Communication method, apparatus and device, and medium and program product

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of wireless communications. Disclosed are a communication method, apparatus and device, and a medium and a program product. The method is executed by an AP. The method comprises: sending a first frame to a first non-AP STA, wherein the first frame comprises a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicates the enabling or disabling of a first function, and the second field indicates a first threshold associated with the first function. An accurate determination condition is indicated for a first non-AP STA by means of a first frame, such that the first non-AP STA accurately determines whether to switch to a non-main channel, thereby realizing effective non-main channel transmission.

Description

Communication methods, devices, equipment, media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, device, medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] In some scenarios, Basic Service Sets (BSS) are deployed densely, and the coverage areas or Basic Service Areas (BSAs) of some BSSs may overlap, forming Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSSs). Sites located in the overlapping areas of different BSSs will face interference from fluctuating OBSS coverage.

[0003] To ensure transmission reliability within a communication system, the problem of OBSS interference must be addressed. However, current common solutions have limitations in their application scenarios and are not conducive to transmission reliability within the BSS.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, device, medium, and program product, the technical solution of which includes at least:

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by an access point (AP), the method comprising:

[0007] A first frame is sent to a first non-AP STA, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating enabling or disabling a first function, and the second field indicating a first threshold associated with the first function; wherein the first function includes: non-primary channel access NPCA function, or secondary channel access SCA function, or auxiliary primary channel access APCA function.

[0008] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first non-AP STA, the method comprising:

[0009] Receive a first frame sent by the AP, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating enabling or disabling a first function, the second field indicating a first threshold associated with the first function; wherein the first function includes: Non-Main Channel Access (NPCA) function, or Secondary Channel Access (SCA) function, or Auxiliary Main Channel Access (APCA) function.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the device comprising:

[0011] The transmitting module is configured to transmit a first frame to a first non-AP STA. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field. The first field indicates whether a first function is enabled or disabled, and the second field indicates a first threshold associated with the first function. The first function includes: Non-Main Channel Access (NPCA) function, or Secondary Channel Access (SCA) function, or Auxiliary Main Channel Access (APCA) function.

[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the device comprising:

[0013] A receiving module is configured to receive a first frame sent by an AP. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field. The first field indicates whether a first function is enabled or disabled, and the second field indicates a first threshold associated with the first function. The first function includes: Non-Main Channel Access (NPCA) function, or Secondary Channel Access (SCA) function, or Auxiliary Main Channel Access (APCA) function.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the communication methods as described in the foregoing aspects.

[0015] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising: a receiver; the communication device is configured to implement the communication methods as described in the foregoing aspects.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores at least one program that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the communication methods as described in the foregoing aspects.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product or computer program is provided, the computer program product or computer program including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a processor retrieving the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executing the computer instructions to implement the communication methods as described in the above aspects.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, the chip including a programmable logic circuit and / or at least a program, the chip being used to implement the communication methods as described in the foregoing aspects based on the programmable logic circuit and / or the at least a program.

[0019] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment may include the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The AP indicates whether to enable the first function and / or indicate the first threshold in the first frame, enabling the non-AP STA associated with the AP to use more accurate judgment conditions to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. Furthermore, the channel switching behavior of the non-AP STA associated with the AP is more synchronized with the AP, thereby achieving effective non-primary channel transmission and effectively dealing with OBSS interference. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of non-master channel access provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of secondary channel access provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of secondary channel access provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an asymmetric scenario provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an asymmetric scenario provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the second frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the first frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the fourth frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 13 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 14 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail here, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0038] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this application to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein can be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination." In this specification, when expressing the meaning of Boolean Values, it is expressed that "0" represents "first meaning" and "1" represents "second meaning." Without loss of generality, those skilled in the art will understand that the meanings they represent can be interchanged, that is, "1" represents "first meaning" and "0" represents "second meaning."

[0040] It should be understood that the format, name, and value of the frames / elements / fields involved in the various embodiments of this application are merely examples and do not imply any limitation on the format, name, and value of the frames / elements / fields. In different embodiments or designs, it is possible that one or more of the aforementioned element / field names, their positions in the frame, their arrangement order with other elements / fields, the number of bytes occupied, or the number of bits occupied may change. Similarly, in different embodiments or designs, it is possible that one or more of the aforementioned frame names, included elements / fields, the number of bytes occupied, or the number of bits occupied may change.

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The wireless communication system 100 includes stations (STAs) and other devices. In this application, STAs include access point STAs (AP STAs) and / or non-access point STAs (non-AP STAs), where an AP STA can be simply referred to as an AP. Communication between STAs can be implemented as communication between an AP and a non-AP STA, communication between two non-AP STAs, or communication between a STA and a peer STA. A peer STA refers to a device communicating with another STA; a peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA. Figure 1 illustrates this using an example of a wireless communication system 100 including an AP 110 and a non-AP STA 120.

[0042] The AP 110 is a device deployed in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) / Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system to provide wireless communication capabilities to STAs (Stations). The AP 110 acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. The AP 110 can be a terminal device or network device (such as a router) with a WLAN / Wi-Fi chip.

[0043] In some embodiments, AP 110 can be a device that supports various current and future Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. AP 110 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communications.

[0044] The non-AP STA 120 can be a wireless communication device that supports WLAN / Wi-Fi technology, such as a terminal device with a WLAN / Wi-Fi chip.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA 120 can be a device that supports various current and future IEEE 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The non-AP STA 120 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communication.

[0046] In this application embodiment, the terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), including but not limited to: mobile phones, tablet computers, e-book readers, laptops, desktop computers, televisions, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, mixed reality (MR) devices, extended reality (XR) devices, remote terminals, set-top boxes, vehicle communication equipment, handheld devices, wearable devices, wireless devices in industrial control, wireless devices in self-driving, wireless devices in remote medical care, wireless devices in smart grids, wireless devices in transportation safety, wireless devices in smart cities, wireless devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters, etc.), wireless communication chips, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), systems on chips (SoCs), Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, and vehicle networks (V2X). Vehicles (IoV) nodes, sensors, etc., can also be computing devices with wireless communication capabilities or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0047] In this embodiment, the next-generation WLAN system is an evolution of the 802.11be system and is backward compatible with the 802.11be system. Next-generation Wi-Fi communication refers to any new generation of Wi-Fi communication after Wi-Fi 7 based on the 802.11be specification, such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR) communication.

[0048] In some embodiments, both AP 110 and non-AP STA 120 support the IEEE 802.11 protocol, but are not limited to the IEEE 802.11 protocol.

[0049] It's understandable that the role of a STA in wireless communication is not absolute. For example, when phone A is connected to a router, phone A is a non-AP STA, but when phone A acts as a hotspot for phone B, phone A acts as an AP.

[0050] In some embodiments, the frequency bands supported by the wireless communication system 100 include, but are not limited to: millimeter wave (mmWave) bands (such as 45GHz, 60GHz, etc., which belong to the 30-300GHz range) and low-frequency bands. Among them, low-frequency bands include Sub-7GHz bands (such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc., which belong to the 1-7.25GHz range).

[0051] In some embodiments, there are one or more links between AP 110 and non-AP STA 120.

[0052] In some embodiments, multi-band communication is supported between AP 110 and non-AP STA 120. For example, communication can occur simultaneously on one or more frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, and 60 GHz. Alternatively, communication can occur simultaneously on different channels within the same frequency band or on different channels within different frequency bands. Multi-band communication can improve communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. Such a device supporting multi-band communication can be considered to have multi-link operation (MLO) capability and is commonly referred to as a multi-band device or multi-link device (MLD), sometimes also called a multi-band entity or multi-link entity. In other words, an MLD is an entity or device that supports communication with other MLD entities using multiple wireless links.

[0053] An MLD can include one or more APs; that is, the STAs attached to an MLD are one or more APs. Such an MLD can be called an AP MLD. An MLD can also include one or more non-AP STAs; that is, the STAs attached to an MLD are one or more non-AP STAs. Such an MLD can be called a non-AP MLD. Multiple links can be formed between AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs, and the various APs attached to an AP MLD and the various non-AP STAs attached to a non-AP MLD can communicate through the corresponding links.

[0054] A Basic Service Set (BSS) is the fundamental topology in WLAN / Wi-Fi communication. The communication devices constituting a BSS include one Access Point (AP) and several non-AP STAs (Standard Target Units). After joining the AP's radio domain, each non-AP STA establishes an association with the AP. Associated non-AP STAs and the AP can transmit data, and non-AP STAs within the same BSS can exchange data with each other through the AP.

[0055] In some scenarios, BSSs are deployed densely, with overlapping coverage areas. Different BSSs may even operate in the same frequency band (e.g., 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc.), and their operating channels may partially or completely overlap. If a BSS operates on the same channel as the BSS of a STA, and this BSS is partially or entirely within the Basic Service Area (BSA) of the STA's BSS, then this BSS can be called an OBSS (A BSS operating on the same channel as the STA's BSS and within (either partly or wholly) its BSA). Obviously, STAs located in the overlapping areas of different BSS coverage areas will experience more interference, such as co-channel interference (CCI) and adjacent channel interference (ACI).

[0056] To avoid interference from OBSS, consider having the STA switch to a non-primary channel for transmission.

[0057] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of Non-Primary Channel Access provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. When the AP / non-AP STA detects that the primary channel is occupied by OBSS transmission, it switches to the Auxiliary Primary Channel (or secondary primary channel) and obtains a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) through (MU-)RTS / CTS frame interaction or through BSRP / BSR frame interaction. Here, MU represents Multi User, RTS represents Request-To-Send, CTS represents Clear-To-Send, BSRP represents Buffer Status Report Poll, and BSR represents Buffer Status Report.

[0058] Before acquiring a TXOP on the secondary primary channel, both the AP and non-AP STAs need to perform channel idle detection. When performing channel idle detection on the secondary primary channel, if the AP / non-AP STA can determine that the secondary primary channel was previously occupied by its own BSS in the Network Allocation Vector (NAV) state, then the secondary primary channel can be considered to be idle during the corresponding time period.

[0059] BA indicates a Block Acknowledgment frame. S80 indicates a secondary channel with a bandwidth of 80MHz, and P80 indicates a primary channel with a bandwidth of 80MHz.

[0060] Figure 3 illustrates a secondary channel access diagram provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. The AP simultaneously monitors the primary channel and the second primary channel. During the period when the primary channel is occupied by the OBSS, the AP competes for the TXOP on the second primary channel through RTS / CTS frame interaction or BSRP / BSR frame interaction. The duration of the TXOP does not exceed the duration occupied by the OBSS.

[0061] When a non-AP STA detects that the primary channel is occupied by the OBSS, it switches to the secondary primary channel to wait for the AP to initiate transmission. When the duration occupied by the OBSS ends, it switches back to the primary channel.

[0062] Figure 4 illustrates a secondary channel access diagram provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. The AP and non-AP STA do not require multi-channel concurrent packet detection or Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) capabilities. Furthermore, channel access is only permitted on one non-primary channel (indicated by the AP). The AP and non-AP STA indicate their respective channel handover delays. Before initiating a TXOP on a non-primary channel, the non-AP STA must comply with the Baseline Medium Synchronization Recovery Rules in existing standards. Furthermore, the TXOP period on the non-primary channel is limited to no more than the TXOP period of the OBSS on the primary channel. A short control frame is required when initiating a TXOP on a non-primary channel.

[0063] However, the non-primary channel / secondary channel access schemes shown in Figures 2 to 4 are not suitable for solving OBSS interference problems in asymmetric scenarios. They not only cause unnecessary channel switching and unnecessary initial control frame transmissions in asymmetric scenarios, but also hinder power saving for both the AP and non-AP STAs. Simply put, an asymmetric scenario is one where the AP detects the primary channel is busy while the non-AP STA detects the primary channel is idle, or vice versa.

[0064] Figure 5 illustrates an asymmetric scenario provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. Assume STA1 and STA2 are associated with AP1 (i.e., AP1 establishes BSS1, which includes STA1 and STA2), STA3 is associated with AP2 (i.e., AP2 establishes BSS2, which includes STA3), and STA4, STA5, and STA6 are associated with AP3 (i.e., AP3 establishes BSS3, which includes STA4, STA5, and STA6). The main channels in the operating channels of AP1, AP2, and AP3 partially or completely overlap, but AP1, AP2, and AP3 cannot directly receive each other's signals; that is, AP1, AP2, and AP3 are outside each other's BSAs. STA3 is located in the overlapping area of ​​the BSAs of BSS1 and BSS2. STA1 and STA4 are located in the overlapping area of ​​the BSAs of BSS1 and BSS3. Due to their different locations, the received signal strength of Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) on the primary channel varies significantly between different APs and non-AP STAs. In other words, the intensity of OBSS interference experienced by each AP / non-AP STA differs depending on their location. This can lead to situations where different APs and non-AP STAs do not necessarily switch to non-primary channels at the same time. For example:

[0065] When AP1 is transmitting with STA2, STA4 will detect that the main channel is busy, but AP3, STA5 and STA6 will all detect that the main channel is idle. If STA4 switches to a non-main channel at this time, it will cause STA4 to be unable to transmit with AP3.

[0066] When AP3 is transmitting with STA5 and / or STA6, STA1 will detect that the main channel is busy, but both AP1 and STA2 will detect that the main channel is idle. If STA1 switches to a non-main channel at this time, it will cause STA1 to be unable to transmit with AP1.

[0067] When AP1 is transmitting with STA1 and / or STA2, STA3 will detect that the main channel is busy, but AP2 will detect that the main channel is idle. If STA3 switches to a non-main channel at this time, it will cause STA3 to be unable to transmit with AP2.

[0068] When AP2 is transmitting with STA3, AP1 will detect that the main channel is busy, but STA1 and STA2 will detect that the main channel is idle. If AP1 switches to a non-main channel at this time, it will cause AP1 to be unable to transmit with STA1 and STA2.

[0069] When AP1 is transmitting with STA1, STA4 and AP3 will detect that the main channel is busy, but STA5 and STA6 will detect that the main channel is idle. At this time, AP3 and STA4 switch to the non-main channel. AP3 and STA4 may be able to transmit with each other, but this will cause AP3 to be unable to transmit with STA5 and STA6.

[0070] When AP3 is transmitting with STA4, STA1 and AP1 will detect that the main channel is busy, but STA2 will detect that the main channel is idle. At this time, AP1 and STA1 switch to the non-main channel. AP1 and STA1 may be able to transmit, but this will prevent AP1 from transmitting with STA2.

[0071] As can be seen in the asymmetric scenario shown in Figure 5, if the switch to a non-primary channel is determined solely by detecting the busy / idle status of the primary channel, it will in most cases result in an invalid switch between the AP and non-AP STAs, which still cannot solve the OBSS interference problem, and the transmission reliability within the BSS cannot be guaranteed.

[0072] To avoid such invalid handovers, it's advisable to designate the AP and non-AP STAs to switch to the non-primary channel only when the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU is relatively high. That is, only when adjacent BSSs are relatively close to each other, as shown in Figure 6. In most cases, when a non-AP STA switches channels, the AP will also switch channels, allowing both the AP and non-AP STAs to transmit on the non-primary channel. However, this design still cannot eliminate some invalid handover scenarios. For example, when there is an obstruction between AP4 and AP5, the transmission between AP5 and STA12 will cause STA7 to switch to the non-primary channel. AP4, unable to detect the transmission between AP5 and STA12, will not switch to the non-primary channel, preventing AP4 from transmitting with STA7.

[0073] Clearly, it is necessary to determine more accurate criteria for switching to non-primary channels in order to achieve effective non-primary channel transmission and effectively address the OBSS interference problem.

[0074] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an Access Point (AP). The method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0075] Step 720: Send a first frame to the first non-AP STA. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating whether a first function is enabled or disabled, and the second field indicating a first threshold associated with the first function.

[0076] The first non-AP STA includes one or more non-AP STAs associated with the AP.

[0077] The first function includes Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA), Secondary Channel Access (SCA), or Auxiliary Primary Channel Access (APCA). If a STA enables the first function, it means that the STA can switch from the primary channel to a non-primary channel / secondary channel / auxiliary primary channel for transmission. If a STA disables the first function, it means that the STA cannot switch from the primary channel to a non-primary channel / secondary channel / auxiliary primary channel for transmission. In this application, "non-primary channel," "secondary channel," and "auxiliary primary channel" can be used interchangeably.

[0078] The first threshold is used by a site (AP / non-AP STA) to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel / secondary channel / auxiliary primary channel. For example, the first threshold refers to the Packet Detection Level (PD Level). The first threshold associated with the first function includes NPCA PD level, SCA PD level, or APCA PD level. If a STA has enabled the first function and the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU reaches the first threshold, then the STA switches from the primary channel to a non-primary channel / secondary channel / auxiliary primary channel for transmission. Optionally, the OBSS PPDU can also be understood as a PPDU from a neighboring site, or an inter-BSS PPDU. Neighboring sites include neighboring APs and / or neighboring non-AP STAs.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first threshold is indicated by the AP to the first non-AP STA via the first frame, or suggested, reported, or requested to be modified by the first non-AP STA to the AP, or as agreed upon by the communication protocol.

[0080] In summary, the method provided in this application allows the AP to indicate more accurate channel switching conditions through the first frame. Thanks to the AP's indication, when OBSS interference exists, the non-AP STA associated with the AP can use more accurate conditions to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. Furthermore, the channel switching behavior of the non-AP STA associated with the AP is more synchronized with the AP, thereby achieving effective non-primary channel transmission and effectively addressing OBSS interference. Besides the AP instructing the first function to be enabled or disabled, regardless of whether the first threshold is indicated by the AP, suggested by a non-AP STA, or requested to be modified by a non-AP STA, it ensures that the AP and its associated non-AP STA maintain a consistent understanding of the channel switching conditions, preventing situations where one party switches channels while the other does not.

[0081] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a first non-AP STA. The method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0082] Step 820: Receive a first frame, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating whether a first function is enabled or disabled, and the second field indicating a first threshold associated with the first function.

[0083] The first frame comes from the AP, and the first non-AP STA includes one or more non-AP STAs associated with the AP.

[0084] The first function includes NPCA, SCA, or APCA access. If a STA enables the first function, it means that the STA can switch from the primary channel to a non-primary channel / secondary channel / auxiliary primary channel for transmission. If a STA disables the first function, it means that the STA cannot switch from the primary channel to a non-primary channel / secondary channel / auxiliary primary channel for transmission.

[0085] The first threshold is, for example, the PD Level. The first threshold associated with the first function includes NPCA PD level, SCA PD level, or APCA PD level. If a STA has enabled the first function and the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU reaches the first threshold, then the STA switches from the primary channel to a non-primary channel / secondary channel / auxiliary primary channel for transmission. Optionally, the OBSS PPDU can also be understood as a PPDU from a neighboring site, or an inter-BSS PPDU. Neighboring sites include neighboring APs and / or neighboring non-AP STAs.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first threshold is indicated by the AP to the first non-AP STA via the first frame, or suggested, reported, or requested to be modified by the first non-AP STA to the AP, or as agreed upon by the communication protocol.

[0087] In summary, the method provided in this application allows the AP to indicate more accurate channel switching conditions through the first frame. Thanks to the AP's indication, when OBSS interference exists, the non-AP STA associated with the AP can use more accurate conditions to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. Furthermore, the channel switching behavior of the non-AP STA associated with the AP is more synchronized with the AP, thereby achieving effective non-primary channel transmission and effectively addressing OBSS interference. Besides the AP instructing the first function to be enabled or disabled, regardless of whether the first threshold is indicated by the AP, suggested by a non-AP STA, or requested to be modified by a non-AP STA, it ensures that the AP and its associated non-AP STA maintain a consistent understanding of the channel switching conditions, preventing situations where one party switches channels while the other does not.

[0088] In some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in FIG7 and / or FIG8, the first frame is sent by the APs when the access points are mutually reachable. Restricting the APs to send the first frame when the access points are mutually reachable solves the invalid handover problem shown in FIG6 and ensures effective non-primary channel transmission.

[0089] For example, if an AP can receive a beacon frame directly from a neighboring AP, the AP can enable the first function, and the AP sends a first frame to one or more non-AP STAs associated with it. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field, where the first field indicates that the first function is enabled and the second field indicates a first threshold.

[0090] Conversely, if an AP cannot directly receive beacon frames from neighboring APs, the AP disables the first function. When the first function is disabled, the AP may send a first frame or not. If the AP sends a first frame, the first frame includes a first field and / or a second field; the first field indicates that the first function is disabled, and the second field indicates a first threshold.

[0091] In some embodiments, the AP can directly receive beacon frames from neighboring APs, which can be understood as the received signal strength of the PPDU carrying the beacon frames of neighboring APs received by the AP being greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first threshold is agreed upon by the communication protocol, or is predefined, or is determined by the AP according to an implementation-specific method.

[0093] In some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in FIG7 and / or FIG8, the first threshold is determined by the AP according to neighbor information. The neighbor information includes one or more of the following: the received signal strength of the PPDU from a neighboring site, the bandwidth of the PPDU from the neighboring site, the identifier of the neighboring site, the BSS identifier (BSSID) of the BSS to which the neighboring site belongs, and the BSS color of the BSS to which the neighboring site belongs. A neighboring site refers to an AP's neighboring sites, and includes neighboring APs and / or neighboring non-AP STAs.

[0094] In this application, the received signal strength can be represented by a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value, a Received Signal Strength Level, a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), a Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), a Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), or a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Optionally, PPDUs from neighboring sites can be understood as OBSS PPDUs or inter-BSS PPDUs.

[0095] In this application, the identifier of a neighboring site can be the media access control (MAC) address of the neighboring site, the device identifier of the neighboring site, or the association identifier (AID) of the neighboring site.

[0096] In some embodiments, neighbor information is obtained by the AP listening to it, and / or by the non-AP STA associated with the AP reporting it.

[0097] In some embodiments, when the first non-AP STA establishes an association with the AP, and / or, after the first non-AP STA establishes an association with the AP, the first non-AP STA reports neighbor information (i.e., information about neighboring sites) to the AP, including one or more of the following: information about one neighboring AP, information about multiple neighboring APs, information about one neighboring non-AP STA, and information about multiple neighboring non-AP STAs. It should be noted that the neighboring AP in the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA refers to the neighboring AP of the first non-AP STA. If an AP is a neighboring AP of the first non-AP STA, it means that the first non-AP STA can receive PPDUs from that AP; the neighboring non-AP STA in the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA refers to the neighboring non-AP STA of the first non-AP STA. If a non-AP STA is a neighboring non-AP STA of the first non-AP STA, it means that the first non-AP STA can receive PPDUs from that non-AP STA.

[0098] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA associated with an AP reports neighbor information in a second frame.

[0099] In some embodiments, the second frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field indicating whether the second frame is used for a neighbor report request or for a neighbor report response; a BSSID field indicating the BSSID of the BSS to which the neighboring site belongs; a Bandwidth (BW) field indicating the bandwidth of the PPDU from the neighboring site; a field indicating the identifier of the neighboring site; a BSS color field indicating the BSS color of the BSS to which the neighboring site belongs; and a Received Signal Strength field indicating the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighboring site.

[0100] In some embodiments, the AP obtains neighbor information by listening to PPDUs sent by neighboring APs, and / or listening to PPDUs sent by non-AP STAs associated with neighboring APs.

[0101] Taking the example of the first AP obtaining neighbor information through listening to and reporting from the first non-AP STA, Table 1 shows the neighbor information obtained by the first AP. Here, AID 0 represents the first AP itself, AID 1 represents the first non-AP STA, and received signal strength is represented by RSSI. All values, numbers, and addresses in the table are examples and not limitations.

[0102] Table 1. Neighbor information of the first AP

[0103] The first threshold is used by the AP and / or the non-AP STA associated with the AP to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel.

[0104] Furthermore, regarding how the AP determines the first threshold based on neighbor information, this application presents the following four schemes.

[0105] Option 1: The AP determines a unified first threshold (One NPCA PD level) for its BSS based on neighbor information.

[0106] The unified first threshold can also be understood as the default first threshold or the common first threshold. Therefore, within the BSS where the AP is located, both the AP itself and the various non-AP STAs associated with the AP use the same first threshold to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel.

[0107] In some embodiments, the uniform first threshold is agreed upon by the communication protocol, or predefined, or determined by the AP according to an implementation-specific method.

[0108] For example, the 80 / 20 rule can be used to determine the first threshold, ensuring that the main non-AP STAs and APs that can participate in non-primary channel transmission can switch to the non-primary channel simultaneously. For instance, in the neighbor information, all RSSIs greater than the OBSS PD Level are arranged in descending order, and the first threshold is the RSSI value at the top 20% of the total number. Here, the OBSS PD Level is a threshold used for OBSS packet detection-based spatial reuse. A station can adjust this threshold based on the bandwidth of the received PPDU and its own transmit power (If using OBSS PD-based spatial reuse, an HE STA shall maintain an OBSS PD level and may adjust this OBSS PD level in conjunction with its transmit power and a value, PPDU_BW, derived from the received PPDU).

[0109] For example, a first threshold can be determined based on the majority principle to ensure that a majority of non-AP STAs and APs capable of participating in non-primary channel transmission can simultaneously switch to the non-primary channel. For instance, in the neighbor information, all RSSIs greater than the OBSS PD Level can be arranged in descending order, and the first threshold can be taken as the RSSI value of the top 80% of the total number.

[0110] If any of the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA contains a received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) greater than or equal to a first threshold, then the AP sends a first frame to instruct the first non-AP STA to enable the first function and to indicate the first threshold for the first non-AP STA. That is, the AP sends the first frame if one or more neighbor information reports by the first non-AP STA indicate that the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to the first neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to the first threshold. Otherwise, if all received signal strengths (e.g., RSSI) in all neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA are less than the first threshold, then the AP instructs the first non-AP STA to disable the first function.

[0111] Option 2: AP determines the first threshold for different OBSSs based on neighbor information (Per OBSS NPCA PD level / Per Neighbor BSS NPCA PD level).

[0112] Because each AP / non-AP STA is affected differently by different OBSSs (e.g., different OBSSs have different locations, different BSAs, different operating bandwidths of different AP / non-AP STAs, different transmission bandwidths occupied by different AP / non-AP STAs during transmission, etc.), the AP can determine multiple first thresholds within its own BSS based on neighbor information, with each first threshold corresponding to a specific OBSS. In other words, the AP determines a first threshold for each neighbor BSS of its own BSS based on neighbor information.

[0113] In some embodiments, different OBSSs / different neighboring BSSs can be distinguished by BSS color and / or BSSID.

[0114] For example, neighbor information with the same BSS color corresponds to the same OBSS, and a first threshold corresponding to that OBSS is determined based on the neighbor information with the same BSS color. That is, neighbor information with the same BSS corresponds to the same neighbor BSS of AP, and a first threshold corresponding to that neighbor BSS is determined based on the neighbor information with the same BSS color.

[0115] For example, neighbor information with the same BSSID belonging to the same BSSS corresponds to the same OBSS, and the first threshold corresponding to that OBSS is determined based on the neighbor information with the same BSSID. That is, neighbor information with the same BSSID corresponds to the same neighbor BSS of the AP, and the first threshold corresponding to that neighbor BSS is determined based on the neighbor information with the same BSSID.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first threshold corresponding to each OBSS / each neighbor BSS is agreed upon by the communication protocol, predefined, or determined by the AP according to an implementation-specific method. Optionally, the first thresholds corresponding to different neighbor BSSs may be different, but it is not excluded that some neighbor BSSs may have the same first threshold. For example, the first threshold can be determined according to the 80 / 20 rule or the majority principle, as described in Scheme 1.

[0117] In some embodiments, there may be neighbor information where the BSS color and BSSID are unknown. The AP cannot determine the OBSS / neighbor BSS corresponding to this neighbor information. Therefore, the AP can determine a default first threshold based on this neighbor information where the corresponding OBSS / neighbor BSS cannot be determined.

[0118] In some embodiments, the default first threshold is agreed upon by the communication protocol, predefined, or determined by the AP according to an implementation-specific method. For example, the first threshold can be determined according to the 80 / 20 rule or the majority principle, as described in Scheme 1.

[0119] In other words, this application supports the AP to determine the first threshold for each known OBSS / neighbor BSS, and also supports the AP to determine the default first threshold for unknown OBSS / neighbor BSS, so as to avoid hidden sites not having accurate judgment conditions to determine whether to switch to non-primary channels, thereby fully ensuring the reliability of non-primary channel transmission within the BSS.

[0120] In some embodiments, the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA, and / or the neighbor information monitored by the AP, may correspond to one or more OBSSs. Therefore, the AP can indicate one or more first thresholds to the first non-AP STA, along with the BSS color and / or the corresponding BSSID for each first threshold. Optionally, the one or more first thresholds indicated by the AP may include a default first threshold (determined based on neighbor information where both the BSS color and BSSID are unknown).

[0121] If the received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) reported by the first non-AP STA is greater than or equal to a first threshold in the neighbor information, then the AP sends a first frame to instruct the first non-AP STA to enable the first function and to indicate one or more first thresholds for the first non-AP STA. That is, if the one or more neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicates that the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to the first neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to the first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS, the AP sends a first frame to the first non-AP STA. The first field in the first frame indicates enabling the first function, and the second field indicates one or more first thresholds, including the first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS.

[0122] Otherwise, if all received signal strengths (such as RSSI) in all neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA are less than a first threshold, the AP instructs the first non-AP STA to disable the first function. That is, if all neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicates that the received signal strength of all PPDUs corresponding to all neighbor BSSs is less than the first threshold corresponding to each neighbor BSS, the AP sends a first frame to the first non-AP STA, where the first field indicates disabling the first function. Optionally, the first frame may also include a second field, which indicates one or more first thresholds.

[0123] For example, taking the first function as NPCA and the first threshold as NPCA PD level as an example, STA1 reports multiple neighbor information, where the RSSI corresponding to BSS1 is greater than the NPCA PD level 1 corresponding to BSS1, the RSSI corresponding to BSS2 is greater than the NPCA PD level 2 corresponding to BSS2, and the RSSI corresponding to BSS3 is less than the NPCA PD level 3 corresponding to BSS3. Then, AP sends the first frame to STA1, instructing STA1 to enable the NPCA function, and instructing STA1 to provide NPCA PD level 1 and its corresponding BSS Color 1, and NPCA PD level 2 and its corresponding BSS Color 2.

[0124] For example, if the first function is NPCA and the first threshold is NPCA PD level, STA2 reports the neighbor information of an unknown OBSS. If the RSSI corresponding to the unknown OBSS is greater than the default NPCA PD level, then AP sends the first frame to STA2, instructing STA2 to enable the NPCA function and indicating the default NPCA PD level to STA2.

[0125] When an AP and / or the first non-AP STA receives an OBSS PPDU, if the BSS to which the OBSS PPDU belongs can be determined (i.e., the BSS color and / or BSSID corresponding to the OBSS PPDU are known), then a first threshold corresponding to the BSS to which the OBSS PPDU belongs is used to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. If the BSS to which the OBSS PPDU belongs cannot be determined (i.e., the BSS color and / or BSSID corresponding to the OBSS PPDU are unknown), then a default NPCA PD level is used to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first non-AP STA may also suggest and / or request modification of the first threshold via a third frame. Optionally, "suggestion" may be extended to "expectation," in which case the AP may accept or reject the suggestion / expectation / request from the first non-AP STA. For example, the third frame may include the first non-AP STA's suggestion / expectation / request to modify the NPA PD level, but the AP may accept or reject the suggestion / expectation / request from the first non-AP STA.

[0127] In some embodiments, the third frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field for indicating the BSS color corresponding to a neighboring BSS; a field for indicating the BSS identifier corresponding to a neighboring BSS; and a field for indicating a first threshold corresponding to a neighboring BSS.

[0128] Option 3: The AP determines the first threshold (Per STA NPCA PD level) for different STAs based on neighbor information.

[0129] Because each AP / non-AP STA is affected differently by different OBSSs (e.g., different OBSS locations, different BSAs, different operating bandwidths of different AP / non-AP STAs, different transmission bandwidths occupied by different AP / non-AP STAs during transmission, etc.), the AP can determine multiple first thresholds within its BSS based on neighbor information. Each first threshold corresponds to a non-AP STA. In other words, the AP determines a first threshold for each non-AP STA associated with it based on neighbor information.

[0130] In some embodiments, the AP determines a first threshold for its own use based on neighbor information it acquires through monitoring. Specifically, the first threshold used by the AP is agreed upon by the communication protocol, predefined, or determined by the AP according to an implementation-specific method. For example, the first threshold can be determined according to the 80 / 20 rule or majority principle, as described in Scheme 1. For ease of explanation, the first threshold used by the AP can be denoted as NPCA PD level 0.

[0131] In some embodiments, the AP determines one or more target BSSs based on a first threshold it uses (e.g., NPCA PD level 0). The one or more target BSSs determined based on NPCA PD level 0 are OBSSs that would cause OBSS interference to the AP. For example, if the received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) in a neighbor's information acquired by the AP is greater than or equal to NPCA PD level 0, then the BSS corresponding to that neighbor's information belongs to one or more target BSSs.

[0132] In some embodiments, the AP determines the minimum value among one or more PPDUs with received signal strength greater than a second threshold based on the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA, and sets this minimum value as the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA, denoted as NPCA PD level x. If there is no received signal strength greater than the second threshold in the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA, then the minimum value among the received signal strengths greater than NPCA PD level 0 in the neighbor information of the unknown neighbor BSS is determined as NPCA PD level x. In other words, the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA (e.g., NPCA PD level x) is determined by the AP based on the minimum received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one neighbor BSS reported by the first non-AP STA, where the received signal strength of the at least one PPDU corresponding to the at least one neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to a second threshold; or, it is determined by the AP based on the minimum received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one unknown neighbor BSS (referring to neighbor BSSs whose BSS color and BSSID are both unknown) reported by the first non-AP STA, where the received signal strength of the at least one PPDU corresponding to the at least one unknown neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to the first threshold used by the AP itself (e.g., NPCA PD level 0). Optionally, the second threshold is the OBSS PD level.

[0133] In some embodiments, the AP sends a first frame to a first non-AP STA. The first frame includes a first field indicating that a first function is enabled, and a second field indicating a first threshold (e.g., NPCA PD level x) corresponding to the first non-AP STA.

[0134] In some embodiments, if the AP determines that a first non-AP STA has a corresponding first threshold, the AP sends a first frame, in which a first field indicates that the first function is enabled, and a second field indicates the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA (e.g., NPCA PD level x). Otherwise, if the AP determines that a first non-AP STA does not have a corresponding first threshold, the AP sends a first frame, in which a first field indicates that the first function is disabled. Optionally, the first frame also includes a second field, in which the second field indicates the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA (e.g., NPCA PD level x).

[0135] In this case, when AP determines that the first non-AP STA has a corresponding first threshold, it can be understood that AP can determine the first threshold separately for the first non-AP STA, or it can be understood that AP can determine the first threshold used by the first non-AP STA.

[0136] When AP determines that there is no corresponding first threshold for the first non-AP STA, it can be understood that AP cannot determine the first threshold for the first non-AP STA alone, or that AP cannot determine the first threshold used by the first non-AP STA.

[0137] For example, taking the NPCA function as the first function and the NPCA PD level as the first threshold, the first AP determines its own NPCA PD level 0 based on the neighbor information it has monitored, and determines that NPCA PD level 0 corresponds to BSS1, BSS2, and BSS3. STA1 reports the neighbor information corresponding to BSS1, BSS2, and BSS3, where the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU corresponding to BSS1 is RSSI 1, the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU corresponding to BSS2 is RSSI 2, and the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU corresponding to BSS3 is RSSI 3. RSSI 1 is greater than RSSI 2, and both RSSI 1 and RSSI 2 are greater than the OBSS PD level, while RSSI 3 is less than the OBSS PD level. Therefore, the first AP determines that STA1's NPCA PD level is RSSI 2. Then, the first AP instructs STA1 to enable the NPCA function and indicates to STA1 that the value of STA1's corresponding NPCA PD level is RSSI 2.

[0138] For example, taking the NPCA function as the first function and the NPCA PD level as the first threshold, the first AP determines its own NPCA PD level 0 based on the neighbor information it has monitored, and determines that NPCA PD level 0 corresponds to BSS1, BSS2, and BSS3. STA2 reports neighbor information for unknown OBSSs (or unknown neighbor BSSs, i.e., neighbor BSSs whose BSS color and BSSID are both unknown). The received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU corresponding to one unknown OBSS is RSSI m, and the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU corresponding to another unknown OBSS is RSSI n. RSSI m is greater than NPCA PD level 0, and RSSI n is less than NPCA level 0, so the first AP determines that STA2's NPCA PD level is RSSI m. Then, the first AP instructs STA2 to enable the NPCA function and indicates to STA2 that the value of STA2's corresponding NPCA PD level is RSSI m.

[0139] When an AP receives an OBSS PPDU, it determines whether to switch to a non-primary channel based on its own NPCA PD level 0. When the first non-AP STA receives an OBSS PPDU, it determines whether to switch to a non-primary channel based on the NPCA PD level x corresponding to the first non-AP STA.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first non-AP STA may also suggest and / or request modification of the first threshold (e.g., NPCA PD level x) corresponding to the first non-AP STA via the third frame. Optionally, "suggestion" can be extended to "expectation," in which case the AP can accept or reject the suggestion / expectation / request from the first non-AP STA. For example, the third frame may include the NPCA PD level x suggested / expected / requested by the first non-AP STA, but the AP is not required to use the NPCA PD level x included in the third frame. That is, the AP can accept the suggestion / expectation / request from the first non-AP STA and use the NPCA PD level x included in the third frame as the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA, or the AP can reject the suggestion / expectation / request from the first non-AP STA and not use the NPCA PD level x included in the third frame as the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA.

[0141] Option 4: The AP determines the first threshold (Per STA per OBSS NPCA PD level) for different STAs and different OBSSs based on the neighbor information.

[0142] Because each AP / non-AP STA is affected differently by different OBSSs (e.g., different OBSSs have different locations, different OBSSs have different BSAs, different AP / non-AP STAs have different operating bandwidths, different AP / non-AP STAs occupy different transmission bandwidths during transmission, etc.), the AP can determine multiple first thresholds corresponding to multiple non-AP STAs within its BSS based on neighbor information. Each first threshold corresponds to one non-AP STA and one OBSS. In other words, the AP determines a first threshold for each neighbor BSS of each non-AP STA associated with the AP based on neighbor information. One non-AP STA corresponds to multiple first thresholds, and each first threshold corresponds to one OBSS.

[0143] In some embodiments, the AP determines one or more first thresholds for its own use based on neighbor information it acquires through monitoring. Specifically, the first thresholds used by the AP are agreed upon by the communication protocol, predefined, or determined by the AP according to an implementation-specific method. For example, the first thresholds used by the AP can be determined according to the 80 / 20 rule or the majority principle, as described in Scheme 1. For ease of explanation, the one or more first thresholds used by the AP can be denoted as NPCA PD level p, where each NPCA PD level p corresponds to one OBSS / one neighbor BSS.

[0144] In some embodiments, different OBSSs / different neighboring BSSs can be distinguished by BSS color and / or BSSID.

[0145] For example, neighbor information with the same BSS color corresponds to the same OBSS, and a first threshold corresponding to that OBSS is determined based on the neighbor information with the same BSS color. That is, neighbor information with the same BSS corresponds to the same neighbor BSS of AP, and a first threshold corresponding to that neighbor BSS is determined based on the neighbor information with the same BSS color.

[0146] For example, neighbor information with the same BSSID belonging to the same BSSS corresponds to the same OBSS, and the first threshold corresponding to that OBSS is determined based on the neighbor information with the same BSSID. That is, neighbor information with the same BSSID corresponds to the same neighbor BSS of the AP, and the first threshold corresponding to that neighbor BSS is determined based on the neighbor information with the same BSSID.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first threshold corresponding to each OBSS / each neighbor BSS is agreed upon by the communication protocol, predefined, or determined by the AP according to an implementation-specific method. Optionally, the first thresholds corresponding to different neighbor BSSs may be different, but it is not excluded that some neighbor BSSs may have the same first threshold. For example, the first threshold can be determined according to the 80 / 20 rule or the majority principle, as described in Scheme 1.

[0148] In some embodiments, there may be neighbor information where the BSS color and BSSID are unknown. The AP cannot determine the OBSS / neighbor BSS corresponding to this neighbor information. Therefore, the AP can determine a default first threshold based on this neighbor information where the corresponding OBSS / neighbor BSS cannot be determined.

[0149] In some embodiments, the default first threshold is agreed upon by the communication protocol, predefined, or determined by the AP according to an implementation-specific method. For example, the first threshold can be determined according to the 80 / 20 rule or the majority principle, as described in Scheme 1.

[0150] In other words, this application supports the AP to determine the first threshold for each known OBSS / neighbor BSS, and also supports the AP to determine the default first threshold for unknown OBSS / neighbor BSS, so as to avoid hidden sites not having accurate judgment conditions to determine whether to switch to non-primary channels, thereby fully ensuring the reliability of non-primary channel transmission within the BSS.

[0151] In some embodiments, the AP determines one or more target BSSs based on a first threshold it uses (e.g., NPCA PD level p). The one or more target BSSs determined based on NPCA PD level p are OBSSs that would cause OBSS interference to the AP. For example, if the received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) in a neighbor's information acquired by the AP is greater than or equal to NPCA PD level p, then the BSS corresponding to that neighbor's information belongs to one or more target BSSs.

[0152] In some embodiments, the AP determines the minimum received signal strength of one or more PPDUs greater than a second threshold corresponding to each OBSS, based on the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA, as the first threshold corresponding to one OBSS of the first non-AP STA, denoted as NPCA PD level q. The AP also determines the minimum received signal strength of unknown neighbor BSSs greater than the default NPCA PD level q0, based on the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA. In other words, the first threshold (e.g., NPCA PD level q) corresponding to an OBSS of the first non-AP STA is determined by the AP based on the minimum received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to this OBSS reported by the first non-AP STA, where the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to this OBSS is greater than or equal to the second threshold; or, the first threshold (e.g., NPCA PD level q0) corresponding to an OBSS of the first non-AP STA is determined by the AP based on the minimum received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one unknown neighbor BSS (referring to neighbor BSSs whose BSS color and BSSID are both unknown) reported by the first non-AP STA, where the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to this unknown neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to the default NPCA PD level. Optionally, the second threshold is the OBSS PD level.

[0153] In some embodiments, the AP sends a first frame to the first non-AP STA. The first frame includes a first field indicating that the first function is enabled, and a second field indicating the first threshold (e.g., NPCA PD level q / NPCA PD level q0) corresponding to each OBSS / each neighbor BSS of the first non-AP STA.

[0154] In some embodiments, if the AP determines that the first non-AP STA has at least one corresponding first threshold, the AP sends a first frame, in which a first field indicates that the first function is enabled, and a second field indicates the first threshold (e.g., NPCA PD level q / NPCA PD level q0) corresponding to each OBSS / each neighbor BSS of the first non-AP STA. Otherwise, if the AP determines that the first non-AP STA does not have a corresponding first threshold, the AP sends a first frame, in which a first field indicates that the first function is disabled. Optionally, the first frame also includes a second field, in which the second field indicates the first threshold (e.g., NPCA PD level q / NPCA PD level q0) corresponding to each OBSS / each neighbor BSS of the first non-AP STA.

[0155] In this case, when AP determines that the first non-AP STA has a corresponding first threshold, it can be understood that AP can determine the first threshold separately for the first non-AP STA, or it can be understood that AP can determine the first threshold used by the first non-AP STA.

[0156] When AP determines that there is no corresponding first threshold for the first non-AP STA, it can be understood that AP cannot determine the first threshold for the first non-AP STA alone, or that AP cannot determine the first threshold used by the first non-AP STA.

[0157] For example, after the first AP determines one or more NPCA PD levels p to use and one or more OBSSs corresponding to NPCA PD level p, the first AP determines the minimum RSSI value greater than the OBSS PD level for each OBSS based on the neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA. If such a minimum value exists, it is used as the NPCA PD level for the first non-AP STA corresponding to the OBSS (denoted as NPCA PD level q). The first AP may also select the minimum RSSI value among the unknown OBSS neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA that is greater than the default NPCA PD level as the default NPCA PD level for the first non-AP STA (denoted as NPCA PD level q0). Then, the first access point instructs the first non-AP STA to enable the NPCA function and instructs the first non-AP STA to use one or more NPCA PD levels q and / or NPCA PD level q0. Otherwise, the first AP instructs the first non-AP STA to disable the NPCA function.

[0158] For example, taking the first function as NPCA and the first threshold as NPCA PD level as an example, the first AP determines its own NPCA PD level q based on the neighbor information it has monitored. This includes: NPCA PD level q1 (corresponding to BSS1), NPCA PD level q2 (corresponding to BSS2), NPCA PD level q3 (corresponding to BSS3), and the default NPCA PD level q0. STA1 reports the neighbor information corresponding to BSS1, BSS2, and BSS3. Among them, the received signal strength of OBSS PPDU1 corresponding to BSS1 is RSSI 1, the received signal strength of OBSS PPDU2 corresponding to BSS1 is RSSI 2, the received signal strength of OBSS PPDU3 corresponding to BSS1 is RSSI 3, the received signal strength of OBSS PPDU4 corresponding to BSS2 is RSSI 4, the received signal strength of OBSS PPDU5 corresponding to BSS2 is RSSI 5, and the received signal strength of OBSS PPDU6 corresponding to BSS3 is RSSI 6. If RSSI 1 is greater than RSSI 2, and both RSSI 1 and RSSI 2 are greater than the OBSS PD level, RSSI 3 is less than the OBSS PD level, RSSI 4 is greater than the OBSS PD level, RSSI 5 is less than the OBSS PD level, and RSSI 6 is less than the OBSS PD level, then the first AP determines that the NPCA PD level for STA1's corresponding BSS1 is RSSI 2, and the NPCA PD level for STA1's corresponding BSS2 is RSSI 4. Then, the first AP sends a first frame to instruct STA1 to enable the NPCA function and indicates to STA1 that the NPCA PD level for STA1's corresponding BSS1 is RSSI 2, and the NPCA PD level for STA1's corresponding BSS2 is RSSI 4.

[0159] For example, taking the first function as NPCA and the first threshold as NPCA PD level as an example. The first AP determines its own NPCA PD level q based on the neighbor information it has monitored, including: NPCA PD level q1 (corresponding to BSS1), NPCA PD level q2 (corresponding to BSS2), NPCA PD level q3 (corresponding to BSS3), and the default NPCA PD level q0. STA2 reports neighbor information for unknown OBSSs, where the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU corresponding to one unknown OBSS is RSSI m, and the received signal strength of the OBSS PPDU corresponding to another unknown OBSS is RSSI n. If RSSI m is greater than NPCA PD level 0 and RSSI n is less than NPCA PD level 0, then the first AP sends the first frame to instruct STA2 to enable the NPCA function and indicates to STA2 that the default NPCA PD level for STA2 is RSSI m.

[0160] When an AP and / or the first non-AP STA receives an OBSS PPDU, if the OBSS to which the OBSS PPDU belongs can be determined (i.e., the BSS color and / or BSSID corresponding to the OBSS PPDU are known), then the decision to switch to a non-primary channel is made based on the NPCA PD level corresponding to the OBSS. If the OBSS to which the OBSS PPDU belongs cannot be determined (i.e., the BSS color and BSSID corresponding to the OBSS PPDU are unknown), then the decision to switch to a non-primary channel is made based on the default NPCA PD level.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first non-AP STA may also suggest and / or request modification of the first threshold (e.g., NPCA PD level q) corresponding to the first non-AP STA via the third frame. Optionally, "suggestion" can be extended to "expectation," in which case the AP can accept or reject the suggestion / expectation / request from the first non-AP STA. For example, the third frame may include the NPCA PD level q suggested / expected / requested by the first non-AP STA, but the AP is not required to use the NPCA PD level q included in the third frame. That is, the AP can accept the suggestion / expectation / request from the first non-AP STA and use the NPCA PD level q included in the third frame as the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA, or the AP can reject the suggestion / expectation / request from the first non-AP STA and not use the NPCA PD level q included in the third frame as the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA.

[0162] In some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in FIG7 and / or FIG8, the second non-AP STA on the main channel can also be configured to enable or disable a second function. The second function refers to the ability of a station operating on the main channel to receive and parse control response frames on a non-main channel. Optionally, the second non-AP STA is a UHR STA, that is, the second non-AP STA supports the UHR protocol. Optionally, the second non-AP STA may be the same as or different from the first non-AP STA.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second non-AP STA indicates to the AP whether it supports the second function, and / or indicates to the AP whether it expects to enable the second function.

[0164] For example, when the second non-AP STA establishes an association with the AP, the second non-AP STA indicates its capability information to the AP. This capability information includes whether it supports a second function, that is, whether it can receive and parse control response frames sent by the AP or other non-AP STAs on a non-primary channel. If the second non-AP STA supports the second function, then after the second non-AP STA residing on the primary channel sends a control frame, it can receive and parse control response frames sent by the AP or other non-AP STAs on a non-primary channel.

[0165] In some embodiments, in order to save power, after the second non-AP STA establishes an association with the AP, the second function of the second non-AP STA is disabled by default.

[0166] In some embodiments, the AP instructs a second non-AP STA to enable a second function. For example, a first AP establishes a first BSS, and when the number of stations supporting the first function in the current first BSS is small (e.g., the number of stations supporting the first function is less than a certain threshold), the first AP instructs the second non-AP STA to enable the second function in order to achieve effective non-primary channel transmission. Another example is when, based on historical statistics, the previous success rate of non-primary channel access was low (e.g., the historical success rate of non-primary channel access was below a certain threshold), the first AP instructs the second non-AP STA to enable the second function. In other words, to further improve the success rate / reliability of non-primary channel transmission, the first AP can instruct the second non-AP STA to enable the second function at an appropriate time.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second non-AP STA may also send a notification to the AP to instruct the second non-AP STA to enable or disable the second function. For example, the second non-AP STA may use one or more of the following frames to instruct the AP that it will enable or disable the second function: an Operating Mode Notification frame, a Quality of Service Data Frame (QoSData Frame) carrying an Operating Mode Control (OM Control) field, a QoS Null Frame carrying an OM Control field, or a Management Frame carrying an OM Control field.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second non-AP STA indicates to the AP whether it expects to receive and parse control response frames sent by the AP or other non-AP STAs on a non-primary channel. For example, the second non-AP STA indicates to the AP whether it expects to receive and parse control response frames sent by the AP or other non-AP STAs on a non-primary channel via one or more of the following frames: RTS frame, MU-RTS frame, trigger frame.

[0169] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an AP and a first non-AP STA. The method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0170] Step 910: The AP obtains information about one or more neighbors.

[0171] Neighbor information refers to information about a neighboring site, which includes neighboring APs and / or neighboring non-AP STAs.

[0172] Neighbor information includes one or more of the following: received signal strength of PPDU from neighboring sites, bandwidth of PPDU from neighboring sites, identifier of neighboring sites, BSSID of BSS to which neighboring sites belong, and BSS color of BSS to which neighboring sites belong.

[0173] In some embodiments, neighbor information is obtained by the AP listening to it, and / or by the non-AP STA associated with the AP reporting it.

[0174] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA associated with an AP reports neighbor information to the AP via a second frame. This second frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field indicating whether the second frame is used for a neighbor report request or a neighbor report response; a BSSID field indicating the BSSID of the neighboring site's BSS; a BW field indicating the bandwidth of the PPDU from the neighboring site; a field indicating the identifier of the neighboring site; a BSS color field indicating the BSS color of the neighboring site's BSS; and a received signal strength field indicating the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighboring site.

[0175] In some embodiments, the second frame includes one or more of the following frames: an Association Request Frame, a Radio Measurement Report Frame, and a management frame. For example, when a non-AP STA establishes an association with an AP, it reports neighbor information via a modified Association Request Frame; and / or, after establishing an association with an AP, the non-AP STA reports neighbor information via a modified Radio Measurement Report Frame and / or a newly defined management frame, enabling the AP to obtain as much neighbor information as possible, thereby improving the accuracy of the first threshold and making the first threshold determined by the AP more consistent with the actual communication environment.

[0176] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a second frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, including a MAC frame header and / or a MAC frame body and / or a Frame Check Sequence (FCS). The MAC frame header includes one or more of the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control (Seqctl), and High Throughput Control (HT Control).

[0177] The MAC frame body includes an Action Field, which contains one or more of the following fields: Category, Radio Measurement Action, Dialog Token, and Neighbor Report Elements. The Category, Radio Measurement Action, and Dialog Token fields each occupy 1 byte, while the Neighbor Report Elements field occupies a variable number of bytes. Optionally, the Category field in the second frame may have a value of 5.

[0178] The radio measurement action field indicates whether the second frame is used for a Neighbor Report Request or a Neighbor Report Response. For example, a value of 4 for the radio measurement action field represents a Neighbor Report Request, and a value of 5 represents a Neighbor Report Response; or, a value of 5 for the radio measurement action field represents a Neighbor Report Request, and a value of 4 represents a Neighbor Report Response. Of course, the value of the radio measurement action field can be any value other than 4 or 5, and this application does not limit this.

[0179] The list of neighbor report elements includes one or more neighbor report elements, which can be referred to as Neighbor Report Element 1 to Neighbor Report Element M, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0180] A neighbor report element includes one or more of the following fields: Element ID, Length, BSSID, BSSID Information, Operating Class, Channel Number, Physical Layer Type (PHY Type), and Optional Subelements. The BSSID field is 6 bytes long, the BSSID Information field is 4 bytes long, the Optional Subelements field has a variable number of bytes, and the other fields are each 1 byte long.

[0181] The BSSID field is used to indicate the BSSID of the BSS to which the neighboring site belongs.

[0182] The optional sub-element list includes one or more sub-elements, which can be referred to as sub-element 1 to sub-element N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0183] A sub-element includes one or more of the following fields: Subelement ID, Length, Neighbor MAC Address, BSS Color, RSSI, and BW. The Neighbor MAC Address field occupies 6 bytes, while the other fields each occupy 1 byte.

[0184] The sub-element identifier field can use any reserved value to indicate that the sub-element is used to carry neighbor information. For example, the sub-element identifier field can take any of the reserved values ​​from 7 to 38, 40 to 44, 46 to 60, 63 to 65, 67 to 69, 72 to 190, 199 to 220, and 222 to 255. The neighbor MAC address field is used to indicate the identifier of the neighboring site, such as its MAC address. The BSS color field is used to indicate the BSS color of the BSS to which the neighboring site belongs. The RSSI field is used to indicate the RSSI value of the PPDU from the neighboring site. The BW field is used to indicate the bandwidth of the PPDU from the neighboring site.

[0185] The fields, elements, and byte counts shown in Figure 10 are optional examples. This application supports any adaptive modifications to the frame format of the second frame based on Figure 10, such as adding fields, removing some fields, recombining some fields, changing the byte count, or changing the field names.

[0186] Step 920: Enable or disable the first function of the AP.

[0187] In some embodiments, the AP enables the first function when the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighboring site is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or, the AP disables the first function when the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighboring site is less than the first threshold.

[0188] If the AP enables the first function, it means that the AP can switch to a non-primary channel for transmission. If the AP disables the first function, it means that the AP cannot switch to a non-primary channel for transmission.

[0189] Step 930: The AP sends a first frame to the first non-AP STA. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field. The first field indicates whether a first function is enabled or disabled, and the second field indicates a first threshold associated with the first function.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first threshold is determined by the AP based on neighbor information.

[0191] In some embodiments, each neighboring BSS of the BSS to which the AP belongs corresponds to a first threshold. The first threshold is used by the non-AP STA associated with the AP to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. For example, if the RSSI of the received OBSS PPDU is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the non-AP STA associated with the AP switches to a non-primary channel; if the RSSI of the received OBSS PPDU is less than the first threshold, the non-AP STA associated with the AP does not switch to a non-primary channel.

[0192] In some embodiments, if one or more neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicates that the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to the first neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to a first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS, then the AP sends a first frame. The first frame includes a first field indicating that a first function is enabled, and a second field indicating the first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS.

[0193] In some embodiments, if all neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicates that the received signal strength of all PPDUs corresponding to all neighbor BSSs is less than a first threshold corresponding to each neighbor BSS, then the AP sends a first frame. The first frame includes a first field indicating that a first function is disabled. Optionally, the first frame also includes a second field indicating the first threshold corresponding to each neighbor BSS.

[0194] In some embodiments, each non-AP STA associated with the AP corresponds to a first threshold, and the non-AP STA associated with the AP determines whether to switch to a non-primary channel. For example, if the RSSI of the received OBSS PPDU is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the non-AP STA associated with the AP switches to a non-primary channel; if the RSSI of the received OBSS PPDU is less than the first threshold, the non-AP STA associated with the AP does not switch to a non-primary channel.

[0195] In some embodiments, if the AP determines that a first non-AP STA has a corresponding first threshold, the AP sends a first frame. The first frame includes a first field indicating that a first function is enabled, and a second field indicating the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA is determined based on the minimum value among the received signal strengths of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one neighboring BSS, wherein the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one neighboring BSS is greater than or equal to the first threshold corresponding to the AP; or, the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA is determined based on the minimum value among the received signal strengths of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one unknown neighboring BSS, wherein the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one unknown neighboring BSS is greater than or equal to the first threshold corresponding to the AP.

[0197] In some embodiments, if the AP determines that there is no corresponding first threshold for the first non-AP STA, the AP sends a first frame. The first frame includes a first field indicating that the first function is disabled. Optionally, the first frame also includes a second field indicating the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes one or more of the following fields: a quantity field, indicating the number of first function package detection information fields included in the first frame; a BSS color field, used to indicate the BSS color corresponding to a neighboring BSS; and a BSSID field, used to indicate the BSS identifier corresponding to a neighboring BSS.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first frame includes one or more of the following frames: Association Response Frame, NPCA Enable Request Frame, SCA Enable Request Frame, and APCA Enable Request Frame.

[0200] Figure 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a first frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, including a MAC frame header and / or a MAC frame body and / or an FCS. The MAC frame header includes one or more of the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control (Seqctl), and High Throughput Control (HT Control).

[0201] The MAC frame body includes an Action Field, which contains one or more of the following fields: Category, UHR Public Action, Dialog Token, and NPCA Information Element. The Category, UHR Public Action, and Dialog Token fields each occupy 1 byte, while the NPCA Information Element occupies 0 bytes or is variable. Optionally, the Category field in the first frame may have a value of 37. Optionally, the UHR Public Action field in the first frame may have a value of 8.

[0202] The NPCA information element includes one or more of the following fields: Element ID, Length, Element ID Extension, Control, and NPCA PD information. The Element ID, Length, Element ID Extension, and Control field each occupy 1 byte.

[0203] The control domain includes one or more of the following fields: Enable NPCA, Number of NPCA PD Info, and Reserved.

[0204] The Enable NPCA field occupies 1 bit and is used to indicate whether the NPCA function is enabled or disabled. For example, a value of 0 in the Enable NPCA field indicates that the NPCA function is enabled, and a value of 1 indicates that the NPCA function is disabled; or, a value of 1 in the Enable NPCA field indicates that the NPCA function is enabled, and a value of 0 indicates that the NPCA function is disabled. Of course, the value of the Enable NPCA field can be any value other than 0 or 1, and this application does not limit this.

[0205] The NPCA PD information quantity field occupies 4 bits and indicates the number of NPCA PD information fields contained in the NPCA information element, specifically zero or one or more.

[0206] An NPCA information element includes one or more NPCA PD information fields, which can be referred to as NPCA PD Info 1 to NPCA PD Info N (NPCA PD Info 1 to NPCA PD Info N). Each NPCA PD information field occupies 8 bytes. An NPCA PD information field is used to indicate the NPCA packet detection information corresponding to an OBSS / neighbor BSS.

[0207] The NPCA PD information fields include one or more of the following fields: BSS Color, BSSID, and NPCA PD level.

[0208] The BSS color field is 1 byte long and is used to indicate the BSS color corresponding to an OBSS / neighboring BSS.

[0209] The BSSID field is 6 bytes long and is used to indicate the BSSID corresponding to an OBSS / neighboring BSS. It is generally the MAC address of the AP of that OBSS / neighboring BSS. The BSSID field is optional.

[0210] The NPCA PD level field is 1 byte long and indicates the NPCA PD level corresponding to an OBSS / neighbor BSS. For example, the value of the NPCA PD level field plus -82dBm equals the actual NPCA PD level of an OBSS / neighbor BSS.

[0211] The NPCA in the field / element name shown in Figure 11 can also be replaced with other names of the first function, such as SCA or APCA. The fields, elements, number of bytes, and number of bits shown in Figure 11 are optional examples. This application supports any adaptive modifications to the frame format of the first frame based on Figure 11, such as adding fields, removing some fields, recombining some fields, changing the number of bytes, changing the number of bits, changing the field name, etc.

[0212] In some embodiments, when the AP receives a PPDU (or OBSS PPDU) from a neighboring site, and the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighboring site is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the AP switches to a non-primary channel. Alternatively, if the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighboring site is less than the first threshold, the AP does not switch to a non-primary channel. The first threshold used by the AP can be found in the relevant content described in Scheme 1, Scheme 2, Scheme 3, or Scheme 4 above.

[0213] In some embodiments, when a first non-AP STA receives a PPDU (or OBSS PPDU) from a neighboring site, and the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighboring site is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the first non-AP STA switches to a non-primary channel. Alternatively, if the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighboring site is less than the first threshold, the first non-AP STA does not switch to a non-primary channel. The first threshold used by the AP can be found in the relevant content described in Scheme 1, Scheme 2, Scheme 3, or Scheme 4 above.

[0214] Optionally, the first threshold used by the AP may be the same as or different from the first threshold used by the first non-AP STA.

[0215] Optionally, the first threshold may be the same or different for different non-AP STAs associated with the AP.

[0216] Optionally, the AP may use the same or different first thresholds for different neighboring BSSs.

[0217] Step 940: The first non-AP STA sends a third frame to the AP, which is used to suggest and / or request modification of the first threshold.

[0218] The word "suggestion" can also be replaced with "expectation" or "report".

[0219] In some embodiments, the third frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field for indicating the BSS color corresponding to a neighboring BSS; a field for indicating the BSS identifier corresponding to a neighboring BSS; and a field for indicating a first threshold corresponding to a neighboring BSS.

[0220] In some embodiments, the third frame includes one or more of the following frames: an Association Response Frame, an NPCA Enable Request Frame, an SCA Enable Request Frame, and an APCA Enable Request Frame. For example, a schematic diagram of the format of the third frame can be found in Figure 11.

[0221] After receiving the third frame, the AP may use or not use the first threshold suggested / expected / reported / requested for modification by the first non-AP STA. Optionally, the AP may also send a response frame to the first non-AP STA regarding the third frame, indicating that the AP accepts or rejects the first threshold suggested / expected / reported / requested for modification by the first non-AP STA.

[0222] Step 950: The second non-AP STA sends a fourth frame to the AP. The fourth frame is used to indicate whether the second non-AP STA expects the second function to be enabled.

[0223] "Expectations" can also be replaced with "suggestions" or "support".

[0224] The second function refers to the ability to receive and parse control response frames on non-primary channels. If the second non-AP STA wishes to enable the second function, it means that the second non-AP STA wishes to receive and parse control response frames on non-primary channels. If the second non-AP STA does not wish to enable the second function, it means that the second non-AP STA does not wish to receive and parse control response frames on non-primary channels. Here, the control response frames are transmitted by the AP and / or other non-AP STAs on non-primary channels; other non-AP STAs refer to all non-AP STAs within the BSS belonging to the AP, excluding the second non-AP STA.

[0225] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is a control frame. For example, the fourth frame may include one or more of the following frames: RTS frame, MU-RTS frame, or trigger frame.

[0226] Figure 12 illustrates the format of the fourth frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Taking the fourth frame as an example of a High Efficiency (HE) MU-RTS frame, it includes a MAC frame header and / or a MAC frame body and / or an FCS. The FCS occupies 4 bytes.

[0227] The MAC frame header includes one or more of the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, Receiver Address (RA), and Transmitter Address (TA). The Frame Control and Duration fields each occupy 2 bytes, while the RA and TA fields each occupy 6 bytes.

[0228] The MAC frame body includes one or more of the following fields: Common Info, User Info List, and Padding. The Common Info field occupies 8 bytes, while the User Info List and Padding portions vary in size.

[0229] The public information fields include one or more of the following fields: Trigger Type, Uplink Length (UL Length), More Trigger Frames (More TF), Carrier Sense Required (CS Required), UL Bandwidth (UL BW), and Reserved. The Trigger Type field occupies 4 bits; optionally, the Trigger Type field value for the fourth frame is 3. The UL Length field occupies 12 bits, the More TF field occupies 1 bit, the CS Required field occupies 1 bit, the UL BW field occupies 2 bits, and the Reserved field occupies 46 bits.

[0230] The user information list includes one or more user information fields, which can be referred to as User Info 1 to User Info N (User Info 1 to User Info N).

[0231] The user information field includes one or more of the following fields: AID12, Resource Unit Allocation (RU Allocation), and Reserved. The AID12 field occupies 12 bits, the RU Allocation field occupies 8 bits, and the Reserved field occupies 20 bits.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second non-AP STA uses a bit from a reserved field included in the public information field to indicate whether the second non-AP STA expects to enable the second feature. Alternatively, the second non-AP STA uses a bit from a reserved field included in the user information field to indicate whether the second non-AP STA expects to enable the second feature.

[0233] When the fourth frame is an Extremely High Throughput (EHT) MU-RTS frame, similar to the case of an HE MU-RTS frame, the second non-AP STA can also use one bit from a reserved field included in the public information field or user information field to indicate whether it expects to enable the second function.

[0234] In some embodiments, the second non-AP STA may also notify the AP that it will enable or disable the second function. For example, the second non-AP STA may use one or more of the following frames to indicate to the AP that it will enable or disable the second function: an Operating Mode Notification frame, a Quality of Service Data Frame (QoS Data Frame) carrying an Operating Mode Control (OM Control) field, a QoS Null Frame carrying an OM Control field, or a Management Frame carrying an OM Control field.

[0235] The fields, elements, number of bytes, and number of bits shown in Figure 12 are optional examples. This application supports any adaptive modifications to the frame format of the fourth frame based on Figure 12, such as adding fields, removing some fields, recombining some fields, changing the number of bytes, changing the number of bits, and changing the field names.

[0236] Step 960: The AP instructs the second non-AP STA to enable or disable the second function.

[0237] The AP can further improve the success rate / reliability of non-primary channel transmissions by instructing the second non-AP STA to enable the second function.

[0238] In some embodiments, when the number of sites supporting the first function in the BSS is small (e.g., the number of sites supporting the first function is less than a certain threshold), the AP instructs the second non-AP STA to enable the second function.

[0239] In some embodiments, when the success rate of previous non-primary channel access is low (e.g., when the historical success rate of non-primary channel access is below a certain threshold), the AP instructs the second non-AP STA to enable the second function.

[0240] It should be noted that steps 910, 920, 940, 950, and 960 are all optional steps. In addition to step 930, the communication method may also include any one or more of steps 910, 920, 940, 950, and 960. Furthermore, the execution order of steps 910 to 960 can be adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, step 920 can be before step 910, or step 930 can be before step 910, or step 930 can be before step 920, or step 940 can be before step 910, or step 940 can be before step 920, or step 940 can be before step 930, or step 950 can be before step 910, or step 950 can be before step 920, or step 950 can be before step 930, or step 950 can be before step 940, or step 960 can be before step 910, or step 960 can be before step 920, or step 960 can be before step 930, or step 960 can be before step 940, or step 960 can be before step 950.

[0241] In summary, the method provided in this application supports the AP instructing the associated non-AP STA whether to enable a first function and / or indicate a first threshold through the first frame. It also supports the associated non-AP STA suggesting or requesting modification of the first threshold to the AP, ensuring consistency in the AP's and its associated non-AP STA's understanding of enabling the first function and using the first threshold. When subjected to OBSS interference, the AP and its associated non-AP STA can synchronously switch to the non-primary channel, avoiding asymmetric scenarios and ensuring the reliability and success rate of non-primary channel transmission. Furthermore, it also supports the AP instructing the associated non-AP STA whether to enable a second function to further improve the success rate and reliability of non-primary channel transmission.

[0242] To reiterate, the frame formats, element formats, and field formats shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and not limitations. This application supports modifications to the formats of each frame, element, and field based on the format design described above, such as changing the order of fields / elements, changing the number of bytes in fields / elements, changing the number of bits in fields / elements, changing the names of fields / elements / frames, etc. It also supports setting some fields / elements as reserved fields.

[0243] Figure 13 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device 1300 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device 1300 can be implemented as an AP as described above, or as part of an AP as described above. Optionally, the communication device 1300 is a wireless communication device / wireless device that supports WLAN / Wi-Fi protocols (such as the 802.11 protocol). The communication device 1300 includes a transmitting module 1310. Optionally, the communication device 1300 also includes a receiving module 1330 and / or a processing module 1350.

[0244] The transmitting module 1310 is used to transmit a first frame to a first non-AP STA. The first frame includes a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating whether a first function is enabled or disabled, and the second field indicating a first threshold associated with the first function.

[0245] In some embodiments, the sending module 1310 is used to send the first frame when the access points are mutually reachable.

[0246] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 1310 is configured to transmit a first frame when one or more neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicates that the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to the first neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to a first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS. The first frame includes a first field indicating that a first function is enabled, and a second field indicating the first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS.

[0247] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 1310 is configured to transmit a first frame when all neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicates that the received signal strength of all PPDUs corresponding to the neighbor BSS is less than a first threshold corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The first frame includes a first field indicating that a first function is disabled.

[0248] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 1310 is configured to transmit a first frame when the device determines that the first non-AP STA has a corresponding first threshold. The first frame includes a first field indicating that a first function is enabled, and a second field indicating the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA.

[0249] In some embodiments, the sending module 1310 is configured to send a first frame when the device determines that the first non-AP STA does not have a corresponding first threshold. The first frame includes a first field indicating that the first function is disabled.

[0250] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1330 is configured to receive neighbor information reported by an associated non-AP STA. For example, the receiving module 1330 receives a second frame sent by the associated non-AP STA, the second frame carrying neighbor information.

[0251] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1330 is used to listen to neighbor information.

[0252] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1330 is configured to receive a first threshold associated with a non-AP STA suggestion / report / expectation / request for modification. Exemplarily, the receiving module 1330 receives a third frame, which is used to suggest / report / request modification of the first threshold.

[0253] In some embodiments, the processing module 1350 is configured to determine a first threshold based on neighbor information. For example, the processing module 1350 determines a uniform first threshold for a given BSS based on the neighbor information. For example, the processing module 1350 determines a first threshold separately for different OBSSs / different neighbor BSSs based on the neighbor information. For example, the processing module 1350 determines a first threshold separately for different STAs based on the neighbor information. For example, the processing module 1350 determines a first threshold separately for different OBSSs / different neighbor BSSs of different STAs based on the neighbor information. For example, the processing module 1350 determines a first threshold for the communication device 1300 based on the neighbor information.

[0254] In some embodiments, the processing module 1350 is configured to enable or disable a first function. For example, the processing module 1350 is configured to enable the first function when the received signal strength of the PPDU from a neighboring site is greater than or equal to a first threshold. For example, the processing module 1350 is configured to disable the first function when the received signal strength of the PPDU from a neighboring site is less than the first threshold.

[0255] In some embodiments, the processing module 1350 is configured to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel based on a first threshold. For example, the processing module 1350 switches to a non-primary channel if the received signal strength of the PPDU from a neighboring site is greater than or equal to the first threshold. For example, the processing module 1350 does not switch to a non-primary channel if the received signal strength of the PPDU from a neighboring site is less than the first threshold.

[0256] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1330 is configured to receive a fourth frame sent by an associated non-AP STA, the fourth frame being used to indicate whether the associated non-AP STA desires to enable the second function.

[0257] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1330 is configured to receive capability information reported by the associated non-AP STA, including whether the second function is supported.

[0258] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1330 is configured to receive a notification sent by an associated non-AP STA, the notification indicating that the associated non-AP STA will enable or disable the second function.

[0259] In some embodiments, the sending module 1310 is configured to instruct the associated non-AP STA to enable or disable the second function.

[0260] The content described in the preceding embodiments, such as the relevant content of the first function, the relevant content of the second function, the relevant content of the first threshold, the relevant content of the neighbor information, and the interaction flow, purpose, name, type, and format of the first frame, second frame, third frame, and fourth frame, are all applicable to the communication device 1300 shown in Figure 13. For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] In summary, the apparatus provided in this application provides a more accurate channel switching judgment condition through the first frame. When OBSS interference exists, the associated non-AP STA can use a more accurate judgment condition to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel, thereby achieving effective non-primary channel transmission and effectively dealing with OBSS interference.

[0262] Figure 14 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device 1400 can be implemented as a non-AP STA (such as a first non-AP STA, a second non-AP STA, etc.) as described above, or as part of a non-AP STA as described above. Optionally, the communication device 1400 can also be a wireless communication device / wireless device supporting WLAN / Wi-Fi protocols (such as the 802.11 protocol). The communication device 1400 includes a receiving module 1410. Optionally, the communication device 1400 also includes a transmitting module 1430 and / or a processing module 1450.

[0263] The receiving module 1410 is used to receive a first frame, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating whether a first function is enabled or disabled, and the second field indicating a first threshold associated with the first function.

[0264] In some embodiments, the processing module 1450 is configured to enable or disable a first function according to the indication of the first frame.

[0265] In some embodiments, the sending module 1430 is used to report neighbor information. For example, the sending module 1430 sends a second frame, which carries the neighbor information.

[0266] In some embodiments, the sending module 1430 is used to suggest / report / request modification of the first threshold. For example, the sending module 1430 sends a third frame carrying the suggested / reported / expected / requested modification of the first threshold.

[0267] In some embodiments, the processing module 1450 is configured to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel based on a first threshold. For example, the processing module 1450 switches to a non-primary channel if the received signal strength of the PPDU from a neighboring site is greater than or equal to the first threshold. For example, the processing module 1450 does not switch to a non-primary channel if the received signal strength of the PPDU from a neighboring site is less than the first threshold.

[0268] In some embodiments, the sending module 1430 is used to send a fourth frame, which is used to indicate whether the second function is expected to be enabled.

[0269] In some embodiments, the sending module 1430 is used to report capability information, including whether the second function is supported.

[0270] In some embodiments, the sending module 1430 is used to send a notification indicating that a second function will be enabled or disabled.

[0271] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1410 is used to receive an instruction from the AP to enable or disable the second function.

[0272] In some embodiments, the processing module 1450 is configured to enable or disable the second function according to the instructions of the AP.

[0273] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1410 is configured to receive and parse control response frames transmitted by the AP or other non-AP STA on a non-primary channel.

[0274] The content described in the preceding embodiments, such as the relevant content of the first function, the relevant content of the second function, the relevant content of the first threshold, the relevant content of the neighbor information, and the interaction flow, purpose, name, type, and format of the first frame, second frame, third frame, and fourth frame, are all applicable to the communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14. For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] In summary, the apparatus provided in this application obtains more accurate channel switching judgment conditions through the first frame. When OBSS interference exists, it can use more accurate judgment conditions to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel, thereby achieving effective non-primary channel transmission and effectively dealing with OBSS interference.

[0276] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above functional modules. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the communication device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the apparatus and method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept.

[0277] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1500 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, including at least one of the following: receiver 1501, transmitter 1502, processor 1503, memory 1504, and bus (not shown in the figure).

[0278] Optionally, the communication device 1500 is used to perform some or all of the steps performed by the AP described above.

[0279] Optionally, the communication device 1500 is used to perform some or all of the steps performed by the non-AP STA described above.

[0280] Optionally, the communication device 1500 is a wireless device / wireless communication device that supports WLAN / Wi-Fi protocols (such as the 802.11 protocol).

[0281] Receiver 1501 is used to implement the receiving function. Optionally, receiver 1501 can be used to implement the functions and steps of receiving module 1330 and / or receiving module 1410 described above. Transmitter 1502 is used to implement the transmitting function. Optionally, transmitter 1502 can be used to implement the functions and steps of transmitting module 1310 and / or transmitting module 1430 described above.

[0282] Optionally, the receiver 1501 and transmitter 1502 can be implemented as a communication component, which can be a communication chip, and can be referred to as a transceiver. Optionally, the receiver 1501 and transmitter 1502 can be implemented as a wireless communication component and / or a wired communication component. Optionally, the wireless communication component includes a wireless communication chip and / or a radio frequency antenna. Optionally, the wired communication component includes a wired communication chip and / or a wired interface.

[0283] Processor 1503 includes one or more processing cores. Processor 1503 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules. In some embodiments, processor 1503 can be used to implement the functions and steps of processing module 1350 and / or processing module 1450. Memory 1504 can be used to store computer programs executed by processor 1503, and processor 1503 executes the computer programs to implement the various steps in the above method embodiments.

[0284] In some embodiments, the memory 1504 may be connected to the processor 1503, the receiver 1501, and the transmitter 1502.

[0285] Furthermore, the memory 1504 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0286] In some embodiments, the receiver 1501 independently receives signals / data, or the processor 1503 controls the receiver 1501 to receive signals / data, or the processor 1503 requests the receiver 1501 to receive signals / data, or the processor 1503 cooperates with the receiver 1501 to receive signals / data.

[0287] In some embodiments, the transmitter 1502 independently transmits signals / data, or the processor 1503 controls the transmitter 1502 to transmit signals / data, or the processor 1503 requests the transmitter 1502 to transmit signals / data, or the processor 1503 cooperates with the transmitter 1502 to transmit signals / data.

[0288] For details not described in this embodiment, please refer to the embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0289] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a chip is also provided, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is run on a communication device, is used to implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0290] In some embodiments, the chip includes a transmitting module 1310. Optionally, the chip further includes a receiving module 1330 and / or a processing module 1350. Related details can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0291] In some embodiments, the chip includes a receiving module 1410. Optionally, the chip further includes a transmitting module 1430 and / or a processing module 1450. Related details can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0292] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores at least one program that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0293] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer program product is also provided, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0294] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer program is also provided, the computer program including computer instructions, the computer instructions being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a processor retrieving the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executing the computer instructions to implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0295] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0296] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by an access point (AP), and the method comprises: sending a first frame to a first non-AP station (non-AP STA), the first frame comprising a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating enabling or disabling a first function, and the second field indicating a first threshold value associated with the first function; wherein the first function comprises a non-primary channel access (NPCA) function, or a secondary channel access (SCA) function, or an auxiliary primary channel access (APCA) function. The method of claim 1, wherein The first threshold value is determined by the AP according to neighbor information, the neighbor information comprising one or more of: a received signal strength of a PPDU from a neighbor station, a bandwidth of a PPDU from the neighbor station, an identifier of the neighbor station, a BSSID of a BSS to which the neighbor station belongs, and a BSS color of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; wherein the neighbor station comprises a neighbor AP and / or a neighbor non-AP station. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The neighbor information is obtained by the AP through listening, and / or is obtained by a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Each neighbor BSS of a BSS to which the AP belongs corresponds to a first threshold value, and the first threshold value is used by a non-AP STA associated with the AP to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The sending of the first frame comprises: if one or more pieces of neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicate that a received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to a first neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to a first threshold value corresponding to the first neighbor BSS, the first frame is sent; wherein the first field included in the first frame indicates enabling the first function, and the second field indicates the first threshold value corresponding to the first neighbor BSS. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The sending of the first frame comprises: if all pieces of neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicate that a received signal strength of all PPDUs corresponding to a neighbor BSS is less than a first threshold value corresponding to the neighbor BSS, the first frame is sent; wherein the first field included in the first frame indicates disabling the first function. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Each non-AP STA associated with the AP corresponds to a first threshold value, and the first threshold value is used by the non-AP STA to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. The method of claim 7, wherein The sending of the first frame comprises: if the AP determines that the first non-AP STA corresponds to a first threshold value, the first frame is sent; wherein the first field included in the first frame indicates enabling the first function, and the second field indicates the first threshold value corresponding to the first non-AP STA. According to the method of claim 8, wherein: the first threshold value corresponding to the first non-AP STA is determined according to a minimum value in received signal strengths of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one neighbor BSS, the received signal strengths of the at least one PPDU corresponding to the at least one neighbor BSS being greater than or equal to a first threshold value corresponding to the AP; or ​ The first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA is determined according to a minimum value in received signal strengths of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one unknown neighbor BSS, the received signal strengths of the at least one PPDU corresponding to the at least one unknown neighbor BSS being greater than or equal to the first threshold corresponding to the AP. The method of claim 7, wherein The first frame includes: If the AP determines that the first non-AP STA does not have a corresponding first threshold, the first frame is sent; The first frame includes a first field indicating that the first function is disabled. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The neighbor information is reported by the non-AP STA associated with the AP in a second frame. The method of claim 11, wherein The second frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field indicating that the second frame is used for a neighbor report request or a neighbor report response; a BSSID field indicating the BSSID of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; a bandwidth BW field indicating the bandwidth of the PPDU from the neighbor station; a field indicating the identification of the neighbor station; a BSS color field indicating the BSS color of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; a received signal strength field indicating the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The first threshold is suggested and / or requested to be modified by the first non-AP STA. The method of claim 13, wherein The first threshold is suggested and / or requested to be modified by the first non-AP STA through a third frame; wherein the third frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field for indicating the BSS color corresponding to a neighbor BSS; a field for indicating the BSS identification corresponding to the neighbor BSS; a field for indicating the first threshold corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The first frame further includes one or more of the following fields: a number field indicating the number of first function packet detection information fields included in the first frame; a BSS color field for indicating the BSS color corresponding to a neighbor BSS; a BSSID field for indicating the BSS identification corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The method further includes: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that Enabling the first function if the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station is greater than or equal to the first threshold; or disabling the first function if the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station is less than the first threshold; The neighbor station includes a neighbor access point and / or a neighbor non-access point station. The first threshold includes: a non-primary channel access packet detection level NPCA PD level, or a secondary channel access packet detection level SCA PD level, or an auxiliary primary channel access packet detection level APCA PD level. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that The method is performed by a first non-access point station non-AP STA, and the method includes: A communication method characterized by comprising: Receiving a first frame sent by an AP, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating enabling or disabling a first function, and the second field indicating a first threshold associated with the first function; ​ The first function comprises a non-primary channel access (NPCA) function, a secondary channel access (SCA) function, or an auxiliary primary channel access (APCA) function. The method of claim 18, wherein The first threshold is determined by the AP according to neighbor information, which comprises one or more of the following: a received signal strength of a PPDU from a neighbor station, a bandwidth of a PPDU from the neighbor station, an identifier of the neighbor station, a BSSID of a BSS to which the neighbor station belongs, a BSS color of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; The neighbor stations comprise neighbor access points and / or neighbor non-access point stations. The method of claim 19, wherein The neighbor information is obtained by the AP through monitoring and / or reporting by a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that Each neighbor BSS of a BSS to which the AP belongs corresponds to a first threshold, which is used by a non-AP STA associated with the AP to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. The method of claim 21, wherein The first frame is sent by the AP in a case where one or more pieces of neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicate that a received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to a first neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to a first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS; wherein a first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is enabled, and a second field indicates the first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS. The method of claim 21, wherein The first frame is sent by the AP in a case where all pieces of neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicate that received signal strengths of all PPDUs corresponding to neighbor BSSs are all less than first thresholds corresponding to the neighbor BSSs; wherein a first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is disabled. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that Each non-AP STA associated with the AP corresponds to a first threshold, which is used by the non-AP STA to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. The method of claim 24, wherein The first frame is sent by the AP in a case where it is determined that the first non-AP STA corresponds to a first threshold; wherein a first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is enabled, and a second field indicates the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA. The method of claim 25, wherein The first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA is determined according to a minimum value in received signal strengths of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one neighbor BSS, the received signal strengths of the at least one PPDU being greater than or equal to a first threshold corresponding to the AP; Or The first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA is determined according to a minimum value in received signal strengths of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one unknown neighbor BSS, the received signal strengths of the at least one PPDU being greater than or equal to a first threshold corresponding to the AP. The method of claim 24, wherein The first frame is sent by the AP in a case where it is determined that the first non-AP STA does not exist a corresponding first threshold value; wherein a first field included in the first frame indicates to disable the first function. The method of claim 20, wherein The neighbor information is reported by the non-AP STA associated with the AP in a second frame. The method of claim 28, wherein The second frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field indicating that the second frame is used for a neighbor report request or for a neighbor report response; a BSSID field indicating a BSSID of a BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; a field used to indicate an identity of the neighbor station; a bandwidth BW field indicating a bandwidth of a PPDU from the neighbor station; a BSS color field indicating a BSS color of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; a received signal strength field indicating a received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 29, characterized in that The first threshold value is suggested and / or requested to be modified by the non-AP STA associated with the AP. The method of claim 30, wherein The first threshold value is suggested and / or requested to be modified by the first non-AP STA through a third frame; wherein the third frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field used to indicate a BSS color corresponding to a neighbor BSS; a field used to indicate a BSS identity corresponding to the neighbor BSS; a field used to indicate the first threshold value corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 31, characterized in that The first frame further includes one or more of the following fields: a number field indicating a number of first function packet detection information fields included in the first frame; a BSS color field used to indicate a BSS color corresponding to a neighbor BSS; a BSSID field used to indicate a BSS identity corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 32, characterized in that The method further includes: switching to a non-primary channel in a case where a received signal strength of a PPDU from a neighbor station is greater than or equal to the first threshold value; or not switching to a non-primary channel in a case where the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station is less than the first threshold value. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 33, characterized in that The first threshold value includes: a non-primary channel access packet detection level NPCA PD level, or a secondary channel access packet detection level SCA PD level, or an auxiliary primary channel access packet detection level APCA PD level. A communication device, characterized by The apparatus includes: a sending module configured to send a first frame to a first non-access point station non-AP STA, the first frame including a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating to enable or disable a first function, and the second field indicating a first threshold value associated with the first function; wherein the first function includes: a non-primary channel access NPCA function, or a secondary channel access SCA function, or an auxiliary primary channel access APCA function. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein The first threshold is determined by the device according to neighbor information, the neighbor information including one or more of the following: received signal strength of a PPDU from a neighbor station, bandwidth of a PPDU from the neighbor station, identification of the neighbor station, BSSID of a BSS to which the neighbor station belongs, BSS color of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; wherein the neighbor station includes a neighbor access point and / or a neighbor non-access point station. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein The neighbor information is obtained by the device through listening, and / or is obtained by a non-AP STA associated with the device. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that Each neighbor BSS of a BSS to which the device belongs corresponds to a first threshold, and the first threshold is used by a non-AP STA associated with the device to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein The sending module is configured to: If one or more pieces of neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicate that the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to a first neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to a first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS, the first frame is sent. The first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is enabled, and the second field indicates the first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein The sending module is configured to: If all pieces of neighbor information reported by the first non-AP STA indicate that the received signal strength of all PPDUs corresponding to a neighbor BSS is less than a first threshold corresponding to the neighbor BSS, the first frame is sent. The first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is disabled. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 40, characterized in that Each non-AP STA associated with the device corresponds to a first threshold, and the first threshold is used by the non-AP STA to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein The sending module is configured to: If the device determines that the first non-AP STA corresponds to a first threshold, the first frame is sent. The first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is enabled, and the second field indicates the first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA. According to the device of claim 42, wherein The first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA is determined according to the minimum value of the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one neighbor BSS, the received signal strength of the at least one PPDU corresponding to the at least one neighbor BSS being greater than or equal to the first threshold corresponding to the device; Or The first threshold corresponding to the first non-AP STA is determined according to the minimum value of the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one unknown neighbor BSS, the received signal strength of the at least one PPDU corresponding to the at least one unknown neighbor BSS being greater than or equal to the first threshold corresponding to the device. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein The sending module is configured to: If the device determines that the first non-AP STA does not correspond to a first threshold, the first frame is sent. The first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is disabled. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein The neighbor information is reported by a non-AP STA associated with the apparatus in a second frame. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein The second frame comprises one or more of the following fields: a field indicating that the second frame is used for a neighbor report request or a neighbor report response; a BSSID field indicating a BSSID of a BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; a field used to indicate an identity of the neighbor station; a bandwidth (BW) field indicating a bandwidth of a PPDU from the neighbor station; a BSS color field indicating a BSS color of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; a received signal strength field indicating a received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 46, characterized in that The first threshold is suggested and / or requested to be modified by a non-AP STA associated with the apparatus. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein The first threshold is suggested and / or requested to be modified by the first non-AP STA through a third frame; wherein the third frame comprises one or more of the following fields: a field used to indicate a BSS color corresponding to a neighbor BSS; a field used to indicate a BSS identity corresponding to the neighbor BSS; a field used to indicate the first threshold corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 48, characterized in that The first frame further comprises one or more of the following fields: a number field indicating a number of first function packet detection information fields included in the first frame; a BSS color field used to indicate a BSS color corresponding to a neighbor BSS; a BSSID field used to indicate a BSS identity corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 49, characterized in that The apparatus further comprises a processing module configured to: enable the first function in a case where a received signal strength of a PPDU from a neighbor station is greater than or equal to the first threshold; or disable the first function in a case where the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station is less than the first threshold. The neighbor station comprises a neighbor access point and / or a neighbor non-access point station. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 50, wherein The first threshold comprises a non-primary channel access packet detection (NPCA PD) level, or a secondary channel access packet detection (SCA PD) level, or an auxiliary primary channel access packet detection (APCA PD) level. A communication device, characterized by The apparatus comprises: a receiving module configured to receive a first frame sent by an AP, the first frame comprising a first field and / or a second field, the first field indicating to enable or disable a first function, and the second field indicating a first threshold associated with the first function; The first function comprises a non-primary channel access (NPCA) function, or a secondary channel access (SCA) function, or an auxiliary primary channel access (APCA) function. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein The first threshold is determined by the AP according to neighbor information, the neighbor information comprising one or more of the following: a received signal strength of a PPDU from a neighbor station, a bandwidth of the PPDU from the neighbor station, an identity of the neighbor station, a BSSID of a BSS to which the neighbor station belongs, a BSS color of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; wherein the neighbor station comprises a neighbor access point and / or a neighbor non-access point station. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein The neighbor information is obtained by the AP listening and / or reported by the non-AP STA associated with the AP. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 to 54, characterized in that Each neighbor BSS of the BSS to which the AP belongs corresponds to a first threshold, and the first threshold is used by the non-AP STA associated with the AP to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein The first frame is sent by the AP in a case where one or more pieces of neighbor information reported by the device indicate that the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to a first neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to a first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS; wherein the first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is enabled, and the second field indicates the first threshold corresponding to the first neighbor BSS. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein The first frame is sent by the AP in a case where all pieces of neighbor information reported by the device indicate that the received signal strength of all PPDUs corresponding to a neighbor BSS is less than a first threshold corresponding to the neighbor BSS; wherein the first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is disabled. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 to 54, characterized in that Each non-AP STA associated with the AP corresponds to a first threshold, and the first threshold is used by the non-AP STA to determine whether to switch to a non-primary channel. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein The first frame is sent by the AP in a case where it is determined that the device corresponds to a first threshold; wherein the first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is enabled, and the second field indicates the first threshold corresponding to the device. The device according to claim 59, characterized in that, The first threshold corresponding to the device is determined according to the minimum value in the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one neighbor BSS, and the received signal strength of the at least one PPDU corresponding to the at least one neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to the first threshold corresponding to the AP; Or, The first threshold corresponding to the device is determined according to the minimum value in the received signal strength of at least one PPDU corresponding to at least one unknown neighbor BSS, and the received signal strength of the at least one PPDU corresponding to the at least one unknown neighbor BSS is greater than or equal to the first threshold corresponding to the AP. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein The first frame is sent by the AP in a case where it is determined that the device does not correspond to a first threshold; wherein the first field included in the first frame indicates that the first function is disabled. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein The neighbor information is reported by the non-AP STA associated with the AP in a second frame. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein The second frame includes one or more fields: a field indicating that the second frame is used for neighbor report request or for neighbor report response; a BSSID field indicating the BSSID of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; a field indicating the identification of the neighbor station; a bandwidth BW field indicating the bandwidth of the PPDU from the neighbor station; a BSS color field indicating the BSS color of the BSS to which the neighbor station belongs; a received signal strength field indicating the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station. The apparatus of any one of claims 52 to 63, wherein The first threshold is suggested and / or requested to be modified by a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein The apparatus further includes a sending module configured to send a third frame, the third frame being used to suggest and / or request to modify the first threshold; wherein the third frame includes one or more of the following fields: a field used to indicate a BSS color corresponding to a neighbor BSS; a field used to indicate a BSS identifier corresponding to the neighbor BSS; and a field used to indicate the first threshold corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The apparatus of any one of claims 52 to 65, wherein The first frame further includes one or more of the following fields: a number field used to indicate a number of first functionality packet detection information fields included in the first frame; a BSS color field used to indicate a BSS color corresponding to a neighbor BSS; and a BSSID field used to indicate a BSS identifier corresponding to the neighbor BSS. The apparatus of any one of claims 52 to 66, wherein The apparatus further includes a processing module configured to: switch to a non-primary channel if a received signal strength of a PPDU from a neighbor station is greater than or equal to the first threshold; or not switch to a non-primary channel if the received signal strength of the PPDU from the neighbor station is less than the first threshold. The apparatus of any one of claims 52 to 67, wherein The first threshold includes a non-primary channel access packet detection level (NPCA PD level), or a secondary channel access packet detection level (SCA PD level), or an auxiliary primary channel access packet detection level (APCA PD level). A communication device characterized by The communication device includes a processor, a transceiver connected to the processor, and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 34. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized by The computer readable storage medium stores at least one program, and the at least one program is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 34. A computer program product or computer program, characterized in that The computer program product or the computer program includes computer instructions stored in a computer readable storage medium, and a processor acquires the computer instructions from the computer readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 34. A chip characterized by The chip includes programmable logic circuitry and / or at least one program, and the chip is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 34 based on the programmable logic circuitry and / or the at least one program.

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