device receives the first indication information.

[0384] The first indication information can indicate the target sub-channel of the NPCA. It can be understood that the embodiments shown in FIG. 9 do not limit the implementation order of S901 and S902. S902 can be implemented before S901, or S902 can be implemented after S901, or S901 and S902 can be implemented simultaneously, which is not limited in the present application.

[0385] S903: The first device switches to the target subchannel when the target switching time length or the first switching time length corresponding to the target subchannel satisfies the first condition.

[0386] Correspondingly, the second device switches to the target subchannel when the target switching time length or the first switching time length corresponding to the target subchannel satisfies the first condition.

[0387] For example, the first device and / or the second device can switch to the target subchannel when an OBSS TXOP is detected and a difference between a duration of the OBSS TXOP and a round trip time delay is greater than or equal to a first threshold. Optionally, the first device and / or the second device do not switch to the target subchannel when the difference between the duration of the OBSS TXOP and the round trip time delay is less than the first threshold. The duration of the OBSS TXOP can be determined based on a NAV field in a PPDU in the OBSS TXOP.

[0388] In some embodiments, the round trip time delay can be determined according to the target switching time delay or according to the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel. The round trip time delay can refer to a time length required for switching from the primary channel to the target subchannel and a time length required for switching from the target subchannel to the primary channel. For example, the round trip time delay can be a sum of the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel and the second switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel. For another example, the round trip time delay can be twice the target switching time delay.

[0389] Hereinafter, the target switching time delay involved in the embodiments of the present application is introduced.

[0390] In one possible case, the target switching time delay can be determined based on the first switching time delay and the second switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel. For example, the target switching time delay can be a sum of the first switching time delay and the second switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel. In another possible case, the target switching time delay can be determined by the second device based on the first switching time delay and the second switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel reported by a plurality of first devices. For example, the target switching time delay can be a sum of the first switching time delay D1' and the second switching time delay D2'. The first switching time delay D1' can be a maximum value, a minimum value or a value determined in other predefined manners by the second device from the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel reported by the first devices participating in the NPCA. Similarly, the second switching time delay D2' can be a maximum value, a minimum value or a value determined in other predefined manners by the second device from the second switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel reported by the first devices participating in the NPCA.

[0391] In one possible design, the target switching delay determined by the first device can be different from the target switching delay determined by the second device. For example, if the second device sends the target switching delay to the first device, the target switching delay D' determined by the first device can be the sum of the first switching delay and the second switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel. The target switching delay D" determined by the second device can be the sum of the first switching delay D1' and the second switching delay D2'. Thus, the first device and the second device can have different results for the decision of whether to switch to the target subchannel.

[0392] To address this issue, the second device can broadcast, multicast, or unicast the target switching delay to the first device in embodiments of the application. For example, the target switching delay can be carried in a broadcast frame, a multicast frame, or a unicast frame, or the target switching delay can be carried in a broadcast frame, a multicast frame, or a unicast frame specific to the NPCA. For example, the target switching delay can be carried in an NPCA element or an NPCA parameter update field of the above-mentioned frames. In this way, the first device and the second device can align the understanding of the target switching delay, and thus the first device and the second device can have the same result for the decision of whether to switch to the target subchannel. It is noted that the step of broadcasting, multicasting, or unicasting the target switching delay from the second device to the first device can be implemented as a separate embodiment, and is not necessarily implemented in combination with the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

[0393] Based on the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first device sends the N first switching delays to the second device, which can enable the second device to determine whether the first device will switch to the target subchannel of the NPCA upon detecting the OBSS TXOP. It is noted that one skilled in the art can select some or all of the steps in the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. 9 as a separate embodiment, such as selecting S901 as a separate embodiment, or selecting S903 as a separate embodiment, or selecting S901 and S903 as a separate embodiment, which is not limited in the present application.

[0394] Embodiment Three, Update of the Target Subchannel of the NPCA.

[0395] In one possible implementation, the second device can determine the target subchannel based on one or more of the channel contention result, or the bandwidth of the OBSS TXOP, or the duration of the OBSS TXOP, or other ongoing interference or channel unavailability, or interference or channel unavailability in a future period of time, which can be implemented with reference to S702.

[0396] Since the environment of the subchannel can change over time, the target subchannel of the NPCA in the embodiments of the present application can be updated. The second device can send a third wireless frame, and the corresponding first device can receive the third wireless frame. The third wireless frame can indicate a first target subchannel. The third wireless frame can also indicate that the second target subchannel being used is updated to the first target subchannel.

[0397] In some embodiments, the second device can send the third wireless frame when one or more of the second conditions are met. Wherein the second conditions can include one or more of the following conditions 1-6:

[0398] Condition 1: Determine that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than the first target subchannel in a future specific time period through channel competition or channel detection results.

[0399] Condition 2: Determine or predict that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a future specific time period through the bandwidth indication of the received overlapped basic service set (OBSS) frame or the transmission opportunity of the received OBSS, and / or through the time period indication of the received overlapped basic service set (OBSS) frame or the transmission opportunity of the received OBSS.

[0400] For example, the second device can determine the bandwidth and duration of the transmission opportunity of the OBSS in the current or future time period according to the information carried in the OBSS frame. For example, the information carried in the OBSS broadcast frame can include OBSS service period (SP) information.

[0401] Condition 3: Determine or predict that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a future specific time period through the received coexistence indication. It should be understood that the coexistence indication can be a coexistence indication of different protocols.

[0402] Condition 4: Determine or predict that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a future specific time period through the received channel unavailability indication.

[0403] Condition 5: Determine or predict that the busy level of the second target subchannel is higher than or will be higher than or possibly higher than the first target subchannel in a future specific time period through the received channel interference indication.

[0404] Condition 6: determining or predicting that the busy level of the second target subchannel is or will be higher than or likely to be higher than the first target subchannel within a certain time period by receiving an indication of DSO enabling or a result of DSO preferred channel allocation.

[0405] For example, by receiving the indication information of the result of DSO channel allocation, it is found that more than or equal to y (y is a positive integer) first devices set the second target subchannel as the preferred channel, which means that there will be a high probability of channel use conflict with the first devices participating in DSO in the second target subchannel.

[0406] One or more of the above conditions 2-6, the second device can receive the corresponding indication information from one or more first devices, or one or more other second devices.

[0407] The indication information can indicate the subchannel or bandwidth range affected by OBSS, interference, coexistence, DSO or other various channel unavailable conditions, and the time period when the affected subchannel or bandwidth range may occur. For example, the indication information can indicate SP information of interference, coexistence or other various unavailable conditions, such as the duration of each SP, the interval between each SP, etc. For another example, the indication information can also indicate the information of the affected subchannel, such as indicating the information of the affected subchannel by a bit map.

[0408] In the third embodiment, the third wireless frame can be a broadcast frame, a groupcast frame or a unicast frame, such as a beacon frame, a data traffic indication delivery message (DTIM) beacon frame or a traffic indication map (TIM) frame, or the third wireless frame can be a specific broadcast frame, groupcast frame or unicast frame used by NPCA. For example, the information indicating the target subchannel can be carried in the NPCA element or the NPCA parameter update field or other fields, which is not limited in the present application.

[0409] Based on the above third embodiment, the second device can update the target subchannel of the first device based on the change of the environment of the subchannel, so as to achieve data transmission in the non-primary channel.

[0410] In the embodiments of the present application, the third embodiment and the second embodiment can be combined as one embodiment. For example, after the target subchannel of the NPCA is updated, the location of the updated target subchannel can be within the preferred channel, or can be within the working bandwidth, or can be within the non-preferred channel. Therefore, if the first device sends part of the N first switching time delays corresponding to the N subchannels to the second device in the NPCA capability negotiation stage, since the location of the target subchannel is changed, the first switching time delay corresponding to the updated target subchannel can not exist in the first switching time delay reported by the first device in the NPCA capability negotiation stage. Therefore, the first device can send the first switching time delay corresponding to the updated target subchannel to the second device in the NPCA parameter update stage. That is, if the first switching time delay corresponding to the target subchannel is changed, and the first device does not report the changed first switching time delay, the first device can send the first switching time delay corresponding to the updated target subchannel to the second device.

[0411] Optionally, if the first switching time delay corresponding to the updated target subchannel is changed, and the target switching time delay can also be changed, the first device and the second device can determine the target switching time delay again based on the changed first switching time delay. The first device and the second device can determine the target switching time delay in the manner described in the second embodiment, which will not be described here.

[0412] Optionally, the first device and the second device can determine whether to switch to the updated target subchannel according to the target switching time delay determined again, which can be implemented with reference to S903, and will not be described here.

[0413] The fourth embodiment, the effective time information of the target subchannel.

[0414] In a possible implementation, the target subchannel of the NPCA can correspond to effective time information. For example, the second device can broadcast, multicast or unicast the first effective time information to the first device. The first effective time information can be used by the first device to determine the effective time of the target subchannel. For example, the first effective time information can be used to determine the effective time of the updated target subchannel. For example, the first effective time information can indicate that it takes effect after a first time length after the radio frame carrying the first effective time information, or takes effect after a predetermined time length, or takes effect immediately, or determines the effective time based on the effective time of the preferred channel, which is not limited in the present application. The effective time of the preferred channel will be described in subsequent embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0415] It should be understood that the predetermined time duration can be a specific time period or a specific time instant, or the predetermined time duration can be embodied by one or more time units. For example, the predetermined time duration can include x frames containing the target subchannel repeatedly transmitted by the second device, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In other words, the target subchannel can take effect after x frames containing the target subchannel repeatedly transmitted by the second device.

[0416] In a possible design, the first device and the second device can determine whether to switch to the target subchannel after the target subchannel takes effect, which can be implemented with reference to S903, to avoid invalid switching caused by a change of the target subchannel before the target subchannel takes effect. Optionally, the first device can send second taking effect time information to the second device, where the second taking effect time information can be used to suggest the taking effect time of the target subchannel. For example, the second taking effect time information can indicate that the target subchannel takes effect after a first time duration after a radio frame carrying the first taking effect time information, or takes effect at a first time instant, or takes effect immediately, or is determined based on the taking effect time of the preferred subchannel, which is not limited in the application.

[0417] Based on the above-described embodiment four, the first device and the second device can align the understanding of the taking effect time of the target subchannel through the first taking effect time information, to determine whether to switch to the target subchannel, thereby avoiding invalid switching caused by a change of the target subchannel before the target subchannel takes effect.

[0418] Embodiment five, setting of the preferred subchannel

[0419] In the embodiments of the application, the first device can also be set with a preferred subchannel to save the time delay of subchannel switching. In a possible design, when different first devices in a same BSS are initially set with preferred subchannels, the second device should coordinate to make the preferred subchannels of different first devices as dispersed as possible, reduce or not overlap, and avoid allocating the preferred subchannels to channels that are interfered with in a current time period or in a future time period, have coexistence problems in a current time period or in a future time period, or have an unavailable situation in a current time period or in a future time period according to the indication received by the second device.

[0420] Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the application can include the following steps.

[0421] S1001: The first device sends first information.

[0422] Correspondingly, the second device receives the first information.

[0423] The first information can include a number of preferred channels supported by the first device and / or a location of the preferred channels suggested by the first device. For example, the first device can send the number of preferred channels supported to the second device. Then the second device can allocate the preferred channels for the first device according to the number of preferred channels supported by the first device. It can be understood that the number of preferred channels allocated by the second device should be less than or equal to the number of preferred channels supported by the first device.

[0424] For another example, the first device can send the location of the preferred channels suggested to the second device. Then the second device can allocate the preferred channels for the first device according to the location of the preferred channels suggested. It can be understood that the location of the preferred channels allocated by the second device can be the same as or different from the location of the preferred channels suggested.

[0425] For another example, the first device can send the number of preferred channels supported and the location of the preferred channels suggested to the second device. For example, the first device can send a bit map of the preferred channels suggested to the second device, by which the first device can send the number of preferred channels supported and the location of the preferred channels suggested to the second device. For example, the sub-channels with value 1 in the bit map can be the location of the preferred channels suggested by the first device, and vice versa. The second device can allocate the preferred channels for the first device according to the bit map.

[0426] In a possible case, if the number of preferred channels supported sent by the first device is 0, it can be understood that the first device does not set or support setting the preferred channels.

[0427] In an example, the first device can send the number of preferred channels supported and / or the location of the preferred channels suggested in an association request frame, or a reassociation request frame, or a DSO mode enable frame, or a DSO mode notification frame, or other frames. For example, the number of preferred channels supported and / or the location of the preferred channels suggested can be carried in a DSO element or a DSO parameter update field of the above frames, or other fields in the frames. Optionally, the DSO element can appear in different uplink frames or downlink frames.

[0428] In another example, the first device sends the supported number of preferred channels and / or the suggested location of the preferred channel can be carried in an association request frame, or a reassociation request frame, an NPCA mode enable frame, an NPCA mode notification frame, a specific broadcast frame, a multicast frame or a unicast frame used for NPCA, or other frames. For example, the supported number of preferred channels and / or the suggested location of the preferred channel can be carried in an NPCA element or an NPCA parameter update field of the above-mentioned frames, or other fields in the frames.

[0429] S1002: The second device sends the second information.

[0430] Correspondingly, the first device receives the second information.

[0431] The second device can send the second information for different first devices one by one, and assign a preferred channel to each first device. For example, a plurality of first devices can report the supported number of preferred channels and / or the suggested location of the preferred channel respectively, and the second device can assign the preferred channels to the first devices in a sequence according to one or more of the reported number and / or the suggested location, the assigned location of the preferred channel, or the channel availability in the current / future period of time.

[0432] Alternatively, the second device can assign the preferred channels to a plurality of first devices at a time. For example, the second device can assign the preferred channels to the plurality of first devices respectively according to one or more of the reported number and / or the suggested location, the assigned location of the preferred channel, or the channel availability in the current / future period of time.

[0433] Alternatively, for part of the first devices, the second device can assign the preferred channels to the part of the first devices at a time. For another part of the first devices or newly added first devices performing DSO or NPCA, the second device can assign the preferred channels to the another part of the first devices one by one.

[0434] It should be noted that the second device can assign the preferred channels of DSO to the first devices in the above-mentioned manner, and the second device can also assign the preferred channels of NPCA to the first devices in the above-mentioned manner.

[0435] Optionally, when assigning the preferred channels of DSO, the preferred channels of DSO of the first device do not overlap with the preferred channels of NPCA of the first device. Optionally, when assigning the preferred channels of NPCA, the preferred channels of NPCA of the first device do not overlap with the preferred channels of DSO of the first device.

[0436] In one example, the second information sent by the second device can be carried in a broadcast frame, a groupcast frame or a unicast frame, such as a beacon frame, a DTIM beacon frame or a TIM frame, or the second information sent by the second device can be carried in a specific broadcast frame, a groupcast frame or a unicast frame used by the DSO. For example, the second information can be carried in a DSO element or a DSO parameter update field of the above-mentioned frames, or other fields of the above-mentioned frames.

[0437] In another example, the second information can be carried in a broadcast frame, a groupcast frame or a unicast frame, such as a beacon frame, a DTIM beacon frame or a TIM frame, or can be carried in a specific broadcast frame, a groupcast frame or a unicast frame used by the NPCA. For example, the second information can be carried in an NPCA element or an NPCA parameter update field of the above-mentioned frames, or other fields of the above-mentioned frames.

[0438] In a possible implementation, the embodiment of the present application supports updating of the preferred channel. For example, after determining new interference or channel coexistence, the second device can update the preferred channel for the plurality of first devices in the manner shown in S1002.

[0439] In one example, if the target subchannel (such as the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the target subchannel of the DSO) is set or updated within the preferred channel of the first device or within the operating bandwidth, there is no need to update the preferred channel of the first device. If the target subchannel of the first device is set or updated outside the preferred channel of the first device and outside the operating bandwidth, the first device can update the preferred channel according to the set or updated target subchannel, so as to set the position of the preferred channel to the position where the target subchannel is located.

[0440] In one possible scenario, the configuration of the preferred channel can need a certain validation time. In one example, the first device can send third validation time information to the second device, where the third validation time information is used to indicate the validation time of the preferred channel, such as the validation time of the initially configured preferred channel or the validation time of the updated preferred channel. For example, the first device can send the third validation time information to the second device in the DSO capability negotiation phase or the NPCA capability negotiation phase. The second device can determine a target validation time information according to the third validation time information reported by the plurality of first devices. For example, the second device can determine the maximum value, the minimum value or a value calculated according to a predefined manner among the plurality of third validation time information as the target validation time information, which is not limited in the present application. In some embodiments, the second device can determine the target validation time information according to the third validation time information sent by part or all of the first devices that perform the preferred channel update / alignment, such as the maximum value among the third validation time information sent by part or all of the first devices, i.e., the value of the validation time of the preferred channel of part or all of the first devices is the latest. In another example, if there is no first device that updates / aligns the preferred channel, the second device can determine the target validation time information according to the suggestion sent by the plurality of first devices and the actual situation.

[0441] In another example, if the first device does not send the third validation time information, the second device can use a predefined target validation time information. Through the target validation time information, the validation time of the updated preferred channel can be determined. After the validation time, all or part of the first devices can complete the configuration or update of the preferred channel.

[0442] It should be noted that the target validation time information T1 of the second device and the target validation time information T2 of the first device can be the same or different. For example, the second device can broadcast, multicast or unicast the target validation time information. For example, the second device can carry the target validation time information in the multicast frame or the broadcast frame. Then the first device and the second device can use the same target validation time information to determine the validation time of the preferred channel. For another example, the second device can determine the target validation time information T1 based on the third validation time information reported by the plurality of first devices. The first device can determine the target validation time information T2 based on the third validation time information of itself.

[0443] It can be understood that the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel before the preferred channel takes effect can be different from the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel after the preferred channel takes effect. For example, before the updated preferred channel takes effect, the target subchannel of the first device can be located outside the preferred channel, and after the updated preferred channel takes effect, the target subchannel of the first device can be located inside the preferred channel, and thus the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel changes. Therefore, in the NPCA mechanism, after the updated preferred channel takes effect, the first device and the second device can determine whether to switch to the target subchannel based on the changed first switching delay and the second switching delay. Alternatively, in the DSO mechanism, the second device can determine the length of the reserved channel based on the changed first switching delay and the second switching delay. The description of the first switching delay can refer to the related description in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0444] Therefore, in a possible design, the above target taking effect time information can be used to determine the taking effect time of the target subchannel. For example, the taking effect time of the target subchannel can be after the taking effect time of the preferred channel. The taking effect time of the target subchannel can refer to the related description in Embodiment 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0445] Alternatively, before the preferred channel takes effect, the first device can not perform subchannel switching, such as not performing DSO subchannel switching or not performing NPCA subchannel switching. After the preferred channel takes effect, the first device can perform subchannel switching. In the NPCA mechanism, after the preferred channel takes effect, the first device and the second device can determine whether to switch to the target subchannel based on the first switching delay and the second switching delay of the target subchannel. In the DSO mechanism, after the preferred channel takes effect, the second device can determine the length of the reserved channel based on the first switching delay and the second switching delay of the target subchannel.

[0446] In a possible implementation, the first device can send third information to the second device, the third information being used to indicate whether the reconfiguration or adjustment of the preferred channel is supported. If the first device supports the reconfiguration of the preferred channel, the first device and the second device can determine the first switching delay and / or the second switching delay of the target subchannel after the updated preferred channel takes effect. If the first device does not support the reconfiguration of the preferred channel, the first device and the second device can determine the first switching delay and / or the second switching delay according to the position of the target subchannel.

[0447] It should be understood that the target subchannel mentioned herein can be an initial target subchannel or an updated target subchannel. In one possible case, if the target subchannel is an initial target subchannel, the first switching delay and / or the second switching delay corresponding to the initial target subchannel can change before the updated preferred channel takes effect and after the updated preferred channel takes effect. Therefore, if the first device supports reconfiguration of the preferred channel, the first device and the second device can determine the first switching delay and / or the second switching delay according to the change of the updated preferred channel. If the first device does not support reconfiguration of the preferred channel, the first switching delay and / or the second switching delay corresponding to the initial target subchannel can not change.

[0448] In another possible case, if the target subchannel is an updated target subchannel, the first switching delay and / or the second switching delay corresponding to the updated target subchannel are different before the updated preferred channel takes effect and after the updated preferred channel takes effect. For example, if the position of the updated target subchannel is outside the preferred channel and outside the operating bandwidth, the first switching delay corresponding to the updated target subchannel is D3. The first device can update the preferred channel to the position of the target subchannel, and after the updated preferred channel takes effect, the first switching delay corresponding to the updated target subchannel is D2. Therefore, the first device and the second device can determine different first switching delays and / or second switching delays according to whether the updated preferred channel takes effect. Alternatively, the first device and the second device can determine the first switching delay and / or the second switching delay of the updated target subchannel after the updated preferred channel takes effect.

[0449] If the first device does not support reconfiguration of the preferred channel, the first device and the second device can determine the first switching delay and / or the second switching delay corresponding to the updated target subchannel according to the position of the updated target subchannel.

[0450] Embodiment six, constraint conditions of DSO or NPCA.

[0451] In one possible implementation, the first device can send indication information to the second device to indicate whether the first device participates in subchannel switching. For example, the first device can send third indication information to the second device, where the third indication information indicates that the first device does not participate in subchannel switching. For another example, the first device can send fourth indication information to the second device, where the fourth indication information indicates that the first device participates in subchannel switching. Illustratively, the first device can send the third indication information or the fourth indication information to the second device in a DSO capability negotiation phase or a NPCA capability negotiation phase or a DSO capability update phase or a NPCA capability update phase.

[0452] In some embodiments, the first device can determine whether the first device participates in the subchannel switching according to one or more of the following conditions A.

[0453] 1) whether the target subchannel is located in the preferred channel.

[0454] For example, the target subchannel of the DSO or the target subchannel of the NPCA is located outside the operating bandwidth and outside the preferred channel. In this case, it takes a long time for the first device to switch to the target subchannel, and the channel utilization is low. Then the first device can not refer to the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device.

[0455] For another example, the target subchannel of the DSO or the target subchannel of the NPCA is located in the preferred channel, then it takes a short time for the first device to switch to the target subchannel. Then the first device can participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0456] 2) whether the target subchannel is located in the operating bandwidth.

[0457] For example, the target subchannel of the NPCA is located outside the operating bandwidth. If the target subchannel of the NPCA is outside the operating bandwidth, it can take a long time to switch to the target subchannel. Therefore, if the target subchannel of the NPCA is outside the operating bandwidth, the first device can not participate in the subchannel switching, and thus it can also not need to additionally set the preferred channel, saving cost. Then the first device can send the third indication information to the second device.

[0458] For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA is in the operating bandwidth, it takes a short time to switch to the target subchannel. Then the first device can participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0459] 3) whether the preferred channel is set.

[0460] For example, if the preferred channel is not set, it takes a long time for the first device to switch to the target subchannel outside the operating bandwidth, and the channel utilization is low. Therefore, for example, if the preferred channel of the DSO is not set, the first device does not participate in the subchannel switching of the DSO, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. For another example, if the preferred channel of the NPCA is not set, the first device does not participate in the subchannel switching of the NPCA, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device.

[0461] For example, if a preferred channel is set, the time required for the first device to switch to a target sub-channel outside the operating bandwidth is shorter. Therefore, for instance, if the preferred channel of the DSO is set, the first device participates in the sub-channel handover of the DSO, and the first device can send a fourth indication message to the second device. Similarly, for instance, if the preferred channel of the NPCA is set, the first device participates in the sub-channel handover of the NPCA, and the first device can send a fourth indication message to the second device.

[0462] 4) Does the difference between the first duration and the second duration satisfy the second threshold?

[0463] For example, if the difference between the first duration and the second duration is less than the second threshold, the first device may not participate in the sub-channel handover, and the first device may send a third indication message to the second device. Alternatively, if the difference between the first duration and the second duration is greater than the second threshold, the first device may participate in the sub-channel handover, and the first device may send a fourth indication message to the second device. Or, if the difference between the first duration and the second duration is equal to the second threshold, the first device may participate in the sub-channel handover, or it may choose not to participate.

[0464] Wherein, the second duration is the sum of the time required to switch to the target sub-channel and the time required to switch from the target sub-channel to the main channel, and the first duration is the remaining duration of channel unavailability or transmission opportunity. For example, if the NAV of the OBSS TXOP minus the second duration is less than or equal to the second threshold, then the first device will not participate in the sub-channel handover of the NPCA. As another example, if the remaining duration of the TXOP obtained by the first device through channel contention minus the second duration is less than or equal to the second threshold, then the first device will not participate in the sub-channel handover of the DSO.

[0465] 5) Does the time required to switch to the target sub-channel meet the third threshold?

[0466] If the time required to switch to the target sub-channel is greater than the third threshold, it indicates that the first device requires a long time to switch to the target sub-channel, resulting in low channel utilization. Therefore, the first device may not participate in the sub-channel handover and may send a third indication message to the second device. If the time required to switch to the target sub-channel is less than the third threshold, the first device may participate in the sub-channel handover and may send a fourth indication message to the second device. If the time required to switch to the target sub-channel is equal to the third threshold, the first device may participate in the sub-channel handover or may not participate in the sub-channel handover.

[0467] 6) Does the operating bandwidth meet the requirements of 80MHz or 160MHz?

[0468] For example, if the operating bandwidth is 20MHz, the first device can not participate in subchannel switching, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. For another example, if the operating bandwidth is 80MHz or 160MHz, the first device can participate in subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0469] 7) whether the number of preferred channels meets K, K being a positive integer, such as K being 0.

[0470] When the number of preferred channels is small, the target subchannel is more likely to be located in a non-preferred channel. Therefore, when the number of preferred channels is less than K, the first device can not participate in subchannel switching, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. When the number of preferred channels is greater than K, the first device can participate in subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device. When the number of preferred channels is equal to K, the first device can participate in subchannel switching, or the first device can not participate in subchannel switching.

[0471] 8) whether the preferred channel of the DSO overlaps the preferred channel of the NPCA.

[0472] If the preferred channel of the DSO overlaps the preferred channel of the NPCA, the target subchannel of the DSO and the target subchannel of the NPCA allocated to the first device can be in a conflict and mutual influence situation.

[0473] Therefore, when the preferred channel of the DSO overlaps the preferred channel of the NPCA, the first device can not participate in subchannel switching, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. When the preferred channel of the DSO does not overlap the preferred channel of the NPCA, the first device can participate in subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0474] For another example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device overlaps the target subchannel and / or the preferred channel of the NPCA, the first device can not participate in the DSO, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA overlaps the target channel and / or the preferred channel of the device participating in the DSO, the first device can not participate in the NPCA, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device.

[0475] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channel of the NPCA, the first device can participate in the DSO and send the fourth indication information to the second device. For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channel of the device participating in the DSO, the first device can participate in the NPCA and send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0476] 9) whether there is data transmission or whether the data volume meets a fourth threshold value.

[0477] If the data volume of the first device is less than (or equal to) the fourth threshold value, it can be considered that the data volume of the first device is small. When the data volume of the first device is small or the first device has no data transmission, the first device can not participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. Optionally, the first device can perform PD on the main channel.

[0478] If the data volume of the first device is greater than (or equal to) the fourth threshold value, it can be considered that the data volume of the first device is large. When the data volume of the first device is large or the first device has data transmission, the first device can participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0479] 10) whether the target subchannel is effective.

[0480] For example, when the target subchannel is not effective, the first device can not participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. For another example, after the target subchannel is effective, the first device can participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0481] 11) whether the preferred channel is effective.

[0482] For example, when the preferred channel is not effective, the first device can not participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. For another example, after the preferred channel is effective, the first device can participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0483] 12) whether there is an unavailable subchannel in the operating bandwidth.

[0484] For example, if there is an unavailable subchannel in the operating bandwidth, the first device can not participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the third indication information to the second device. For another example, if there is no unavailable subchannel in the operating bandwidth, the first device can participate in the subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fourth indication information to the second device.

[0485] Optionally, one or more of the above conditions A can be indicated by the second device or predefined by the protocol, which is not limited in the present application. If the above condition A is indicated by the second device, the second device can send the condition A to the first device in the DSO / NPCA capability negotiation phase or the DSO / NPCA capability update phase.

[0486] In yet another possible implementation, the first device can send indication information to the second device, which can indicate whether the first device supports subchannel switching. For example, the first device can send fifth indication information to the second device, which indicates that the first device does not support subchannel switching. For another example, the first device can send sixth indication information to the second device, which indicates that the first device supports subchannel switching. Illustratively, the first device can send the fifth indication information or the sixth indication information to the second device in the DSO capability negotiation phase or the NPCA capability negotiation phase or the DSO capability update phase or the NPCA capability update phase.

[0487] In some embodiments, the first device can determine whether the first device supports subchannel switching according to one or more of the following conditions B.

[0488] 1) Whether the target subchannel is located within the operating bandwidth.

[0489] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO or the target subchannel of the NPCA is located outside the operating bandwidth, the first device can not support subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fifth indication information to the second device.

[0490] For another example, if the target subchannel of the DSO or the target subchannel of the NPCA is located within the operating bandwidth, the first device supports subchannel switching, and the first device can send the sixth indication information to the second device.

[0491] 2) Whether the preferred channel is set.

[0492] For example, if the preferred channel is not set, the first device can not support subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fifth indication information to the second device. Illustratively, if the preferred channel of the DSO is not set, the first device does not support subchannel switching of the DSO. For another example, if the preferred channel of the NPCA is not set, the first device does not support subchannel switching of the NPCA.

[0493] For another example, if the preferred channel is set, the first device supports subchannel switching, and the first device can send the sixth indication information to the second device. Illustratively, if the preferred channel of the DSO is set, the first device supports subchannel switching of the DSO. For another example, if the preferred channel of the NPCA is set, the first device supports subchannel switching of the NPCA.

[0494] 3) whether the operating bandwidth satisfies 80MHz or 160MHz.

[0495] For example, if the operating bandwidth is 20MHz, the first device can not support subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fifth indication information to the second device. For another example, if the operating bandwidth is 80MHz or 160MHz, the first device supports subchannel switching, and the first device can send the sixth indication information to the second device.

[0496] 4) whether the number of preferred channels satisfies K, K is an integer, such as K is 0.

[0497] For example, when the number of preferred channels is less than K, the first device can not support subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fifth indication information to the second device. When the number of preferred channels is greater than K, the first device supports subchannel switching, and the first device can send the sixth indication information to the second device. When the number of preferred channels is equal to K, the first device supports subchannel switching or does not support subchannel switching.

[0498] 5) the preferred channel of the DSO overlaps the preferred channel of the NPCA.

[0499] If the preferred channel of the DSO overlaps the preferred channel of the NPCA, the target subchannel of the DSO and the target subchannel of the NPCA allocated to the first device can appear the conflict and mutual influence situation.

[0500] Therefore, when the preferred channel of the DSO overlaps the preferred channel of the NPCA, the first device can not support subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fifth indication information to the second device. When the preferred channel of the DSO does not overlap the preferred channel of the NPCA, the first device supports subchannel switching, and the first device can send the sixth indication information to the second device.

[0501] For another example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device overlaps the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channel of the NPCA, the DSO can not be supported, and the first device can send the sixth indication information to the second device. For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA overlaps the target channel and / or the preferred channel of the device participating in the DSO, the NPCA can not be supported, and the first device can send the sixth indication information to the second device.

[0502] For example, if the target subchannel of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channel of the NPCA, the DSO can be supported, and the first device can send the fifth indication information to the second device. For another example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channel of the device participating in the DSO, the NPCA can be supported, and the first device can send the fifth indication information to the second device.

[0503] 6) Whether there is an unavailable subchannel in the operating bandwidth.

[0504] For example, if there is an unavailable subchannel in the operating bandwidth, the first device can not support subchannel switching, and the first device can send the fifth indication information to the second device. For another example, if there is no unavailable subchannel in the operating bandwidth, the first device supports subchannel switching, and the first device can send the sixth indication information to the second device.

[0505] Optionally, one or more of the above conditions B can be indicated by the second device or predefined by a protocol, which is not limited in the present application. If the above condition B is indicated by the second device, the second device can send the condition B to the first device in the DSO / NPCA capability negotiation phase or the DSO / NPCA capability update phase.

[0506] In the above implementation, it is introduced that whether the subchannel switching is supported or whether the subchannel switching is participated in is determined by the first device. In the embodiment of the present application, the first device can send the first capability information to the second device, and the second device can determine whether the first device participates in the subchannel switching according to the first capability information and one or more of the above conditions A. The second device can determine whether the first device supports the subchannel switching according to the first capability information and one or more of the above conditions B.

[0507] For example, the first capability information can include one or more of the first switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel, the second switching delay corresponding to the target subchannel, the number of the preferred channels, the position of the preferred channels, or the operating bandwidth, which can be referred to the related description in the above embodiment 1 to embodiment 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0508] For example, the second device can determine whether the first device participates in the subchannel switching according to the above condition A, and the second device can determine whether the first device supports the subchannel switching according to the above condition B, which will not be repeated here.

[0509] In some embodiments, the second device can multicast, broadcast or unicast one or more identification information to inform which first device supports sub-channel switching or to inform which first device participates in sub-channel switching. For example, the one or more identification information can be implemented by an association identifier (AID) list or an AID bitmap. If the first device determines that its own identifier is contained in the one or more identification information, it can be determined that the first device supports or participates in sub-channel switching, such as sub-channel switching of DSO and / or sub-channel switching of NPCA. If the first device determines that its own identifier is not contained in the one or more identification information, it can be determined that the first device does not support or participate in sub-channel switching.

[0510] In the embodiments of the present application, if the first device supports DSO and NPCA, whether the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be started at the same time can be divided into the following case 1 to case 3.

[0511] Case 1: The DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be started at the same time.

[0512] For example, the first device can start the DSO mode and the NPCA mode at the same time. In case 1, the first device can occur a channel usage conflict, and the NPCA and the DSO can affect each other. Optionally, the mutual influence can be reduced or the possible channel usage conflict problem can be solved by optimization measures.

[0513] Case 2: The DSO mode and the NPCA mode cannot be started at the same time.

[0514] In case 2, the NPCA mode and the DSO mode are time-division multiplexed and cannot be started at the same time, which avoids the possible channel usage conflict. At the same time, the start of one mode also limits the start of the other mode.

[0515] Case 3: When one or more of the following conditions C are met, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be started at the same time.

[0516] 1. Whether the number of preferred channels meets L, L is a positive integer, such as L is 0.

[0517] For example, when the number of preferred channels is less than L, the first device can not start the DSO mode and the NPCA mode at the same time.

[0518] For another example, when the number of preferred channels is greater than L, the first device can start the DSO mode and the NPCA mode at the same time.

[0519] For example, if the number of preferred channels is equal to L, the first device can simultaneously start the DSO mode and the NPCA mode, or the first device can not simultaneously start the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0520] When the number of preferred channels is small, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode are simultaneously started, and the possibility of mutual influence is large. When the number of preferred channels is large, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be allocated with non-overlapping preferred channels, so as to avoid mutual influence.

[0521] 2. Whether the preferred channels used by the NPCA and the preferred channels used by the DSO overlap.

[0522] For example, if the preferred channels used by the NPCA and the preferred channels used by the DSO do not overlap, the first device can simultaneously start the DSO mode and the NPCA mode. For example, if the preferred channels used by the NPCA and the preferred channels used by the DSO overlap, the first device can not simultaneously start the DSO mode and the NPCA mode.

[0523] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channels of the NPCA, the DSO mode can not be started. For example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA overlaps with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channels of the devices participating in the DSO, the NPCA mode can not be started.

[0524] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channels of the NPCA, the DSO mode can be started. For example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channels of the devices participating in the DSO, the NPCA mode can be started.

[0525] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channels of the NPCA, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be simultaneously started. For example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device does not overlap with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channels of the devices participating in the DSO, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can be simultaneously started.

[0526] For example, if the target subchannel of the DSO of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel of the NPCA and / or the preferred channels of the NPCA, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can not be simultaneously started. For example, if the target subchannel of the NPCA of the first device overlaps with the target subchannel and / or the preferred channels of the devices participating in the DSO, the DSO mode and the NPCA mode can not be simultaneously started.

[0527] The condition C can be predefined by the agreement or determined by the second device. The first device can send indication information to the second device to suggest the rule and / or condition that the DSO mode and the NPCA mode are enabled simultaneously. The second device can determine whether to enable the DSO mode and the NPCA mode simultaneously and which mode to enable or disable according to one or more of the conditions C.

[0528] In some embodiments, the second device can also broadcast, multicast or unicast a wireless frame containing the NPCA element and / or the DSO element. The NPCA element contains a field indicating whether the NPCA mode is enabled. Similarly, the DSO element contains a field indicating whether the DSO mode is enabled. Optionally, the NPCA element and the DSO element can be contained in the same frame.

[0529] For example, the 1-bit indication information indicates that the DSO mode is enabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 1, and indicates that the DSO mode is disabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 0. Conversely, the 1-bit indication information indicates that the DSO mode is enabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 0, and indicates that the DSO mode is disabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 1.

[0530] For example, the 1-bit indication information indicates that the DSO mode is enabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 1, and indicates that the DSO mode is disabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 0. Conversely, the 1-bit indication information indicates that the DSO mode is enabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 0, and indicates that the DSO mode is disabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 1.

[0531] For example, the 1-bit indication information indicates that the DSO mode is enabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 1, and indicates that the DSO mode is disabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 0. Conversely, the 1-bit indication information indicates that the DSO mode is enabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 0, and indicates that the DSO mode is disabled when the value of the 1-bit indication information is 1.

[0532] In the following, the DSO element and the NPCA element involved in the embodiments of the present application are introduced. It should be understood that the order of each field shown below is only exemplary. In addition, the order of each field can be changed, and each field can be split or combined. For example, a field can be split into different fields, or split into different frame types, or part or all of the fields can be combined into one field.

[0533] Referring to FIG. 11A, an example of a DSO element is shown. The DSO element shown in FIG. 11A can be an example of a DSO element included in an uplink frame. One or more of the following fields can be included in the DSO element:

[0534] DSO support, used to indicate whether the first device supports the DSO mode.

[0535] DSO on, used to request or suggest the second device to turn on the DSO mode or turn off the DSO mode.

[0536] DSO and NPCA on simultaneously, used to suggest the second device to turn on the DSO mode and the NPCA mode simultaneously, or used to suggest the second device to turn on the DSO mode and the NPCA mode at different times, or used to suggest the second device to the rule and / or condition of turning on the DSO mode and the NPCA mode simultaneously.

[0537] DSO participation, used to indicate to the second device whether the first device participates in the target sub-channel switching of the DSO.

[0538] Supported bandwidth and working bandwidth, including one or more of the following information: working bandwidth, current bandwidth, and all bandwidths that can be supported.

[0539] First switching delay field, used to report N first switching delays to the second device, and the description of the first switching delay in Embodiment One can be implemented.

[0540] Second switching delay field, used to report N second switching delays to the second device, and the description of the second switching delay in Embodiment One can be implemented.

[0541] Preferred channel number, used to indicate to the second device the number of preferred channels supported, and the description in Embodiment Five can be implemented.

[0542] Preferred channel position, used to indicate to the second device the position of the preferred channel supported, and the description in Embodiment Five can be implemented.

[0543] Preferred channel reconfiguration, used to indicate to the second device whether the first device supports the reconfiguration of the preferred channel, and the description in Embodiment Five can be implemented.

[0544] Preferred channel reallocation, used to request or suggest the second device to reallocate or update the preferred channel, and the description in Embodiment Five can be implemented.

[0545] The preferred channel configuration delay and the preferred channel effective time suggestion are used to report one or more of the third effective time information, the effective time of the preferred channel suggestion, or the target effective time information to the second device, which can be implemented according to the related description in Embodiment 5.

[0546] Referring to FIG. 11B, an example of another DSO element is shown. For example, the DSO element shown in FIG. 11B can be a DSO element included in a downlink frame. The DSO element can include one or more of the following fields:

[0547] Whether to support DSO, used to indicate to the first device whether the second device supports the DSO mode.

[0548] Whether the DSO is enabled, used to indicate to the first device whether the DSO mode is enabled.

[0549] Whether the NPCA is enabled, used to indicate to the first device whether the NPCA mode is enabled.

[0550] Constraint or constraint identifier, used by the second device to indicate to the first device a predefined or newly added constraint, such as one or more of the conditions A to C.

[0551] Threshold field, used to indicate the time threshold or data volume threshold involved in the foregoing Embodiments 1 to 6, etc.

[0552] First device identifier supporting DSO, used to indicate one or more first devices supporting the DSO mode.

[0553] First device identifier participating in DSO, used to indicate one or more first devices participating in the target subchannel switching of the DSO.

[0554] Whether to update the preferred channel, used to indicate that part or all of the first devices update the preferred channel, for example, if one bit is used to represent, it can be indicated by setting it to 1 to update the preferred channel, and for example, in addition to the one-bit indication bit, the identification information of the first device that needs to be updated is also included.

[0555] The preferred channel position field and the preferred channel effective time field can refer to the related description in FIG. 11A, which will not be described here again.

[0556] Referring to FIG. 11C, an example of an NPCA element is shown. For example, the NPCA element shown in FIG. 11C can be an NPCA element included in an uplink frame. The NPCA element can include one or more of the following fields:

[0557] Whether to support NPCA, used to indicate to the second device whether the first device supports the NPCA mode.

[0558] Whether to enable NPCA, used to request or suggest the second device whether the first device enables NPCA mode.

[0559] Suggestion of enabling NPCA and DSO simultaneously, used to suggest the second device whether the first device enables NPCA mode and DSO mode simultaneously.

[0560] Whether to participate in NPCA, used to indicate the second device whether the first device participates in NPCA mode.

[0561] Whether to update target subchannel, used to request or suggest the second device whether the first device updates target subchannel.

[0562] Target subchannel effective time suggestion, used to send the fourth effective time information to the second device, which can refer to the related description in embodiment three.

[0563] Target subchannel suggestion, used to suggest the second device the location of target subchannel, which can refer to the related description in embodiment three.

[0564] The remaining fields in FIG. 11C can refer to the related description in FIG. 11A, which will not be repeated here.

[0565] Referring to FIG. 11D, an example of an NPCA element is shown. Illustratively, the NPCA element shown in FIG. 11D can be an NPCA element contained in a downlink frame. The NPCA element can contain one or more of the fields shown in FIG. 11D. The meaning of each field is described below.

[0566] Whether to update target subchannel, used to indicate the first device whether to update target subchannel.

[0567] Target subchannel effective time, used to send the first effective time information to the first device, which can refer to the related description in embodiment three.

[0568] Target switching delay, used to send the target switching delay to the first device, which can refer to the related description in embodiment two.

[0569] The meaning of other fields can refer to the related description in FIG. 11C and FIG. 11A, which will not be repeated here.

[0570] Based on the above embodiment concept, 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 a device applied to a communication device, which can support the communication device to perform a communication method.

[0571] The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a transceiver module, 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, a device in the transceiver unit for implementing a receiving function can be regarded as a receiving unit. 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 embodiments, and a device in the transceiver unit for implementing a transmitting function can be regarded as a transmitting unit, that is, the transceiver unit includes the receiving unit and the transmitting unit.

[0572] 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, and performs an input operation (corresponding to the above receiving operation) and an output operation (corresponding to the above transmitting operation); the processing unit is an integrated processor or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit.

[0573] In some possible implementation manners, the communication device 1200 can correspond to the behaviors and functions of the first device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1200 can be the first device, or can be a component (for example, a chip or a circuit) applied to the first device. The transceiver unit 1202 can be used to perform all receiving or transmitting operations performed by the first device in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, for example, S701 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein; wherein the processing unit 1201 is used to perform all operations performed by the first device in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, except for the transceiver operations.

[0574] Based on the embodiment concept, as shown in FIG. 13, the embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 1300. The communication device 1300 includes a processor 1310. Optionally, the communication device 1300 can further include a memory 1320, used to store instructions executed by the processor 1310 or to store input data required by the processor 1310 in running instructions or to store data generated after the processor 1310 runs instructions. The processor 1310 can implement the method shown in the above method embodiments through instructions stored in the memory 1320.

[0575] Based on the embodiment concept, as shown in FIG. 14, the embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 1400, which can be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0576] The communication device 1400 can include at least one processor 1410 coupled with a memory, which can be located within the device or outside the device. For example, the communication device 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 for implementing any of the above embodiments. The processor 1410 can execute the computer programs stored in the memory 1420 to complete the methods in any of the above embodiments. Optionally, the memory can also be integrated with the processor.

[0577] The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, 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.

[0578] The communication device 1400 can further include a transceiver 1430, and the communication device 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 device 1400 is a chip-type device or a circuit, the transceiver in the communication device 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). 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.

[0579] In a possible implementation, the communication device 1400 can be applied to a communication device, and specifically, the communication device 1400 can be a communication device or a device capable of supporting a communication device, and can implement the functions of the first device or the second device in any of the above 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 embodiments. The processor 1410 can execute the computer programs stored in the memory 1420 to complete the methods performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above embodiments.

[0580] 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 methods disclosed in conjunction 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.

[0581] 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 code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible 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.

[0582] Based on the above embodiments, referring to FIG. 15, the embodiments of the present application further provide another communication device 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 them to the logic circuit 1520; the logic circuit 1520 is configured to run the code instructions to execute the method performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above embodiments.

[0583] In an optional implementation, the communication device 1500 can be applied to the first device to execute the method performed by the first device as described above, for example, the method performed by the first device in the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10.

[0584] Since the communication device 1500 provided by the present embodiment can be applied to the first device to execute the method performed by the first device as described above. Therefore, the technical effects it can obtain can refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0585] In an optional implementation, the communication device 1500 can be applied to the second device to execute the method performed by the second device as described above, for example, the method performed by the second device in the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10.

[0586] Since the communication apparatus 1500 provided by the embodiment can be applied to the second device, the method performed by the second device is executed. Therefore, the technical effects that can be achieved are described with reference to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0587] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes at least one second device and at least one first device. The technical effects that can be achieved are described with reference to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0588] 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.

[0589] In order to implement the functions of the communication apparatuses in FIG. 12 to FIG. 15, the embodiments of the present application further provide a chip including a processor, which is used to support the communication apparatus to implement the functions related to the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments. In a possible design, the chip is connected with a memory or the chip includes a memory, which is used to save the computer programs or instructions and data necessary for the first device or the second device.

[0590] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can be in the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can be in the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to a disk memory, a CD-ROM, an optical memory, etc.) including computer-usable program codes.

[0591] The present application is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and the combination of the flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer programs or instructions. These computer programs or instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices produce the device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0592] These computer programs or instructions can also be stored in a computer readable medium 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 medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function specified in the flowchart or flow diagram one or more flowcharts and / or block diagrams one or more blocks.

[0593] These computer programs 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 flow diagram one or more flowcharts and / or block diagrams one or more blocks.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first device, comprising: N first handover delays corresponding to N sub-channels are sent. The first handover delays are used by the second device to determine the padding field in the first radio frame. N is a positive integer. The first radio frame is received, which is used to indicate the target sub-channel and the start time of switching to the target sub-channel. The start time is determined according to the padding field, and the target sub-channel is a sub-channel among the N sub-channels. Switch to the target sub-channel at the start time. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission of the N first handover delays corresponding to the N sub-channels includes: Send the mapping relationship between the N sub-channels and the N first handover delays; the mapping relationship includes the identifiers of the N sub-channels and the first handover delays corresponding to the N sub-channels respectively. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The N sub-channels include one or more of the following: The first sub-channel located within the operating bandwidth, the second sub-channel located outside the operating bandwidth but within the preferred channel, or the third sub-channel located outside the operating bandwidth but outside the preferred channel; Wherein, the first sub-channel corresponds to the first handover delay D1, the second sub-channel corresponds to the first handover delay D2, and the third sub-channel corresponds to the first handover delay D3. The first handover delay D1, the first handover delay D2, and the first handover delay D3 are different. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first handover delay is also used by the second device to determine the handover time required for the first device to handover from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The second device sends N second handover delays corresponding to the N sub-channels respectively. The second handover delay is used by the second device to determine the handover time required for the first device to handover from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The start time is either the start time of the padding field or the end time of the intermediate frame check sequence (FCS) field contained in the first radio frame. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, comprising: The device receives N first handover delays corresponding to N sub-channels, and the first handover delays are used by the second device to determine the padding field in the first radio frame, where N is a positive integer. The first radio frame is sent, which is used to indicate the target sub-channel and the start time of switching to the target sub-channel. The start time is determined according to the padding field, and the target sub-channel is a sub-channel among the N sub-channels. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reception of the N first handover delays corresponding to the N sub-channels includes: Receive the mapping relationship between the N sub-channels and the N first handover delays; the mapping relationship includes the identifiers of the N sub-channels and the first handover delays corresponding to the N sub-channels respectively. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The N sub-channels include one or more of the following: The first sub-channel located within the operating bandwidth, the second sub-channel located outside the operating bandwidth but within the preferred channel, or the third sub-channel located outside the operating bandwidth but outside the preferred channel; Wherein, the first sub-channel corresponds to the first handover delay D1, the second sub-channel corresponds to the first handover delay D2, and the third sub-channel corresponds to the first handover delay D3. The first handover delay D1, the first handover delay D2, and the first handover delay D3 are different. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The first handover delay is also used by the second device to determine the handover time required for the first device to handover from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The device receives N second handover delays corresponding to the N sub-channels, and the second handover delay is used by the second device to determine the handover time required for the first device to handover from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The start time is either the start time of the padding field or the end time of the intermediate frame check sequence (FCS) field contained in the first radio frame. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first device, comprising: N first handover delays are determined for each of the N sub-channels, and the first handover delays are used by the second device to determine whether to handover to the target sub-channel; The N first switching delays are sent to the second device. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates the target sub-channel; When the first handover delay or the target handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel meets the first condition, the user switches to the target sub-channel. The target handover delay is indicated by the second device and is determined by the second device based on the first handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel sent by one or more first devices. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first handover delay or target handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel satisfies the first condition, including: Data transmission across a basic service set is detected, and the difference between the duration of the data transmission across the basic service set and the round-trip time is greater than or equal to a first threshold. The round-trip delay is determined based on the target handover delay or the first handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel. The method according to claim 14 or 15 is characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a second indication message, which indicates the target switching delay. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive first effective time information, the first effective time information is used by the first device to determine the effective time of the target sub-channel; When the first handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel or the target handover delay meets the first condition, the handover to the target sub-channel is performed, including: After the effective time of the target sub-channel, when the first handover delay or the target handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel meets the first condition, the user switches to the target sub-channel. or, Before the target sub-channel becomes active, there will be no switch to the target sub-channel. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a second effective time information, which is used to suggest the effective time of the target sub-channel. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that, The first handover delay is also used by the second device to determine the handover time required for the first device to handover from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that, Also includes: The second device sends N second handover delays corresponding to the N sub-channels respectively. The second handover delay is used by the second device to determine the handover time required for the first device to handover from the corresponding sub-channel to the main channel. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, comprising: The first device receives N first handover delays corresponding to N sub-channels respectively, and the first handover delays are used by the second device to determine whether to handover to the target sub-channel; When the first handover delay or the target handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel meets the first condition, the user switches to the target sub-channel. The target handover delay is determined by the second device based on the first handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel sent by one or more first devices. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a first indication message, which indicates the target sub-channel. The method according to claim 21 or 22 is characterized in that, The first handover delay or target handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel satisfies the first condition, including: Data transmission across a basic service set is detected, and the difference between the duration of the data transmission across the basic service set and the round-trip time is greater than or equal to a first threshold. The round-trip delay is determined based on the target handover delay or the first handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23 is characterized in that, Also includes: Send a second indication message, which indicates the target switching delay. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that, Also includes: Send first effective time information, which is used by the first device to determine the effective time of the target sub-channel; When the first handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel or the target handover delay meets the first condition, the handover to the target sub-channel is performed, including: After the effective time of the target sub-channel, when the first handover delay or the target handover delay corresponding to the target sub-channel meets the first condition, the user switches to the target sub-channel. or, Before the target sub-channel becomes active, there will be no switch to the target sub-channel. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive second effective time information, which is used to suggest the effective time of the target sub-channel. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 to be executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12 to be executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 20 to be executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 26 to be executed. 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, such that the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 is executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12 is executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 20 is executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 26 is executed. 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 method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 to be executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12 to be executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 20 to be executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 26 to be executed. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer execution instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 20 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 26 to be executed.

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