Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. For example, the present application can be applied to the field of AMP. The communication method and apparatus of the present application support AMP-related protocols, or are applicable to the IEEE 802.11a / b / g protocol, the 802.11n protocol, the 802.11ac protocol, the 802.11ax protocol, the 802.11be protocol or 802.11bn protocol, and other protocols of the IEEE 802.11 series. In the method, a first station may report capability information thereof to a second station, wherein the capability information comprises receiver capability information; and after receiving the capability information, the second station may learn about the capability of the first station on the basis of the capability information, such that the second station can communicate with the first station in a matching manner. Therefore, the performance of a receiver can be improved, or the power consumption of the receiver can be reduced.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410924422.1, filed on July 10, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Traditional IoT devices are typically equipped with batteries of limited lifespan, and the need for battery replacement impacts user experience. With the massive growth of IoT networks and devices, maintenance costs (including labor and battery costs) will also increase significantly. First, billions of batteries are discarded annually, with only a small fraction being effectively recycled, causing harmful impacts on the Earth's ecosystem. Second, maintaining IoT network operation and replacing batteries can be extremely difficult under extreme environmental conditions. To address these issues, battery-free IoT communication has been proposed. By harvesting environmental energy, it can effectively improve network performance and sustainability, expanding application scenarios. Furthermore, eliminating batteries can significantly reduce device size and cost, thereby supporting a variety of new applications.

[0004] Wi-Fi communication systems are highly competitive in terms of deployment cost due to the widespread deployment and use of unlicensed frequency bands. However, existing Wi-Fi Internet of Things (IoT) technologies still cannot meet the needs of many use cases due to the following: First, traditional battery-powered devices may not function properly under extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high voltage, extremely high / low temperatures, humid environments). Second, many use cases require maintenance-free devices (e.g., no need / impossible to replace traditional batteries). Finally, some use cases require ultra-low complexity, very small device size (e.g., a few millimeters thick), and longer lifespans. Ambient power (AMP)-based IoT enables battery-free communication and meets the requirements of various vertical applications. Such devices can harvest energy from various sources, including radio waves, light (sunlight), motion, heat, etc., thus eliminating the need for traditional batteries. Ambient power-enabled IoT differs from traditional Wi-Fi for the following reasons: 1) Wi-Fi devices are typically powered by conventional power sources; 2) The typical peak power of AMP devices is less than 1 milliwatt (considering device size limitations), far lower than the tens to hundreds of milliwatts of power consumption of traditional Wi-Fi devices; 3) Simpler waveforms, other than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), can be used to reduce complexity and power consumption. Combining AMP-enabled IoT with Wi-Fi will enable new IoT services, from which Wi-Fi communication systems will also benefit. Typically, a receiver is used to receive and process signals. The receiver plays a crucial role in AMP devices.

[0005] Therefore, improving the receiver performance of AMP devices is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus in which the sender and receiver exchange receiver capability information, thereby improving receiver performance.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a first site. The first site may include a wireless local area network (WLAN) device (including Wi-Fi devices, etc.), or a chip, functional module, processing system, or communication component that may be disposed within the WLAN device. The method includes:

[0008] The first station generates capability information, which includes receiver capability information. The receiver capability information is used to indicate the receiver modes supported by the first station. The receiver modes include at least one of a first mode and a second mode. The first station transmits the capability information.

[0009] If a first site supports either a first mode or a second mode, it means that the receiver at that first site only supports one of the modes and cannot switch between the first and second modes. If a first site supports both a first mode and a second mode, it means that the first site can switch between the first and second modes.

[0010] For example, the difference between the first mode and the second mode may include at least one of the following:

[0011] The first mode is used to process radio frequency signals, and the second mode is used to process intermediate frequency signals.

[0012] The receiver in the first mode includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) and a radio frequency (RF) envelope detector (RF ED), while the receiver in the second mode includes a local oscillator (LO), an intermediate frequency amplifier, and an intermediate frequency envelope detector.

[0013] The receiver in the first mode is an RF envelope detector, and the receiver in the second mode is an IF receiver.

[0014] The receiver in the first mode consumes less power, while the receiver in the second mode has stronger processing capabilities.

[0015] Receiver capability information can explicitly indicate the receiver modes supported by the first site; alternatively, it can implicitly indicate the receiver modes supported by the first site, such as through other information. The receiver modes supported by the first site can also correspond to the device type or device characteristics of the first site. In other words, the receiver modes supported by the first site can also apply to the device type or device characteristics of the first site. That is, different device types (or different device characteristics) can result in different receiver modes.

[0016] The first station can send its capability information to the second station, and correspondingly, the second station can also send its capability information to the first station. The capability information of the second station may include its receiver capability information.

[0017] In this embodiment, by sending capability information, including receiver capability information, to the second station, the first station can enable the second station to determine the receiver mode of the first station based on the receiver capability information. This allows the second station to adopt a more suitable method to send signals to the first station, improving the performance of the first station's receiver (or reducing the power consumption of the first station's receiver). Furthermore, if the first station supports both a first mode and a second mode, sending the receiver capability information enables the second station to adjust the receiver mode according to changes in the application scenario.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, where the first site supports both the first and second modes, the method further includes:

[0019] The first station transmits a radio frame that includes indication information, which indicates that the first station requests to switch the receiver from a first mode to a second mode, or the indication information indicates that the first station requests to switch the receiver from a second mode to a first mode.

[0020] For example, the first site may include a non-accesspoint station (non-AP STA) or an AMP STA, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0021] In this embodiment of the application, when the first station supports both the first mode and the second mode, the first station can flexibly switch the receiver mode. For example, the first station can adjust the receiver mode according to the application scenario.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a second site. The second site may include a WLAN device (including a Wi-Fi device, etc.), or a chip, functional module, processing system, or communication component disposed within the WLAN device. The method includes:

[0023] The second site receives capability information, which includes receiver capability information used to indicate the receiver modes supported by the first site, and the receiver modes include at least one of a first mode and a second mode; the second site resolves capability information.

[0024] In this embodiment of the application, the second station can learn the receiver modes supported by the first station by parsing the capability information.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0026] The second station receives a radio frame that includes indication information, which instructs the first station to request switching the receiver from a first mode to a second mode, or the indication information instructs the first station to request switching the receiver from a second mode to a first mode.

[0027] Further explanations regarding the second aspect can be found in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0028] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the receiver capability information includes a receiver capability field, the value of which is a first value indicating that the receiver mode is a first mode; the value of which is a second value indicating that the receiver mode is a second mode; and the value of which is a third value indicating that the receiver mode includes both the first and second modes.

[0029] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the receiver capability information includes modulation and coding scheme (MCS) information corresponding to the receiver modes supported by the first site.

[0030] Different receiver modes may support different MCS (Mean Switching Standards). For example, the more powerful the receiver's processing capabilities, the higher the supported MCS may be. Therefore, the receiver mode can be implicitly indicated through MCS information.

[0031] In one possible implementation, combining the first or second aspect, the MCS information is used to indicate the index of the MCS, where the first mode can correspond to the index of the first MCS and the second mode can correspond to the index of the second MCS.

[0032] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the MCS information includes at least one of the following: maximum downlink (DL) MCS information, maximum uplink (UL) MCS information, minimum downlink MCS information, or minimum uplink MCS information.

[0033] For example, the indices of the maximum downlink MCS supported by the first mode and the second mode may be different; or, the indices of the maximum uplink MCS supported by the first mode and the second mode may be different; or, the indices of the minimum uplink MCS supported by the first mode and the second mode may be different; or, the indices of the minimum downlink MCS supported by the first mode and the second mode may be different.

[0034] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the receiver capability information includes clock accuracy level information, which corresponds to the receiver mode supported by the first site.

[0035] Clock accuracy level, also known as clock skew, is a parameter that can be used to indicate the receiver's clock accuracy level. Different receiver modes may support different clock accuracy levels. For example, the lower the receiver's power consumption, the lower the clock accuracy level it supports. Therefore, the clock accuracy level can implicitly indicate the receiver's mode.

[0036] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first mode corresponds to a first clock precision level, and the second mode corresponds to a second clock precision level. For example, the first clock precision level is lower than the second clock precision level.

[0037] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the receiver capability information is receiver sensitivity information, which corresponds to the receiver mode supported by the first site.

[0038] Different receiver modes may support different sensitivities. For example, the lower the receiver's power consumption, the lower the sensitivity it supports. Therefore, receiver sensitivity information can implicitly indicate the receiver mode.

[0039] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first mode corresponds to a first receiver sensitivity, and the second mode corresponds to a second receiver sensitivity. For example, the first receiver sensitivity is greater than (or higher than) the second receiver sensitivity.

[0040] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the capability information also includes information about the device type of the first site.

[0041] Capability information may also include information about the device characteristics of the first site. For example, the device type (or device characteristic) may include the AMP's device type (or device characteristic).

[0042] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the capability information further includes handover duration information, which indicates the duration for which the receiver of the first site switches from the first mode to the second mode, or the handover duration information indicates the duration for which the receiver of the first site switches from the second mode to the first mode.

[0043] The switching duration information refers to the duration used by the receiver to switch modes. This switching duration information includes the shortest duration information, which refers to the shortest time the receiver takes to switch from one mode to another.

[0044] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the wireless frame also includes duration information, which indicates the duration of the second mode after the first station switches to the second mode, or the duration information indicates the duration of the first mode after the first station switches to the first mode.

[0045] In this embodiment, the duration of the switch allows the second station to effectively determine the length of time the first station has been in the switched mode. After this duration, the first station can automatically switch back to the previous mode. This improves the communication efficiency between the sender and receiver.

[0046] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the radio frame includes an aggregated-control (A-control) field of an efficient HE variant, which includes a control information field for carrying indication information.

[0047] For example, the wireless frame may include an HT control field, in which the control information field of the A-control subfield of the HE variant HT control field may carry the aforementioned indication information.

[0048] In this embodiment of the application, the indication information is carried by the control information field in the A-control field, which can make better use of the A-control field and simplify the signaling design.

[0049] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the A-control field also includes a control identifier (control ID) field;

[0050] The value of the control ID field is any one of 10-14; or, the value of the control ID field is 4, and bits B6 and B7 of the control information field are used to carry indication information.

[0051] In this embodiment, the A-control field may include a control list field, which may include one or more control fields. The control field may include a control ID field and a control information field. Instruction information may be carried in an existing control information field or in a new control information field.

[0052] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the wireless frame is a protocol version (PV) packet, the frame body of which includes indication information.

[0053] In this embodiment, the indication information is carried by PV packets, which can make better use of PV packets and simplify signaling design.

[0054] In one possible implementation, combining the first or second aspect, the PV package includes a type field and a subtype field.

[0055] The type field indicates that the PV packet is a control frame, with a subtype value of any one of 010-111; or, the type field indicates that the PV packet is a management frame, with a subtype value of any one of 100-111.

[0056] In this embodiment of the application, the value of the above subtype enables the second station to clearly know the content carried in the PV packet including the subtype, thereby improving the communication efficiency between the sender and receiver.

[0057] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a first site, the first site including a WLAN device (including a Wi-Fi device, etc.), or a chip, functional module, processing system, or communication component, etc., that can be disposed in the WLAN device. The method includes:

[0058] The first station generates a radio frame that includes indication information, which indicates that the first station requests to switch the receiver from a first mode to a second mode, or the indication information indicates that the first station requests to switch the receiver from a second mode to a first mode; the first station transmits the radio frame.

[0059] For example, the difference between the first mode and the second mode may include at least one of the following:

[0060] The first mode is used to process radio frequency signals, and the second mode is used to process intermediate frequency signals.

[0061] The receiver in the first mode includes an LNA and an RF envelope detector, while the receiver in the second mode includes an LO, an intermediate frequency amplifier, and an intermediate frequency envelope detector.

[0062] The receiver in the first mode is an RF envelope detector, and the receiver in the second mode is an IF receiver.

[0063] The receiver in the first mode consumes less power, while the receiver in the second mode has stronger processing capabilities.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first station can flexibly switch the receiver mode. For example, the first station can adjust the receiver mode according to the application scenario.

[0065] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0066] The first station receives a trigger frame from the second station, and the wireless frame is the response frame to the trigger frame.

[0067] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a second site. The second site may include a WLAN device (including a Wi-Fi device, etc.), or a chip, functional module, processing system, or communication component disposed within the WLAN device. The method includes:

[0068] The second station receives a radio frame, which includes indication information. The indication information is used to instruct the first station to request switching the receiver from the first mode to the second mode, or the indication information is used to instruct the first station to request switching the receiver from the second mode to the first mode. The second station parses the radio frame.

[0069] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0070] The second station sends a trigger frame, and the wireless frame is the response frame to the trigger frame.

[0071] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the wireless frame also includes duration information, which indicates the duration of the second mode after the first station switches to the second mode, or the duration information indicates the duration of the first mode after the first station switches to the first mode.

[0072] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the radio frame includes an A-control field of the HE variant, which includes a control information field for carrying indication information.

[0073] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the A-control field also includes a control ID field; the value of the control ID field is any one of 10-14; or the value of the control ID field is 4, and bits B6 and B7 of the control information field are used to carry indication information.

[0074] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, bit B6 being 1 indicates that the first station requests to switch the receiver to the first mode, and bit B7 being 1 indicates that the first station requests to switch the receiver to the second mode.

[0075] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the radio frame is a PV packet, the frame body of which includes indication information.

[0076] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the PV package includes a type field and a subtype field;

[0077] The type field indicates that the PV packet is a control frame, with a subtype value of any one of 010-111; or, the type field indicates that the PV packet is a management frame, with a subtype value of any one of 100-111.

[0078] For explanations regarding the third or fourth aspects, please refer to the first or second aspects; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0079] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for executing the methods in any one of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementations thereof. The first communication device includes a module having the capability to execute the methods in any one of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementations thereof.

[0080] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor for executing the methods shown in any one of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof. The processor executes a program stored in a memory, and when the program is executed, the methods shown in any one of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof are executed.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the aforementioned communication device.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the memory is located within the aforementioned communication device.

[0083] In this embodiment, the processor and memory can also be integrated into a single device, that is, the processor and memory can be integrated together. For example, the communication device can be a chip.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving or sending information.

[0085] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit and the interface being coupled; the interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuit is used for performing the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0086] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods shown in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof to be executed.

[0087] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the methods shown in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementations above to be executed.

[0088] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system including a first station and a second station. The first station is used to execute the method shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the second station is used to execute the method shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0089] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes a first station and a second station. The first station is used to perform the method shown in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the second station is used to perform the method shown in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0090] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of the receiver provided in the embodiment of this application when the receiver includes the first mode;

[0093] Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of the receiver provided in the embodiments of this application when the receiver includes the first mode;

[0094] Figure 3c is a schematic diagram of the receiver provided in the embodiments of this application when the receiver modes include a first mode and a second mode;

[0095] Figure 4 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the format of the A-control field of the HE variant provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0097] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the format of the control information field carrying UPH control provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the PV package format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figures 8a and 8b are schematic diagrams of the scenario of switching receiver modes provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0100] Figures 9a and 9b are schematic diagrams of the scenario of switching receiver modes provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0101] Figures 10a and 10b are schematic flowcharts of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0102] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0105] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, the application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0106] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0107] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0108] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" indicates that there can be two relationships, such as only A exists and only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also mean that there are three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0109] In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for the purpose of instructing A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0110] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the instruction information. The information used to indicate a certain piece of information, as shown below, can all be called instruction information. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the instruction information, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the instruction information itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the instruction information by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the instruction information. It can also indicate only a part of the instruction information, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the instruction information can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0111] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, traces, or interfaces.

[0112] The following describes the communication system involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0113] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to WLAN systems, such as Wi-Fi or AMP. For example, the technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standards (or protocols), such as the 802.11be standard, the 802.11bn standard (or Wi-Fi 8, also known as ultra-high reliability (UHR) or ultra-high reliability and throughput (UHRT)), or next-generation standards of the 802.11bn standard, or standards supporting ambient power (AMP), etc., and will not be listed exhaustively. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to wireless personal area networks (WPANs) based on millimeter wave (MMW) technologies, such as integrated millimeter wave (IMMW) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.15 series standards, such as the 802.15.4a, 802.15.4z, or 802.15.4ab standards, or future UWB WPAN standards, etc., and will not be listed one by one. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to the Spark Link or NearLink standards. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, where X can represent anything), device-to-device (D2D), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in the future development of communication, etc.For example, V2X can include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0114] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, shopping malls, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, devices that support WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, and speakers), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, self-service checkout machines, and self-service ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0115] Although the embodiments of this application primarily use WLAN as an example, especially networks applied to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols. For example, Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard), and wide area networks (WANs) or other networks now known or to be developed in the future.

[0116] The method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented by a communication device in a communication system. For example, the communication device can be an access point (AP) or a station (STA). For example, access points and stations can be devices used in vehicle networks, IoT nodes and sensors in IoT, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities, etc. The following is a detailed description:

[0117] An Access Point (AP) is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication, sensing, or power transmission using WLAN standards. It has the function of communicating or sensing with other devices in a WLAN network (such as non-access point stations (non-AP STAs) or other access points), and can also have the function of communicating, sensing, or transmitting power with other devices. Alternatively, an access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, primarily connecting various wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to an Ethernet network. In a WLAN system, an access point can be called an Access Point Station (AP STA). This wireless communication device can be a complete device or a chip, processing system, or functional module installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments in this application under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. The AP in the embodiments of this application is a device that provides services to non-AP STAs and can support the 802.11 series standards or subsequent standards. For example, an access point can be an access point for a terminal (such as a mobile phone) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. Another example is that an AP can be a communication entity such as a communication server, router, switch, or bridge; an AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, and repeater stations. Yet another example is that an AP can be used to transmit power to an AMP STA. Of course, an AP can also be a chip, processing system, or module in the various types of devices mentioned above, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0118] The AP in the embodiments of this application may include AMP AP, and the description of AP herein also applies to AMP AP.

[0119] A Station-Style (STA) is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication, sensing, or power transmission using WLAN standards. It has the ability to communicate, sense, or transmit power with other non-AP STAs or access points in a WLAN network. In a WLAN system, a station can be called a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For example, an STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP (Access Point) or sense or transmit power, and thus communicate with the WLAN. This wireless communication device can be a complete device, or it can be a chip, processing system, or functional module installed in a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. For example, an STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. Furthermore, an STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication. Of course, STA can also be a chip, processing system, or module in the various types of devices described above, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0120] In this application embodiment, the STA may include an AMP STA, and the above description of the STA also applies to AMP STAs. Generally speaking, an AMP STA may include four types, or four different capabilities. These four types can be as follows: Type 1: a conventional Wi-Fi device with an energy harvesting device; Type 2: a device capable of active transmission; Type 3: supporting short-range backscattering; Type 4: supporting long-range backscattering. The classification shown here is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. As standards evolve, other types may emerge subsequently, and this application does not limit these.

[0121] For example, an AMP STA can be a low-power IoT device that supports RF energy harvesting. The essence of RF energy harvesting is converting RF energy into electrical energy. For instance, an AMP STA can convert the harvested RF energy into direct current (DC). The name of the AMP STA shown in this application embodiment is merely an example. As standards evolve, devices capable of converting RF energy into DC electrical energy or devices capable of RF energy harvesting may have other names, and this application embodiment does not limit this. The AMP STA shown here converting the harvested RF energy into electrical energy is merely an example. An AMP STA can also convert this RF energy into other forms of energy, which can be used to achieve functions similar to electrical energy.

[0122] In this embodiment, the STA can be a high-efficiency (HE) STA that supports AMP or an extremely high throughput (EHT) STA that supports AMP, or a STA that supports AMP and is applicable to a future generation of Wi-Fi standards. These will not be listed here.

[0123] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the embodiments of this application can be applied to scenarios such as communication, sensing, or power transmission between APs and non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs), between APs, or between non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs) in a WLAN, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. For example, an AP can communicate, sense, or transmit power with a single non-AP STA (or AMP STA), or an AP can communicate, sense, or transmit power with multiple non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs) simultaneously. For example, communication, sensing, or power transmission between an AP and multiple non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs) can be divided into downlink transmission where the AP simultaneously sends signals to multiple non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs), and uplink transmission where multiple non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs) send signals to the AP.

[0124] As one possible implementation, AP1 can be an AP belonging to the AP MLD, or AP2 can be an AP belonging to the AP MLD. Non-AP STA1, non-AP STA2, or non-AP STA3 can be a non-AP STA (or AMP STA) belonging to the non-AP MLD. WLAN communication standards can be supported between APs and non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs), between APs, and between non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs) (or non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs)). These communication standards can include the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11bn, and also standards after 802.11bn.

[0125] Figure 1 uses a mobile phone as a non-AP STA and a router as an example, and does not imply a limitation on the AP and non-AP STA (or AMP STA) types in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the number of APs and non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs) shown in Figure 1 is merely an example; in a specific implementation, the number of APs or non-AP STAs (or AMP STAs) may be more or less, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0126] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The description of the first and second stations involved in this method can be found above. As an example, the first station can be a non-AP STA, and the second station can be an AP. As another example, the first station can be an AMP STA, and the second station can be an AMP AP. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0127] In one possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 2 includes step 201.

[0128] 201. The first site generates capability information, which includes receiver capability information. The receiver capability information is used to indicate the receiver modes supported by the first site, and the receiver modes include at least one of a first mode or a second mode.

[0129] The following describes the receiver modes involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0130] The main function of a receiver is to select the desired frequency components from the numerous electromagnetic waves present in the air, suppress or filter out unwanted signals, noise, or interference signals, and then amplify and demodulate them to obtain the original useful information. The receiver mode refers to the receiver's operating mode, or its architecture. Different modes may require different components. In this embodiment, the receiver mode may include a first mode and a second mode. In this embodiment, the receiver mode may also be referred to as the receive operating mode (ROM).

[0131] As an example, the first mode can be used to process radio frequency signals, and the second mode can be used to process intermediate frequency signals.

[0132] Radio frequency (RF) signals are modulated radio waves with a specific frequency. In other words, RF signals are high-frequency signals, or electromagnetic waves, that can radiate into space. Intermediate frequency (IF) signals are obtained by converting high-frequency signals to IF signals. IF signals enable amplifiers to operate stably and reduce interference. A first-mode receiver can directly process RF signals. A second-mode receiver first converts the received signal from RF to IF, and then processes that IF signal.

[0133] As another example, the receiver in mode 1 consumes less power, while the receiver in mode 2 has stronger processing capabilities. The receiver in mode 2 has significantly more processing capabilities than the receiver in mode 1. The receiver in mode 1 consumes less power than the receiver in mode 2. For example, the sensitivity and allowable clock skew can differ between the receiver in mode 1 and mode 2. For instance, the receiver in mode 2 may allow a larger clock skew than the receiver in mode 1. Or, the receiver in mode 1 may have higher sensitivity than the receiver in mode 2.

[0134] As another example, the receiver in the first mode includes at least one of the following: an LNA or an RF envelope detector (RF ED), and the receiver in the second mode includes at least one of the following: a LO, an intermediate frequency amplifier (IF AMP), or an IF envelope detector (IF ED). The RF envelope detector can be used to process radio frequency signals, and the IF envelope detector can be used to process intermediate frequency signals.

[0135] For example, the receiver in the first mode or the receiver in the second mode may further include at least one of the following: a matching network, an RF band-pass filter (RF BPF), a baseband amplifier (BB AMP), a baseband low-pass filter (BB LPF), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a comparator, or a baseband digital processing unit.

[0136] As another example, the receiver in the first mode is an RF envelope detector, and the receiver in the second mode is an intermediate frequency receiver (or zero intermediate frequency receiver).

[0137] The examples above can be used to distinguish between the first mode and the second mode, and the examples above can be combined with each other.

[0138] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of a receiver provided in an embodiment of this application when the receiver mode includes the first mode. Alternatively, Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of a receiver where the first site only supports the first mode. As shown in Figure 3a, when the receiver mode supported by the first site is the first mode, the receiver may include: a matching network, an RF BPF, an LNA, an RF ED, a BB AMP, a BB LPF, an ADC (or a comparator), and a baseband digital processing unit.

[0139] Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of a receiver provided in an embodiment of this application when the receiver mode includes the first mode. Alternatively, Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of a receiver where the first site only supports the second mode. As shown in Figure 3b, when the receiver mode supported by the first site is the second mode, the receiver may include: a matching network, an RF BPF, a LO, an IF AMP, an IF ED, a BB AMP, a BB LPF, a comparator / ADC, and a baseband digital processing unit.

[0140] Figure 3c is a schematic diagram of a receiver provided in this application embodiment when the receiver modes include a first mode and a second mode. Alternatively, Figure 3c is a schematic diagram of a receiver where the first station simultaneously supports both the first and second modes. As shown in Figure 3c, when the receiver modes supported by the first station include both the first and second modes, the receiver may include a matching network, an RF BPF, an LNA, an RF ED, a LO, an IF AMP, an IF ED, a BB AMP, a BB LPF, a comparator / ADC, and a baseband digital processing unit. The receiver can switch between the first and second modes. S1 and S2 shown in Figure 3c are switches, which can be used to connect the LNA and the RF ED, or to connect the LO, the IF AMP, and the IF ED. In other words, the switches can be used to switch the receiver modes. The above switches can be controlled by the receiver; the specific method by which the receiver controls the switches is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0141] In Figure 3c, the matching network, RF BPF, BB AMP, BB LPF, ADC, and baseband digital processing unit are shared. A switch selects between the RF envelope detector and the IF receiver. When the RF envelope detector is selected, the LNA and RF ED are connected via a switch; when the IF receiver is selected, the LO, IF AMP, and IF ED are connected via a switch.

[0142] For example, the features of an RF envelope detector may be as follows:

[0143] Sensitivity: -45 to -35 dBm;

[0144] Power consumption: several milliwatts;

[0145] Clock deviation: 10k~100k ppm.

[0146] For example, the features of an intermediate frequency receiver may be as follows:

[0147] Sensitivity: -70dBm (or -82dBm to -70dBm);

[0148] Power consumption: several hundred milliwatts;

[0149] Clock skew: 1k ppm.

[0150] The receivers shown in Figures 3a to 3c are applicable to both Type 2 and Type 4 AMP STAs.

[0151] The first site supports receiver modes including both mode 1 and mode 2, which has the following advantages:

[0152] (1) The first station can handle a wider range of signal types and modulation schemes. For example, radio frequency envelope detectors can better handle amplitude-shift modulation (AM) signals, while intermediate frequency receivers are versatile and can handle signals under various modulation methods, such as AM, frequency modulation (FM), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

[0153] (2) The first site can adjust the receiver mode according to different applications. Depending on the application, one mode may be more efficient than another. For example, RF envelope detectors have a simple structure and require fewer resources, making them more suitable for low-power applications. IF receivers can provide better performance for complex modulation schemes and higher data rates.

[0154] (3) It can better ensure the reliable operation of the equipment. For example, if the receiver in one mode fails or the processing effect is poor, the first station can switch to the receiver in another mode to maintain reliable operation.

[0155] For ease of description, the method described below will be illustrated using the first mode as an RF envelope detector and the second mode as an IF receiver as an example. The description of the receiver modes above also applies to Figure 4, and will not be repeated below.

[0156] The following describes the receiver capability information involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0157] Receiver capability information may explicitly indicate the receiver modes supported by the first site; or, the receiver capability information may implicitly indicate the receiver modes supported by the first site, such that the receiver capability information may implicitly indicate the aforementioned modes through other information.

[0158] The receiver modes supported by the first site can also correspond to the device type or device characteristics of the first site. In other words, the receiver modes supported by the first site can also be used to determine the device type or device characteristics of the first site. Or, there is a correspondence between the receiver modes supported by the first site and the device type (or device characteristics) of that first site. The following description of the receiver modes supported by the first site also applies to the device type or device characteristics of the first site.

[0159] As an example A, receiver capability information can be carried in the receivercapability field.

[0160] This receiver capability field can occupy 2 bits, and the value of these 2 bits can correspond to the receiver mode. By indicating the receiver mode with 2 bits, the receiver modes supported by the first site can be better indicated with appropriate signaling overhead.

[0161] For example, a value of 00 in the receive capability field indicates that the receiver mode is an intermediate frequency (IF) receiver, or that the first site has a relatively strong receiver capability (relative to the relatively weak capability described below); a value of 01 in the receive capability field indicates that the receiver mode is an radio frequency (RF) envelope detector, or that the first site has a relatively weak receiver capability; a value of 10 in the receive capability field indicates that the first site can simultaneously support both IF receivers and RF envelope detectors (i.e., the first site can support two receiver architectures). A value of 11 in the receive capability field is reserved. The correspondence between the values ​​and meanings of the receive capability fields shown above is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0162] The receiver capability field can also occupy 1 bit, and the value of this 1 bit can correspond to the receiver mode. Using 1 bit to indicate the receiver mode can reduce signaling overhead.

[0163] For example, a value of 0 in the receive capability field indicates that the first site supports both an intermediate frequency (IF) receiver and an radio frequency (RF) envelope detector; a value of 1 in the receive capability field indicates that the first site supports only one mode, such as an IF receiver or an RF envelope detector. Alternatively, a value of 1 in the receive capability field indicates that the first site supports an RF envelope detector.

[0164] Of course, the receiver mode can also be indicated by more bits, but this application does not limit this embodiment.

[0165] As another example B, the receiver capability information includes MCS information, which corresponds to the receiver mode supported by the first site. This MCS information can be used to indicate the index of the MCS, or it can be used to indicate at least one of the modulation scheme or coding rate.

[0166] Because different receivers have varying processing capabilities, different receiver modes may support different MCS (Modulation Channel Sequence). For example, a more powerful receiver may support a higher MCS. Therefore, the receiver mode can be implicitly indicated through MCS information. Different MCS can represent different MCS indices, different modulation schemes, or different coding rates. For instance, an RF envelope detector might correspond to the index of the first MCS, while an IF receiver might correspond to the index of the second MCS. For example, the index of the first MCS can be lower than the index of the second MCS.

[0167] For example, the MCS information includes at least one of the following: maximum downlink MCS information, maximum uplink MCS information, minimum downlink MCS information, or minimum uplink MCS information. For instance, the MCS information includes both maximum downlink MCS information and maximum uplink MCS information. Or, the MCS information includes both minimum downlink MCS information and minimum uplink MCS information. Or, the MCS information simultaneously includes maximum downlink MCS information, maximum uplink MCS information, minimum downlink MCS information, and minimum uplink MCS information. The maximum downlink MCS information can be used to indicate the index of the maximum downlink MCS that the first site can support, and the maximum uplink MCS information can be used to indicate the index of the maximum uplink MCS that the first site can support. The minimum downlink MCS information can be used to indicate the index of the minimum downlink MCS that the first site can support, and the minimum uplink MCS information can be used to indicate the index of the minimum uplink MCS that the first site can support.

[0168] For example, the index of the maximum downlink MCS supported by the first mode and the second mode can be different; or, the index of the maximum uplink MCS supported by the first mode and the second mode can be different; or, the index of the minimum uplink MCS supported by the first mode and the second mode can be different; or, the index of the minimum downlink MCS supported by the first mode and the second mode can be different.

[0169] For example, the MCS index supported by the RF envelope detector can be MCS1 to MCS4, and the MCS index supported by the IF receiver can be MCS4 to MCS7. Alternatively, the MCS index supported by the RF envelope detector can be MCS0 to MCS3, and the MCS index supported by the IF receiver can be MCS4 to MCS7. The specific MCS supported by the RF envelope detector and the IF receiver are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0170] For example, the first site can determine the MCS information based on its own device type and the modes of the receivers it supports.

[0171] In this embodiment, the MCS information can not only indicate the maximum and minimum MCS supported by the first station, enabling the second station to send signals to the first station in a matching manner, but also implicitly indicate the receiver modes supported by the first station to the second station through the MCS information.

[0172] As another example C, the receiver capability information includes clock accuracy level information, which corresponds to the receiver modes supported by the first site.

[0173] Because different receivers have different clock accuracy levels, different receiver modes may support different clock accuracy levels. For example, the lower the receiver's power consumption, the lower the clock accuracy level it supports. Therefore, the receiver mode can be implicitly indicated by the clock accuracy level.

[0174] For example, the first mode corresponds to the first clock accuracy level, and the second mode corresponds to the second clock accuracy level. The first clock accuracy level is lower than the second clock accuracy level. For instance, the clock accuracy level of the receiver in the first mode can be 10kppm to 100kppm, while the clock accuracy level of the receiver in the second mode can be 1kppm.

[0175] As another example D, the receiver capability information is the receiver sensitivity information, which corresponds to the receiver mode supported by the first station.

[0176] Because different receivers have different sensitivities, different receiver modes may support different sensitivities. For example, the lower the receiver's power consumption, the higher the supported sensitivity. Therefore, the receiver mode can be implicitly indicated by the receiver sensitivity information.

[0177] For example, the first mode corresponds to the first receiver sensitivity, and the second mode corresponds to the second receiver sensitivity. The first receiver sensitivity is greater than the second receiver sensitivity. For instance, the receiver sensitivity in the first mode can be -45dBm to -35dBm, while the receiver sensitivity in the second mode can be -70dBm, or the receiver sensitivity in the second mode can be -82dBm to -70dBm.

[0178] The following describes the capability information involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0179] The capability information may include at least one of the receiver capability information shown in Examples A to D above.

[0180] As an example, during the pairing phase, the first station can report capability information. The pairing phase can be the process of establishing a secure connection between two stations. As another example, during the connection phase, the first station can report capability information. The connection phase can be the phase after it is determined that the STA can establish a wireless link with the AP (or that the STA is qualified to establish a wireless link with the AP), where the STA negotiates wireless service parameters with the AP to complete the wireless link establishment. Typically, two stations can first establish a secure connection during the pairing phase, and then establish a wireless link during the connection phase.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the capability information may also include information about the device type of the first site.

[0182] Capability information may also include information about the device characteristics of the first site. For example, the device type (or device characteristic) may include the AMP's device type (or device characteristic).

[0183] For AMP STAs, four types are supported. The information mentioned above occupies two bits, and the values ​​of these two bits correspond to the device type. The relationship between the values ​​and meanings of these two bits is as follows: 00 represents type 1; 01 represents type 2; 10 represents type 3; and 11 represents type 4. For example, type 2 and type 4 stations can simultaneously support RF envelope detectors and IF receivers. Furthermore, the capability information for type 2 and type 4 stations can include receiver capability information and handover duration information. The capability information for type 1 and type 3 stations may not include receiver capability information and handover duration information.

[0184] For an explanation of these four types, please refer to the above text; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0185] In this embodiment, the first station can enable the second station to provide radio frequency power to the first station in combination with the device type of the first station by indicating its device type to the second station, or enable the second station to adopt a matching workflow in combination with the device type of the first station.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the capability information may further include handover duration information, which indicates the duration for which the receiver of the first site switches from the first mode to the second mode, or the handover duration information indicates the duration for which the receiver of the first site switches from the second mode to the first mode.

[0187] The switching duration information refers to the duration used by the receiver to switch modes. This switching duration information includes information on the shortest duration, which refers to the shortest time the receiver takes to switch from one mode to another. For example, this switching duration information can occupy 4 bits; however, it can also occupy more or fewer bits, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0188] Of course, if the first site cannot simultaneously support both an RF envelope detector and an IF receiver, the handover duration information may not be included in the capability information.

[0189] The following examples illustrate the content of ability information.

[0190] Table 1 illustrates an example of capability information. As shown in Table 1, this capability information includes the following fields: device type, receiver capability, and receiver mode switch time. The device type field carries information about the device type, the receiver capability field carries information about the receiver capability, and the receiver mode switch time field carries information about the switchover duration. The capability information shown in Table 1 occupies 8 bits, such as bits 0 to 7. Bits 0 and 1 are the device type field, bits 2 to 3 are the receiver capability field, and bits 4 to 7 are the receiver mode switch time field.

[0191] Table 1 also exemplarily illustrates the number of bits and the order of each field. Table 1 is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. The field descriptions in Table 1 also apply to the various tables below.

[0192] Table 1

[0193] Table 2 illustrates another type of capability information. For an explanation of Table 2, please refer to Table 1, etc., which will not be detailed here.

[0194] Table 2

[0195] Table 3 illustrates another type of capability information. The DL maximum MCS field in Table 3 can be used to carry maximum downlink MCS information, and the UL maximum MCS field can be used to carry maximum uplink MCS information. Further explanations regarding Table 3 can be found in Table 1, etc., and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0196] Table 3

[0197] Table 4 provides an example of yet another type of capability information. For further explanation of Table 4, please refer to Table 1 or Table 3, etc., which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0198] Table 4

[0199] Table 5 illustrates yet another type of capability information. For an explanation of Table 5, please refer to Table 1, etc., which will not be detailed here.

[0200] Table 5

[0201] For example, the relationship between the values ​​and meanings of the clock accuracy level field is as follows: 00 can correspond to 20ppm, indicating that the first site is a conventional Wi-Fi device; 01 can correspond to 200ppm, indicating that the first site can be a WUR receiver; 10 can correspond to less than or equal to 1kppm; 11 can correspond to 10k to 100kppm.

[0202] 202. The first station sends capability information, and the corresponding second station receives the capability information.

[0203] During the pairing or accocation phase, the first station can report capability information.

[0204] For example, the capability information may be carried in a control frame or a management frame, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0205] Steps 201 and 202 are illustrated using the example of a first station reporting capability information. For instance, a second station may also send its capability information to the first station. This capability information includes receiver capability information, which indicates the receiver modes supported by the second station. These receiver modes include at least one of a first mode or a second mode. A description of the capability information sent by the second station can be found in the description of step 201 above, and will not be detailed here.

[0206] In this embodiment of the application, there is no limitation on the order in which the first station sends capability information and the second station sends capability information.

[0207] 203. Second site parsing capability information.

[0208] By analyzing the capability information, the second station can determine the receiver mode of the first station. For example, the second station can determine whether the first station only supports RF envelope detectors or intermediate frequency (IF) receivers, or whether it can support both RF envelope detectors and IF receivers simultaneously.

[0209] By parsing capability information, the second station can also learn about the device type of the first station or the duration of the handover.

[0210] In this embodiment, the first station sends capability information, including receiver capability information, to the second station. This allows the second station to determine the receiver mode of the first station based on the receiver capability information, enabling the second station to send signals to the first station in a more suitable manner and improving signal processing efficiency. Furthermore, if the first station supports both a first mode and a second mode, sending the receiver capability information allows the second station to adjust the receiver mode according to changes in the application scenario.

[0211] Figure 4 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application embodiment. The description of the first and second stations involved in this method can be found above. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes:

[0212] In one possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 4 may include step 401.

[0213] 401. The first station generates a radio frame, which includes indication information for instructing the first station to request switching the receiver from a first mode to a second mode, or the indication information for instructing the first station to request switching the receiver from a second mode to a first mode.

[0214] Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate to the first station that it wishes to switch receiver modes. Or, the indication information can be used to indicate to the first station that it requests to switch receiver modes.

[0215] For example, the instruction information is used to instruct the first site to switch the receiver from the first mode to the second mode. This instruction information can also be called the activation information for the second mode, or the deactivation information for the first mode.

[0216] For example, the instruction information is used to instruct the first site to switch the receiver from the second mode to the first mode. This instruction information can also be called the activation information for the first mode, or the deactivation information for the second mode.

[0217] Therefore, the second station can process signals according to the receiver mode of the first station. Signal processing may include, but is not limited to, transmitting signals that match the receiver mode of the first station, or receiving signals from the first station. A description of the receiver modes can be found in Figure 2, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0218] As an example, the first station can be an AMP STA or a non-AP STA, and the second station can be an AP. Before generating a radio frame, the first station can also receive a trigger frame from the second station. This radio frame is a response frame to the trigger frame. In this case, indication information can be used to instruct the first station to request a switch in receiver mode. By sending indication information to the second station, the first station enables the second station to know the receiver mode of the first station, thus allowing for more appropriate communication.

[0219] As another example, the first site can be an access point (AP), and the second site can be an AMP STA or a non-AP STA. In this case, the indication information can be used to instruct (or suggest or notify) the second site to switch receiver modes. For example, if the first site expects the second site to reduce receiver power consumption, the first site can suggest that the second site switch to an RF envelope detector. Or, if the first site expects the second site to improve receiver processing performance, the first site can suggest that the second site switch to an intermediate frequency (IF) receiver.

[0220] In the two examples above, the content indicated by the indication information is the same, but the objects indicated by the indication information are different. Therefore, for ease of description, the following description will use the indication information as an example of indicating that the first site requests to switch receiver modes. Step 401 in Figure 4 is also an example of the indication information being used to indicate that the first site requests to switch receiver modes, but it is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0221] As an example 1, the radio frame may not include information about the duration. In this case, the radio frame includes indication information indicating that the first station requests to switch receiver modes; the radio frame does not include indication information indicating that the first station does not request to switch receiver modes. That is, after the first station completes the receiver mode switch, it can maintain the switched mode until it switches again. If the distance between the first station and the second station changes, the first station can switch receiver modes. For example, if the distance between the first station and the second station is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first station can switch from an intermediate frequency (IF) receiver to an radio frequency (RF) envelope detector. As another example, if the distance between the first station and the second station is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the first station can switch from an RF envelope detector to an IF receiver. The specific values ​​of the first and second thresholds are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0222] As another example 2, the wireless frame may not include duration information. After the first station performs a mode switch, the duration of the new mode can be a fixed duration. For example, if the first station requests to switch to the first mode, the duration of the first mode after the first station switches to the first mode can be a fixed duration. This fixed duration can be defined by a standard or negotiated by the sender and receiver, etc., and is not limited in this embodiment.

[0223] As yet another example 3, a wireless frame may include information about the duration.

[0224] For example, radio frame #1 includes indication information #1 and duration #1. The indication information #1 instructs the first station to request switching the receiver from the first mode to the second mode. The duration #1 is the duration of the second mode after the first station switches to it. After this duration, the first station can automatically switch back to the first mode. This first mode can also be referred to as the initial mode.

[0225] For example, radio frame #2 includes indication information #2 and duration #2. The indication information #2 instructs the first station to request switching the receiver from the second mode to the first mode. The duration #2 is the duration of the first mode after the first station switches to it. After this duration #2, the first station can automatically switch back to the second mode. This second mode can also be called the initial mode.

[0226] In Example 3 above, since the first station can automatically switch back to its original mode based on the duration, the communication method corresponding to Example 3 can also be called a dynamic process mode switching method. Similarly, the communication methods corresponding to Examples 1 and 2 above can also be called semi-static process mode switching methods.

[0227] As one possible implementation, the radio frame includes an HT control field, which includes an A-control field of the HE variant. The radio frame can be a management frame, a control wrapper frame, quality of service (QoS) data, or a QoS null frame.

[0228] Table 6 illustrates the format of HT control fields.

[0229] Table 6

[0230] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the format of the A-control field of the HE variant provided in this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the A-control field may include a controllist field. Optionally, the A-control field may also include a padding field. The controllist field may include one or more control fields.

[0231] Figure 5 also illustrates, exemplarily, the format of a control field. The ellipsis indicates the omitted control field. Table 5 also illustrates, exemplarily, the lengths of the various fields, but embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0232] As shown in Figure 5, this control field may include a control ID field and a control information field. The control information field can be used to carry information corresponding to the control ID.

[0233] Table 7 exemplarily illustrates the values ​​of the Control ID field and the length of the Control Information field. The relationships between the values ​​and meanings of the various Control ID fields, and the lengths of the Control Information fields shown in Table 7, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0234] Table 7

[0235] As shown in Table 7, the Control ID field currently retains some values. In this embodiment, new control fields can be added to the control list field, or existing control fields can be reused. The following is a detailed explanation:

[0236] As an example, the value of the control ID field is any one of 10-14, and the control information field corresponding to the control ID field is used to carry instruction information.

[0237] Table 8 provides an example of the values ​​for the Control ID field and the length of the Control Information field. x in Table 8 can be a value between 10 and 14.

[0238] It is understood that Table 8 only shows the contents of the control information field and control ID field used to carry instruction information. For other control fields that may be included in the control list field, please refer to Table 7 or the 802.11 standard.

[0239] Table 8

[0240] Table 9 illustrates the contents of a control information field. This control information field may include a receive mode field, which carries indication information. Optionally, the control information field may also include a duration field, which carries duration information.

[0241] Table 9

[0242] For example, the relationship between the values ​​and meanings of the receive mode field can be as follows: 0 indicates that the first site requests to switch to the RF envelope detector; 1 indicates that the first site requests to switch to the IF receiver. The duration field is used to indicate the duration of the corresponding mode after the first site switches to it.

[0243] For example, the relationship between the values ​​and meanings of the receive mode field can be as follows: 1 indicates that the first station requests to switch receiver modes. 0 can be reserved, or it can indicate that the first station does not switch receiver modes. For instance, if the first station is in mode 1, then a value of 1 in the receive mode field indicates that the first station requests to switch to mode 2.

[0244] The relationship between the values ​​and meanings of the fields shown in the embodiments of this application is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0245] In this embodiment of the application, by designing a new control field in the A-control field, not only can the A-control field be reused to simplify signaling design, but the signaling format of the A-control field can also be fully utilized (such as using reserved content).

[0246] As another example, the value of the control ID field is 4. B6 and / or B7 in this control information field can be used to carry indication information. Indication information can occupy B6 or B7, or two bits. When indication information occupies one bit, the relationship between the fields and their meanings can be found in Table 9, and will not be detailed here. Indication information can fully reuse reserved bits (or pre-allocated bits) in existing control fields by occupying B6 and / or B7. Taking Table 7 as an example, the control information field can be used to carry UPH control.

[0247] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the format of the control information field carrying UPH control provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the UPH control may include UPH, minimum transmit power flag, and receive mode. The lengths of the various fields shown in Figure 6 are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0248] For example, Table 10 illustrates the meaning of the 6th bit (B6) and the 7th bit (B7) in UPH control.

[0249] Table 10

[0250] A value of 1 for B6 indicates that the first station requests a switch to the RF envelope detector, and a value of 1 for B7 indicates that the first station requests a switch to the IF receiver. B6 and B7 cannot both be 1 simultaneously. A value of 0 for both B6 and B7 indicates that the first station does not perform a mode switch, or in other words, the first station does not request a switch in receiver mode.

[0251] For example, Table 11 exemplarily illustrates the meanings of B6 and B7 in UPH control. The relationship between the values ​​and meanings of the receive mode field can be as shown in Table 11. Of course, the relationship shown in Table 11 is only an example; if the first site can support three receiver modes, the value 11 can also represent the third receiver mode. The embodiments of this application do not limit the relationship between fields and their meanings.

[0252] Table 11

[0253] In this embodiment of the application, by reusing existing control fields, signaling design can be simplified, while also making full use of reserved bits.

[0254] The above example uses the reuse of UPH control. In actual implementation, other control fields can also be reused, which will not be listed one by one.

[0255] As another possible implementation, the radio frame is a PV packet, the frame body of which includes indication information.

[0256] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the PV packet format provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the PV packet may include frame control, address (A1), A2, sequence control, A3, framebody, and framecheck sequence (FCS). Figure 7 also exemplarily illustrates the format of the frame control field. Figure 7 also exemplarily illustrates the length of each field, which is not limited in this embodiment. For a description of the PV packet shown in Figure 7, please refer to the 802.11 standard, which will not be detailed here. Of course, the PV packet shown in Figure 7 is only an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0257] Frame control fields can include a type field and a subtype field. The type field indicates the frame type of the PV packet, and the subtype field indicates the subtype corresponding to the frame type.

[0258] When the type field indicates that the PV packet is a control frame, the values ​​and meanings of the subtype fields can be seen in Table 12.

[0259] Table 12

[0260] This application embodiment can define a new control frame subtype. Table 13 illustrates the new control frame subtype exemplarily.

[0261] Table 13

[0262] x can be a value between 010 and 111. For example, the frame control field of a PV packet includes a type field and a subtype field. The type field can indicate that the radio frame is a control frame, and the value of the subtype field is x. The frame body of the PV packet may include a receive mode field, which can be used to carry indication information.

[0263] When the type field indicates that the PV packet is a management frame, the values ​​and meanings of the subtype fields can be seen in Table 14.

[0264] Table 14

[0265] This application embodiment can define a new management frame subtype. Table 15 illustrates the new management frame type exemplarily.

[0266] Table 15

[0267] x can be a value between 100 and 111. For example, the frame control field of a PV packet includes a type field and a subtype field. The type field can indicate that the radio frame is a management frame, and the value of the subtype field is x. The frame body of the PV packet may include a receive mode field, which can be used to carry indication information.

[0268] Typically, a single PV packet can only carry control information or data. In an AMP scenario, AMP STAs generally need to transmit data via triggers; therefore, AMP STAs can adopt an aggregated MAC protocol data unit (A-MPDU) structure. An A-MPDU can include at least two A-MPDU subframes (or PV packets), such as one A-MPDU subframe carrying indication information and the other carrying uplink data.

[0269] As another possible implementation, the wireless frame can be a newly defined frame that can be used to carry indication information.

[0270] 402. The first station sends a wireless frame, and the corresponding second station receives the wireless frame.

[0271] 403. The second station parses the wireless frame.

[0272] The second station can obtain the instruction information by parsing the wireless frames.

[0273] Optionally, the second station may send an acknowledgment message to confirm the aforementioned instruction information. Correspondingly, the first station receives this acknowledgment message. The first station may switch the receiver mode after receiving the acknowledgment message; alternatively, the first station may switch the receiver mode before receiving the acknowledgment message. The acknowledgment message may also be called an acknowledgement (ACK) or an ACK frame.

[0274] As an example, if a first station requests to switch from an RF envelope detector to an IF receiver, the first station can switch the receiver mode before or after receiving an acknowledgment message. For instance, the first station can switch the receiver mode after transmitting a radio frame including indication information; or, the first station can switch the receiver mode after the TXOP indicating that it expects to receive an ACK frame from the second station; or, the first station can switch the receiver mode after the time when it expects to receive an ACK frame from the second station.

[0275] As another example, if the first station requests to switch from an intermediate frequency (IF) receiver to an radio frequency (RF) envelope detector, the first station switches the receiver mode after receiving an acknowledgment message. For example, the first station switches the receiver mode after actually receiving the TXOP containing the ACK frame sent by the second station; or the first station may switch the receiver mode after actually receiving the ACK frame from the second station.

[0276] The intermediate frequency (IF) receiver has a greater processing capacity than the radio frequency (RF) envelope detector; any signal that an RF envelope detector can process, an IF receiver can also process. Therefore, when the receiver switches from an RF envelope detector to an IF receiver, the first station does not need to wait for confirmation from the second station. Conversely, when the receiver switches from an IF receiver to an RF envelope detector, the first station needs to wait for confirmation from the second station.

[0277] The following describes the methods provided in the embodiments of this application in specific scenarios.

[0278] For example, during the pairing or connection phase, the AMP STA can notify the AP of its receiver mode. The AMP STA can send a notification message to the AP indicating its initial mode. Alternatively, both the transmitter and receiver can default to an initial mode. This application does not limit the method for setting the initial mode.

[0279] The AMP STA and AP can communicate in the initial mode. The AMP STA needs to switch receiver modes. After receiving the trigger frame, the AMP STA can send a response frame, which may include indication information.

[0280] Figures 8a and 8b are schematic diagrams illustrating scenarios of switching receiver modes provided in embodiments of this application. Figure 8a illustrates a semi-static process, where the first station sends an indication message indicating that it needs to switch receiver modes, and the first station does not send an indication message indicating that it does not need to switch receiver modes. Figure 8b illustrates a dynamic process, where the first station can automatically switch the receiving mode after a certain duration, and after the duration, the first station maintains the receiver mode unchanged. For explanations of the semi-static and dynamic processes, please refer to Examples 1 to 3 above, which will not be detailed here. For an explanation of the relationship between the confirmation information and the switching receiver mode, please refer to the description in step 403, which will not be detailed here. Figures 8a and 8b illustrate switching receiver modes when the first station receives an ACK frame, but are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0281] In this embodiment of the application, when the first station needs to switch from the radio frequency envelope detector to the intermediate frequency receiver, the first station can switch the receiver mode after transmitting a radio frame (such as the response frame of the trigger frame) (as shown in Figures 8a and 8b when the acknowledgment frame is received), or the first station can switch the receiver mode before transmitting a radio frame (not shown in Figures 8a and 8b).

[0282] In this embodiment of the application, for the application where the AP periodically triggers the AMP STA, the AMP STA replies with a response frame after the nth trigger frame sent by the AP. The AP may send an acknowledgment message within this period, or the AP may carry an acknowledgment message in the (n+1)th trigger frame. Further explanation here can be found in Figures 9a and 9b.

[0283] Figures 9a and 9b are schematic diagrams illustrating scenarios of switching receiver modes according to embodiments of this application. Figure 9a illustrates a scenario where the receiver switches from an intermediate frequency (IF) receiver to an radio frequency (RF) envelope detector, and Figure 9b illustrates a scenario where the receiver switches from an RF envelope detector to an IF receiver. As shown in Figures 9a and 9b, the AMP STA includes indication information in the response frame, and the AP can include acknowledgment information (ACK as shown in Figures 9a and 9b) in the next trigger frame. As shown in Figure 9a, the AMP STA can switch receiver modes after receiving a trigger frame including acknowledgment information. Figure 9a also exemplarily illustrates the switching time of the AMP STA for switching receiver modes. As shown in Figure 9b, the AMP STA can switch receiver modes before receiving a trigger frame including acknowledgment information. Figure 9b also exemplarily illustrates the switching time of the AMP STA for switching receiver modes. The switching times shown in Figures 9a and 9b are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0284] For Figures 9a and 9b, the AMP STA may not receive new trigger frames before completing the receiver mode switch. In cases where a receiver mode switch is required, the AMP STA can send an indication message.

[0285] In this embodiment, the first station can flexibly switch the receiver mode. Furthermore, the first station can adjust the receiver mode according to the application scenario.

[0286] In this embodiment of the application, the second station may also suggest that the first station switch the receiver mode, thereby enabling the first station to switch to a mode that matches the second station.

[0287] Figures 2 and 4 can be separate embodiments, or they can be combined into a new embodiment, as shown in Figures 10a and 10b.

[0288] Figures 10a and 10b are schematic flowcharts of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For a detailed description of the method shown in Figures 10a and 10b, please refer to Figures 2 and 4, which will not be elaborated here.

[0289] This application not only designs signaling indications for switching receiver modes, but also designs signaling support for device capability interaction.

[0290] For any part of the above examples or implementations that is not described in detail, please refer to other examples or implementations.

[0291] The names, lengths, and positions of the various frames, elements, or fields shown in this application are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. This application uses fields as examples and does not specifically distinguish between fields, subfields, elements, or subelements, but this should not be considered a limitation on the embodiments of this application. The length of each field can be in bits, bytes, or double bytes; this application does not limit this.

[0292] The following describes the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0293] This application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The communication device of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0294] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device includes a processing module 1101 and a transceiver module 1102. The transceiver module 1102 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 1101 is used to implement corresponding processing functions. For example, the transceiver module 1102 can also be called an interface, a communication interface, or a communication module, etc.

[0295] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the first station in the above method embodiments. In this case, the first station can be the device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the device. The transceiver module 1102 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first station in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1101 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the first station in the above method embodiments.

[0296] Processing module 1101 can be used to generate capability information; transceiver module 1102 can be used to send or output this capability information. For example, transceiver module 1102 can be used to send the capability information to a second station via an antenna module. Alternatively, transceiver module 1102 can output the capability information generated by the processing module via an input / output module. The description of sending or output here also applies to the following text, and will not be detailed further.

[0297] The transceiver module 1102 can also be used to send or output wireless frames. For example, the transceiver module 1102 can use the antenna module to send the wireless frame to a second station. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1102 can also use the input / output module to output the wireless frame generated by the processing module. The descriptions of sending or outputting also apply below and will not be detailed further.

[0298] For example, the processing module 1101 can also be used to generate wireless frames.

[0299] For example, the transceiver module 1102 can also be used to receive or input trigger frames.

[0300] Reusing Figure 11, in some other embodiments of this application, the communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the second station in the above method embodiments. In this case, the second station can be the device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the device. The transceiver module 1102 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second station in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1101 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the second station in the above method embodiments.

[0301] The transceiver module 1102 is used to receive or input capability information. The processing module 1101 can be used to parse the capability information.

[0302] The transceiver module 1102 can also be used to receive or input wireless frames. The processing module 1101 can be used to parse the wireless frame.

[0303] For example, the transceiver module 1102 can also be used to send or output trigger frames.

[0304] For example, transceiver module 1102 may include a radio frequency module, an antenna module, etc. For instance, the transmitting or receiving steps described above can be implemented by the radio frequency module and the antenna module. For example, transceiver module 1102 may include an input / output module, etc. For instance, the output or input steps described above can be implemented by the input / output module.

[0305] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the communication device may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 1101 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0306] For details regarding the specific explanations of each term, noun, or step in the above embodiments, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; they will not be detailed here.

[0307] The specific descriptions of the transceiver module and processing module shown in the above embodiments are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver module and processing module, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0308] It is understandable that the module division in the above-mentioned device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional module. In actual implementation, all or some modules can be integrated into one physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functional modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0309] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0310] The communication device according to the embodiments of this application has been described above. The following describes possible product forms of the communication device. Any product possessing the functions of the communication device described in FIG11 above falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. The following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the product form of the communication device according to the embodiments of this application to this extent.

[0311] In one possible implementation, in the communication device shown in FIG11, the processing module 1101 may be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 1102 may be a transceiver, or the transceiver module 1102 may also be a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module may be a transmitter, and the receiving module may be a receiver. The transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of this application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc., and the connection method of the processor and the transceiver is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information in the above method may be the process of the processor outputting the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After the above information is output by the processor, it may need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method may be the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the aforementioned information, the information may need to undergo further processing before being input into the processor.

[0312] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 120 includes one or more processors 1220 and transceivers 1210.

[0313] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device can be used to execute the steps, methods, or functions performed by the first station. For example, the processor 1220 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1101 shown in FIG. 11, and the transceiver 1210 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 1102 shown in FIG. 11. Detailed descriptions of the processor 1220 and the transceiver 1210 can be found in FIG. 11 or the method embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0314] In other embodiments of this application, the communication device is used to execute the steps, methods, or functions performed by the second station. For example, the processor 1220 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1101 shown in FIG. 11, and the transceiver 1210 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 1102 shown in FIG. 11. Detailed descriptions of the processor 1220 and the transceiver 1210 can be found in FIG. 11 or the method embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0315] In various implementations of the communication device shown in Figure 12, the transceiver may include a receiver for performing a receiving function (or operation) and a transmitter for performing a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is also used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium.

[0316] Optionally, the communication device 120 may further include one or more memories 1230 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1230 is coupled to the processor 1220. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between communication devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between the communication devices, units, or modules. The processor 1220 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1230. The processor 1220 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 1230. Optionally, at least one of the above-mentioned memories may be included in the processor.

[0317] This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1210, processor 1220, and memory 1230. In Figure 12, the memory 1230, processor 1220, and transceiver 1210 are connected via a bus 1240, indicated by a thick line. The connection methods between other components are merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The bus can be categorized as an address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 12, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0318] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0319] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium capable of carrying or storing program code having instruction or data structure forms, and capable of being read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in this application), but is not limited to this. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0320] The processor 1220 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. The memory 1230 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1210 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0321] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1220 can read the software program in the memory 1230, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1220 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1220. The processor 1220 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0322] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0323] The communication device shown in this application embodiment may also have more components than those in Figure 12, and this application embodiment does not limit this. The methods executed by the processor and transceiver shown above are only examples, and the specific steps executed by the processor and transceiver can be referred to the methods described above. The dashed lines in Figure 12 indicate optional parts.

[0324] In another possible implementation, in the communication device shown in Figure 11, the processing module 1101 can be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 1102 can be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1102 can also be a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module can be an output interface, and the receiving module can be an input interface. The transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one module, such as an input / output interface.

[0325] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the communication device includes a logic circuit 1301 and an interface 1302. That is, the processing module 1101 can be implemented using the logic circuit 1301, and the transceiver module 1102 can be implemented using the interface 1302. The logic circuit 1301 can be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1302 can be a communication interface, an input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 13 illustrates the communication device as a chip, which includes the logic circuit 1301 and the interface 1302.

[0326] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method of the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the logic circuit 1301 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1101 shown in FIG. 11, and the interface 1302 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 1102 shown in FIG. 11. For a detailed description of the logic circuit 1301 and the interface 1302, please refer to FIG. 11 or the method embodiment shown above, which will not be detailed here.

[0327] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in hardware form, or it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in software form, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this way.

[0328] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes a first station and a second station, the first station and the second station being used to perform the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0329] This application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by various sites in the methods provided in this application.

[0330] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by various communication devices in the methods provided in this application.

[0331] This application also provides a computer program product comprising computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by various entities in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0332] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, communication devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the communication device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, communication devices, or modules, or it may be an electrical, mechanical, or other form of connection.

[0333] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0334] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0335] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first site generates capability information, which includes receiver capability information. The receiver capability information is used to indicate the receiver modes supported by the first site. The receiver modes include at least one of a first mode or a second mode, wherein the first mode is used to process radio frequency signals and the second mode is used to process intermediate frequency signals. The first station sends the capability information. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second site receives capability information, which includes receiver capability information. The receiver capability information is used to indicate the receiver modes supported by the first site. The receiver modes include at least one of a first mode or a second mode, wherein the first mode is used to process radio frequency signals and the second mode is used to process intermediate frequency signals. The second site parses the capability information. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiver capability information includes coding and modulation strategy (MCS) information, which corresponds to the receiver modes supported by the first site. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The MCS information is used to indicate the index of the MCS; The first pattern corresponds to the index of the first MCS, and the second pattern corresponds to the index of the second MCS. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiver capability information includes clock accuracy level information, which corresponds to the receiver modes supported by the first site. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first mode corresponds to the first clock accuracy level, and the second mode corresponds to the second clock accuracy level. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiver capability information is receiver sensitivity information, and the receiver sensitivity information corresponds to the receiver mode supported by the first site. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first mode corresponds to the first receiver sensitivity, and the second mode corresponds to the second receiver sensitivity. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The capability information also includes information about the device type of the first site. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The capability information also includes handover duration information, which indicates the duration taken for the receiver of the first site to switch from the first mode to the second mode, or the handover duration information indicates the duration taken for the receiver of the first site to switch from the second mode to the first mode. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The receiver in the first mode is an RF envelope detector, and the receiver in the second mode is an IF receiver. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The receiver in the first mode includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and an RF envelope detector. The receiver in the second mode includes a local oscillator (LO), an intermediate frequency amplifier (IF amplifier), and an IF envelope detector. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiver modes supported by the first site include a first mode and a second mode, and the method further includes: The first station sends a radio frame, the radio frame including indication information, the indication information being used to instruct the first station to request switching the receiver from the first mode to the second mode, or the indication information being used to instruct the first station to request switching the receiver from the second mode to the first mode. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second station receives a radio frame, the radio frame including indication information, the indication information being used to instruct the first station to request switching the receiver from the first mode to the second mode, or the indication information being used to instruct the first station to request switching the receiver from the second mode to the first mode. The method according to claim 13 or 14 is characterized in that, The wireless frame also includes duration information, which is used to indicate the duration of the second mode after the first station switches to the second mode, or the duration information is used to indicate the duration of the first mode after the first station switches to the first mode. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The radio frame includes an A-control field of the high-efficiency HE variant, the A-control field including a control information field for carrying the indication information. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The A-control field also includes a control identifier ID field. The value of the control ID field is any one of 10-14; or, the value of the control ID field is 4, and bits B6 and B7 of the control information field are used to carry the indication information. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The wireless frame is a protocol version (PV) packet, and the frame body of the PV packet includes the indication information. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The PV package includes a type field and a subtype field; The type field indicates that the PV packet is a control frame, and the value of the subtype is any one of 010-111; or... The type field indicates that the PV packet is a management frame, and the value of the subtype is any one of 100-111. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first station generates a radio frame, the radio frame including indication information, the indication information being used to instruct the first station to request to switch the receiver from a first mode to a second mode, or the indication information being used to instruct the first station to request to switch the receiver from the second mode to the first mode, the first mode being used to process radio frequency signals, and the second mode being used to process intermediate frequency signals; The first station sends the wireless frame. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second station receives a wireless frame, the wireless frame including indication information, the indication information being used to instruct the first station to request switching the receiver from a first mode to a second mode, or the indication information being used to instruct the first station to request switching the receiver from the second mode to the first mode, the first mode being used to process radio frequency signals, and the second mode being used to process intermediate frequency signals; The second station parses the wireless frame. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The receiver in the first mode is an RF envelope detector, and the receiver in the second mode is an IF receiver. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, characterized in that, The receiver in the first mode includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and an RF envelope detector. The receiver in the second mode includes a local oscillator (LO), an intermediate frequency amplifier (IF amplifier), and an IF envelope detector. The method according to any one of claims 20-23, characterized in that, The wireless frame also includes duration information, which is used to indicate the duration of the second mode after the first station switches to the second mode, or the duration information is used to indicate the duration of the first mode after the first station switches to the first mode. The method according to any one of claims 20-24, characterized in that, The radio frame includes an A-control field of the high-efficiency HE variant, the A-control field including a control information field for carrying the indication information. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The A-control field also includes a control identifier ID field; The value of the control ID field is any one of 10-14; or, the value of the control ID field is 4, and bits B6 and B7 of the control information field are used to carry the indication information. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The B6 bit being 1 indicates that the first station requests to switch the receiver to the first mode, and the B7 bit being 1 indicates that the first station requests to switch the receiver to the second mode. The method according to any one of claims 20-27, characterized in that, The wireless frame is a protocol version (PV) packet, and the frame body of the PV packet includes the indication information. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The PV package includes a type field and a subtype field; The type field indicates that the PV packet is a control frame, and the value of the subtype is any one of 010-111; or... The type field indicates that the PV packet is a management frame, and the value of the subtype is any one of 100-111. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first station receives a trigger frame from the second station, and the wireless frame is a response frame to the trigger frame. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second station sends a trigger frame, and the wireless frame is a response frame to the trigger frame. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-31. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-31. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes logic circuits and interfaces, wherein the logic circuits and interfaces are coupled; The interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuit is used for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed, performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-31. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed, the method described in any one of claims 1-31 is performed. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first site and a second site, wherein the first site is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-11, and 13-19, and the second site is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 2-10 and 12-19; ​​or, the first site is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 20 and 22-30, and the second site is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 21-29 and 31.

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