Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: when a first device is in a dynamic power-saving mode, determining whether a first condition is met, wherein the first condition comprises at least one of the following: a second device associated with the first device not being required to send data to the first device, or, a channel being in an idle state within a first duration; and on the basis of whether the first condition is met, determining whether to switch the state of the first device from a first state to a second state, wherein the transmission capability of the second state is less than that of the first state. The network performance and communication efficiency in a dynamic power-saving mode can be improved.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410946316.3, filed on July 12, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) continue to evolve in terms of speed, coverage, and security. To save energy and improve communication efficiency, WLANs have introduced dynamic power-save mode. Devices supporting dynamic power-save mode can enable or disable it. When dynamic power-save mode is enabled, it utilizes the high-capability mode to transmit data during data transmission, improving communication efficiency. When there is no data transmission, it enters the low-capability listening mode to save energy. However, current dynamic power-save modes result in low network performance and communication efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can improve network performance and communication efficiency in dynamic energy-saving mode.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a first device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip or circuit) in the first device. The method includes: when the first device is in a dynamic power-saving mode, determining whether a first condition is met, the first condition including at least one of the following: a second device associated with the first device does not need to send data to the first device; or, the channel is idle for a first duration; and determining whether to switch the state of the first device from a first state to a second state based on whether the first condition is met, the transmission capacity of the second state being less than that of the first state.

[0006] The second device includes all devices associated with the first device.

[0007] The statement “the second device associated with the first device does not need to send data to the first device” can be understood as: the second device associated with the first device indicates that there is no more data to send to the first device.

[0008] In the communication method of this application embodiment, when the first device is in dynamic power-saving mode, the first device can determine whether to switch its state from the first state to the second state based on whether a first condition is met. If the first device determines that the first condition is met, it switches its state from the first state to the second state; otherwise, it does not switch and remains in the first state until another condition is met. In this way, switching from the first state to the second state when the first condition is met can better save energy as much as possible; remaining in the first state when the first condition is not met avoids subsequent ICF / ICR handshake failures, improving network performance and communication efficiency.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, determining whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state based on whether the first condition is met includes: if the first condition is met, switching the state of the first device from the first state to the second state when the transmission opportunity ends.

[0010] The communication method of this application embodiment, if the first condition is met, switches the state of the first device from the first state to the second state when the transmission opportunity ends. Since the second device has no more data to send to the first device, switching the state of the first device from the first state to the second state can save energy as much as possible.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a data packet from the second device, the data packet carrying first information, the first information being used to indicate that the second device does not need to send data to the first device; determining whether a first condition is met, including: determining, based on the data packet, that the first condition is met.

[0012] The phrase “the first information is used to indicate that the second device does not need to send data to the first device” can be understood as: the first information is used to indicate that the second device has no more data to send to the first device.

[0013] The communication method of this application embodiment can directly or explicitly indicate to the second device that there is no more data to send to the first device by using the first information in the data packet.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information is carried in a first field of the data packet, and the first information is a first value.

[0015] The communication method in this application reuses the more data subfield in the frame control field to indicate that the second device has no more data to send to the first device, which can reduce unnecessary information transmission and eliminates the need to add an additional indication field to the data packet.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, determining whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state based on whether the first condition is met includes: if the first condition is not met, keeping the state of the first device in the first state.

[0017] In the communication method of this application embodiment, if the first device determines that the second device has more data to send to the first device when the transmission time ends, the first device will remain in the first state without switching its state from the first state to the second state. At this time, the second device can send an ICF to the first device, and the first device can reply with an ICR, quickly completing the handshake. The second device can then continue transmitting data, avoiding the network performance degradation and communication efficiency reduction caused by handshake failure, thus improving network performance and communication efficiency. In one implementation of this application embodiment, the ICF may not include MAC padding, because there is no need to allow for a switching delay to complete the switch from the second state to the first state, thereby further improving the handshake speed and further enhancing network performance and communication efficiency. In another implementation of this application embodiment, while maintaining the first device in the first state, the second device can directly send data without performing an ICF / ICR handshake interaction, further improving network performance and communication efficiency.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a data packet from the second device, the data packet carrying second information, the second information being used to indicate that the second device needs to send data to the first device; determining whether a first condition is met, including: determining, based on the data packet, that the first condition is not met.

[0019] The phrase “the second information is used to indicate that the second device needs to send data to the first device” can be understood as: the second information is used to indicate that the second device has more data to send to the first device.

[0020] The communication method of this application embodiment can directly or explicitly instruct the second device to send more data to the first device by utilizing the second information in the data packet.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the second information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the second information is a second value.

[0022] The communication method in this application embodiment reuses the more data subfield in the frame control field to indicate that the second device has more data to send to the first device, which can reduce unnecessary information transmission and eliminate the need to add additional indication fields to the data packet.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: after the transmission opportunity ends, receiving third information, the destination device of the third information being different from the first device; and switching the state of the first device from the first state to the second state according to the third information.

[0024] In the communication method of this application embodiment, if the first device determines that the second device has more data to send to the first device when the transmission time ends, the first device continues to maintain the state of the first device in the first state until the first device receives third information that is not sent to the first device, and then switches the state of the first device from the first state to the second state, so as to save energy as much as possible.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: after the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a second duration, switching the state of the first device from the first state to the second state.

[0026] In the communication method of this application embodiment, if the first device determines that the second device has more data to send to the first device when the transmission opportunity ends, the first device continues to maintain the state of the first device in the first state until the channel is idle for more than a second time, and then switches the state of the first device from the first state to the second state to save energy as much as possible.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: broadcasting fourth information, the fourth information being used to instruct the first device to enter the dynamic power-saving mode. In one implementation of this application, the fourth information is further used to indicate the MAC padding required by the first device. In another implementation of this application, the fourth information is further used to indicate a first duration and / or a second duration.

[0028] The communication method in this application embodiment uses broadcasting to indicate information to the second device, ensuring that the second device can obtain the information in a timely manner.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate the first duration and / or the second duration.

[0030] The communication method of this application embodiment uses fifth information to indicate information to the second device. Different fifth information can be sent in different scenarios, and the first duration and / or the second duration can be flexibly indicated.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information is used in response to a sixth information received by the first device, the sixth information being used to instruct the first device to switch from the second state to the first state; or, the fifth information is carried in a broadcast beacon frame. In one implementation of this application, the sixth information includes ICF, and the fifth information includes ICR.

[0032] The communication method in this application embodiment uses information interaction to indicate a first duration and / or a second duration.

[0033] In one implementation of this application, the first duration and / or the second duration are predefined. In another implementation of this application, MAC padding is predefined.

[0034] The communication method in this application embodiment can reduce information interaction between devices through a predefined approach.

[0035] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which can be executed by a second device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip or circuit) in the second device. The method includes: when the second device is in a dynamic power-saving mode, determining whether a second condition is met, the second condition including at least one of the following: receiving seventh information from a destination device that is different from the second device within a transmission time; or, the first device does not need to send data to the second device, and the second device is a device associated with the first device; or, the channel is idle for a third duration; and determining whether to switch the state of the second device from a first state to a second state based on whether the second condition is met, the transmission capacity of the second state being less than that of the first state.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, determining whether to switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state based on whether the second condition is met includes: if the second condition is met, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state includes: if the seventh information is received within the transmission timing, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state within the transmission timing.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state includes: if the first device does not need to send data to the second device, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state when the transmission timing ends.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a data packet from the first device, the data packet carrying first information, the first information being used to indicate that the first device does not need to send data to the second device; determining whether a second condition is met, including: determining, based on the data packet, that the second condition is met.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the first information is a first value.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, determining whether to switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state based on whether the second condition is met includes: if the second condition is not met, keeping the state of the second device in the first state.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a data packet from the first device, the data packet carrying second information, the second information being used to indicate that the first device needs to send data to the second device; determining whether a second condition is met, including: determining, based on the data packet, that the second condition is not met.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the second information is a second value.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: after the transmission time ends, receiving eighth information, the destination device of the eighth information being different from the second device; and switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state according to the eighth information.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: after the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a fourth duration, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a ninth message, the ninth message being used to instruct the second device to enter the dynamic power-saving mode. In one implementation of this application, the ninth message is further used to indicate the third duration and / or the fourth duration.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending tenth information, the tenth information being used to indicate the third duration and / or the fourth duration.

[0048] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the tenth information is used in response to the eleventh information received by the second device, the eleventh information being used to instruct the second device to switch from the second state to the first state; or, the tenth information is carried in a broadcast beacon frame.

[0049] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide another communication method, which can be executed by a first device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip or circuit) within the first device. The method includes: at the end of a first transmission opportunity, waiting for a period of time before sending an ICF to a second device; or, waiting for a period of time before the end of the first transmission opportunity without sending data. In other words, at the end of the first transmission opportunity, the first device reserves a protection period during which it does not compete for transmission opportunities. The second device can utilize this protection period to completely switch from a high-capacity mode to a low-capacity listening mode, or it can completely switch from a high-capacity mode to a low-capacity listening mode by not sending data for a period of time before the end of the first transmission opportunity.

[0050] In one implementation of this application, the first device may include an access point (AP), and the second device may include a station (STA) or an access point (AP). In another implementation of this application, the first device may be a STA, and the second device may include an AP or a STA.

[0051] According to the method in the embodiments of this application, the first device can reserve a protection period, so that the second device can completely switch from high capability mode to low capability listening mode. In this way, it can be ensured that the first device and the second device can successfully handshake when they interact with ICF / ICR.

[0052] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which can be executed by a first device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip or circuit) in the first device. The method includes: sending a broadcast frame, the broadcast frame carrying a first set of operating parameters and a second set of operating parameters: the first set of operating parameters is used to indicate operating parameters for a low-capability listening mode, and the second set of operating parameters is used to indicate operating parameters for a high-capability mode.

[0053] According to the method in this application embodiment, the first set of operating parameters is for legacy STAs and can utilize existing elements to indicate operating parameters for low-capacity listening mode, such as bandwidth, MCS, and spatial stream in low-capacity listening mode. The second set of operating parameters is for STAs supporting dynamic power-saving mode and utilizes newly defined elements to indicate operating parameters for high-capacity mode, such as bandwidth, MCS, and spatial stream in high-capacity mode. If a legacy STA receives a broadcast frame, it extracts the operating parameters for low-capacity listening mode and performs the operation; if a STA supporting dynamic power-saving mode receives a broadcast frame, it extracts the operating parameters for high-capacity mode and performs the operation. In this way, compatibility between two different types of STAs can be achieved.

[0054] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which can be executed by a first device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip or circuit) in the first device, the method comprising: sending an ICF, the ICF including a multi-TID block ack request frame; and receiving an ICR, the ICR including a multi-STA block ack frame.

[0055] According to the method of the embodiments of this application, BAR / BA frames are reused to implement ICF / ICR.

[0056] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication apparatus for executing the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects. Specifically, the apparatus includes units / modules for executing the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, this application provides yet another communication device, including a processor coupled to a memory, which can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in any of the possible implementations of any of the above aspects. In one implementation of an embodiment of this application, the communication device further includes a memory. In another implementation of an embodiment of this application, the scheduling device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0058] In one implementation, the communication device is an access point (AP). When the communication device is an AP, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0059] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in the AP. When the communication device is a chip configured in the AP, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0060] In one implementation, the communication device is a STA. When the communication device is a STA, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0061] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in the STA. When the communication device is a chip configured in the STA, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0062] Eighthly, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute a method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0063] In specific implementation, the processor can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be output to, for example, but not limited to, a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0064] A ninth aspect provides a processing apparatus including a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory and to receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute a method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0065] In one implementation of this application, the processor is one or more, and the memory is one or more.

[0066] In one implementation of this application, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be separated from the processor.

[0067] In specific implementation, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0068] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending indication information, can be the process of outputting indication information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be the process of the processor receiving input capability information. Specifically, the processed output data can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. Here, the transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0069] The processing device in the ninth aspect above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in a memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0070] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0071] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0072] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, including the aforementioned first device and second device. Attached Figure Description

[0073] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a media access control protocol data unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the dynamic energy-saving mode provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the initial control frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 5 is an exemplary flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 6 is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a block confirmation request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the block confirmation request information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another confirmation request information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a block confirmation frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the block confirmation information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a multi-site block confirmation frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the associated identifier-traffic identifier information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another associated identifier - traffic identifier information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 15 is an exemplary block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 16 is an exemplary block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless local area network (WLAN) systems. These embodiments can also be applied to other systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, new radio (NR) communication systems, and future communication network systems.

[0091] The following uses a WLAN system as an example to describe the application scenarios and methods of the embodiments of this application.

[0092] This application's embodiments can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs), and can be applied to any of the protocols in the IEEE 802.11 series currently used by WLANs. A WLAN may include one or more basic service sets (BSSs). A BSS includes an access point (AP) and several stations (STAs). All STAs within their respective BSSs can communicate directly, but when communicating with STAs outside their BSSs, they must go through the AP of that BSS. IEEE 802.11ad introduces personal basic service sets (PBSSs) and personal basic service set control points (PCPs) on top of the existing BSSs. Each personal basic service set may contain one AP / PCP and multiple stations associated with that AP / PCP.

[0093] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the first device and / or the second device may be a user station (STA) in a WLAN. The user station may also be referred to as a system, user unit, access terminal, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device, or user equipment (UE). The STA may be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless local area network (e.g., Wi-Fi) communication capability, wearable device, computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0094] In addition, the first device and / or the second device in the embodiments of this application may also be an AP / PCP in a WLAN. The AP / PCP can be used to communicate with the access terminal through a wireless local area network and transmit the data of the access terminal to the network side, or transmit the data from the network side to the access terminal.

[0095] In this embodiment, the first or second device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be an AP or STA, or a functional module in the AP or STA that can call and execute a program.

[0096] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0097] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of this application. The scenario system shown in Figure 1 can be a WLAN system. The WLAN system in Figure 1 can include one or more APs / PCPs and one or more STAs. Figure 1 takes one AP 110 and one STA 120 as an example, wherein the APs can communicate wirelessly with each other, the APs can communicate with each other, and the STAs can communicate with each other through various standards.

[0098] It should be understood that the communication involved in this document can be direct or indirect, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. For example, assuming that STA 120 does not belong to the basic service set of AP 110, but belongs to the basic service set of another AP, AP 110 can first send information to the other AP, and then the other AP can send the information to STA 120, thereby realizing indirect communication between AP 110 and STA 120. Similarly, two STAs, each belonging to the basic service set of two different APs, can also communicate indirectly through the two APs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the AP can act as the sender and the STA as the receiver. The AP sends a request to the STA, and the STA responds, thus enabling data transmission from the AP to the STA.

[0100] In another possible implementation, the STA can act as the sender and the AP as the receiver. The STA sends a request to the AP, and the AP responds, thus enabling data transmission from the STA to the AP.

[0101] In another possible implementation, one STA can act as the sender and the other STA as the receiver. One STA sends a request to the other STA, and the other STA responds, thus enabling data transmission from one STA to another.

[0102] In another possible implementation, one AP can act as the sender and the other AP as the receiver. One AP sends a request to the other AP, and the other AP responds, thus enabling data transmission from one AP to another.

[0103] For example, the AP and STA can communicate wirelessly using either single-user multiple-input multiple-output (SU-MIMO) or multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) technology. In this embodiment, each STA is equipped with one or more antennas. Each AP supports parallel uplink transmission across multiple sites. For example, a STA or AP includes an tunable-beam antenna, a radio frequency (RF) channel corresponding to the antenna, a signal processing module, and a protocol module, etc.

[0104] The connection between the antenna and the RF channel can be either predefined or switchable. The RF channel connects to the signal processing module for digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital conversion and for transmitting and receiving signal processing. The signal processing module generates and receives reference signals for measurement, estimates signal strength, channel quality, or channel coefficients. It also connects to a local clock source to modulate or demodulate signals to the target frequency band. The local clock source provides a time reference for when to transmit Physical Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). The signal processing module can trigger PPDU transmission at a specified time. The signal processing module also connects to the protocol module for packet encapsulation and decapsulation, and executes the protocol-defined packet transmission and reception sequences, including transmitting and receiving training frames, and responding with response frames. The signal processing module or protocol module can also indicate the beam used by the antenna during transmission or reception.

[0105] In one implementation of this application, the STA or AP in this application may also include an external interface module, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0106] Below, we will first give a brief introduction to some of the concepts or terms involved in this application.

[0107] 1. Multi-link.

[0108] Multi-link technology allows a device to connect to multiple frequency bands simultaneously, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The device can transmit data on different frequency bands concurrently, thereby improving system throughput. When interference or signal attenuation occurs in one frequency band, the device can automatically switch to other frequency bands, thus maintaining data transmission stability. It should be understood that the device can be a first device, a second device, or both; this application does not limit the specific devices used.

[0109] Multi-link technology also supports simultaneous data transmission on multiple channels within a single frequency band. Channel allocation can be based on the newly opened, free 6GHz band, allowing supported bandwidth to exceed the maximum bandwidth of 160MHz supported in 5GHz, potentially reaching 320MHz or higher. On the same frequency band, peak throughput can be improved and service transmission latency reduced through methods such as multiple channels cooperating.

[0110] In this application, multiple frequency bands or multiple channels are collectively referred to as multiple links.

[0111] 2. Multi-link device (MLD).

[0112] Devices that support multi-link technology are called multi-link devices. A multi-link device can include multiple radio frequency channels and can operate simultaneously on multiple frequency bands / channels. For example, a multi-link device may include two radio frequency channels, and can operate simultaneously on two frequency bands / channels. When the channel spacing between the two frequency bands / channels is sufficiently large, the two frequency bands / channels can operate independently without interfering with each other.

[0113] Because a multi-link device can communicate simultaneously on multiple frequency bands / channels, it can provide functionality similar to multiple STAs working in parallel, or similar to multiple APs working in parallel.

[0114] For example, two multilink devices each include multiple STAs, where each STA in one multilink device can establish a link with one STA in the other multilink device for communication.

[0115] For example, two multi-link devices each include multiple APs, where each AP in one multi-link device can establish a link with one AP in the other multi-link device for communication.

[0116] For example, one of two multi-link devices includes multiple STAs, and the other multi-link device includes multiple APs. Each STA in one multi-link device can establish a link with one AP in the other multi-link device to communicate.

[0117] The multi-link device operates in the frequency bands of 1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and other high-frequency bands, or some of them. It should be understood that the first device can be a multi-link device, or the second device can be a multi-link device, or both the first device and the second device can be multi-link devices; this application does not limit this.

[0118] 3. Media access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU, MPDU).

[0119] MPDU is a data unit used in WLAN technology, particularly under the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, for transmission between the Media Access Control (MAC) layer and the physical layer. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an MPDU. As shown in Figure 2, an MPDU typically includes one or more of the following fields:

[0120] Frame control: Used to indicate the frame type, subtype, various control bits, etc.

[0121] Length: In some frames, it indicates the time delay required for transmission;

[0122] Address 1: Generally used to indicate the address of the receiving end;

[0123] Address 2: Generally used to indicate the sender's address;

[0124] Address 3: Used to indicate other related addresses, such as the access point address of the BSS, and can have different meanings in different types of frames;

[0125] Sequence control: used to indicate frame order or segment order, etc.

[0126] Address 4: In some frames, such as multicast or broadcast frames, it is used to indicate a specific part of the receiving group, and can have different meanings in different types of frames;

[0127] Quality of Service (QoS) control: Used when QoS is enabled to indicate QoS-related information;

[0128] High throughput control (HT control): Control information used to indicate high throughput operation;

[0129] The above fields can form the MPDU header;

[0130] Cipher-block chaining message authentication code protocol header (CCMP header): Used to indicate control information for encryption and authentication to protect transmitted data, such as encrypting and authenticating the actual data transmitted in the frame body and the message integrity check code;

[0131] Frame body: Contains the actual data being transmitted;

[0132] Message integrity code (MIC): A piece of information appended to transmitted data to ensure that the data has not been tampered with during transmission or storage; or

[0133] Frame check sequence (FCS): Contains a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value for error detection.

[0134] It should be understood that the structure and fields of an MPDU may differ depending on the version of the standard; and / or depending on the frame type, such as a management frame, a control frame, and a data frame.

[0135] As shown in Figure 2, the frame control field may include one or more of the following subfields:

[0136] Protocol version: For example, used to indicate the 802.11 protocol version used;

[0137] Type: Used to indicate the type of frame, such as management frame, control frame, or data frame;

[0138] Subtype: Used to indicate the subtype of the frame. Each type of frame may have different subtype options.

[0139] To the distribution system (DS): This indicates whether a frame should be sent to the DS, and is typically used for transmissions from the STA to the AP.

[0140] From DS: Indicates whether the frame originated from the DS, typically used for transmissions from the AP to the STA;

[0141] More fragments: If set to 1, it means that the frame is a fragment of a series of frames, and there are more fragments to follow.

[0142] Retry: Used to indicate whether a frame is a retransmission frame;

[0143] Power management: Used for power supply management;

[0144] More data: This indicates whether the sender has more data to send. For example, setting it to 1 means the sender has more data to send, and setting it to 0 means the sender has no more data to send.

[0145] Protected frame: Used to indicate whether a frame contains security information, such as whether it uses CCMP encryption; or

[0146] Does high throughput control exist (+HTC)?

[0147] It should be understood that the structure and subfields of the frame control field may differ depending on the version of the standard; and / or depending on the frame type, such as management frames, control frames, and data frames.

[0148] 4. Dynamic power save mode.

[0149] Dynamic power saving mode is a mechanism introduced in WLAN that saves energy and improves communication efficiency. If the STA or AP supports dynamic power saving mode, the STA or AP can switch between two states in dynamic power saving mode. One state is low-capability listening mode, sometimes called the listen state, and the other state is high-capability mode, sometimes called the awake state. If you switch from low-capability listening mode to high-capability mode, you can use high-capability mode for communication, and the communication speed is faster. If you switch from high-capability mode to low-capability listening mode, you can use low-capability listening mode to save energy.

[0150] In low-capacity listening mode, a STA or AP can listen to packets with a specific configuration, such as <20MHz, single spatial stream> non-high-throughput duplicated PPDUs (<20MHz, 1SS> non-HT duplicated PPDUs). In high-capacity mode, a STA or AP can transmit packets with a higher configuration, such as <80MHz, 1SS> packets, <160MHz, 2SS> packets. In other words, the transmission capacity of a STA or AP in low-capacity listening mode is lower than that in high-capacity mode. In low-capacity listening mode, a STA or AP listens to packets with lower bandwidth (e.g., 20MHz), lower modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and fewer spatial streams (e.g., single spatial stream). In high-capacity mode, a STA or AP can transmit packets with higher bandwidth (e.g., 80 or 160MHz), higher MCS, and more spatial streams (e.g., dual spatial streams or multiple spatial streams).

[0151] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of the dynamic power-saving mode. As shown in Figure 3, in low-capacity listening mode, the receiver can listen for <20MHz, 1SS> PPDUs. If the transmitter competes for transmission opportunity (TXOP) 1, it needs to send an initial control frame (ICF) in non-HT duplicated PPDU format to the receiver. After receiving the ICF, the receiver switches from low-capacity listening mode to high-capacity mode and sends an initial control response (ICR) frame to the transmitter to complete the handshake. The receiver and transmitter can then use high-capacity mode for data transmission. For example, the transmitter sends a <80MHz, 1SS> data packet to the receiver, and the receiver sends a block acknowledgment (BA) to the transmitter after receiving the data packet. After TXOP 1 ends, the receiver automatically switches from high-capacity mode to low-capacity listening mode. If the transmitter still has data to send to the receiver, it needs to compete for TXOP 2 and send an ICF to the receiver again to complete the handshake. If the handshake is successful, data transmission can continue. It should be understood that the sending end in this article refers to the ICF sending end, and the receiving end refers to the ICF receiving end.

[0152] Switching from low-capability listening mode to high-capability mode requires a certain delay, and switching from high-capability mode to low-capability listening mode also requires the same delay. Therefore, the ICF also needs to include a newly added Frame Check Sequence 2 (denoted as FCS2, the existing FCS in the MPDU is denoted as FCS1) and media access control padding (MAC padding), as shown in Figure 4. When the receiver receives the ICF, it parses the ICF. When it parses FCS2, it can identify the ICF and switch from low-capability listening mode to high-capability mode using the duration of the MAC padding.

[0153] However, during the switch from high-capacity mode to low-capacity listening mode, the device is unable to send or receive data, which may result in missed or unreceived ICF frames sent to it. This leads to ICF / ICR handshake failure, consequently reducing network performance and communication efficiency. For example, after TXOP 1 ends, if the sender still has data to send to the receiver, it competes for TXOP 2 and sends an ICF to the receiver. If the receiver is switching from high-capacity mode to low-capacity listening mode at this time, it cannot reply with an ICR, causing the handshake to fail. Therefore, the sender cannot acquire TXOP 2, and the contention window for the sender doubles, resulting in reduced network performance and communication efficiency.

[0154] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of this application propose a method that allows a protection period to enable the receiving end to completely switch from a high-capacity mode to a low-capacity listening mode. The method includes: at the end of the first TXOP, the transmitting end waits for a period before competing for the channel to send an ICF to the receiving end; or, for a period before the end of the first TXOP, the transmitting end refrains from sending data, allowing the receiving end sufficient time to switch from the first state to the second state before the TXOP ends. In other words, by allowing a protection period after the first TXOP ends and refraining from competing for the TXOP during this period, the receiving end can completely switch from a high-capacity mode to a low-capacity listening mode using this protection period; or by refraining from sending data for a period before the end of the first TXOP, the receiving end can also completely switch from a high-capacity mode to a low-capacity listening mode. The method of this application allows the transmitting end to allow a protection period, enabling the receiving end to completely switch from a high-capacity mode to a low-capacity listening mode. This ensures successful handshakes between the transmitting and receiving ends during subsequent ICF / ICR interactions, avoiding the problem of doubling the contention window of the transmitting end due to handshake failure, thereby improving network performance and communication efficiency.

[0155] The embodiments of this application also propose another method whereby the receiving end can determine whether to switch from high-capability mode to low-capability listening mode based on switching conditions. If the switching conditions are met, it switches from high-capability mode to low-capability listening mode; otherwise, it remains in high-capability mode. In this embodiment, the receiving end does not automatically switch from high-capability mode to low-capability listening mode at the end of TXOP. Instead, it first determines the switching conditions and switches from high-capability mode to low-capability listening mode if the conditions are met; otherwise, the receiving end remains in high-capability mode until certain conditions are met before switching to low-capability listening mode. This ensures that the sending and receiving ends successfully handshake during subsequent ICF / ICR interactions, avoiding the problem of doubling the contention window of the sending end due to handshake failure, thereby improving network performance and communication efficiency.

[0156] The method for state switching based on switching conditions according to an embodiment of this application will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0157] Figure 5 is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method 500 according to an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that the first device in the method shown in Figure 5 may correspond to the AP 110 in the system 100 shown in Figure 1, and the second device may correspond to the STA 120 shown in Figure 1. The execution entity of the communication method 500 is the AP or a hardware circuit and / or software module in the AP that can implement the communication method 500. The method of this application embodiment executed on the AP side will now be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0158] S510, when the first device is in dynamic power-saving mode, the first device determines whether a first condition is met. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the second device associated with the first device indicates that there is no more data to be sent to the first device; or, the channel is idle for a first duration. The first condition here may also be called a switching condition or other names, and this application embodiment does not limit it to this.

[0159] S520, the first device determines whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state based on whether the first condition is met, and the transmission capacity of the second state is less than that of the first state.

[0160] The second device includes all devices associated with the first device. For example, if the first device is associated with 1 device, the second device is 1; if the first device is associated with 2 devices, the second device is 2. "The second devices associated with the first device indicate that there is no more data to send to the first device" means that all second devices indicate that there is no more data to send to the first device. For example, if the first device is associated with 2 devices, both second devices indicate that there is no more data to send to the first device.

[0161] The channel is in an idle state for the first or second device when the network allocation vector (NAV) of the first or second device is 0 and the detected channel energy is below a threshold.

[0162] In one implementation of this application, the first condition includes at least one of the following: a second device associated with the first device indicates that there is no more data to be sent to the first device; or, the channel is idle for a first duration; or, the channel has no frame interaction for a fifth duration. In the following description, "the channel is idle for a first duration" can be replaced with "the channel has no frame interaction for a fifth duration." The fifth duration may be the same as or different from the first duration. The fifth duration can be understood with reference to the first duration, and the similarities will not be repeated hereafter.

[0163] The first state is the high-capacity mode or wake-up state under dynamic power saving mode, and the second state is the low-capacity listening mode or listening state under dynamic power saving mode. It should be understood that dynamic power saving mode can also include other states, such as at least one intermediate state between the high-capacity mode and the low-capacity listening mode. The first state or the second state can also be an intermediate state, as long as the transmission capacity of the second state is less than that of the first state. Transmission capacity is reflected in bandwidth, MCS, and spatial streams. In the first state, the first device and / or the second device can transmit data packets with larger bandwidth, higher MCS, and more spatial streams, while in the second state, the first device and / or the second device can transmit data packets with smaller bandwidth, lower MCS, and fewer spatial streams.

[0164] For example, when the first device is in dynamic power saving mode, the first device can determine whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state based on at least one of the following: the second device sending data to the first device or the channel conditions between the devices.

[0165] In the communication method of this application embodiment, when the first device is in dynamic power-saving mode, the first device can determine whether to switch its state from the first state to the second state based on whether a first condition is met. If the first device determines that the first condition is met, it switches its state from the first state to the second state; otherwise, it does not switch and remains in the first state until another condition (described in subsequent embodiments) is met. In this way, switching from the first state to the second state when the first condition is met can better save energy as much as possible; and remaining in the first state when the first condition is not met avoids subsequent ICF / ICR handshake failures, improving network performance and communication efficiency.

[0166] As an optional embodiment, determining whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state based on whether the first condition is met includes: if the first condition is met, switching the state of the first device from the first state to the second state when the transmission time ends.

[0167] For example, when the first device is in dynamic power-saving mode, if it is determined that the second device has no more data to send to the first device, then at the end of the transmission period, the state of the first device is switched from the first state to the second state. It should be understood that determining that the second device has no more data to send to the first device can occur before the end of the transmission period (i.e., within the transmission period) or at the end of the transmission period (i.e., outside the transmission period).

[0168] For example, during a transmission period, the first device remains in a first state. If the second device indicates that there is no more data to send to the first device or receives a frame that is not intended for the first device, the first device switches from the first state to the second state. Alternatively, during a transmission period, the first device remains in the first state. At the end of the transmission period, if the second device indicates that there is no more data to send to the first device, the state of the first device switches from the first state to the second state.

[0169] If the first device automatically switches from the first state to the second state when the transmission time ends, and the second device still has data to send to the first device, it may cause the subsequent ICF / ICR handshake to fail, resulting in the contention window of the second device doubling.

[0170] In the communication method of this application embodiment, the first device does not automatically switch its state from the first state to the second state. If the first condition is met, the first device switches its state from the first state to the second state when the transmission opportunity ends. Since the first device switches from the first state to the second state when the second device indicates that there is no more data to send to the first device, energy saving can be maximized.

[0171] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: S550, the second device sends a data packet to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device receives the data packet from the second device, the data packet carrying first information, the first information being used to indicate that the second device has no more data to send to the first device; S510 specifically includes: the first device determining, based on the data packet, that a first condition is met.

[0172] The communication method of this application embodiment can directly or explicitly indicate to the second device that there is no more data to send to the first device by using the first information in the data packet.

[0173] As an optional embodiment, the first information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the first information is a first value.

[0174] For example, the first field could be the "More Data" subfield within the frame control field of an MPDU, and its first value could be 0. In other words, when the first device receives a data packet, such as an MPDU, from the second device and parses its frame control field, if it finds that the value of the "More Data" subfield is 0, it means that the second device has no more data to send to the first device. Therefore, it can be determined that the second device does not need to send data to the first device.

[0175] In one implementation of this application, when the first device determines that the second device has no more data to send to the first device, the first device may also send confirmation information, such as an ACK frame, to the second device.

[0176] The communication method in this application reuses the more data subfield in the frame control field to indicate that the second device has no more data to send to the first device, which can reduce unnecessary information transmission and eliminate the need to add an additional indication field to the data packet.

[0177] As an optional embodiment, determining whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state based on whether the first condition is met includes: if the first condition is not met, the first device will remain in the first state.

[0178] For example, when the first device is in dynamic power-saving mode, if it determines that the second device has more data to send to the first device, the first device will remain in the first state. One implementation is that during the transmission period, the first device remains in the first state regardless of whether the first condition is met. Another implementation is that during the transmission period, if a frame not intended for itself is received, the first device switches from the first state to the second state. At the end of the transmission period, if the first device determines that the second device has more data to send to it, the first device will remain in the first state until another condition is met before switching from the first state to the second state (described in subsequent embodiments).

[0179] If the first device automatically switches from the first state to the second state when the transmission time ends, and the second device still has data to send to the first device, it may cause the subsequent ICF / ICR handshake to fail and double the contention window of the second device.

[0180] In the communication method of this application embodiment, if the first device determines that the second device has more data to send to the first device when the transmission opportunity ends, the first device will remain in the first state without switching its state from the first state to the second state. At this time, the second device can send an ICF to the first device, and the first device can reply with an ICR, quickly completing the handshake. The second device can then continue transmitting data, avoiding the network performance degradation and communication efficiency reduction caused by handshake failure, thus improving network performance and communication efficiency. In one implementation of this application embodiment, the ICF may not include MAC padding, because there is no need to allow for a switching delay to complete the switch from the second state to the first state, thereby further improving the handshake speed and further enhancing network performance and communication efficiency. In another implementation of this application embodiment, if the first device determines that the second device needs to send data to the first device and / or the channel is not idle when the transmission opportunity ends, the first device will remain in the first state. At this time, the second device can directly send data without further ICF / ICR handshake interaction, further improving network performance and communication efficiency.

[0181] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: S550, the second device sends a data packet to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device receives the data packet, the data packet carrying second information, the second information being used to indicate that the second device needs to send data to the first device; S510 specifically includes: the first device determining, based on the data packet, that the first condition is not met.

[0182] The communication method of this application embodiment can directly or explicitly instruct the second device to send more data to the first device by utilizing the second information in the data packet.

[0183] As an optional embodiment, the second information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the second information is a second value.

[0184] For example, the first field could be the "More Data" subfield within the frame control field of an MPDU, and the second value could be 1. In other words, when the first device receives a data packet, such as an MPDU, from the second device and parses its frame control field, if it finds that the "More Data" subfield is 1, it indicates that the second device has more data to send to the first device. At this point, it can be determined that the second device needs to send data to the first device.

[0185] The communication method in this application reuses the more data subfield in the frame control field to indicate that the second device has more data to send to the first device, which can reduce unnecessary information transmission and eliminate the need to add additional indication fields to the data packet.

[0186] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: after the transmission time ends, the second device sends third information to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device receives the third information from the second device, wherein the destination device of the third information is different from the first device; the first device switches the state of the first device from the first state to the second state according to the third information.

[0187] For example, when the transmission time ends, if the first device determines that the second device has more data to send to the first device, the first device continues to maintain its state in the first state until the first device receives third information that is not intended for the first device, and then switches the state of the first device from the first state to the second state.

[0188] In one implementation of this application, the third information can be a frame. Whether the third information is a frame intended for the first device is determined by judging whether the frame's receiving address is the address of the first device. If the frame's receiving address is the address of the first device, the first device remains in the first state to continue receiving data packets from the second device. If the frame's receiving address is not the address of the first device, the first device's state is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0189] The communication method of this application embodiment switches the state of the first device from a first state to a second state when the first device receives information that is not sent to itself, thereby saving energy as much as possible.

[0190] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: after the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a second duration, switching the state of the first device from the first state to the second state.

[0191] For example, when the transmission opportunity ends, if the first device determines that the second device has more data to send to the first device, the first device continues to maintain the first state until the channel is idle for more than a second duration, and then switches the state of the first device from the first state to the second state.

[0192] The communication method of this application embodiment, when the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a second period of time, switches the state of the first device from the first state to the second state to save energy as much as possible.

[0193] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: a first device broadcasting fourth information, the fourth information being used to instruct the first device to enter a dynamic energy-saving mode, and correspondingly, a second device receiving the fourth information.

[0194] In one implementation of this application, the fourth information can be a beacon frame, other broadcast frames, or a newly defined broadcast frame. The first device broadcasts the fourth information to all associated second devices, announcing to all associated second devices that the first device has entered dynamic power-saving mode.

[0195] In one implementation of this application, the fourth information is further used to indicate the MAC padding required by the first device.

[0196] In one implementation of this application, the fourth information is also used to indicate the first duration.

[0197] In one implementation of this application, the fourth information is also used to indicate the second duration.

[0198] For example, beacon frames, other broadcast frames, or newly defined broadcast frames may include a dynamic power save control field. The dynamic power save control field may include one or more of the following subfields: Dynamic Power Save Enable: If set to 1, dynamic power save mode is enabled; if set to 0, dynamic power save mode is disabled; Link ID Bitmap: Used to indicate which linked affiliated APs in the AP MLD device have dynamic power save mode enabled or disabled; Padding Delay: Used to indicate the minimum required MAC padding; or Timeout: Used to indicate a first duration and / or a second duration. It should be understood that the structure and subfields of the dynamic power save control field may vary depending on the scenario.

[0199] It should be understood that other broadcast frames may include at least one of the following: a probe response frame, which the first device replies with detailed network information when the second device sends a probe request frame to search for a specific network; an authentication frame, which the first device may send to initiate the authentication process when the second device attempts to connect to the network; and so on. This application embodiment does not limit the use of other broadcast frames.

[0200] The communication method in this application embodiment uses broadcasting to indicate information to the second device, ensuring that the second device can obtain the information in a timely manner.

[0201] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: the first device sending fifth information to the second device, the fifth information being used to indicate a first duration, and correspondingly, the second device receiving the fifth information.

[0202] As an optional embodiment, the fifth information is also used to indicate the second duration.

[0203] The communication method of this application embodiment uses fifth information to indicate information to the second device. Different fifth information can be sent in different scenarios, and the first duration and / or the second duration can be flexibly indicated.

[0204] As an optional implementation, the first duration is predefined.

[0205] As an optional embodiment, the second duration is predefined.

[0206] As an optional implementation, MAC padding is predefined.

[0207] The communication method in this application embodiment can reduce information interaction between devices through a predefined approach.

[0208] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: S530, the second device sends a sixth message to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device receives the sixth message; S540, the first device sends a fifth message to the second device, and correspondingly, the second device receives the fifth message. The fifth message is used to respond to the sixth message received by the first device, and the sixth message is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second state to the first state.

[0209] In one implementation of this application, the fifth information is used to indicate the first duration and / or the second duration.

[0210] In one implementation of this application, the fifth information is carried in the broadcast beacon frame.

[0211] In one implementation of this application, the sixth information is the aforementioned ICF, and the fifth information is the aforementioned ICR.

[0212] In one implementation of this application, when the first device receives the ICF sent by the second device, the first device will also broadcast the ICR to indicate the first duration and / or the second duration.

[0213] In the communication method of this application embodiment, the first duration and / or the second duration can be indicated by ICF / ICR interaction.

[0214] The above description, with reference to Figure 5, illustrates the execution of the state switching method based on switching conditions on the AP side according to the embodiments of this application. The following description, with reference to Figure 6, illustrates the execution on the STA side.

[0215] Figure 6 is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method 600 according to an embodiment of this application. It should be understood that the first device in the method shown in Figure 6 may correspond to the AP 110 or another STA (not shown in Figure 1) in the system 100 shown in Figure 1, and the second device may correspond to the STA 120 shown in Figure 1. The execution entity of the communication method 600 is the STA or a hardware circuit and / or software module in the STA that can implement the communication method 600. It should be understood that the communication method 600 can be an interaction between the STA and the AP, or an interaction between two STAs. The following description uses the interaction between the STA and the AP as an example; the interaction between two STAs can be understood with reference to this example.

[0216] S610, when the second device is in dynamic power-saving mode, the second device determines whether a second condition is met. The second condition includes at least one of the following: receiving seventh information from the destination device that is different from the second device within the transmission time; or, the first device has no more data to send to the second device, and the second device is a device associated with the first device; or, the channel is idle for a third duration. The second condition here may also be called a switching condition or other names, and this application embodiment does not limit it to this.

[0217] S620, the second device determines whether to switch its state from the first state to the second state based on whether the second condition is met. The transmission capacity of the second state is less than that of the first state.

[0218] The description of the first device and / or the second device can be referred to the embodiment described in FIG5, and will not be repeated here. In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the first device and the second device can both be STAs, realizing interaction between the two STAs.

[0219] The description of the channel being in an idle state can be found in the embodiment described in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] The description of the first state and / or the second state can be referred to the embodiment described in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0221] It should be understood that in the embodiments described with reference to FIG. 6, the same or similar terms appear as in the embodiments described with reference to FIG. 5, and can be understood with reference to the embodiments described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0222] For example, when the second device is in dynamic power-saving mode, it is determined whether to switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state based on at least one of the following: the information reception status during transmission, the data transmission status from the first device to the second device, or the channel status between the devices. The channel status between the devices can also be the frame interaction status, as described in the embodiment of FIG5, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] In the communication method of this application embodiment, when the second device is in dynamic power-saving mode, the second device can determine whether to switch its state from the first state to the second state based on whether a second condition is met. If the second device determines that the second condition is met, it switches its state from the first state to the second state; otherwise, it does not switch and remains in the first state until another condition (described in subsequent embodiments) is met. In this way, switching from the first state to the second state when the second condition is met can better save energy as much as possible; and remaining in the first state when the second condition is not met avoids subsequent ICF / ICR handshake failures, improving network performance and communication efficiency.

[0224] As an optional embodiment, determining whether to switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state based on whether the second condition is met includes: if the second condition is met, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state.

[0225] When the second device is in dynamic power-saving mode, it can receive the seventh information from the first device during the transmission period. When the second device parses the seventh information, it discovers that the destination device of the seventh information is different from the second device, meaning the seventh information is not intended for the second device, and switches the state of the second device from the first state to the second state. In one implementation of this application, the seventh information can be a frame, which can be understood with reference to the third information.

[0226] Alternatively, when the second device is in dynamic power-saving mode, if it is determined that the first device has no more data to send to the second device, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state. It should be understood that determining that the first device has no more data to send to the second device can occur before the transmission period ends (i.e., within the transmission period) or after the transmission period ends (i.e., outside the transmission period). It should be understood that because the second device is a STA, it does not need to confirm the data transmission status of all associated STAs as an AP does; the STA only needs to confirm the data transmission status of another STA communicating with it or an associated AP.

[0227] In the communication method of this application embodiment, the second device does not automatically switch its state from the first state to the second state. If the second condition is met, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state to save energy as much as possible.

[0228] As an optional embodiment, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state includes: if the seventh information is received during the transmission period, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state during the transmission period.

[0229] When the second device is in dynamic power-saving mode, it can receive the seventh message from the first device during the transmission period. When the second device parses the seventh message, it finds that the destination device of the seventh message is different from the second device, that is, the seventh message is not the message sent to the second device. Therefore, it can switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state during the transmission period.

[0230] The communication method of this application embodiment, since the second device is a STA, does not need to confirm the data transmission status of all associated STAs as an AP does. The STA only needs to determine the data transmission status of another STA or associated AP communicating with the STA. In other words, as long as the data packet received by the second device is not sent to the second device, the state of the second device can be switched from the first state to the second state without waiting for the transmission time to end, thereby further reducing the time cost.

[0231] As an optional embodiment, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state includes: if the first device has no more data to send to the second device, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state when the transmission time ends.

[0232] For example, when the second device is in dynamic power-saving mode, if it is determined that the first device has no more data to send to the second device, then when the transmission time ends, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0233] During the transmission period, the second device remains in the first state; if it is determined at this time that the first device has no more data to send to the second device, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state at the end of the transmission period. Alternatively, if it is determined at the end of the transmission period that the first device has no more data to send to the second device, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0234] In the communication method of this application embodiment, when the transmission time ends, if the second device determines that the first device has no more data to send to the second device, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state to save energy as much as possible. This can be understood by referring to the embodiment of communication method 500, and will not be described again here.

[0235] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: S650, the first device sends a data packet to the second device, and correspondingly, the second device receives a data packet from the first device, the data packet carrying first information, the first information being used to indicate that the first device has no more data to send to the second device. S610 specifically includes: the second device determining, based on the data packet, that a second condition is met.

[0236] The communication method of this application embodiment can directly or explicitly indicate to the first device that there is no more data to send to the second device by using the first information in the data packet.

[0237] As an optional embodiment, the first information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the first information is a first value. The first information, the first field, and the first value can be understood with reference to the embodiment of the communication method 500, and will not be described again here.

[0238] As an optional embodiment, determining whether to switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state based on whether the second condition is met includes: if the second condition is not met, keeping the state of the second device in the first state.

[0239] For example, when the second device is in dynamic power saving mode, if at least one of the following conditions is met: the second device receives seventh information from the destination device that is different from the second device during the transmission time, or determines that the first device needs to send data to the second device, or the channel is not idle, then the state of the second device is maintained as the first state.

[0240] The communication method of this application embodiment continues to maintain the state of the second device in the first state until another condition is met before switching from the first state to the second state (described in subsequent embodiments). This can improve network performance and communication efficiency. It can be understood by referring to the embodiment of communication method 500, and will not be described again here.

[0241] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: S650, the first device sends a data packet to the second device, and correspondingly, the second device receives a data packet from the first device, the data packet carrying second information, the second information being used to indicate that the first device has more data to send to the second device; S610 specifically includes: the second device determining, based on the data packet, that the second condition is not met.

[0242] The communication method of this application embodiment can directly or explicitly instruct the first device to send more data to the second device by utilizing the second information in the data packet.

[0243] As an optional embodiment, the second information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the second information is a second value. The second information, the second field, and the second value can be understood with reference to the embodiment of communication method 500, and will not be described again here.

[0244] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: after the transmission time ends, receiving eighth information, the destination device of the eighth information being different from the second device; and switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state according to the eighth information.

[0245] For example, when the transmission time ends, if it is determined that the second condition is not met, the second device continues to maintain its first state until it receives information that was not sent to it, at which point the second device switches its state from the first state to the second state. At this time, the second device can still continue to receive information from the first device. If the second device receives the eighth message from the first device, and upon parsing the eighth message, it discovers that the destination device of the eighth message is different from the second device, i.e., the eighth message was not sent to the second device, then the second device switches its state from the first state to the second state. The eighth message can be understood with reference to the third message, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0246] The communication method of this application embodiment switches the state of the second device from the first state to the second state when the second device receives information that is not sent to itself, thereby saving energy as much as possible.

[0247] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: after the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a fourth duration, switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state.

[0248] For example, if it is determined that the second condition is not met when the transmission opportunity ends, the state of the second device will continue to be maintained in the first state until the channel is idle for more than a fourth duration, and then the state of the second device will be switched from the first state to the second state.

[0249] The communication method of this application embodiment, when the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is in an idle state for a fourth duration, switches the state of the second device from the first state to the second state, so as to save energy as much as possible.

[0250] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: the second device sending a ninth message, the ninth message being used to instruct the second device to enter a dynamic energy-saving mode, and correspondingly, the first device receiving the ninth message.

[0251] In one implementation of this application, the ninth information is further used to indicate the MAC padding required by the second device.

[0252] In one implementation of this application, the ninth information is also used to indicate the third duration.

[0253] In one implementation of this application, the ninth information is also used to indicate the fourth duration.

[0254] The ninth piece of information can be a newly defined dynamic power save notification frame. The second device can use this frame to notify the first device that it has entered dynamic power save mode. The format of the dynamic power save notification frame is shown in Table 1 below:

[0255] Table 1

[0256] The dynamic power saving control field of the dynamic power saving notification frame can refer to the dynamic power saving control field in the embodiment of Figure 5 above. The link ID bitmap is used to indicate which linked associated STAs in the non-AP MLD device enable or disable dynamic power saving mode. The timeout is used to indicate that the STA will switch from the first state to the second state after the indicated duration, i.e., indicating a fourth duration. In one implementation of this application embodiment, a third duration can also be indicated. For example: when the channel is idle for the indicated duration, the STA switches from the first state to the second state; or when there is no frame interaction for the indicated duration, the STA switches from the first state to the second state.

[0257] The communication method of this application embodiment indicates information to the first device to ensure that the first device can obtain information in a timely manner.

[0258] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: the second device sending tenth information, the tenth information being used to indicate a third duration, and correspondingly, the first device receiving the tenth information.

[0259] As an optional embodiment, the tenth information is also used to indicate the fourth duration.

[0260] The communication method of this application embodiment uses tenth information to indicate information to the first device. Different tenth information can be sent in different scenarios, and the third duration and / or the fourth duration can be flexibly indicated.

[0261] As an optional implementation, the third duration is predefined.

[0262] As an optional embodiment, the fourth duration is predefined.

[0263] As an optional implementation, MAC padding is predefined.

[0264] The communication method in this application embodiment can reduce information interaction between devices through a predefined approach.

[0265] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: S630, the first device sends an eleventh message to the second device, and correspondingly, the second device receives the eleventh message from the first device; S640, the second device sends a tenth message to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device receives the tenth message, the tenth message being used to respond to the eleventh message received by the second device, and the eleventh message being used to instruct the second device to switch from the second state to the first state.

[0266] In one implementation of this application, the tenth information is carried in the broadcast beacon frame.

[0267] In one implementation of this application, the eleventh information is the aforementioned ICF, and the tenth information is the aforementioned ICR.

[0268] In the communication method of this application embodiment, the third duration and / or the fourth duration can be indicated by ICF / ICR interaction.

[0269] In this application, if there are STAs in the WLAN that do not support dynamic power saving mode, the AP needs to be compatible with these STAs in the system. To solve the compatibility problem, embodiments of this application also propose another method: the AP can broadcast two sets of parameters, one set of parameters for STAs that do not support dynamic power saving mode and the other set of parameters for STAs that do support dynamic power saving mode, thereby achieving STA compatibility. The method for achieving STA compatibility in embodiments of this application is described below.

[0270] In this embodiment, the STA associated with the AP can include STAs that do not support dynamic power-saving mode, such as legacy STAs, and STAs that support dynamic power-saving mode (e.g., UHR STAs). Since legacy STAs do not support dynamic power-saving mode, to ensure that the AP in dynamic power-saving mode can still normally serve both types of STAs, the AP can carry two sets of operating parameters in the broadcast frame (e.g., a beacon frame or probe response frame): one set of operating parameters for legacy STAs, indicated using existing elements, corresponding to operating parameters in low-capacity listening mode, such as bandwidth, MCS, and spatial flow; and another set of operating parameters for STAs supporting dynamic power-saving mode, indicated using newly defined elements, corresponding to operating parameters in high-capacity mode, such as bandwidth, MCS, and spatial flow. If a legacy STA receives a broadcast frame, it extracts the operating parameters for low-capacity listening mode and operates accordingly; if a STA supporting dynamic power-saving mode receives a broadcast frame, it extracts the operating parameters for high-capacity mode and operates accordingly. This achieves compatibility between the two types of STAs.

[0271] For legacy STAs that support high bandwidth, the method can be applied to 2.4GHz APs. When the AP MLD is under low load (e.g., at night), 2.4GHz APs, 5GHz APs, and 6GHz APs all operate in dynamic power-saving mode. When a legacy STA is detected, one or more APs can be deactivated from dynamic power-saving mode, for example, the 2.4GHz AP can be deactivated from dynamic power-saving mode.

[0272] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, another method is proposed to implement ICF / ICR using block ack request frames / block ack frames (BAR / BA frames). In this way, BAR / BA frames are reused to implement ICF / ICR. The method of the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to Figures 7 to 14.

[0273] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a BAR frame. As shown in Figure 7, a BAR frame may include one or more of the following fields: frame control, length, receiver address (RA), transmitter address (TA), BAR control, BAR information, or FCS. As shown in Figure 7, the frame control field may include one or more of the following subfields: reserved bits, BAR type, reserved bits, or traffic identifier information (TID_INFO).

[0274] The BAR type subfield is used to indicate BAR frame variants, as shown in Table 2 below:

[0275] Table 2

[0276] The TID_INFO subfield depends on the BAR frame variant.

[0277] When the BAR type subfield is set to 1 or 2, the TID_INFO subfield indicates which TID. In this case, the BAR information field includes the block ack starting sequence control subfield. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the BAR information field. As shown in Figure 8, the block ack starting sequence control subfield of the BAR information field includes the fragment number subfield and the starting sequence number subfield.

[0278] When the BAR type subfield is set to 3, the TID_INFO subfield is used to indicate the number of TIDs. In this case, the BAR information field includes multiple TID information + block ack starting sequence control subfields. Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of another BAR information field. As shown in Figure 9, in the BAR information field, for each TID, it includes TID information + block ack starting sequence control. Each per TID info subfield includes: reserved bits and TID value.

[0279] In this embodiment, a multi-TID BAR frame is used as an ICF frame. That is, when the BAR type subfield is set to 3, the BAR frame is a multi-TID BAR frame and can be used as an ICF frame. In this case, FCS2 is carried using the last group of per TID info + block ack starting sequence control. The group of per TID info + block ack starting sequence control before FCS2 is used to indicate that FCS2 is carried in the last group of per TID info + block ack starting sequence control. For example, the reserved bits B0-B11 of per TID info in the group of per TID info + block ack starting sequence control before FCS2 are used for indication.

[0280] If the BAR information field includes: per TID info 1+block ack starting sequence control 1, per TID info 2+block ack starting sequence control 2,…per TID info n+block ack starting sequence control n, then FCS2 is carried in per TID info n+block ack starting sequence control n (4 bits), and an indication is carried in the reserved bits B0-B11 of per TID info n-1 to indicate that FCS2 is carried in per TID info n+block ack starting sequence control n.

[0281] For MAC padding, a length indication can be added to the reserved bits B0-B11 of the per TID info. For example, the reserved bits B0-B11 of the per TID Info n-1 carry both an FCS2 indication and a MAC padding indication.

[0282] Figure 10 illustrates a BR frame. As shown in Figure 10, a BA frame may include one or more of the following fields: frame control, length, receive address, send address, BA control, BA information, or FCS. As shown in Figure 10, the frame control field may include one or more of the following subfields: reserved bits, BA type, reserved bits, no memory kept, memory configuration tag, management ack, or TID_INFO. The no memory kept subfield and the memory configuration tag subfield are reserved fields. If the sender is an enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) STA, then the no memory kept subfield and the memory configuration tag subfield are present.

[0283] The BA type subfield is used to indicate BA frame variants, as shown in Table 3 below:

[0284] Table 3

[0285] The TID_INFO subfield depends on the BA frame variant.

[0286] When the BA type subfield is set to 2, the TID_INFO subfield is used to indicate which TID. In this case, the BA information field includes the block ack starting sequence control subfield and the BA bitmap subfield. Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the BA information field.

[0287] When the BA type subfield is set to 11, it is a multi-site block acknowledgment frame (multi-STA BA), where the BA information field can contain acknowledgment information for preceding data frames. Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-STA BA frame. The BA information field can include one or more association ID (AID) - traffic identifier information (per AID TID Info) fields. The multi-STA BA frame can serve as an ICR.

[0288] The first 11 bits of each associated identifier-traffic identifier information field are the AID 11 field.

[0289] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the BA information field, and Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of another BA information field. When the value of the AID 11 field is not equal to 2045, the BA information field is as shown in Figure 13. In this field, the Block Acknowledgment Start Sequence Control and BA bitmap contain acknowledgment information for preceding data frames, and the Association Identifier-Flow Identifier information subfield includes Association Identifier 11 (AID 11), Acknowledgment Type (ack type), and TID. When the value of the AID 11 field is equal to 2045, the BA information field is as shown in Figure 14. In this field, the Receive Address field carries the MAC address of the STA, indicating that a preceding data frame sent by the STA corresponding to the MAC address has been received.

[0290] The foregoing has detailed examples of the methods provided in this application and structural examples of the related frames. Based on the examples of the methods provided in this application, it can be understood that the first and second devices, in order to implement the above-mentioned functions, include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. The communication apparatus of an embodiment of this application is described below with reference to Figures 15 and 16.

[0291] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1500 may include a processing unit 1510 and a transceiver unit 1520.

[0292] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1500 can be used to perform the steps or processes of the first device in the above-described communication method 500.

[0293] The processing unit 1510 is used to determine whether a first condition is met when the communication device 1500 is in a dynamic energy-saving mode. The first condition includes at least one of the following: a second device associated with the communication device 1500 does not need to send data to the communication device 1500; or the channel is idle for a first duration. Based on whether the first condition is met, the processing unit 1510 determines whether to switch the state of the communication device 1500 from the first state to the second state, wherein the transmission capacity of the second state is less than that of the first state.

[0294] In one implementation of this application, the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: if the first condition is met, switch the state of the communication device 1500 from the first state to the second state when the transmission opportunity ends.

[0295] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is configured to: receive a data packet from a second device, the data packet carrying first information, the first information being used to indicate that the second device does not need to send data to the communication device 1500; the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: determine, based on the data packet, that a first condition is met.

[0296] In one implementation of this application, the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: if the first condition is not met, maintain the state of the communication device 1500 in the first state.

[0297] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: receive a data packet from the second device, the data packet carrying second information, the second information being used to indicate that the second device needs to send data to the communication device 1500; the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: determine, based on the data packet, that the first condition is not met.

[0298] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: receive third information after the transmission time ends, wherein the destination device of the third information is different from the communication device 1500; and the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: switch the state of the communication device 1500 from the first state to the second state according to the third information.

[0299] In one implementation of this application, the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: after the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a second period of time, switch the state of the communication device 1500 from the first state to the second state.

[0300] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: broadcast fourth information, which is used to instruct the communication device 1500 to enter a dynamic energy-saving mode.

[0301] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: send fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate the first duration.

[0302] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1500 can be used to perform the steps or processes of the second device in the above-described communication method 600.

[0303] The processing unit 1510 is configured to: when the communication device 1500 is in a dynamic power-saving mode, determine whether a second condition is met, the second condition including at least one of the following: receiving seventh information from a destination device that is different from the communication device 1500 during the transmission time; or, the first device does not need to send data to the communication device 1500, and the communication device 1500 is a device associated with the first device; or, the channel is idle for a third duration; and, based on whether the second condition is met, determine whether to switch the state of the communication device 1500 from a first state to a second state, the transmission capacity of the second state being less than that of the first state.

[0304] In one implementation of this application, the processing unit 1510 is configured to: if a second condition is met, switch the state of the communication device 1500 from the first state to the second state.

[0305] In one implementation of this application, the processing unit 1510 is configured to: if the seventh information is received during the transmission period, switch the state of the communication device 1500 from the first state to the second state during the transmission period.

[0306] In one implementation of this application, the processing unit 1510 is configured to: if the first device does not need to send data to the communication device 1500, switch the state of the communication device 1500 from the first state to the second state when the transmission opportunity ends.

[0307] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is configured to: receive a data packet from a first device, the data packet carrying first information, the first information being used to indicate that the first device does not need to send data to the communication device 1500; the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: determine, based on the data packet, that a second condition is met.

[0308] In one implementation of this application, the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: if the second condition is not met, maintain the state of the communication device 1500 in the first state.

[0309] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is configured to: receive a data packet from a first device, the data packet carrying second information, the second information being used to indicate that the first device needs to send data to the communication device 1500; the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: determine, based on the data packet, that the second condition is not met.

[0310] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is configured to: receive eighth information after the transmission time has ended, wherein the destination device of the eighth information is different from the communication device 1500; the processing unit 1510 is further configured to: switch the state of the communication device 1500 from a first state to a second state according to the eighth information.

[0311] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is configured to: after the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a fourth duration, switch the state of the communication device 1500 from the first state to the second state.

[0312] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is used to: send a ninth message, which is used to instruct the communication device 1500 to enter a dynamic energy-saving mode.

[0313] In one implementation of this application, the transceiver unit 1520 is used to send tenth information, which is used to indicate a third duration.

[0314] The communication device 1500 of each of the above schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the first or second device in the above methods; the function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transmitting unit can be replaced by a transmitter, the receiving unit can be replaced by a receiver, and other units, such as the determining unit, can be replaced by a processor, which respectively executes the transmission and reception operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0315] It should be understood that the communication device 1500 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions.

[0316] In embodiments of this application, the device in FIG15 may also be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). Correspondingly, the receiving unit and the transmitting unit may be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here.

[0317] Figure 16 illustrates a communication device 1600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1600 includes a processor 1610 and a transceiver 1620. In one implementation of this application, the communication device 1600 may further include a memory 1630. The processor 1610, transceiver 1620, and memory 1630 communicate with each other via internal interconnection paths. The memory 1630 stores instructions, and the processor 1610 executes the instructions stored in the memory 1630 to control the transceiver 1620 to send and / or receive signals.

[0318] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1600 can be used to execute the steps or processes of the first device in the communication method 500 described above. When the program instructions stored in the memory 1630 are executed by the processor 1610, the processor 1610 is used by the transceiver 1620 to determine whether a first condition is met when the communication device 1600 is in a dynamic power-saving mode. The first condition includes at least one of the following: a second device associated with the communication device 1600 does not need to send data to the communication device 1600; or, the channel is idle for a first duration. Based on whether the first condition is met, it is determined whether to switch the state of the communication device 1600 from the first state to a second state, where the transmission capacity of the second state is less than that of the first state.

[0319] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1600 can be used to execute the steps or processes of the second device in the communication method 600 described above. When the program instructions stored in the memory 1630 are executed by the processor 1610, the processor 1610 is used by the transceiver 1620 to determine whether a second condition is met when the communication device 1600 is in a dynamic power-saving mode. The second condition includes at least one of the following: receiving seventh information from a destination device that is different from the communication device 1600 during the transmission period; or, the first device does not need to send data to the communication device 1600, and the communication device 1600 is a device associated with the first device; or, the channel is idle for a third duration. Based on whether the second condition is met, it is determined whether to switch the state of the communication device 1600 from the first state to the second state, where the transmission capacity of the second state is less than that of the first state.

[0320] It should be understood that the communication device 1600 may specifically be the first device or the second device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments. In one implementation of this application, the memory 1630 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 1610 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 1610 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1610 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the first device or the second device.

[0321] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0322] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0323] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0324] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned first device and second device.

[0325] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, implements the method corresponding to the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0326] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, implements the method corresponding to the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0327] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0328] It should be understood that the above describes a method of communication during downlink transmission in a communication system, but this application is not limited thereto. One implementation of the embodiments of this application can also adopt a similar scheme during uplink transmission. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0329] In the above-described device embodiments, the network devices and terminal devices in the method embodiments completely correspond to each other. Corresponding modules or units execute corresponding steps. For example, the transmitting module (transmitter) executes the transmitting steps in the method embodiment, and the receiving module (receiver) executes the receiving steps in the method embodiment. Other steps besides transmitting and receiving can be executed by the processing module (processor). The specific functions of each module can be found in the corresponding method embodiments. The transmitting module and receiving module can form a transceiver module, and the transmitter and receiver can form a transceiver to jointly implement the transmitting and receiving functions; there can be one or more processors.

[0330] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0331] It should be understood that the phrase "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of the above-described processes does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0332] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," etc., are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated, applications running on computing devices and computing devices can both be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be located on a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media on which various data structures are stored. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0333] It should also be understood that the first, second, third, fourth, and various numerical designations used herein are merely distinctions for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0334] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0335] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0336] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0337] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0338] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0339] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0340] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, they generate, in whole or in part, the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)).

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: When the first device is in dynamic power saving mode, it is determined whether a first condition is met. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the second device associated with the first device does not need to send data to the first device; or the channel is idle for a first duration. Based on whether the first condition is met, it is determined whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state, wherein the transmission capacity of the second state is less than that of the first state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state based on whether the first condition is met includes: If the first condition is met, when the transmission time ends, the state of the first device is switched from the first state to the second state.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a data packet from the second device, the data packet carrying first information, the first information being used to indicate that the second device does not need to send data to the first device; Determining whether the first condition is met includes: Based on the data packet, it is determined that the first condition is met.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the first information is a first value.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to switch the state of the first device from the first state to the second state based on whether the first condition is met includes: If the first condition is not met, the state of the first device shall remain as the first state.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a data packet from the second device, the data packet carrying second information, the second information being used to indicate that the second device needs to send data to the first device; Determining whether the first condition is met includes: Based on the data packet, it is determined that the first condition is not met.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the second information is a second value.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the transmission opportunity ends, a third message is received, the destination device of which is different from the first device; Based on the third information, the state of the first device is switched from the first state to the second state.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a second period of time, the state of the first device will be switched from the first state to the second state.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Broadcast a fourth message, which instructs the first device to enter the dynamic energy-saving mode.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth message, which is used to indicate the first duration.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fifth information is used in response to the sixth information received by the first device, the sixth information being used to instruct the first device to switch from the second state to the first state; or, The fifth piece of information is carried in the broadcast beacon frame.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: When the second device is in dynamic energy-saving mode, it is determined whether the second condition is met. The second condition includes at least one of the following: receiving seventh information from the destination device that is different from the second device during the transmission time. Alternatively, the first device may not need to send data to the second device, and the second device is a device associated with the first device; or the channel may be idle for a third duration. Based on whether the second condition is met, it is determined whether to switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state, wherein the transmission capacity of the second state is less than that of the first state.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state based on whether the second condition is met includes: If the second condition is met, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state includes: If the seventh information is received within the transmission time, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state within the transmission time.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Switching the state of the second device from the first state to the second state includes: If the first device does not need to send data to the second device, the state of the second device will be switched from the first state to the second state when the transmission time ends.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a data packet from the first device, the data packet carrying first information, the first information being used to indicate that the first device does not need to send data to the second device; Determining whether the second condition is met includes: Based on the data packet, it is determined that the second condition is met.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the first information is a first value.

19. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to switch the state of the second device from the first state to the second state based on whether the second condition is met includes: If the second condition is not met, the state of the second device will remain as the first state.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a data packet from the first device, the data packet carrying second information, the second information being used to indicate that the first device needs to send data to the second device; Determining whether the second condition is met includes: Based on the data packet, it is determined that the second condition is not met.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the first field of the data packet, and the second information is a second value.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the transmission opportunity ends, the eighth message is received, and the destination device of the eighth message is different from the second device. Based on the eighth information, the state of the second device is switched from the first state to the second state.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the transmission opportunity ends, if the channel is idle for a fourth duration, the state of the second device will be switched from the first state to the second state.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a ninth message, which is used to instruct the second device to enter the dynamic energy-saving mode.

25. The method according to any one of claims 13-24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a tenth message, which is used to indicate the third duration.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The tenth message is used in response to the eleventh message received by the second device, and the eleventh message is used to instruct the second device to switch from the second state to the first state; or... The tenth information is carried in the broadcast beacon frame.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module that performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, or a module that performs the method of any one of claims 13 to 26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory being coupled, the processor being used to control the device to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a sensing communication device, implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 26.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 26.

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