Channel switching method, apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of wireless local area networks, and discloses a channel switching method, an apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. The method comprises: sending a first frame on a current link, the first frame being configured for instructing a second station to switch to a target sub-channel in a target time period or no later than a target moment. A first station is an access point, and the second station comprises one or more non-access point stations associated with the first station; or the first station is a non-access point station, and the second station comprises one or more non-access point stations establishing a point-to-point link with the first station. By means of the first frame, the first station is capable of notifying the second station in a timely manner to actively perform channel switching. This prevents the first station from performing invalid switching when the first station detects that a primary channel is occupied and the second station does not detect that the primary channel is occupied.

Description

Channel switching method, device, apparatus and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of wireless local area networks, and in particular to a channel switching method, device, apparatus and storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In related technologies, channel switching usually occurs in a symmetric situation. For example, an access point and a station simultaneously detect that a primary channel is occupied, and simultaneously switch to an idle sub-channel to obtain a transmission opportunity.

[0003] However, there are some asymmetric scenarios, such as an access point detecting that the primary channel is occupied, while a station detects that the primary channel is idle. In the asymmetric scenario, how to perform channel switching is a problem that has not yet been solved. That is, there is no clear solution to channel switching in an asymmetric situation.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a channel switching method, device, apparatus and storage medium. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, which is performed by a first station, and the method comprises:

[0007] sending a first frame on a current link, the first frame being used to instruct a second station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time;

[0008] wherein the first station is an access point, and the second station comprises one or more non-access point stations associated with the first station; or the first station is a non-access point station, and the second station comprises one or more non-access point stations that establish a point-to-point link with the first station.

[0009] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, which is performed by a second station, and the method comprises:

[0010] receiving a first frame sent by a first station on a current link, the first frame being used to instruct the second station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time;

[0011] wherein the first station is an access point, and the second station is one station associated with the first station; or the first station is a non-access point station, and the second station is one station that establishes a point-to-point link with the first station.

[0012] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, which is performed by a second station, and the method comprises:

[0013] sending a second frame on a current link, the second frame being used to request the first station to switch to a target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time instant;

[0014] wherein the second station is a non-access point station, the first station comprises an access point associated with the second station, or the first station comprises one or more non-access point stations establishing a point-to-point link with the second station.

[0015] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, which is performed by a first station, and the method comprises:

[0016] receiving a second frame sent by a second station on a current link, the second frame being used to request the first station to switch to a target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time instant;

[0017] wherein the second station is a non-access point station, the first station is an access point associated with the second station, or the first station is one station establishing a point-to-point link with the non-access point station.

[0018] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, which is performed by a first multi-link device, and the method comprises:

[0019] sending, by a second station, a third frame on a second link, the third frame being used to instruct a first affiliated station to switch to a target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time instant, the first affiliated station being an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of a second multi-link device;

[0020] wherein the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device, the second multi-link device comprises one or more non-access point multi-link devices associated with the first multi-link device; or the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device comprises one or more non-access point multi-link devices establishing a point-to-point link with the first multi-link device.

[0021] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, which is performed by a second multi-link device, and the method comprises:

[0022] receiving, by a second station in a second multi-link device, a third frame sent by a first multi-link device on a second link, the third frame being used to instruct a first affiliated station to switch to a target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time instant, the first affiliated station being an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device.

[0023] The first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device associated with the first multi-link device; or the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device establishing a point-to-point link with the first multi-link device.

[0024] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, the method being performed by a second multi-link device, and the method comprising:

[0025] sending, by a second affiliated station, a fourth frame on a second link, the fourth frame being used to request a first station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time, the first station being an affiliated station of the first multi-link device corresponding to the first link;

[0026] The second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, and the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device associated with the second multi-link device, or the first multi-link device comprises one or more non-access point multi-link devices establishing a point-to-point link with the second multi-link device.

[0027] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, the method being performed by a first multi-link device, and the method comprising:

[0028] receiving, on a second link, a fourth frame sent by a second affiliated station, the fourth frame being used to request a first station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time, the first station being an affiliated station of the first multi-link device corresponding to the first link;

[0029] The second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, and the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device associated with the second multi-link device, or the first multi-link device comprises one or more non-access point multi-link devices establishing a point-to-point link with the second multi-link device.

[0030] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a first channel switching apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0031] a sending module configured to send a first frame on a current link, the first frame being used to instruct a second channel switching apparatus to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time;

[0032] The first channel switching device is an access point, and the second channel switching device comprises one or more non-access point channel switching devices associated with the first channel switching device; or the first channel switching device is a non-access point channel switching device, and the second channel switching device comprises one or more non-access point channel switching devices establishing a point-to-point link with the first channel switching device.

[0033] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a second channel switching device is provided, comprising:

[0034] The receiving module is configured to receive a first frame sent by the first channel switching device on a current link, wherein the first frame is used to instruct the second channel switching device to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time point;

[0035] The first channel switching device is an access point, and the second channel switching device is one channel switching device associated with the first channel switching device; or the first channel switching device is a non-access point channel switching device, and the second channel switching device is one channel switching device establishing a point-to-point link with the first channel switching device.

[0036] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a second channel switching device is provided, comprising:

[0037] The sending module is configured to send a second frame on a current link, wherein the second frame is used to request the first channel switching device to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time point;

[0038] The second channel switching device is a non-access point channel switching device, and the first channel switching device comprises an access point associated with the second channel switching device, or the first channel switching device comprises one or more non-access point channel switching devices establishing a point-to-point link with the second channel switching device.

[0039] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a first channel switching device is provided, comprising:

[0040] The receiving module is configured to receive a second frame sent by the second channel switching device on a current link, wherein the second frame is used to request the first channel switching device to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time point;

[0041] The second channel switching device is a non-access point channel switching device, and the first channel switching device is an access point associated with the second channel switching device, or the first channel switching device is one channel switching device establishing a point-to-point link with the non-access point channel switching device.

[0042] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a first multi-link channel switching device is provided, which comprises:

[0043] a sending module, configured to send, by a second station, a third frame on a second link, the third frame being used to instruct a first affiliated station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time, the first affiliated station being an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link channel switching device;

[0044] The first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device, and the second multi-link channel switching device comprises one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices associated with the first multi-link channel switching device; or the first multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, and the second multi-link channel switching device comprises one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices establishing a point-to-point link with the first multi-link channel switching device.

[0045] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a second multi-link channel switching device is provided, which comprises:

[0046] a receiving module, configured to receive, on a second link, a third frame sent by a second station in a first multi-link channel switching device, the third frame being used to instruct a first affiliated station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time, the first affiliated station being an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link channel switching device;

[0047] The first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device, and the second multi-link channel switching device is one non-access point multi-link channel switching device associated with the first multi-link channel switching device; or the first multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, and the second multi-link channel switching device is one non-access point multi-link channel switching device establishing a point-to-point link with the first multi-link channel switching device.

[0048] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a second multi-link channel switching device is provided, which comprises:

[0049] a sending module, configured to send, by a second affiliated station, a fourth frame on a second link, the fourth frame being used to request a first station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time, the first station being an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link channel switching device;

[0050] The second multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, the first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device associated with the second multi-link channel switching device, or the first multi-link channel switching device includes one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices that establish a point-to-point link with the second multi-link channel switching device.

[0051] According to another aspect of embodiments of the present application, a first multi-link channel switching device is provided, the device comprising:

[0052] The receiving module is configured to receive a fourth frame sent by a second affiliated station on a second link, the fourth frame being used to request the first station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time point, the first station being an affiliated station of the first multi-link channel switching device corresponding to the first link;

[0053] The second multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, the first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device associated with the second multi-link channel switching device, or the first multi-link channel switching device includes one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices that establish a point-to-point link with the second multi-link channel switching device.

[0054] According to another aspect of embodiments of the present application, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising:

[0055] A processor;

[0056] A transceiver connected to the processor;

[0057] A memory for storing executable instructions of the processor;

[0058] The processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the channel switching method according to the above aspects.

[0059] According to another aspect of embodiments of the present application, a computer readable storage medium is provided, the computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program being loaded and executed by a communication device to implement the channel switching method according to the above aspects.

[0060] According to another aspect of embodiments of the present application, a computer program product or computer program is provided, the computer program product or computer program comprising computer instructions stored in a computer readable storage medium; the communication device reads the computer instructions from the computer readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions to implement the channel switching method according to the above aspects.

[0061] The technical scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application can include the following beneficial effects:

[0062] By indicating the second station to switch to the target sub-channel at the target time period or no later than the target time point on the current link, the first station can timely inform the second station to actively perform channel switching through the first frame. In this way, the first station can avoid invalid switching in the case that the first station detects that the main channel is occupied, while the second station does not detect that the main channel is occupied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of channel transmission according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a first frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a second frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a third frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG. 17 shows a flow chart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram of a fourth frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG. 19 shows a flow chart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG. 20 shows a flow chart of a channel switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG. 21 shows a structural block diagram of a channel switching apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG. 22 shows a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the following will further describe the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description relates to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers denote the same or similar elements throughout the several drawings. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all the embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work, in view of the embodiments in the present application, fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0086] The terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various information, the information should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one piece of information from another. For example, a first information can also be termed a second information, and, similarly, a second information can also be termed a first information, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Depending on the context, the word "if' as used herein can be interpreted as meaning "when" or "in response to determining."

[0087] First, the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are briefly introduced:

[0088] Primary Channel: refers to the channel commonly used by all member stations in the basic service set. For example, in a 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 80+80MHz basic service set, the primary channel is a primary 20MHz channel.

[0089] Non-primary Channel: refers to any 20MHz channel other than the primary 20MHz channel in a 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 80+80MHz basic service set.

[0090] Primary 20MHz Channel: refers to the 20MHz channel used to transmit 20MHz physical layer (PHY) protocol data units (PPDUs) in a 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 80+80MHz basic service set.

[0091] Primary 40MHz Channel: In an 80MHz, 160MHz, or 80+80MHz basic service set (BSS), the 40MHz channel that is used to transmit 40MHz physical layer (PHY) protocol data units (PPDUs).

[0092] Primary 80MHz Channel: In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz basic service set (BSS), the 80MHz channel that is used to transmit 80MHz physical layer (PHY) protocol data units (PPDUs).

[0093] Primary 160MHz Channel: In a 320MHz basic service set (BSS), the 160MHz channel that contains the primary 20MHz channel.

[0094] The primary 20MHz channel, the primary 40MHz channel, the primary 80MHz channel, and the primary 160MHz channel are sometimes collectively referred to as the primary channel.

[0095] Secondary Channel: A channel associated with a primary channel used to create a channel wider than the primary channel. In a 40 MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 80+80MHz basic service set (BSS) the secondary channel is a secondary 20MHz channel.

[0096] Secondary 20MHz Channel: In a 40MHz very high throughput (VHT) basic service set (BSS), the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel that together form the 40MHz channel of the 40MHz VHT BSS. In an 80MHz VHT BSS, the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel that together form the primary 40MHz channel of the 80MHz VHT BSS. In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS, the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel that together form the primary 40MHz channel of the 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS. In a VHT BSS, the secondary 20MHz channel is also the secondary channel.

[0097] Secondary 40MHz Channel: In an 80MHz very high throughput (VHT) basic service set (BSS), the 40MHz channel adjacent to the primary 40MHz channel that together form the 80MHz channel of the 80MHz VHT BSS. In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS, the 40MHz channel adjacent to the primary 40MHz channel that together form the primary 80MHz channel.

[0098] Secondary 80MHz Channel: In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz very high throughput (VHT) basic service set (BSS), the 80MHz channel not including the primary 20MHz channel, that together with the primary 80MHz channel form the 160MHz or 80+80MHz channel of the 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS.

[0099] Secondary 160MHz Channel: In a 320MHz basic service set (BSS), the 160MHz channel not including the primary 20MHz channel, which together with the primary 160MHz channel, forms the 320MHz channel of the 320MHz extremely high throughput (EHT) BSS.

[0100] The above-mentioned secondary 20MHz channel, secondary 40MHz channel, secondary 80MHz channel, and secondary 160MHz channel are collectively referred to as a secondary channel.

[0101] Sub-channel: In the embodiments of the present application, a sub-channel can be understood as a narrow-bandwidth channel in a wide-bandwidth channel. For example, assuming that an 80MHz channel corresponds to a wide-bandwidth channel. Optionally, the 80MHz channel can be divided into four 20MHz narrow-bandwidth channels, and each narrow-bandwidth channel is a sub-20MHz channel. The 80MHz channel can also be divided into two 40MHz narrow-bandwidth channels, and each narrow-bandwidth channel is a sub-40MHz channel.

[0102] Operating Channel: Refers to the channel used to transmit a beacon frame. (The operating channel is the channel in which beacons are transmitted.) It can be a set of multiple channels used during operation. Specifically, for example, a 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz operating channel. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the operating channel refers to the sum of the primary 80 (P80) MHz channel and the secondary 80 (S80) MHz channel.

[0103] Operating Channel Width: refers to the bandwidth of the channel in which the station (STA) is currently able to receive. For example, 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz.

[0104] Anchor Channel: can also be referred to as Second Primary Channel, or Temporary Primary Channel, or Target Subchannel. A subchannel within the current operating channel of the basic service set, which is used as the primary channel when the access point and associated stations perform non-primary channel access. For example, assuming the current operating channel bandwidth of the access point is 160MHz, the subchannels include: primary 80MHz (P80, including primary 20MHz (P20), secondary 20MHz (S20), secondary 40MHz (S40, including S20-1, S20-2)), secondary 80MHz (S80, including S20-3, S20-4, S20-5, S20-6). Optionally, S20-3 is used as P20, S20-4 is used as S20, S20-5 and S20-6 are used as S40, and P80 is used as S80 when performing non-primary channel access.

[0105] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 10 according to an example embodiment of the present application. The communication system 10 includes terminals and terminals, or terminals and network devices, or access points (AP) and stations (STA), which are not limited in the present application. In the present application, the communication system 10 includes an AP 110 and a STA 120 as an example for illustration.

[0106] In some scenarios, the AP can also be referred to as an AP STA, that is, in a certain sense, the AP is also a kind of STA. In some scenarios, the STA can also be referred to as a non-AP STA (non-AP STA).

[0107] In some embodiments, the STA can include an AP STA and a non-AP STA. The communication in the communication system can be between an AP and a non-AP STA, between a non-AP STA and a non-AP STA, or between a STA and a peer STA, where the peer STA can refer to a device that communicates with the STA, for example, the peer STA can be an AP or a non-AP STA. For example, there are two communication scenarios between a STA and an AP: an uplink communication scenario and a downlink communication scenario. The uplink communication refers to the STA sending a signal to the AP, and the downlink communication refers to the AP sending a signal to the STA. The AP acts as a bridge connecting the wired network and the wireless network, and mainly connects various wireless network clients together and then accesses the wireless network to the Ethernet. The AP device can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) with a wireless fidelity (WiFi) chip.

[0108] It should be understood that the role of the STA in the communication system is not absolute, for example, in some scenarios, when a mobile phone connects to a router, the mobile phone is a non-AP STA, and when the mobile phone acts as a hotspot for other mobile phones, the mobile phone plays the role of an AP. The AP and the non-AP STA can be devices applied in the Internet of Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, sensors, etc., smart cameras, smart remote controllers, smart water meters, etc. in smart home, and sensors, etc. in smart city.

[0109] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA can support, but is not limited to, the 802.11bf standard. The non-AP STA can also support 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and other current and future 802.11 family Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards. In some embodiments, the AP can be a device supporting the 802.11bf standard. The AP can also be a device supporting 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and other current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards.

[0110] In the embodiments of the present application, the STA can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a communication device in industrial control, a set-top box, a communication device in unmanned driving, a vehicle-mounted communication device, a communication device in remote medical treatment, a communication device in smart power grid, a communication device in transportation safety, a communication device in smart city, a communication device in smart home, a wireless communication chip, and the like supporting WLAN / Wi-Fi technology. The WLAN technology can support frequency bands including, but not limited to, low frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz), and high frequency bands (60 GHz).

[0111] There is one or more links between the station and the access point, and in some embodiments, the station and the access point support multi-band communication, for example, simultaneously communicating on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz and 60 GHz frequency bands, or simultaneously communicating on different channels of the same frequency band (or different frequency bands), to improve the communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. Such devices are commonly referred to as multi-band devices, and can also be referred to as multi-link devices (MLD), and sometimes referred to as multi-link entities or multi-band entities. The multi-link device can be an access point device or a station device. If the multi-link device is an access point device, the multi-link device includes one or more APs; if the multi-link device is a station device, the multi-link device includes one or more non-AP STAs. The multi-link device including one or more APs can also be referred to as an AP, and the multi-link device including one or more non-AP STAs can also be referred to as a Non-AP, which can be referred to as a STA in the embodiments of the present application.

[0112] In the embodiments of the present application, the AP can include a plurality of APs, the Non-AP includes a plurality of STAs, and a plurality of links can be formed between the plurality of APs in the AP and the plurality of STAs in the Non-AP. The AP in the AP and the corresponding STA in the Non-AP can communicate data through the corresponding link.

[0113] The AP is a device deployed in a wireless local area network to provide wireless communication functions for STAs, which can include a user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. Optionally, the STA can also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication functions, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, and the like, without limitation.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present application, the STA and the AP both support the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, but are not limited to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0115] In the related art, channel switching usually occurs in a symmetric situation. For example, the access point and the station simultaneously detect that the primary channel is occupied, and simultaneously switch to the idle secondary channel to obtain a transmission opportunity. However, when the primary channel used by one of the access point and the station is interfered, one party detects that the primary channel is occupied, and the other party does not detect that the primary channel is occupied. That is, the channel switching method in the related art cannot be applied to channel switching in an asymmetric situation. For example, when the primary channel used by the access point is interfered, the access point detects that the primary channel is occupied, and the station does not detect that the primary channel is occupied.

[0116] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application propose a channel switching method for solving channel switching in an asymmetric situation.

[0117] In some embodiments, the channel switching method in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to the following four situations:

[0118] Situation one: the first station predicts or detects that the primary channel is occupied, and the second station does not detect that the primary channel is occupied, and the first station instructs the second station to perform channel switching;

[0119] Situation two: the second station predicts or detects that the primary channel is occupied, and the first station does not detect that the primary channel is occupied, and the second station requests the first station to perform channel switching;

[0120] Case 3: The first station in the first multi-link device predicts or detects that the primary channel is occupied, while the first affiliated station in the second multi-link device does not detect that the primary channel is occupied, the first multi-link device instructs the first affiliated station in the second multi-link device to perform channel switching across links;

[0121] Case 4: The first affiliated station in the second multi-link device predicts or detects that the primary channel is occupied, while the first station in the first multi-link device does not detect that the primary channel is occupied, the second multi-link device requests the first station in the first multi-link device to perform channel switching across links.

[0122] For Case 1:

[0123] In some embodiments, the first station is interfered by an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS), such as cellular New Radio Unlicensed Access and / or 4th Generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Licensed Assisted Access. The interference can be periodic or aperiodic. Since the interference is generally caused by the first station communicating with a cellular base station, the first station can be aware of the interference. The interference is generally on a part of or the whole of the working channel of the first station. When the interference is on a part of the working channel of the first station, the first station can choose to switch to the anchor channel for transmission, but the second station associated with the first station cannot detect the interference and thus will not switch to the anchor channel, which can result in the first station failing to complete transmission with the second station on the anchor channel. Based on this, in the embodiments of the present application, a channel switching method is provided, in which the first station sends a first frame to the second station to instruct the second station to switch to the anchor channel.

[0124] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method provided by an example embodiment of the present application. The method is jointly performed by a first station and a second station. In the embodiments of the present application, the first station is an access point, and the second station includes one or more non-access point stations associated with the first station; or the first station is a non-access point station, and the second station includes one or more non-access point stations that establish a point-to-point link with the first station. The method includes:

[0125] Step 1: The first station sends a first frame;

[0126] In some embodiments, the first station sends the first frame on a current link, the first frame indicating the second station to switch to a target subchannel at or no later than a target time. The target subchannel can be the same as the anchor channel. The first station can send the first frame to the second station to indicate the second station to switch to the target subchannel in time, so as to avoid the situation that the first station has switched to the target subchannel, but the second station has not switched to the target subchannel in time, thus resulting in invalid switching of the first station.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first station sends the first frame on a current link in a case that the first station predicts that interference occurs in a working channel (e.g., a part of the channel or bandwidth in the working channel). The second station cannot predict the interference because the interference is directed to the first station. The first station can send the first frame to the second station to indicate the second station about the interference in the working channel of the first station in time, so as to make the second station switch to the target subchannel in time.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first station sends the first frame on a current link in a case that the first station predicts that interference occurs in a working channel and a time duration of the interference is no less than a first time threshold. The first station can send the first frame to the second station only when the time duration of the interference in the working channel of the first station is long enough, so as to avoid blind switching. For example, if the time duration of the interference in the working channel of the first station is short enough, the interference in the working channel of the first station can be over after the second station receives the first frame and switches to the target subchannel, thus switching to the target subchannel is invalid switching.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first time threshold is predefined; and / or, the first time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the first time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the second station in advance.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, thus the second station can still use the subchannel affected by the interference after switching to the target subchannel, thus resulting in waste of energy. In order to avoid this situation, the first station can further send the bandwidth of the channel occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel, to the second station, so as to make the second station use the subchannel not affected by the interference for transmission after switching to the target subchannel.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second site is explicitly indicated by the first site. For example, the first frame is an individually addressed frame, whose receiver address is the media access control (MAC) address of the second site. Alternatively, the first frame may be a trigger frame with a receiver address that is a broadcast address, and may carry an identifier to explicitly indicate the second site, such as an association identifier (AID).

[0132] In some embodiments, the second station is implicitly indicated by the first station. For example, the first frame is a management frame with a receiver address that is a broadcast address. In this case, stations that have enabled non-main channel access and / or dynamic sub-channel access are all second stations.

[0133] In some embodiments, the second site includes: a site in the basic service set where the first site is located that supports non-main channel access functionality. The target sub-channel is also a sub-channel within the operating channel bandwidth of the second site that supports non-main channel access functionality.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second site includes a site in the basic service set of the first site that supports dynamic subchannel access. The target subchannel is within the operating channel bandwidth of the second site that supports dynamic subchannel access.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second site is a site in the basic service set other than the first site that supports non-main channel access functionality.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second site is a site in the basic service set other than the first site that supports dynamic sub-channel access.

[0137] In some embodiments, when the second station receives the first frame, the second station performs a handover in accordance with the instructions of the first frame. Optionally, when the second station receives the first frame, the second station shall perform a handover in accordance with the instructions of the first frame. Optionally, when the second station receives the first frame, the second station should perform a handover in accordance with the instructions of the first frame.

[0138] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time segment. The start time of the target time period is after the current time.

[0139] In some embodiments, the starting time of the target time period is before the starting time of the interference duration time period; or, the starting time of the target time period is equal to the starting time of the interference duration time period; or, the starting time of the target time period is after the starting time of the interference duration time period and before the ending time of the interference duration time period. Wherein, the interference duration time period is a time period in which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station. That is, in the case that the first station knows that interference is likely to occur in the working channel, the first frame is sent to the second station in advance to instruct the second station to switch to the target sub-channel in a future time period.

[0140] In some embodiments, the ending time of the target time period is before the starting time of the interference duration time period; or, the ending time of the target time period is equal to the starting time of the interference duration time period; or, the ending time of the target time period is after the starting time of the interference duration time period and before the ending time of the interference duration time period; or, the ending time of the target time period is equal to the ending time of the interference duration time period; or, the ending time of the target time period is after the ending time of the interference duration time period. Wherein, the interference duration time period is a time period in which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station.

[0141] In some embodiments, in the case that the interference is aperiodic, the target time period is aperiodic.

[0142] In some embodiments, in the case that the interference is periodic, the target time period is periodic or aperiodic.

[0143] In some embodiments, the target time is before the ending time of the interference duration time period. Wherein, the interference duration time period is a time period in which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station. That is, the starting time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is usually before the ending time of the interference.

[0144] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is a sub-channel within the working channel bandwidth of the first station.

[0145] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target sub-channel is negotiated by the first station and the second station in advance; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the first frame.

[0146] In some embodiments, the time difference between the sending time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than a second time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the second station has sufficient time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0147] In some embodiments, the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is within the target time period.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching duration required for the second station to switch to the target subchannel.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second time threshold is predefined; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-set by the first station or the second station; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second time threshold can be different for different second stations. For example, the second time threshold corresponding to the second station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the second time threshold corresponding to the second station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first frame is an action frame.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least one of the following fields:

[0153] a first field, the first field being used to indicate whether the target period is periodic or aperiodic;

[0154] a second field, the second field being used to indicate a duration of transmission on the target subchannel;

[0155] a third field, the third field being used to indicate a start time of the latest target period, or being used to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or being used to indicate an offset value of the start time relative to a current time;

[0156] a fourth field, the fourth field being used to indicate an end time of the latest target period, or being used to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or being used to indicate an offset value of the end time relative to the start time;

[0157] a fifth field, the fifth field being used to indicate the target subchannel;

[0158] a sixth field, the sixth field being used to indicate an unavailable subchannel.

[0159] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first frame includes at least one of a frame control field, a duration field, an address 1 field, an address 2 field, an address 3 field, a sequence control field, a high throughput (HT) control field, an action field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field.

[0160] Optionally, the action field includes at least one of a category field, an ultra high reliability (UHR) public action field, a dialog token field, and a target channel information element field.

[0161] Optionally, the target channel information element field includes at least one of an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a control field, an expected duration field, a start time field, an end time field, a target subchannel bitmap field, a disabled subchannel bitmap field, and an interval info field.

[0162] Optionally, the control field includes a periodical field and / or a reserved field.

[0163] Optionally, the interval info field includes at least one of an interval mantissa field, an interval exponent field, and a reserved field.

[0164] In some embodiments, when the first field has a first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target period is periodic; and when the first field has a second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target period is aperiodic.

[0165] In the embodiments of the present application, the first field is taken as an example of a periodical field. For example, when the value of the periodical field is 0, it indicates that the target period is periodic; and when the value of the periodical field is 1, it indicates that the target period is aperiodic. Or, when the value of the periodical field is 1, it indicates that the target period is periodic; and when the value of the periodical field is 0, it indicates that the target period is aperiodic.

[0166] In the embodiments of the present application, the second field is taken as an example for description of the expected duration field. For example, in units of 9 microseconds (a time slot, aSlotTime), the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1*9 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2*9 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3*9 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of 16 microseconds (a short interframe interval, aSIFSTime), the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1*16 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2*16 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3*16 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1 microsecond, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1 microsecond, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 4 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 3, which represents 8 microseconds. That is, the value of the expected duration field is taken as the index of the power of 2, and so on. In the embodiments of the present application, the unit of the value of the expected duration field is not limited. The value of the expected duration field is not limited to indicate the duration of transmission on the target subchannel. It should be noted that the duration of transmission on the target subchannel refers to the duration of transmission on the target subchannel after the first station and / or the second station switches to the target subchannel.

[0167] In the embodiments of the present application, the third field is taken as an example for description of the start time field. Optionally, the unit of the value of the third field is microsecond.

[0168] In the embodiments of the present application, the fourth field is taken as an example for description of the end time field. Optionally, the unit of the value of the fourth field is microsecond.

[0169] It should be noted that the nearest target period refers to the nearest target period in the future from the current time.

[0170] In some embodiments, each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each subchannel.

[0171] In the embodiments of the present application, the fifth field is taken as an example for description of the target subchannel bitmap field. Illustratively, each bit in the target subchannel bitmap field represents a 20MHz subchannel, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the target subchannel bitmap field, and the bit corresponding to the subchannel not within the working bandwidth of the current basic service set is a reserved bit. For example, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the target subchannel bitmap field according to the size of the center frequency of each subchannel in order. (A 16-bit bitmap where the lowest numbered bit corresponds to the 20MHz subchannel that lies within the BSS bandwidth and is the lowest in frequency of the set of all 20MHz subchannels within the BSS bandwidth. Each successive bit in the bitmap corresponds to the next higher frequency 20MHz subchannel. A bit in the bitmap that falls outside of the BSS bandwidth is reserved.) For another example, the first bit in the target subchannel bitmap field represents the primary 20MHz subchannel, the second bit represents the secondary 20MHz subchannel in the primary 40MHz, the third bit represents the low-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 40MHz in the primary 80MHz, the fourth bit represents the high-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 40MHz in the primary 80MHz, and so on, and the 16th bit represents the highest-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 160MHz in the 320MHz.

[0172] In some embodiments, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the fifth field is the third value, the subchannel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target subchannel. For example, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is the target subchannel; in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not the target subchannel. Or, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is the target subchannel; in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not the target subchannel. (A bit in the bitmap and that lies within the BSS bandwidth is set to 1 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is used and is set to 0 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is not used.)

[0173] In the embodiments of the present application, the sixth field is taken as an example to illustrate the disabled subchannel bitmap field. For example, each bit in the disabled subchannel bitmap field represents a 20MHz subchannel, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the disabled subchannel bitmap field, and the subchannel not within the working bandwidth of the current basic service set corresponds to a reserved bit.

[0174] For example, in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a deactivated subchannel; in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a deactivated subchannel. Or, in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a deactivated subchannel; in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a deactivated subchannel. (A bit in the bitmap and that lies within the BSS bandwidth is set to 1 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is punctured and is set to 0 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is not punctured.)

[0175] In some embodiments, in a case where the first field indicates that the target period is periodic, the first frame further comprises:

[0176] A seventh field, the seventh field is used to indicate an interval length between two adjacent periodic target periods.

[0177] In the embodiments of the present application, the seventh field is taken as an example to illustrate the interval information field. It should be noted that the interval information field is only present in the first frame in a case where the periodic field indicates that the target period is periodic, otherwise, there is no interval information field.

[0178] In some embodiments, the seventh field further comprises:

[0179] A first subfield, the first subfield is used to indicate a mantissa of the interval length;

[0180] A second subfield, the second subfield is used to indicate an index of the interval length;

[0181] Wherein, the mantissa and the index are used to calculate the interval length.

[0182] In some embodiments, the interval length is equal to the product of the mantissa and a first value, and the first value is equal to the power value of the base number 2 with the index as the index.

[0183] In the embodiments of the present application, the first subfield is taken as an example to illustrate the mantissa field of the interval, and the second subfield is taken as an example to illustrate the index field of the interval. Interval length = mantissa * 2 指数 .

[0184] The fields, elements, and byte numbers shown in FIG. 4 are optional examples. The present application supports any suitable modification of the frame format of the first frame, such as adding fields, reducing some fields, recombining some fields, changing byte numbers, changing field names, etc.

[0185] Step 2: The second station receives the first frame.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first frame is received on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first station and the second station currently have a connection. The first frame is used to instruct the second station to switch to a target subchannel at or no later than a target time period or a target time.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent by the first station in a case where the first station predicts that interference occurs in the working channel.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent by the first station in a case where the first station predicts that interference occurs in the working channel, and a duration of the interference is no less than a first time threshold.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first time threshold is predefined; and / or, the first time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the first time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the second station in advance.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second station can not know a bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, which can cause energy waste. To avoid this situation, the first station can also send, to the second station, a channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and / or a target available bandwidth of the target subchannel. That is, the second station receives, from the first station, the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel. The second station uses a non-interfered subchannel for transmission after switching to the target subchannel.

[0191] In some embodiments, a time difference between a sending time of the first frame and a completion time of the second station switching to the target subchannel is no less than a second time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target subchannel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is beneficial to ensure that the second station has sufficient time to switch to the target subchannel.

[0192] In some embodiments, the second time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching duration required by the second station to switch to the target subchannel.

[0193] In some embodiments, the second time threshold is predefined; and / or, the second time threshold is preset by the first station or the second station; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second time threshold can be different for different second stations. For example, the second time threshold corresponding to the second station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the second time threshold corresponding to the second station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0195] Specifically, the description of the second station is detailed in step 1 above.

[0196] Specifically, the description of the target time period is detailed in step 1 above.

[0197] Specifically, the description of the target time is detailed in step 1 above.

[0198] Specifically, the description of the target sub-channel is detailed in step 1 above.

[0199] Specifically, the description of the first frame is detailed in step 1 above.

[0200] In summary, the method provided by the embodiment enables the first station to instruct the second station to switch to the target sub-channel at the target time period or no later than the target time through the first frame, thereby ensuring the transmission stability between the first station and the second station and avoiding invalid switching of the first station alone.

[0201] In an optional embodiment based on FIG. 3, FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a first station. In the embodiment of the present application, the first station is an access point, or the first station is a non-access point station. The method comprises:

[0202] Step 1-1: The first station sends a first frame.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first station and the second station currently have a connection, and the first frame is used to instruct the second station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time. In the embodiment of the present application, the target sub-channel has the same meaning as the anchor channel described above, and can be understood as a channel after switching. By instructing the second station to switch to the target sub-channel in time, the synchronization of the first station and the second station is facilitated. In the case where the first station switches to the target sub-channel, if the second station does not switch to the target sub-channel in time, the switching of the first station will be invalid.

[0204] In some embodiments, where the first station is an access point, the second station comprises one or more non-access point stations associated with the first station.

[0205] In some embodiments, where the first station is a non-access point station, the second station comprises one or more non-access point stations with which the first station has established a point-to-point link.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first station transmits the first frame on the current link in the case that it is aware of interference in the operating channel, such as a portion of the channel or bandwidth in the operating channel. Since the interference is directed to the first station, the second station is not aware of it. By transmitting the first frame to the second station, the second station can be timely informed of the interference problem in the operating channel of the first station, so that the second station can timely switch to the target sub-channel.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first station transmits the first frame on the current link in the case that it is aware of interference in the operating channel, and the interference has a duration not less than a first time threshold. When the interference in the operating channel of the first station has a duration long enough, the first station transmits the first frame to the second station, which is beneficial to avoid blind switching. For example, if the interference in the operating channel of the first station has a duration short enough, after the second station receives the first frame and switches to the target sub-channel, the interference in the operating channel of the first station can have already ended, and switching to the target sub-channel at this time is an invalid switching.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first time threshold is predefined; and / or, the first time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the first time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the second station in advance.

[0209] In some embodiments, the second station can not be aware of the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the first station, and thus can still use the sub-channel interfered after switching to the target sub-channel, which can result in energy waste. In order to avoid this situation, the first station can further transmit to the second station the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. The second station can use the sub-channel not interfered after switching to the target sub-channel for transmission.

[0210] In some embodiments, the time difference between the transmission time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than a second time threshold. For example, the time difference between the transmission time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is beneficial to ensure that the second station has enough time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0211] In some embodiments, the second time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching duration required for the second station to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second time threshold is predefined; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-set by the first station or the second station; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0213] In some embodiments, the second time threshold can be different for different second stations. For example, the second time threshold corresponding to the second station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the second time threshold corresponding to the second station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0214] In particular, the description of the second station is detailed in step 1 above.

[0215] In particular, the description of the target time period is detailed in step 1 above.

[0216] In particular, the description of the target time instance is detailed in step 1 above.

[0217] In particular, the description of the target sub-channel is detailed in step 1 above.

[0218] In particular, the description of the first frame is detailed in step 1 above.

[0219] In an optional embodiment based on FIG. 3, FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an example embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a second station. In the embodiment of the present application, the second station is a non-access point station associated with a first station, and the first station is an access point; or, the second station is a non-access point station establishing a point-to-point link with a first station, and the first station is a non-access point station. The method comprises:

[0220] Step 2-1: The second station receives a first frame.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first frame is received on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first station and the second station have established a connection, and the first frame is used to instruct the second station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time instance.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent by the first station in anticipation of an interference occurring in the working channel.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent by the first station in anticipation of an interference occurring in the working channel, and the interference duration of the interference is not less than a first time threshold.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first time threshold is predefined; and / or, the first time threshold is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the first time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and thus can still use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this situation, the first station can also send to the second station the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. That is, the second station receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel sent by the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. The second station is caused to use the non-interfered sub-channel for transmission after switching to the target sub-channel.

[0226] In some embodiments, the time difference between the sending time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the second time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the second station has sufficient time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching duration required by the second station to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0228] In some embodiments, the second time threshold is predefined; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-set by the first station or the second station; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0229] In some embodiments, the second time threshold can be different for different second stations. For example, the second time threshold corresponding to the second station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the second time threshold corresponding to the second station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0230] Specifically, the description of the second station is detailed in step 1 above.

[0231] Specifically, the description of the target time period is detailed in step 1 above.

[0232] Specifically, the description of the target time is detailed in step 1 above.

[0233] Specifically, the description of the target sub-channel is detailed in step 1 above.

[0234] Specifically, the description of the first frame is detailed in step 1 above.

[0235] For case two:

[0236] In some embodiments, the second station also suffers from interference from non-OBSS due to its own communication with the cellular base station. In this case, the second station can choose to switch to the anchor channel for transmission, but the first station associated with the second station cannot detect the interference and thus will not switch to the anchor channel, which can result in the second station failing to complete transmission with the first station on the anchor channel. In general, the first station has multiple associated second stations, and in order to provide fair service to the multiple second stations, the first station will not switch to the anchor channel for transmission due to a single second station. Based on this, embodiments of the present application provide a channel switching method, in which the second station sends a second frame to the first station to request the first station to switch to the anchor channel.

[0237] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an example embodiment of the present application. The method is jointly performed by a first station and a second station. In embodiments of the present application, the second station is a non-access point station, and the first station is an access point associated with the second station, or the first station is a station that establishes a point-to-point link with the non-access point station. The method includes:

[0238] Step 11: The second station sends a second frame.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first station and the second station currently have a connection, and the second frame is used to request the first station to switch to a target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time. In embodiments of the present application, the target subchannel has the same meaning as the anchor channel described above, and can be understood as a channel after switching. By instructing the first station to switch to the target subchannel in a timely manner, the synchronization of the first station and the second station can be ensured. In the case where the second station switches to the target subchannel, the first station can be requested to also switch to the target subchannel in a timely manner.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second station sends the second frame on the current link in the case where it is known that interference occurs in the working channel. Since the interference is directed to the second station, the first station cannot know about it. By sending the second frame to the first station, the second station can be timely informed about the interference problem in the working channel of the first station, so that the second station can switch to the target subchannel in a timely manner.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second station sends the second frame on the current link in the case that the second station knows that interference occurs in the operating channel and the duration of the interference is not less than the third time threshold. When the duration of the interference in the operating channel of the second station is long enough, the second station sends the second frame to the first station, which is beneficial to avoid blind switching. For example, if the duration of the interference in the operating channel of the second station is short enough, after the first station receives the second frame and switches to the target subchannel, the interference in the operating channel of the second station can have ended, and switching to the target subchannel is then invalid switching.

[0242] In some embodiments, the third time threshold is predefined; and / or, the third time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the third time threshold is negotiated by the second station and the first station in advance.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the second station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, which can cause energy waste. To avoid this situation, the second station can also send the first station the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the second station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel.

[0244] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time period. The start time of the target time period is after the current time.

[0245] In some embodiments, the start time of the target time period is before the start time of the interference duration period; or, the start time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, the start time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period. The interference duration period is the period in which the interference occurs in the operating channel of the second station. That is, when the second station knows that interference can occur in the operating channel, the second station sends the second frame to the first station in advance to request the first station to switch to the target subchannel in the future time period.

[0246] In some embodiments, the end time of the target time period is before the start time of the interference duration period; or, the end time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, the end time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; or, the end time of the target time period is equal to the end time of the interference duration period; or, the end time of the target time period is after the end time of the interference duration period. The interference duration period is the period in which the interference occurs in the operating channel of the second station.

[0247] In some embodiments, the target time period is aperiodic in the case that the interference is aperiodic.

[0248] In some embodiments, the target time period is periodic or aperiodic if the interference is periodic.

[0249] In some embodiments, the target time instant is before an end time instant of the interference duration. Wherein, the interference duration is a time duration during which the interference occurs in the operating channel of the second station. That is, the start time instant of the first station switching to the target subchannel is usually before the end time instant of the interference.

[0250] In some embodiments, the target subchannel is within the operating channel bandwidth of the second station, and / or the target subchannel is outside the operating channel bandwidth of the second station.

[0251] In some embodiments, the target subchannel is predefined; and / or the target subchannel is pre-configured by the first station; and / or the target subchannel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station; and / or the target subchannel is indicated in the second frame.

[0252] In some embodiments, a time difference between the transmission time instant of the second frame and the completion time instant of the second station switching to the target subchannel is not less than a fourth time threshold. For example, the time difference between the transmission time instant of the second frame and the completion time instant of the second station switching to the target subchannel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is to ensure that the second station has enough time to switch to the target subchannel.

[0253] In some embodiments, the completion time instant of the second station switching to the target subchannel is within the target time period.

[0254] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching duration required by the second station to switch to the target subchannel.

[0255] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold is predefined; and / or the fourth time threshold is pre-configured by the first station or the second station; and / or the fourth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0256] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold can be different for different second stations. For example, the fourth time threshold for the second station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the fourth time threshold for the second station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0257] In some embodiments, the second frame is an action frame.

[0258] In some embodiments, the second frame includes at least one of the following fields:

[0259] The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or aperiodic.

[0260] a second field, the second field being used for indicating a duration of transmission on the target subchannel;

[0261] a third field, the third field being used for indicating a start time of the latest target period, or for indicating a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or for indicating an offset value of the start time relative to a current time;

[0262] a fourth field, the fourth field being used for indicating an end time of the latest target period, or for indicating a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or for indicating an offset value of the end time relative to the start time;

[0263] a fifth field, the fifth field being used for indicating the target subchannel;

[0264] a sixth field, the sixth field being used for indicating an unavailable subchannel;

[0265] an eighth field, the eighth field being used for indicating whether the second frame is a request frame or a response frame.

[0266] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second frame includes at least one of a frame control field, a duration field, an address 1 field, an address 2 field, an address 3 field, a sequence control field, a high throughput (HT) control field, an action field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field.

[0267] Optionally, the action field includes at least one of an action category field, an ultra high reliability (UHR) public action field, a dialog token field, and a target channel info element field.

[0268] Optionally, the target channel info element field includes at least one of an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a control field, a channel info field, and an interval info field.

[0269] Optionally, the control field includes at least one of a command (Command) field, a periodical (Periodical) field, and a reserved (Reserved) field.

[0270] Optionally, the channel information field includes at least one of an expected duration (Expected Duration) field, a start time (Start Time) field, an end time (End Time) field, a target subchannel bitmap (Target Subchannel Bitmap) field, and a disabled subchannel bitmap (Disabled Subchannel Bitmap) field.

[0271] Optionally, the interval information field includes at least one of an interval mantissa (Interval Mantissa) field, an interval exponent (Interval Exponent) field, and a reserved (Reserved) field.

[0272] In some embodiments, when the first field has a first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target period is periodic; when the first field has a second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target period is aperiodic.

[0273] In the embodiments of the present application, the first field is taken as an example of a periodical field. For example, when the value of the periodical field is 0, it indicates that the target period is periodic; when the value of the periodical field is 1, it indicates that the target period is aperiodic. Or, when the value of the periodical field is 1, it indicates that the target period is periodic; when the value of the periodical field is 0, it indicates that the target period is aperiodic.

[0274] In the embodiments of the present application, the second field is taken as an example for description of the expected duration field. For example, in units of 9 microseconds (a time slot, aSlotTime), the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1*9 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2*9 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3*9 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of 16 microseconds (a short interframe interval, aSIFSTime), the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1*16 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2*16 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3*16 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1 microsecond, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1 microsecond, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 4 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 3, which represents 8 microseconds. That is, the value of the expected duration field is taken as an index of a power of 2, and so on. In the embodiments of the present application, the unit of the value of the expected duration field is not limited. The value of the expected duration field is not limited to indicate the duration of transmission on the target subchannel. It should be noted that the duration of transmission on the target subchannel refers to the duration of transmission on the target subchannel after the first station and / or the second station switches to the target subchannel.

[0275] In the embodiments of the present application, the third field is taken as an example for description of the start time field. Optionally, the unit of the value of the third field is microsecond.

[0276] In the embodiments of the present application, the fourth field is taken as an example for description of the end time field. Optionally, the unit of the value of the fourth field is microsecond.

[0277] It should be noted that the nearest target period refers to the nearest target period in the future from the current time.

[0278] In some embodiments, each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each subchannel.

[0279] In the embodiments of the present application, the fifth field is taken as an example for description of the target subchannel bitmap field. Illustratively, each bit in the target subchannel bitmap field represents a 20MHz subchannel, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the target subchannel bitmap field, and the bit corresponding to the subchannel not within the working bandwidth of the current basic service set is a reserved bit. For example, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the target subchannel bitmap field according to the size of the center frequency of each subchannel in order. (A 16-bit bitmap where the lowest numbered bit corresponds to the 20MHz subchannel that lies within the BSS bandwidth and is the lowest in frequency of the set of all 20MHz subchannels within the BSS bandwidth. Each successive bit in the bitmap corresponds to the next higher frequency 20MHz subchannel. A bit in the bitmap that falls outside of the BSS bandwidth is reserved.) For another example, the first bit in the target subchannel bitmap field represents the primary 20MHz subchannel, the second bit represents the secondary 20MHz subchannel in the primary 40MHz, the third bit represents the low-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 40MHz in the primary 80MHz, the fourth bit represents the high-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 40MHz in the primary 80MHz, and so on, and the 16th bit represents the highest-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 160MHz in the 320MHz.

[0280] In some embodiments, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the fifth field is the third value, the subchannel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target subchannel. For example, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is the target subchannel; in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not the target subchannel. Or, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is the target subchannel; in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not the target subchannel. (A bit in the bitmap and that lies within the BSS bandwidth is set to 1 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is used and is set to 0 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is not used.)

[0281] In the embodiments of the present application, the sixth field is taken as an example to illustrate the disabled subchannel bitmap field. For example, each bit in the disabled subchannel bitmap field represents a 20MHz subchannel, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the disabled subchannel bitmap field, and the subchannel not within the working bandwidth of the current basic service set corresponds to a reserved bit.

[0282] For example, in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a deactivated subchannel; in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a deactivated subchannel. Or, in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a deactivated subchannel; in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a deactivated subchannel. (A bit in the bitmap and that lies within the BSS bandwidth is set to 1 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is punctured and is set to 0 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is not punctured.)

[0283] In some embodiments, in a case where the first field indicates that the target period is periodic, the second frame further comprises:

[0284] A seventh field, the seventh field is used to indicate an interval length between two adjacent periodic target periods.

[0285] In the embodiments of the present application, the seventh field is taken as an example to illustrate the interval information field. It should be noted that the interval information field is only included in the second frame in a case where the periodic field indicates that the target period is periodic, otherwise, there is no interval information field.

[0286] In some embodiments, the seventh field further comprises:

[0287] A first subfield, the first subfield is used to indicate a mantissa of the interval length;

[0288] A second subfield, the second subfield is used to indicate an index of the interval length;

[0289] The mantissa and the index are used to calculate the interval length.

[0290] In some embodiments, the interval length is equal to the product of the mantissa and a first value, and the first value is equal to the power value of the base number 2 with the index as the index.

[0291] In the embodiments of the present application, the first subfield is taken as an example to illustrate the mantissa field of the interval, and the second subfield is taken as an example to illustrate the index field of the interval. The interval length = mantissa * 2 指数 .

[0292] In some embodiments, the eighth field is used to indicate that the second frame is a request frame when the eighth field takes the fourth value, and the eighth field is used to indicate that the second frame is a response frame when the eighth field takes the fifth value.

[0293] In the embodiments of the present application, the eighth field is taken as an example to illustrate the command field. For example, when the command field takes the value 0, it indicates that the second frame is a request frame. When the command field takes the value 1 or 2, it indicates that the second frame is a response frame. When the command field takes the value 1, it indicates that the request is accepted. When the command field takes the value 2, it indicates that the request is rejected. Alternatively, when the command field takes the value 2, it indicates that the request is accepted. When the command field takes the value 1, it indicates that the request is rejected. The value 3 of the command field is a reserved value. It should be noted that the value combination of the field in the embodiments of the present application is not limited. For example, when the command field takes the value 1, it indicates that the second frame is a request frame. When the command field takes the value 0 or 2, it indicates that the second frame is a response frame. When the command field takes the value 0, it indicates that the request is accepted. When the command field takes the value 2, it indicates that the request is rejected. Alternatively, when the command field takes the value 2, it indicates that the request is accepted. When the command field takes the value 0, it indicates that the request is rejected. The value 3 of the command field is a reserved value.

[0294] The fields, elements and byte numbers shown in FIG. 8 are optional examples. The present application supports any adaptive modification of the frame format of the second frame, such as adding fields, reducing some fields, recombining some fields, changing byte numbers, changing field names, etc.

[0295] Step 12: The first station receives the second frame.

[0296] In some embodiments, the second frame is received on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first station and the second station currently have a connection. The second frame is used to request the first station to switch to a target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time.

[0297] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent by the second station when it is predicted that interference occurs in the working channel.

[0298] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent by the second station when it is predicted that interference occurs in the working channel and the interference duration of the interference is not less than a third time threshold.

[0299] In some embodiments, the third time threshold is predefined; and / or, the third time threshold is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the third time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second station, and thus can still use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this situation, the second station can also send to the first station the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. That is, the first station receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel sent by the second station.

[0301] In some embodiments, the time difference between the sending time of the second frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the fourth time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the second frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the second station has sufficient time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0302] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the second station to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0303] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fourth time threshold is pre-set by the first station or the second station; and / or, the fourth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0304] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold can be different for different second stations. For example, the fourth time threshold corresponding to the second station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the fourth time threshold corresponding to the second station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0305] In some embodiments, after receiving the second frame, the first station also sends to the second station a second frame, which is used to indicate that the first station accepts the request of the second station, or which is used to indicate that the first station rejects the request of the second station. At this time, the second frame can be considered as a response frame sent by the first station.

[0306] Specifically, the description of the target period is detailed in the above step 11.

[0307] Specifically, the description of the target time is detailed in the above step 11.

[0308] Specifically, the description of the target sub-channel is detailed in the above step 11.

[0309] Specifically, the second frame is described in detail in step 11.

[0310] It should be noted that the first station does not necessarily switch to the target subchannel after receiving the second frame. In the case where the first station accepts the request of the second station, the first station switches to the target subchannel according to the indication of the second frame; in the case where the first station rejects the request of the second station, the first station does not switch.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first station accepts the request in the case where the first station receives a first number of second frames sent by the second station. Optionally, the first number is not less than a number threshold. The number threshold is predefined; and / or, the number threshold is set in advance by the first station or the second station; and / or, the number threshold is negotiated in advance by the first station and the second station.

[0312] In summary, the method provided by the embodiment enables the second station to request the first station to switch to the target subchannel at the target time period or no later than the target time point in time through the second frame, so as to ensure the transmission stability between the first station and the second station and avoid invalid switching of the second station alone.

[0313] In an optional embodiment based on FIG. 7, FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method provided by an example embodiment of the application. The method is performed by a second station. In the embodiment of the application, the second station is a non-access point station. The method comprises:

[0314] Step 11-1: The second station sends a second frame.

[0315] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first station and the second station currently have a connection, and the second frame is used to request the first station to switch to a target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time point. In the embodiment of the application, the target subchannel has the same meaning as the anchor channel described above, and can be understood as a channel after switching. By indicating the first station to switch to the target subchannel in time, the synchronization of the first station and the second station is beneficially ensured. In the case where the second station switches to the target subchannel, the first station can be requested to also switch to the target subchannel in time.

[0316] In some embodiments, the first station is an access point associated with the second station, or the first station is one or more stations that establish a point-to-point link with the non-access point station.

[0317] In some embodiments, the second station sends the second frame on the current link in the case that the second station predicts that the interference occurs in the working channel. Since the interference is directed to the second station, the first station cannot predict it. By sending the second frame to the first station, the second station can timely inform the first station about the interference problem in the working channel of the first station, so that the second station can timely switch to the target subchannel.

[0318] In some embodiments, the second station sends the second frame on the current link in the case that the second station predicts that the interference occurs in the working channel and the interference duration of the interference is not less than a third time threshold. When the duration of the interference in the working channel of the second station is long enough, the second station sends the second frame to the first station, which is beneficial to avoid blind switching. For example, if the duration of the interference in the working channel of the second station is short enough, after the first station receives the second frame and then switches to the target subchannel, the interference in the working channel of the second station can have ended, and switching to the target subchannel at this time is invalid switching.

[0319] In some embodiments, the third time threshold is predefined; and / or, the third time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the third time threshold is negotiated by the second station and the first station in advance.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, which can cause energy waste. To avoid this situation, the second station can also send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel to the first station.

[0321] In some embodiments, the time difference between the sending time of the second frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target subchannel is not less than a fourth time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the second frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target subchannel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is beneficial to ensure that the second station has enough time to switch to the target subchannel.

[0322] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching duration of the second station switching to the target subchannel.

[0323] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fourth time threshold is set by the first station or the second station in advance; and / or, the fourth time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the second station in advance.

[0324] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold can be different for different second stations. For example, the fourth time threshold for second station 1 can be 500 microseconds, and the fourth time threshold for second station 2 can be 600 microseconds.

[0325] In particular, the target time period is described in detail in step 11 above.

[0326] In particular, the target time period is described in detail in step 11 above.

[0327] In particular, the target time period is described in detail in step 11 above.

[0328] In particular, the second frame is described in detail in step 11 above.

[0329] In an alternative embodiment based on Figure 7, Figure 10 shows a flow chart of a channel switching method according to an example embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a first station. In the embodiment of the present application, the first station is an access point associated with a second station, or the first station is a station that has established a point-to-point link with the second station. The second station is a non-access point station. The method comprises:

[0330] Step 12-1: The first station receives a second frame.

[0331] In some embodiments, the second frame is received on a current link from the second station. The current link is a link on which the first station has established a connection with the second station. The second frame is used to request the first station to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time.

[0332] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent by the second station in anticipation of interference occurring in the operating channel.

[0333] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent by the second station in anticipation of interference occurring in the operating channel, and the interference time duration of the interference is not less than a third time threshold.

[0334] In some embodiments, the third time threshold is predefined; and / or, the third time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the third time threshold is pre-negotiated between the second station and the first station.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this, the second station can also send to the first station the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel. That is, the first station receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel, sent by the second station.

[0336] In some embodiments, the time difference between the sending time of the second frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target subchannel is not less than a fourth time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the second frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target subchannel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the second station has sufficient time to switch to the target subchannel.

[0337] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the second station to switch to the target subchannel.

[0338] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fourth time threshold is set in advance by the first station or the second station; and / or, the fourth time threshold is previously negotiated by the first station and the second station.

[0339] In some embodiments, the fourth time threshold can be different for different second stations. For example, the fourth time threshold corresponding to the second station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the fourth time threshold corresponding to the second station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0340] In some embodiments, after receiving the second frame, the first station also sends to the second station a second frame, which is used to indicate that the first station accepts the request of the second station, or which is used to indicate that the first station rejects the request of the second station. At this time, the second frame can be considered as a response frame sent by the first station.

[0341] Specifically, the description of the target period is detailed in step 11 above.

[0342] Specifically, the description of the target time is detailed in step 11 above.

[0343] Specifically, the description of the target subchannel is detailed in step 11 above.

[0344] Specifically, the description of the second frame is detailed in step 11 above.

[0345] In some embodiments, after the first station receives the second frame, the request corresponding to the second frame can be accepted or rejected. The first station accepting the request corresponding to the second frame means that the first station will switch to the target sub-channel at the target time period or no later than the target time. The first station rejecting the request corresponding to the second frame means that the first station will not switch.

[0346] It should be noted that the first station does not necessarily switch to the target sub-channel after receiving the second frame. In the case that the first station accepts the request of the second station, the first station switches to the target sub-channel according to the indication of the second frame; in the case that the first station rejects the request of the second station, the first station does not switch.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first station accepts the request in the case that the first station receives a first number of second frames sent by the second station. Optionally, the first number is not less than a number threshold. The number threshold is predefined; and / or, the number threshold is set in advance by the first station or the second station; and / or, the number threshold is negotiated in advance by the first station and the second station.

[0348] In some embodiments, in order to improve the channel utilization rate of the anchor channel, after the first station receives the second frame and accepts the request corresponding to the second frame, the first station can further send a first frame for indicating other stations associated with the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at the target time period or no later than the target time. For details, refer to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, which will not be described here.

[0349] In some embodiments, one or more access points can be affiliated with the same access point multi-link device, and one or more stations can be affiliated with the same non-access point multi-link device. An access point multi-link device can be associated with one or more non-access point multi-link devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, access point 1 (AP1), access point 2 (AP2), and access point 3 (AP3) are all affiliated with the access point multi-link device. Station 11 (STA11), station 12 (STA12), and station 13 (STA13) are all affiliated with the non-access point multi-link device 1. Station 21 (STA21), station 22 (STA22), and station 23 (STA23) are all affiliated with the non-access point multi-link device 2. Station 31 (STA31), station 32 (STA32), and station 33 (STA33) are all affiliated with the non-access point multi-link device 3. Among them, station 11 (STA11), station 21 (STA21), and station 31 (STA31) are associated with access point 1 (AP1) on link 1. Or, it can be understood that station 11 (STA11), station 21 (STA21), and station 31 (STA31) are the stations corresponding to access point 1 (AP1) on link 1. Station 12 (STA12), station 22 (STA22), and station 32 (STA32) are associated with access point 2 (AP2) on link 2. Or, it can be understood that station 12 (STA12), station 22 (STA22), and station 32 (STA32) are the stations corresponding to access point 2 (AP2) on link 2. Station 13 (STA13), station 23 (STA23), and station 33 (STA33) are associated with access point 3 (AP3) on link 3. Or, it can be understood that station 13 (STA13), station 23 (STA23), and station 33 (STA33) are the stations corresponding to access point 3 (AP3) on link 3.

[0350] For case three:

[0351] In some embodiments, in the case that the first station affiliated with the first multi-link device is about to and / or has switched to the anchor channel, the first station may not have enough time to notify one or more first affiliated stations associated with the first station in the second multi-link device to switch. Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a channel switching method, in which the first multi-link device sends a third frame to the second multi-link device across the link to instruct the first affiliated stations associated with the first station to switch to the anchor channel.

[0352] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an example embodiment of the present application. The method is performed jointly by a first multi-link device and a second multi-link device. In the embodiments of the present application, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices associated with the first multi-link device; or the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices that establish a point-to-point link with the first multi-link device. The method includes:

[0353] Step 21: The first multi-link device sends a third frame.

[0354] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link. The second station is the station corresponding to the second link of the first multi-link device. For example, the access point multi-link device in FIG. 11 is the first multi-link device, and the access point 2 (AP2) is the second station. The third frame is used to instruct the first affiliated station to switch to the target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time. The first affiliated station is the affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first affiliated station includes the station 11 (STA11) in the non-access point multi-link device 1, the station 21 (STA21) in the non-access point multi-link device 2, and the station 31 (STA31) in the non-access point multi-link device 3. By using the second link to instruct the first affiliated station to switch to the target subchannel in time, the synchronization of the first station and the first affiliated station can be ensured, and the first affiliated station can be prevented from not switching to the target subchannel in time in the case that the first station has already switched to the target subchannel, thereby avoiding invalid switching of the first station.

[0355] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link in the case that the first station is about to switch and / or has already switched to the target subchannel. The first station is the station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link device. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first station is the access point 1 (AP1) in the access point multi-link device. The first affiliated station is the station associated with the first station on the first link. Since the first station is about to switch and / or has already switched to the target subchannel, the first station can not have enough time to instruct the associated first affiliated station to switch on the first link, and therefore, the cross-link instruction through the second link can be used to instruct the first affiliated station to switch in time.

[0356] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, "imminence" means that the time difference between the current time and the time when the first station switches to the target subchannel is not greater than a target time threshold. Optionally, the target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the third frame.

[0357] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link when the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel, and the interval between the current time and the first time is not less than a fifth time threshold. The first time is the time when the first station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and transmission. When the duration of the non-primary channel access and transmission expected by the first station is long enough, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link, which is beneficial to avoid blind switching. For example, if the duration of the non-primary channel access and transmission expected by the first station is short enough, after the first affiliated station receives the third frame and then switches to the target subchannel, the first station may have ended the non-primary channel access and transmission, and switching to the target subchannel at this time is invalid switching.

[0358] In some embodiments, the fifth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fifth time threshold is set by the first multi-link device in advance.

[0359] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, which can cause energy waste. In order to avoid this situation, the first multi-link device can also send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel to the second multi-link device, so that the first affiliated station uses the non-interfered subchannel for transmission after switching to the target subchannel.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first link is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device, for example, one or more first links are indicated in the third frame, for example, indicated by a Link ID Bitmap field.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device. For example, the third frame is an individually addressed frame, and the receiver address is a MAC address of a second affiliated station corresponding to the second link of the second multi-link device to which the first affiliated station belongs. For another example, the third frame is a trigger frame with a broadcast address as the receiver address, and an identifier of the second multi-link device to which the first affiliated station belongs is carried in the third frame, such as an Association Identifier (AID).

[0362] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is implicitly indicated by the first multi-link device. For example, the third frame is a management frame with a broadcast address as the receiver address. In this case, all affiliated stations of the second multi-link device that enable the non-primary channel access function and / or the dynamic sub-channel access function on the first link are the first affiliated station.

[0363] It should be noted that, for the multi-link device, the individually addressed frame transmitted on the target link can also be transmitted on other links, and relevant information indicating the original link needs to be added when transmitted on the other links, such as a Multi-Link Operation Link Information (MLO Link Information) element containing a Link ID Bitmap field.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station includes a station in the basic service set to which the first station belongs and that supports the non-primary channel access function.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station includes a station in the basic service set to which the first station belongs and that supports the dynamic sub-channel access function.

[0366] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is a station in the basic service set other than the first station and that supports the non-primary channel access function.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is a station in the basic service set other than the first station and that supports the dynamic sub-channel access function.

[0368] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station performs switching according to the indication of the third frame when the second multi-link device receives the third frame. Alternatively, the first affiliated station shall perform switching according to the indication of the third frame when the second multi-link device receives the third frame. Alternatively, the first affiliated station should perform switching according to the indication of the third frame when the second multi-link device receives the third frame.

[0369] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time period. Optionally, a start time of the target time period is after a current time. Optionally, a time difference between the start time of the target time period and the current time is not greater than a target time threshold. The target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is pre-configured by the first station; and / or, the target time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the third frame.

[0370] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is a channel used by the first station after switching.

[0371] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-configured by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the third frame.

[0372] In some embodiments, a time difference between a sending time of the third frame and a completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than a sixth time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the third frame and the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the first affiliated station has sufficient time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0373] In some embodiments, the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is within the target time period.

[0374] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching duration required by the first affiliated station to switch from the working sub-channel to the target sub-channel.

[0375] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the sixth time threshold is pre-configured by the first station; and / or, the sixth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station.

[0376] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold can be different for different first affiliated stations. For example, assume that the sixth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the sixth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0377] In some embodiments, the third frame is an action frame.

[0378] In some embodiments, the third frame includes at least one of the following fields:

[0379] A first field, the first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or aperiodic;

[0380] The second field is used for indicating a time duration of transmission on the target sub-channel.

[0381] The third field is used for indicating a start time of the last target period, or a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or an offset value of the start time relative to a current time.

[0382] The fourth field is used for indicating an end time of the last target period, or a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or an offset value of the end time relative to the start time.

[0383] The fifth field is used for indicating the target sub-channel.

[0384] The sixth field is used for indicating the unavailable sub-channel.

[0385] The ninth field is used for indicating an identity and a number of the first link.

[0386] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the third frame includes at least one of a frame control field, a duration field, an address 1 field, an address 2 field, an address 3 field, a sequence control field, a high throughput (HT) control field, an action field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field.

[0387] Optionally, the action field includes at least one of an action category field, an ultra high reliability (UHR) public action field, a dialog token field, and a target channel information element field.

[0388] Optionally, the target channel information element field includes at least one of an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a link ID bitmap field, and n link channel information fields, where n is a positive integer.

[0389] Optionally, each link channel information field comprises at least one of a control field, a channel info field, and an interval info field.

[0390] Optionally, the control field comprises a periodical field and / or a reserved field.

[0391] Optionally, the channel info field comprises at least one of an expected duration field, a start time field, an end time field, a target subchannel bitmap field, and a disabled subchannel bitmap field.

[0392] Optionally, the interval info field comprises at least one of an interval mantissa field, an interval exponent field, and a reserved field.

[0393] In some embodiments, when the first field has a first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target period is periodic; and when the first field has a second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target period is aperiodic.

[0394] In the embodiments of the present application, the first field is taken as an example of a periodical field. For example, when the value of the periodical field is 0, it indicates that the target period is periodic; and when the value of the periodical field is 1, it indicates that the target period is aperiodic. Or, when the value of the periodical field is 1, it indicates that the target period is periodic; and when the value of the periodical field is 0, it indicates that the target period is aperiodic.

[0395] In the embodiments of the present application, the second field is taken as an example for description of the expected duration field. For example, in units of 9 microseconds (a time slot, aSlotTime), the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1*9 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2*9 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3*9 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of 16 microseconds (a short interframe interval, aSIFSTime), the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1*16 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2*16 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3*16 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1 microsecond, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1 microsecond, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 4 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 3, which represents 8 microseconds. That is, the value of the expected duration field is taken as the index of the power of 2, and so on. In the embodiments of the present application, the unit of the value of the expected duration field is not limited. The value of the expected duration field is not limited to indicate the duration of transmission on the target subchannel. It should be noted that the duration of transmission on the target subchannel refers to the duration of transmission on the target subchannel after the first station and / or the first affiliated station switches to the target subchannel.

[0396] In the embodiments of the present application, the third field is taken as an example for description of the start time field. Optionally, the unit of the value of the third field is microsecond.

[0397] In the embodiments of the present application, the fourth field is taken as an example for description of the end time field. Optionally, the unit of the value of the fourth field is microsecond.

[0398] It should be noted that the nearest target period refers to the nearest target period in the future from the current time.

[0399] In some embodiments, each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each subchannel.

[0400] In the embodiments of the present application, the fifth field is taken as an example for description of the target subchannel bitmap field. Illustratively, each bit in the target subchannel bitmap field represents a 20MHz subchannel, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the target subchannel bitmap field, and the bit corresponding to the subchannel not within the working bandwidth of the current basic service set is a reserved bit. For example, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the target subchannel bitmap field according to the size of the center frequency of each subchannel in order. (A 16-bit bitmap where the lowest numbered bit corresponds to the 20MHz subchannel that lies within the BSS bandwidth and is the lowest in frequency of the set of all 20MHz subchannels within the BSS bandwidth. Each successive bit in the bitmap corresponds to the next higher frequency 20MHz subchannel. A bit in the bitmap that falls outside of the BSS bandwidth is reserved.) For another example, the first bit in the target subchannel bitmap field represents the primary 20MHz subchannel, the second bit represents the secondary 20MHz subchannel in the primary 40MHz, the third bit represents the low-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 40MHz in the primary 80MHz, the fourth bit represents the high-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 40MHz in the primary 80MHz, and so on, and the 16th bit represents the highest-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 160MHz in the 320MHz.

[0401] In some embodiments, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the fifth field is the third value, the subchannel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target subchannel. For example, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is the target subchannel; in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not the target subchannel. Or, in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is the target subchannel; in case that the value of the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field is 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not the target subchannel. (A bit in the bitmap and that lies within the BSS bandwidth is set to 1 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is used and is set to 0 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is not used.)

[0402] In the embodiments of the present application, the sixth field is taken as an example to illustrate the disabled subchannel bitmap field. For example, each bit in the disabled subchannel bitmap field represents a 20MHz subchannel, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the disabled subchannel bitmap field, and the subchannel not within the working bandwidth of the current basic service set corresponds to a reserved bit.

[0403] For example, in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a deactivated subchannel; in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a deactivated subchannel. Or, in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a deactivated subchannel; in a case where one or more bits in the bitmap field of the deactivated subchannel are set to 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a deactivated subchannel. (A bit in the bitmap and that lies within the BSS bandwidth is set to 1 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is punctured and is set to 0 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is not punctured.)

[0404] In some embodiments, in a case where the first field indicates that the target period is periodic, the third frame further comprises:

[0405] A seventh field, the seventh field is used to indicate the interval length between two adjacent periodic target periods.

[0406] In the embodiments of the present application, the seventh field is taken as an example to illustrate the interval information field. It should be noted that the interval information field is only included in the third frame in a case where the periodic field indicates that the target period is periodic, otherwise, there is no interval information field.

[0407] In some embodiments, the seventh field further comprises:

[0408] A first subfield, the first subfield is used to indicate the mantissa of the interval length;

[0409] A second subfield, the second subfield is used to indicate the exponent of the interval length;

[0410] The mantissa and the exponent are used to calculate the interval length.

[0411] In some embodiments, the interval length is equal to the product of the mantissa and a first value, and the first value is equal to the power value with 2 as the base and the exponent as the index.

[0412] In the embodiments of the present application, the first subfield is taken as an example to illustrate the mantissa field of the interval, and the second subfield is taken as an example to illustrate the exponent field of the interval. Interval length = mantissa * 2 指数 .

[0413] In some embodiments, in the case that the one or more bits in the ninth field take the sixth value, the positions of the one or more bits are used to indicate the identities of the first links, and the number of the one or more bits is used to indicate the number of the first links.

[0414] In the embodiments of the present application, the ninth field is taken as an example to be explained as a link flag bitmap field. For example, in the case that the bit at the i th position in the link flag bitmap field takes the value 1, it indicates that there is link channel information corresponding to the i th link in the third frame, and i takes a positive integer. For another example, in the case that the bits at the 1 st position and the 3 rd position in the link flag bitmap field take the value 1, it indicates that there are link channel information of link 1 and link 3 in the third frame. That is, the number of the first links is 2.

[0415] In some embodiments, in the case that the third frame is a management frame with a broadcast address as the recipient address, there is no confirmation frame. In the case that the third frame is a management frame with a unicast address as the recipient address, there is a confirmation frame. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, in the case that a management frame with a broadcast address as the recipient address is sent to STA 22 on link 2, STA 22 will not reply a confirmation frame; in the case that a management frame with a unicast address as the recipient address is sent to STA 33 on link 3, STA 33 will reply a confirmation frame.

[0416] The fields, elements, and byte numbers shown in FIG. 13 are all optional examples, and the present application supports any adaptive modification of the frame format of the third frame, such as adding fields, reducing some fields, recombining some fields, changing byte numbers, changing field names, and the like, on the basis of FIG. 13.

[0417] Step 22: The second multi-link device receives the third frame.

[0418] In some embodiments, the third frame sent by the second station in the first multi-link device is received on the second link. The second station is the station corresponding to the second link of the first multi-link device. The third frame is used to instruct the first affiliated station to switch to the target subchannel at the target time period or no later than the target time, and the first affiliated station is the affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device.

[0419] In some embodiments, the second affiliated station corresponding to the second link in the second multi-link device receives the third frame.

[0420] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the first station in the case that the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel. The first station is the station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link device.

[0421] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the first station in a case that the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel, and a time interval between a current time and a first time is not less than a fifth time threshold. The first time is a time at which the first station is expected to end the non-AP channel access and transmission.

[0422] In some embodiments, the fifth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fifth time threshold is preset by the first multi-link device.

[0423] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the first station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this situation, the first multi-link device can also send, to the second multi-link device, the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel. That is, the second multi-link device receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the first station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel sent by the first multi-link device. The first affiliated station is caused to use a non-interfered subchannel for transmission after switching to the target subchannel.

[0424] In some embodiments, the first link is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device, such as, one or more first links are indicated in the third frame, for example, by a Link ID Bitmap field.

[0425] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device. For example, the third frame is an individually addressed frame, and a receiver address is a MAC address of a second affiliated station corresponding to a second link of a second multi-link device to which the first affiliated station belongs. For another example, the third frame is a trigger frame with a broadcast address as the receiver address, and an identifier of the second multi-link device to which the first affiliated station belongs is carried in the third frame, for example, an Association Identifier (AID).

[0426] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is implicitly indicated by the first multi-link device. For example, the third frame is a management frame with a broadcast address as the receiver address. In this case, the affiliated stations of the second multi-link device that enable the non-AP channel access function and / or the dynamic subchannel access function on the first link are all the first affiliated station.

[0427] It is noted that for multi-link devices, unicast frames transmitted on the target link can also be transmitted on other links, in which case the relevant information indicating their original link needs to be added, for example, a Multi-Link Operation Link Information (MLO Link Information) element containing a Link ID Bitmap field is added.

[0428] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station comprises a station in the basic service set in which the first station is located that supports a non-primary channel access function.

[0429] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station comprises a station in the basic service set in which the first station is located that supports a dynamic sub-channel access function.

[0430] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is a station in the basic service set other than the first station and that supports a non-primary channel access function.

[0431] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is a station in the basic service set other than the first station and that supports a dynamic sub-channel access function.

[0432] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station switches in compliance with the indication of the third frame in the case that the second multi-link device receives the third frame. Alternatively, the first affiliated station shall switch in compliance with the indication of the third frame in the case that the second multi-link device receives the third frame. Alternatively, the first affiliated station should switch in compliance with the indication of the third frame in the case that the second multi-link device receives the third frame.

[0433] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time period. Alternatively, the start time of the target time period is after the current time. Alternatively, the time difference between the start time of the target time period and the current time is not greater than a target time threshold. The target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the third frame.

[0434] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is a channel used by the first station after switching.

[0435] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the third frame.

[0436] In some embodiments, a time difference between the sending time of the third frame and the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target subchannel is not less than a sixth time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the third frame and the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target subchannel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the first affiliated station has sufficient time to switch to the target subchannel.

[0437] In some embodiments, the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target subchannel is within the target period.

[0438] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching duration required by the first affiliated station to switch from the working channel to the target subchannel.

[0439] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the sixth time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the sixth time threshold is previously negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station.

[0440] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold can be different for different first affiliated stations. For example, the sixth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the sixth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0441] Specifically, the description of the third frame is described in the above step 21.

[0442] In summary, the method provided by the embodiment enables the first affiliated station in the second multi-link device to switch to the target subchannel in time based on the indication of the third frame, by the second station in the first multi-link device sending the third frame on the second link and the second multi-link device receiving the third frame, thereby ensuring the transmission stability between the first station and the first affiliated station, and avoiding invalid switching by the first station alone.

[0443] In an optional embodiment based on FIG. 12, FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method provided by an example embodiment of the application. The method is performed by a first multi-link device. In the embodiment of the application, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device, or the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device. The method comprises:

[0444] Step 21-1: The first multi-link device sends a third frame.

[0445] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link. The second station is the station corresponding to the second link of the first multi-link device. For example, the access point multi-link device in FIG. 11 is the first multi-link device, and the access point 2 (AP2) is the second station. The third frame is used to instruct the first affiliated station to switch to the target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time. The first affiliated station is the affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first affiliated station includes the station 11 (STA11) in the non-access point multi-link device 1, the station 21 (STA21) in the non-access point multi-link device 2, and the station 31 (STA31) in the non-access point multi-link device 3. By using the second link to instruct the first affiliated station to switch to the target sub-channel in time, the synchronization of the first station and the first affiliated station is ensured, and the first affiliated station is prevented from not switching to the target sub-channel in time in the case that the first station has already switched to the target sub-channel, thereby causing the switching of the first station to be invalid.

[0446] In some embodiments, in the case that the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device, the second multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices associated with the first multi-link device.

[0447] In some embodiments, in the case that the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, the second multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices that establish a point-to-point link with the first multi-link device.

[0448] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link in the case that the first station is about to switch to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel. The first station is the station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link device. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first station is the access point 1 (AP1) in the access point multi-link device. The first affiliated station is the station associated with the first station on the first link. Since the first station is about to switch to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel, the first station can not have enough time to instruct the associated first affiliated station to switch on the first link, and therefore, the cross-link instruction through the second link is used to instruct the first affiliated station to switch in time.

[0449] It should be understood that "about to" in the embodiments of the present application means that the time difference between the current time and the completion time of the switching of the first station to the target sub-channel is not greater than a target time threshold. Optionally, the target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the third frame.

[0450] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link in a case that the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel, and a time interval between the current time and a first time is not less than a fifth time threshold. The first time is a time at which the first station is expected to end the non-AP channel access and transmission. When the first station is expected to perform the non-AP channel access and transmission for a time duration that is long enough, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link, which is beneficial to avoid blind switching. For example, if the first station is expected to perform the non-AP channel access and transmission for a time duration that is short enough, after the first affiliated station receives the third frame and then switches to the target subchannel, the first station can have already ended the non-AP channel access and transmission, and switching to the target subchannel at this time is invalid switching.

[0451] In some embodiments, the fifth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fifth time threshold is set by the first multi-link device in advance.

[0452] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station can not know a bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the first station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, which can cause energy waste. To avoid this situation, the first multi-link device can further send, to the second multi-link device, a channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the operating channel of the first station, and / or a target available bandwidth of the target subchannel, so that the first affiliated station uses a non-interfered subchannel for transmission after switching to the target subchannel.

[0453] In some embodiments, the first link is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device, for example, one or more first links are indicated in the third frame, for example, by a Link ID Bitmap field.

[0454] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device. For example, the third frame is an individually addressed frame, and a receiver address is a MAC address of a second affiliated station of the second multi-link device corresponding to the second link. For another example, the third frame is a trigger frame with a broadcast address as the receiver address, and an identifier of the second multi-link device to which the first affiliated station belongs is carried in the third frame, for example, an Association Identifier (AID).

[0455] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is implicitly indicated by the first multi-link device. For example, the third frame is a management frame with a broadcast address as the receiver address. In this case, the affiliated stations of the second multi-link device that enable the non-AP channel access function and / or the dynamic subchannel access function on the first link are all the first affiliated station.

[0456] It is noted that for a multi-link device, a unicast frame transmitted on a target link can also be transmitted on other links, and in this case, relevant information indicating its original link needs to be added, for example, a Multi-Link Operation Link Information (MLO Link Information) element containing a Link ID Bitmap field is added.

[0457] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station comprises a station in the basic service set in which the first station is located and which supports a non-primary channel access function.

[0458] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station comprises a station in the basic service set in which the first station is located and which supports a dynamic sub-channel access function.

[0459] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is a station in the basic service set other than the first station and which supports a non-primary channel access function.

[0460] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is a station in the basic service set other than the first station and which supports a dynamic sub-channel access function.

[0461] In some embodiments, in the case where the second multi-link device receives the third frame, the first affiliated station switches in compliance with the indication of the third frame. Alternatively, in the case where the second multi-link device receives the third frame, the first affiliated station shall switch in compliance with the indication of the third frame. Alternatively, in the case where the second multi-link device receives the third frame, the first affiliated station should switch in compliance with the indication of the third frame.

[0462] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time period. Alternatively, the start time of the target time period is after the current time. Alternatively, the time difference between the start time of the target time period and the current time is not greater than a target time threshold. The target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is set in advance by the first station; and / or, the target time threshold is negotiated in advance by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the third frame.

[0463] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is a channel used by the first station after switching.

[0464] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is set in advance by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is negotiated in advance by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the third frame.

[0465] In some embodiments, a time difference between the sending time of the third frame and the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target subchannel is not less than a sixth time threshold. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the third frame and the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target subchannel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the first affiliated station has sufficient time to switch to the target subchannel.

[0466] In some embodiments, the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target subchannel is within the target period.

[0467] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching duration required by the first affiliated station to switch from the working channel to the target subchannel.

[0468] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the sixth time threshold is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the sixth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station.

[0469] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold can be different for different first affiliated stations. For example, assume that the sixth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the sixth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0470] Specifically, the description of the third frame is detailed in step 21.

[0471] In an optional embodiment based on FIG. 12, FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method provided by an example embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a second multi-link device. In embodiments of the present application, the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device associated with a first multi-link device, and the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device; or, the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device establishing a point-to-point link with a first multi-link device, and the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device. The method includes:

[0472] Step 22-1: The second multi-link device receives a third frame.

[0473] In some embodiments, the third frame sent by a second station in the first multi-link device is received on the second link. The second station is a station corresponding to the second link in the first multi-link device. The third frame is used to instruct a first affiliated station to switch to a target subchannel within a target period or no later than a target time, and the first affiliated station is an affiliated station corresponding to the first link in the second multi-link device.

[0474] In some embodiments, a second affiliated station corresponding to the second link in the second multi-link device receives the third frame.

[0475] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the first station in a case that the first station is going to and / or has switched to the target subchannel. Wherein, the first station is a station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link device.

[0476] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the first station in a case that the first station is going to and / or has switched to the target subchannel, and an interval between the current time and the first time is not less than a fifth time threshold. Wherein, the first time is a time at which the first station is expected to end the non-AP channel access and the transmission.

[0477] In some embodiments, the fifth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fifth time threshold is preset by the first multi-link device.

[0478] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, thereby causing waste of energy. In order to avoid this situation, the first multi-link device can also send, to the second multi-link device, the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel. That is, the second multi-link device receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel sent by the first multi-link device. The first affiliated station is caused to use the non-interfered subchannel for transmission after switching to the target subchannel.

[0479] In some embodiments, the first link is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device, such as, one or more first links are indicated in the third frame, for example, by a Link ID Bitmap field.

[0480] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device. For example, the third frame is an individually addressed frame, and a receiver address is a MAC address of a second affiliated station corresponding to a second link of a second multi-link device to which the first affiliated station belongs. For another example, the third frame is a trigger frame with a broadcast address as the receiver address, and an identifier of the second multi-link device to which the first affiliated station belongs is carried in the third frame, for example, an Association Identifier (AID).

[0481] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is implicitly indicated by the first multi-link device. For example, the third frame is a management frame with a broadcast address as the receiver address. In this case, the affiliated stations of the second multi-link device that enable the non-AP channel access function and / or the dynamic subchannel access function on the first link are all the first affiliated station.

[0482] It is noted that for a multi-link device, a unicast frame transmitted on a target link can also be transmitted on other links, and in this case, relevant information indicating its original link needs to be added, for example, a Multi-Link Operation Link Information (MLO Link Information) element containing a Link ID Bitmap field is added.

[0483] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station comprises a station in the basic service set in which the first station is located and which supports a non-primary channel access function.

[0484] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station comprises a station in the basic service set in which the first station is located and which supports a dynamic sub-channel access function.

[0485] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is a station in the basic service set other than the first station and which supports a non-primary channel access function.

[0486] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station is a station in the basic service set other than the first station and which supports a dynamic sub-channel access function.

[0487] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station switches in compliance with the indication of the third frame in the case that the second multi-link device receives the third frame. Alternatively, the first affiliated station shall switch in compliance with the indication of the third frame in the case that the second multi-link device receives the third frame. Alternatively, the first affiliated station should switch in compliance with the indication of the third frame in the case that the second multi-link device receives the third frame.

[0488] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time period. Alternatively, the start time of the target time period is after the current time. Alternatively, the time difference between the start time of the target time period and the current time is not greater than a target time threshold. The target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the third frame.

[0489] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is a channel used by the first station after switching.

[0490] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the third frame.

[0491] In some embodiments, the time difference between the transmission time of the third frame and the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than a sixth time threshold. For example, the time difference between the transmission time of the third frame and the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the first affiliated station has sufficient time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0492] In some embodiments, the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is within the target period.

[0493] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching duration required by the first affiliated station to switch from the working channel to the target sub-channel.

[0494] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the sixth time threshold is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the sixth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station.

[0495] In some embodiments, the sixth time threshold can be different for different first affiliated stations. For example, the sixth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the sixth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0496] Specifically, the description of the third frame is as described in step 21.

[0497] For case four:

[0498] In some embodiments, in the case that the first affiliated station in the second multi-link device is about to and / or has already switched to the anchor channel, the first affiliated station may not have enough time to request the first station in the first multi-link device to switch on the first link. Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a channel switching method, in which a fourth frame is sent by the second multi-link device to the first multi-link device to request the first station associated with the first affiliated station to switch to the anchor channel.

[0499] FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method provided by an example embodiment of the present application. The method is jointly performed by a first multi-link device and a second multi-link device. In the embodiments of the present application, the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device associated with the second multi-link device, or the first multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices that establish a point-to-point link with the second multi-link device. The method includes:

[0500] Step 31: The second multi-link device sends a fourth frame.

[0501] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by a second affiliated station over the second link. The second affiliated station is a station corresponding to the second link of the second multi-link device. For example, referring to FIG. 11, the non-access point multi-link device 1 is the second multi-link device, and the station 12 (STA 12) is the second affiliated station. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than a target time period. The first station is an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link device. For example, referring to FIG. 11, the first station is the access point 1 (AP 1) of the access point multi-link device. By using the second link to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel in time, the synchronization between the first station and the first affiliated station can be ensured, and the first affiliated station can be prevented from being switched invalid due to the first station not switching to the target sub-channel in time after the first affiliated station has switched to the target sub-channel.

[0502] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station over the second link when the first affiliated station is about to switch to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel. The first affiliated station is a station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device. For example, referring to FIG. 11, the first affiliated station is the station 11 (STA 11) of the non-access point multi-link device 1. Since the first affiliated station is about to switch to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel, the first affiliated station can not have enough time to request the associated first station to switch over the first link. Therefore, the cross-link request over the second link can be used to request the first station to switch in time.

[0503] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, “about to” means that the time difference between the current time and the time when the first affiliated station completes switching to the target sub-channel is not greater than a target time threshold. Optionally, the target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the fourth frame.

[0504] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel, and a time interval between the current time and a second time is not less than a seventh time threshold. The second time is a time at which the first affiliated station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and transmission. When the first affiliated station is expected to perform the non-primary channel access and transmission for a time period long enough, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link, which is beneficial to avoid blind switching. For example, if the first affiliated station is expected to perform the non-primary channel access and transmission for a time period short enough, after the first station receives the fourth frame and then switches to the target sub-channel, the first affiliated station can have already ended the non-primary channel access and transmission, and switching to the target sub-channel at this time is invalid switching.

[0505] In some embodiments, the seventh time threshold is predefined; and / or, the seventh time threshold is set by the first station in advance.

[0506] In some embodiments, the first station can not know a bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station, and thus can still use the sub-channel interfered after switching to the target sub-channel, which can cause waste of energy. In order to avoid this situation, the second multi-link device can further send, to the first multi-link device, a channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station, and / or a target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. The first station is caused to use a sub-channel not interfered to perform transmission after switching to the target sub-channel.

[0507] In some embodiments, the target time period is a time period in the future. A start time of the target time period is after the current time.

[0508] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is a sub-channel used by the first affiliated station after switching.

[0509] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target sub-channel is previously negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the fourth frame.

[0510] In some embodiments, a time difference between a sending time of the fourth frame and a completion time of switching of the first affiliated station to the target sub-channel is not less than an eighth time threshold. The first affiliated station is a station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the fourth frame and the completion time of switching of the first affiliated station to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is beneficial to ensure that the first affiliated station has enough time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0511] In some embodiments, the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target subchannel is within the target period.

[0512] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching time length required for the first affiliated station to switch from the working channel to the target subchannel.

[0513] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the eighth time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the eighth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station.

[0514] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold can be different for different first affiliated stations. For example, the eighth time threshold for the first affiliated station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the eighth time threshold for the first affiliated station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0515] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is an action frame.

[0516] In some embodiments, the fourth frame includes at least one of the following fields:

[0517] The first field is used to indicate whether the target period is periodic or aperiodic;

[0518] The second field is used to indicate a time length for transmission on the target subchannel;

[0519] The third field is used to indicate a start time of the latest target period, or a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or an offset value of the start time relative to a current time;

[0520] The fourth field is used to indicate an end time of the latest target period, or a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or an offset value of the end time relative to the start time;

[0521] The fifth field is used to indicate the target subchannel;

[0522] The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable subchannel;

[0523] The eighth field is used to indicate whether the second frame is a request frame or a response frame;

[0524] The ninth field is used to indicate an identity and a number of the first link.

[0525] As shown in FIG. 18, the fourth frame includes at least one of a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address 1 field, an Address 2 field, an Address 3 field, a Sequence Control field, a High Throughput (HT) Control field, an Action field, and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field.

[0526] Optionally, the Action field includes at least one of an Action Category field, an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Public Action field, a Dialog Token field, and a Target Channel Info Element field.

[0527] Optionally, the Target Channel Info Element field includes at least one of an Element ID field, a Length field, an Element ID Extension field, a Control field, a Link ID Bitmap field, and n Link Channel Info fields, where n is a positive integer.

[0528] Optionally, the Control field includes a Command field and / or a Reserved field.

[0529] Optionally, each Link Channel Info field includes at least one of a Control field, a Channel Info field, and an Interval Info field. Optionally, the Control field includes a Periodical field and / or a Reserved field.

[0530] Optionally, the Control field includes a Periodical field and / or a Reserved field.

[0531] Optionally, the channel information field comprises at least one of an expected duration field, a start time field, an end time field, a target subchannel bitmap field, and a disabled subchannel bitmap field.

[0532] Optionally, the interval information field comprises at least one of an interval mantissa field, an interval exponent field, and a reserved field.

[0533] In some embodiments, when the first field has a first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target period is periodic; when the first field has a second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target period is aperiodic.

[0534] In the embodiments of the present application, the first field is taken as an example of a periodicity field. For example, when the periodicity field has a value of 0, it indicates that the target period is periodic; when the periodicity field has a value of 1, it indicates that the target period is aperiodic. Or, when the periodicity field has a value of 1, it indicates that the target period is periodic; when the periodicity field has a value of 0, it indicates that the target period is aperiodic.

[0535] In the embodiments of the present application, the second field is taken as an example for description of the expected duration field. For example, in units of 9 microseconds (a time slot, aSlotTime), the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1*9 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2*9 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3*9 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of 16 microseconds (a short interframe interval, aSIFSTime), the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1*16 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2*16 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3*16 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1 microsecond, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 3 microseconds, and so on. For another example, in units of microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 0, which represents 1 microsecond, the value of the expected duration field is 1, which represents 2 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 2, which represents 4 microseconds, the value of the expected duration field is 3, which represents 8 microseconds. That is, the value of the expected duration field is taken as the index of the power of 2, and so on. In the embodiments of the present application, the unit of the value of the expected duration field is not limited. The value of the expected duration field is not limited to indicate the duration of transmission on the target subchannel. It should be noted that the duration of transmission on the target subchannel refers to the duration of transmission on the target subchannel after the first station and / or the first affiliated station switches to the target subchannel.

[0536] In the embodiments of the present application, the third field is taken as an example for description of the start time field. Optionally, the unit of the value of the third field is microsecond.

[0537] In the embodiments of the present application, the fourth field is taken as an example for description of the end time field. Optionally, the unit of the value of the fourth field is microsecond.

[0538] It should be noted that the nearest target period refers to the nearest target period in the future from the current time.

[0539] In some embodiments, each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each subchannel.

[0540] In the embodiments of the present application, the fifth field is taken as an example to illustrate the target subchannel bitmap field. Illustratively, each bit in the target subchannel bitmap field represents a 20MHz subchannel, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be indicated by any bit in the target subchannel bitmap field, and the bit corresponding to the subchannel not within the working bandwidth of the current basic service set is a reserved bit. For example, the primary 20MHz subchannel can be indicated by any bit in the target subchannel bitmap field according to the size of the center frequency of each subchannel in order. (A 16-bit bitmap where the lowest numbered bit corresponds to the 20MHz subchannel that lies within the BSS bandwidth and is the lowest in frequency of the set of all 20MHz subchannels within the BSS bandwidth. Each successive bit in the bitmap corresponds to the next higher frequency 20MHz subchannel. A bit in the bitmap that falls outside of the BSS bandwidth is reserved.) For another example, the first bit in the target subchannel bitmap field represents the primary 20MHz subchannel, the second bit represents the secondary 20MHz subchannel in the primary 40MHz, the third bit represents the low-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 40MHz in the primary 80MHz, the fourth bit represents the high-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 40MHz in the primary 80MHz, and so on, and the 16th bit represents the highest-frequency 20MHz subchannel in the secondary 160MHz in the 320MHz. (A bit in the bitmap and that lies within the BSS bandwidth is set to 1 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is used and is set to 0 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is not used.)

[0541] In some embodiments, in a case where the one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the subchannel corresponding to the one or more bits is a target subchannel. For example, in a case where the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field take the value 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a target subchannel; in a case where the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field take the value 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a target subchannel. Or, in a case where the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field take the value 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a target subchannel; in a case where the one or more bits in the target subchannel bitmap field take the value 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a target subchannel. (A bit in the bitmap and that lies within the BSS bandwidth is set to 1 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is punctured and is set to 0 to indicate that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is not punctured.)

[0542] In the embodiments of the present application, the sixth field is taken as an example of the disabled subchannel bitmap field. For example, each bit in the disabled subchannel bitmap field represents a 20MHz subchannel, and the primary 20MHz subchannel can be represented by any bit in the disabled subchannel bitmap field. The subchannel not within the working bandwidth of the current basic service set corresponds to a reserved bit.

[0543] For example, in a case where the one or more bits in the disabled subchannel bitmap field take the value 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a disabled subchannel; in a case where the one or more bits in the disabled subchannel bitmap field take the value 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a disabled subchannel. Or, in a case where the one or more bits in the disabled subchannel bitmap field take the value 1, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is a disabled subchannel; in a case where the one or more bits in the disabled subchannel bitmap field take the value 0, it indicates that the corresponding subchannel is not a disabled subchannel.

[0544] In some embodiments, in a case where the first field indicates that the target period is periodic, the fourth frame further comprises:

[0545] The seventh field is used to indicate the interval length between two adjacent periodic target periods.

[0546] In the embodiments of the present application, the seventh field is taken as an example for description of the interval information field. It should be noted that the interval information field is correspondingly present in the fourth frame only when the periodic field indicates that the target period is periodic, otherwise, the interval information field is not present.

[0547] In some embodiments, the seventh field further comprises:

[0548] a first sub-field, the first sub-field being used to indicate a mantissa of the interval duration;

[0549] a second sub-field, the second sub-field being used to indicate an index of the interval duration;

[0550] wherein the mantissa and the index are used to calculate the interval duration.

[0551] In some embodiments, the interval duration is equal to a product of the mantissa and a first value, and the first value is equal to a power value with 2 as a base number and the index as an index.

[0552] In the embodiments of the present application, the first sub-field is taken as an example for description of the mantissa field of the interval, and the second sub-field is taken as an example for description of the index field of the interval. The interval duration = mantissa * 2 指数 .

[0553] In some embodiments, when the eighth field takes a fourth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the fourth frame is a request frame; and when the eighth field takes a fifth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the fourth frame is a response frame.

[0554] In the embodiments of the present application, the eighth field is taken as an example for description of the command field. For example, when the command field takes a value of 0, it indicates that the fourth frame is a request frame. When the command field takes a value of 1 or 2, it indicates that the fourth frame is a response frame. When the command field takes a value of 1, it indicates that the request is accepted; and when the command field takes a value of 2, it indicates that the request is rejected. Or, when the command field takes a value of 2, it indicates that the request is accepted; and when the command field takes a value of 1, it indicates that the request is rejected. The value of 3 of the command field is a reserved value. It should be noted that the combination of the values of the fields is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, when the command field takes a value of 1, it indicates that the fourth frame is a request frame. When the command field takes a value of 0 or 2, it indicates that the fourth frame is a response frame. When the command field takes a value of 0, it indicates that the request is accepted; and when the command field takes a value of 2, it indicates that the request is rejected. Or, when the command field takes a value of 2, it indicates that the request is accepted; and when the command field takes a value of 0, it indicates that the request is rejected. The value of 3 of the command field is a reserved value.

[0555] In some embodiments, in a case that the one or more bits in the ninth field take the sixth value, the positions of the one or more bits are used to indicate the identities of the first links, and the number of the one or more bits is used to indicate the number of the first links.

[0556] In the embodiments of the present application, the ninth field is taken as an example to be described as a link flag bitmap field. For example, in a case that the bit at the i th position in the link flag bitmap field takes the value 1, it indicates that there is a link channel information corresponding to the i th link in the fourth frame, and the value of i is a positive integer. For another example, in a case that the bits at the 1 st position and the 3 rd position in the link flag bitmap field take the value 1, it indicates that there are two link channel information of link 1 and link 3 in the fourth frame. That is, the number of the first links is 2.

[0557] The fields, elements, and byte numbers shown in FIG. 18 are all optional examples, and the present application supports any adaptive modification of the frame format of the fourth frame, such as adding fields, reducing some fields, recombining some fields, changing byte numbers, changing field names, and the like, on the basis of FIG. 18.

[0558] Step 32: The first multi-link device receives the fourth frame.

[0559] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is received on the second link and is sent by a second affiliated station. The second affiliated station is a station corresponding to the second link of the second multi-link device. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target subchannel at or no later than the target time period or the target time.

[0560] In some embodiments, the second station corresponding to the second link in the first multi-link device receives the fourth frame.

[0561] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the first affiliated station in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel. The first affiliated station is a station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device.

[0562] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the first affiliated station in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel, and the interval between the current time and the second time is not less than the seventh time threshold. The second time is a time at which the first affiliated station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and transmission.

[0563] In some embodiments, the seventh time threshold is predefined; and / or, the seventh time threshold is set in advance by the first station.

[0564] In some embodiments, the first station may be unaware of the bandwidth occupied by interference in the operating channel of the first auxiliary station, and therefore may continue to use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, resulting in wasted energy. To avoid this, the second multi-link device may also send the channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the operating channel of the first auxiliary station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel, to the first multi-link device. That is, the first multi-link device receives the channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the operating channel of the first auxiliary station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel, enabling the first station to use the undisturbed sub-channel for transmission after switching to the target sub-channel.

[0565] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time segment. The start time of the target time period is after the current time.

[0566] In some embodiments, the target subchannel is the subchannel used after the first affiliated site handover.

[0567] In some embodiments, the target subchannel is predefined; and / or, the target subchannel is pre-configured by the first station; and / or, the target subchannel is pre-negotiated between the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target subchannel is indicated in the fourth frame.

[0568] In some embodiments, the time difference between the transmission time of the fourth frame and the completion time of the first auxiliary station's switch to the target sub-channel is not less than an eighth time threshold, where the first auxiliary station is the station corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link. For example, the time difference between the transmission time of the fourth frame and the completion time of the first auxiliary station's switch to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This helps ensure that the first auxiliary station itself has sufficient time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0569] In some embodiments, the completion time of the first auxiliary site switching to the target sub-channel is within the target time period.

[0570] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold is greater than or equal to the handover time required for the first auxiliary station to switch from the working channel to the target sub-channel.

[0571] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the eighth time threshold is preset by the first site; and / or, the eighth time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first site and the first affiliated site.

[0572] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold may be different for different first affiliated sites. For example, suppose the eighth time threshold for first affiliated site 1 is 500 microseconds and the eighth time threshold for first affiliated site 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0573] In some embodiments, after receiving the second frame, the first multi-link device further sends a fourth frame to the second multi-link device, the fourth frame being used to indicate that the first multi-link device accepts the request of the second multi-link device, or the fourth frame being used to indicate that the first multi-link device rejects the request of the second multi-link device.

[0574] Specifically, the fourth frame is described in detail in step 31.

[0575] In summary, the method provided by the embodiment enables the first station in the first multi-link device to timely switch to the target sub-channel based on the request of the fourth frame, so as to ensure the transmission stability between the first station and the first affiliated station, and avoid invalid switching of the first affiliated station alone.

[0576] In an optional embodiment based on FIG. 17, FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method provided by an example embodiment of the application. The method is performed by a second multi-link device. In the embodiment of the application, the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device. The method comprises:

[0577] Step 31-1: The second multi-link device sends a fourth frame.

[0578] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link. The second affiliated station is a station corresponding to the second link of the second multi-link device. For example, taking the non-access point multi-link device 1 in FIG. 11 as the second multi-link device and the station 12 (STA12) as the second affiliated station. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time. The first station is an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link device. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first station is the access point 1 (AP1) in the access point multi-link device. By using the second link to timely request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel, the synchronization between the first station and the first affiliated station is ensured, and the invalid switching of the first affiliated station due to the first station not switching to the target sub-channel in time is avoided.

[0579] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel. The first affiliated station is a station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first affiliated station is the station 11 (STA11) in the non-access point multi-link device 1. Since the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel, the first affiliated station can not have enough time to request the first station to switch on the first link. Therefore, the cross-link request is sent through the second link to request the first station to switch in time.

[0580] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, “about to” means that the time difference between the current time and the time when the first affiliated station switches to the target sub-channel is not greater than a target time threshold. Optionally, the target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the fourth frame.

[0581] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel, and the interval between the current time and a second time is not less than a seventh time threshold. The second time is the time when the first affiliated station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and transmission. When the first affiliated station is expected to perform the non-primary channel access and transmission for a long enough time, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link, which is beneficial to avoid blind switching. For example, if the first affiliated station is expected to perform the non-primary channel access and transmission for a short enough time, the first affiliated station can have ended the non-primary channel access and transmission after the first station receives the fourth frame and then switches to the target sub-channel. In this case, switching to the target sub-channel is invalid switching.

[0582] In some embodiments, the seventh time threshold is predefined; and / or, the seventh time threshold is set by the first station in advance.

[0583] In some embodiments, the first station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station, and thus can still use the sub-channel interfered after switching to the target sub-channel, which can cause waste of energy. In order to avoid this situation, the second multi-link device can also send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel to the first multi-link device, so that the first station uses the sub-channel not interfered to perform transmission after switching to the target sub-channel.

[0584] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time period. The start time of the target time period is after the current time.

[0585] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is a sub-channel used by the first affiliated station after the handoff.

[0586] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-configured by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the fourth frame.

[0587] In some embodiments, a time difference between the sending time of the fourth frame and the completion time of the handoff of the first affiliated station to the target sub-channel is not less than an eighth time threshold. The first affiliated station is a station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the fourth frame and the completion time of the handoff of the first affiliated station to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is advantageous to ensure that the first affiliated station has enough time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0588] In some embodiments, the completion time of the handoff of the first affiliated station to the target sub-channel is within the target time period.

[0589] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold is greater than or equal to a handoff duration required by the first affiliated station to switch from the operating sub-channel to the target sub-channel.

[0590] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the eighth time threshold is pre-configured by the first station; and / or, the eighth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station.

[0591] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold can be different for different first affiliated stations. For example, the eighth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the eighth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0592] Specifically, the description of the fourth frame is as described in step 31.

[0593] In the optional embodiment based on FIG. 17, FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of a channel switching method according to an example embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a first multi-link device. In the embodiment of the present application, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device associated with a second multi-link device, or the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device establishing a point-to-point link with the second multi-link device. The second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device. The method comprises:

[0594] Step 32-1: The first multi-link device receives a fourth frame.

[0595] In some embodiments, a fourth frame is received on the second link. The fourth frame is sent by a second affiliated station of the second multi-link device corresponding to the second link. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to a target sub-channel at or no later than a target time period, the first station being an affiliated station of the first multi-link device corresponding to the first link.

[0596] In some embodiments, the second station corresponding to the second link in the first multi-link device receives the fourth frame.

[0597] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the first affiliated station in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel. Wherein, the first affiliated station is a station of the second multi-link device corresponding to the first link.

[0598] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the first affiliated station in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel, and an interval between the current time and a second time is no less than a seventh time threshold. Wherein, the second time is a time at which the first affiliated station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and transmission.

[0599] In some embodiments, the seventh time threshold is predefined; and / or, the seventh time threshold is set by the first station in advance.

[0600] In some embodiments, the first station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station, and thus can still use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, thereby causing energy waste. To avoid this situation, the second multi-link device can also send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel to the first multi-link device. That is, the first multi-link device receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. The first station is caused to use the non-interfered sub-channel for transmission after switching to the target sub-channel.

[0601] In some embodiments, the target time period is a future time period. A start time of the target time period is after the current time.

[0602] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is a sub-channel used by the first affiliated station after switching.

[0603] In some embodiments, the target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the fourth frame.

[0604] In some embodiments, a time difference between a sending time of the fourth frame and a completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than an eighth time threshold. The first affiliated station is a station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link device. For example, the time difference between the sending time of the fourth frame and the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is greater than 500 microseconds. This is beneficial to ensure that the first affiliated station has sufficient time to switch to the target sub-channel.

[0605] In some embodiments, the completion time of the first affiliated station switching to the target sub-channel is within the target period.

[0606] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold is greater than or equal to a switching duration of the first affiliated station switching from the working channel to the target sub-channel.

[0607] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the eighth time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the eighth time threshold is previously negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station.

[0608] In some embodiments, the eighth time threshold can be different for different first affiliated stations. For example, the eighth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 1 is 500 microseconds, and the eighth time threshold corresponding to the first affiliated station 2 is 600 microseconds.

[0609] In some embodiments, after receiving the second frame, the first multi-link device further sends a fourth frame to the second multi-link device. The fourth frame is used to indicate that the first multi-link device accepts the request of the second multi-link device, or the fourth frame is used to indicate that the first multi-link device rejects the request of the second multi-link device.

[0610] Specifically, the fourth frame is described in detail in the above step 31.

[0611] In some embodiments, after the first multi-link device receives the fourth frame, the request corresponding to the fourth frame can be accepted or rejected. If the first multi-link device accepts the request corresponding to the fourth frame, it means that the first multi-link device will switch to the target sub-channel within the target period or no later than the target time. If the first multi-link device rejects the request corresponding to the fourth frame, it means that the first multi-link device will not switch.

[0612] In some embodiments, in order to improve the channel utilization rate of the non-primary channel, after the first multi-link device receives the fourth frame and accepts the request corresponding to the fourth frame, the first multi-link device can further send a first frame to indicate that other stations associated with the first station in the second multi-link device switch to the target sub-channel within the target period or no later than the target time. For details, refer to the embodiments shown in the above FIGS. 3 to 5, which will not be described here.

[0613] In some embodiments, after receiving the fourth frame and accepting the request corresponding to the fourth frame, the first multi-link device can further send, through the third station, a third frame for indicating that the other stations in the second multi-link device associated with the first station switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time. For details, refer to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, which will not be described here.

[0614] In some embodiments, the application further provides a channel switching apparatus for solving channel switching in an asymmetric case. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the channel switching apparatus includes at least one of a sending module 2010 and a receiving module 2020.

[0615] In some embodiments, the channel switching apparatus includes at least one of a first channel switching apparatus, a second channel switching apparatus, a first multi-link channel switching apparatus, and a second multi-link channel switching apparatus.

[0616] In some embodiments, the channel switching apparatus is the first channel switching apparatus. The first channel switching apparatus includes:

[0617] The sending module 2010 is configured to send a first frame.

[0618] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first channel switching apparatus currently has a connection with the second channel switching apparatus, and the first frame is used to instruct the second channel switching apparatus to switch to a target sub-channel at or no later than a target time. In the embodiments of the application, the target sub-channel has the same meaning as the anchor channel, and can be understood as a channel after switching.

[0619] In some embodiments, when the first channel switching apparatus is an access point, the second channel switching apparatus includes one or more non-access point channel switching apparatuses associated with the first channel switching apparatus.

[0620] In some embodiments, when the first channel switching apparatus is a non-access point channel switching apparatus, the second channel switching apparatus includes one or more non-access point channel switching apparatuses that establish a point-to-point link with the first channel switching apparatus.

[0621] In some embodiments, the first channel switching apparatus sends the first frame on the current link when it is predicted that interference occurs in the working channel.

[0622] In some embodiments, the first channel switching apparatus sends the first frame on the current link when it is predicted that interference occurs in the working channel and the interference duration of the interference is not less than a first time threshold.

[0623] In some embodiments, the second channel switching device can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first channel switching device, and thus can still use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this situation, the first channel switching device can also send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first channel switching device, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel, to the second channel switching device.

[0624] The specific implementation is shown in the above step 1-1.

[0625] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving module 2020 configured to receive the response frame sent by the second channel switching device.

[0626] In some embodiments, the channel switching device includes a second channel switching device. The second channel switching device includes:

[0627] The receiving module 2020 is configured to receive the first frame.

[0628] In some embodiments, the first frame sent by the first channel switching device is received on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first channel switching device and the second channel switching device currently have a connection, and the first frame is used to instruct the second channel switching device to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time.

[0629] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent by the first channel switching device in the case of predicting that interference occurs in the working channel.

[0630] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent by the first channel switching device in the case of predicting that interference occurs in the working channel and the interference duration of the interference is not less than a first time threshold.

[0631] In some embodiments, the second channel switching device can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first channel switching device, and thus can still use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this situation, the first channel switching device can also send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first channel switching device, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel, to the second channel switching device. That is, the second channel switching device receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel sent by the first channel switching device, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. The second channel switching device uses a sub-channel that is not interfered to transmit after switching to the target sub-channel.

[0632] The specific implementation is shown in the above step 2-1.

[0633] In some embodiments, the second channel switching device further comprises a sending module 2010 configured to send a response result for the first frame to the first channel switching device.

[0634] In some embodiments, the channel switching device comprises a second channel switching device. The second channel switching device comprises:

[0635] a sending module 2010 configured to send a second frame.

[0636] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first channel switching device and the second channel switching device currently have a connection, and the second frame is used to request the first channel switching device to switch to a target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time. In embodiments of the present application, the target sub-channel has the same meaning as the anchor channel, and both can be understood as a channel after switching.

[0637] In some embodiments, the first channel switching device is an access point associated with the second channel switching device, or the first channel switching device is one or more channel switching devices that establish a point-to-point link with the non-access point channel switching device.

[0638] In some embodiments, the second channel switching device sends the second frame on the current link when it is predicted that interference occurs in the working channel.

[0639] In some embodiments, the second channel switching device sends the second frame on the current link when it is predicted that interference occurs in the working channel and the interference time length of the interference is not less than a third time threshold.

[0640] In some embodiments, the first channel switching device can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second channel switching device, so it can still use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, thereby causing energy waste. In order to avoid this situation, the second channel switching device can further send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second channel switching device and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel to the first channel switching device.

[0641] The specific implementation process is shown in step 11-1 above.

[0642] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a receiving module 2020 configured to receive a response frame sent by the first channel switching device.

[0643] In some embodiments, the channel switching device comprises a first channel switching device. The first channel switching device comprises:

[0644] a receiving module 2020 configured to receive a second frame.

[0645] In some embodiments, the first channel switching device receives a second frame sent by the second channel switching device on a current link. The current link is a link on which the first channel switching device and the second channel switching device currently have a connection. The second frame is used to request the first channel switching device to switch to a target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time.

[0646] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent by the second channel switching device in a case where the second channel switching device predicts that interference occurs in the working channel.

[0647] In some embodiments, the second frame is sent by the second channel switching device in a case where the second channel switching device predicts that interference occurs in the working channel and a duration of the interference is no less than a third time threshold.

[0648] In some embodiments, the first channel switching device can not know a bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second channel switching device, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, which can result in energy waste. To avoid such a case, the second channel switching device can further send, to the first channel switching device, a channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the second channel switching device and / or a target available bandwidth of the target subchannel. That is, the first channel switching device receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel sent by the second channel switching device.

[0649] In some embodiments, the first channel switching device further includes a sending module 2010 configured to send a response result.

[0650] In some embodiments, after receiving the second frame, the first channel switching device further sends, to the second channel switching device, a second frame used to indicate that the first channel switching device accepts the request of the second channel switching device, or the second frame used to indicate that the first channel switching device rejects the request of the second channel switching device. At this time, the second frame can be considered as a response frame sent by the first channel switching device.

[0651] In some embodiments, after the first channel switching device receives the second frame, the first channel switching device can accept or reject the request corresponding to the second frame. The first channel switching device accepts the request corresponding to the second frame, which means that the first channel switching device will switch to the target subchannel at the target time period or no later than the target time. The first channel switching device rejects the request corresponding to the second frame, which means that the first channel switching device will not perform switching.

[0652] In some embodiments, to improve the channel utilization of the anchor channel, the first channel switching device can further send the first frame to instruct other channel switching devices associated with the first channel switching device to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period or target time point after receiving the second frame and accepting the request corresponding to the second frame. For details, refer to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, which will not be repeated here.

[0653] For details, refer to step 12-1 above.

[0654] In some embodiments, the channel switching device includes a first multi-link channel switching device. The first multi-link channel switching device includes:

[0655] The sending module 2010 is configured to send the third frame.

[0656] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link. The second station is a station corresponding to the second link of the first multi-link channel switching device. The third frame is used to instruct a first affiliated station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period or target time point, the first affiliated station being an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link channel switching device.

[0657] In some embodiments, when the first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device, the second multi-link channel switching device includes one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices associated with the first multi-link channel switching device.

[0658] In some embodiments, when the first multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, the second multi-link channel switching device includes one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices that establish a point-to-point link with the first multi-link channel switching device.

[0659] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link when the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel. The first station is a station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link channel switching device. Since the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel, the first station may not have enough time to notify the associated first affiliated station on the first link to switch, and therefore cross-link notification through the second link is beneficial to timely informing the first affiliated station to switch.

[0660] It should be understood that the "imminence" in the embodiments of the present application means that the time difference between the current time and the time when the first station switches to the target subchannel is not greater than a target time threshold. Optionally, the target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the third frame.

[0661] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the second station on the second link in a case that the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel, and the interval between the current time and the first time is not less than a fifth time threshold. The first time is the time when the first station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and transmission.

[0662] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, thereby causing energy waste. In order to avoid this situation, the first multi-link channel switching device can also send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel to the second multi-link channel switching device, so that the first affiliated station uses the non-interfered subchannel for transmission after switching to the target subchannel.

[0663] The specific implementation process is shown in the above step 21-1.

[0664] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving module 2020 configured to receive the response frame sent by the second multi-link channel switching device.

[0665] In some embodiments, the channel switching device includes the second multi-link channel switching device. The second multi-link channel switching device includes:

[0666] The receiving module 2020 is configured to receive the third frame.

[0667] In some embodiments, the third frame sent by the second station in the first multi-link channel switching device is received on the second link. The second station is the station corresponding to the second link of the first multi-link channel switching device. The third frame is used to instruct the first affiliated station to switch to the target subchannel at a target time period or no later than a target time. The first affiliated station is the affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link channel switching device.

[0668] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the first station in a case that the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel. The first station is the station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link channel switching device.

[0669] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent by the first station in a case that the first station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel, and a time interval between a current time and the first time is not less than a fifth time threshold. The first time is a time at which the first station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and the transmission.

[0670] In some embodiments, the first affiliated station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and thus can still use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this situation, the first multi-link channel switching device can further send, to the second multi-link channel switching device, a channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station, and / or a target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. That is, the second multi-link channel switching device receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel sent by the first multi-link channel switching device. The first affiliated station is caused to use a non-interfered sub-channel for transmission after switching to the target sub-channel.

[0671] The detailed implementation is described in the above step 22-1.

[0672] In some embodiments, the second multi-link channel switching device further includes a sending module 2010 configured to send, to the first multi-link channel switching device, a response result for the third frame.

[0673] In some embodiments, the channel switching device includes the second multi-link channel switching device. The second multi-link channel switching device includes:

[0674] The sending module 2010 is configured to send the fourth frame.

[0675] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link. The second affiliated station is a station corresponding to the second link of the second multi-link channel switching device. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at a target time period or no later than a target time. The first station is an affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link channel switching device.

[0676] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel. The first affiliated station is a station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link channel switching device.

[0677] It should be understood that "imminence" in the embodiments of the present application means that the time difference between the current time and the time when the first affiliated station switches to the target subchannel is not greater than the target time threshold. Optionally, the target time threshold is predefined; and / or, the target time threshold is set by the first station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station in advance; and / or, the target time threshold is indicated in the fourth frame.

[0678] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link when the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel, and the interval between the current time and the second time is not less than the seventh time threshold. The second time is the time when the first affiliated station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and transmission.

[0679] In some embodiments, the first station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station, and thus can still use the interfered subchannel after switching to the target subchannel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this situation, the second multi-link channel switching device can also send the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station and / or the target available bandwidth of the target subchannel to the first multi-link channel switching device, so that the first station uses the non-interfered subchannel for transmission after switching to the target subchannel.

[0680] The detailed implementation is described in the above step 31-1.

[0681] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving module 2020 configured to receive the response frame sent by the first multi-link channel switching device.

[0682] In some embodiments, the channel switching device includes the first multi-link channel switching device. The first multi-link channel switching device includes:

[0683] The receiving module 2020 is configured to receive the fourth frame.

[0684] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the second affiliated station on the second link. The second affiliated station is the station corresponding to the second link of the second multi-link channel switching device. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target subchannel at the target time period or no later than the target time. The first station is the affiliated station corresponding to the first link of the first multi-link channel switching device.

[0685] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the first affiliated station when the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target subchannel. The first affiliated station is the station corresponding to the first link of the second multi-link channel switching device.

[0686] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is sent by the first affiliated station in a case that the first affiliated station is about to and / or has switched to the target sub-channel, and a time interval between the current time and the second time is not less than the seventh time threshold. The second time is a time at which the first affiliated station is expected to end the non-primary channel access and transmission.

[0687] In some embodiments, the first station can not know the bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station, and thus can still use the interfered sub-channel after switching to the target sub-channel, resulting in waste of energy. To avoid this situation, the second multi-link channel switching device can further send, to the first multi-link channel switching device, a channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station, and / or a target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. That is, the first multi-link channel switching device receives the channel bandwidth occupied by the interference in the working channel of the first affiliated station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel. The first station is caused to use a non-interfered sub-channel for transmission after switching to the target sub-channel.

[0688] In some embodiments, the first multi-link channel switching device further includes a sending module 2010 configured to send a response frame.

[0689] In some embodiments, after receiving the second frame, the first multi-link channel switching device further sends, to the second multi-link channel switching device, a fourth frame. The fourth frame is used to indicate that the first multi-link channel switching device accepts the request of the second multi-link channel switching device, or the fourth frame is used to indicate that the first multi-link channel switching device rejects the request of the second multi-link channel switching device.

[0690] In some embodiments, after the first multi-link channel switching device receives the fourth frame, the request corresponding to the fourth frame can be accepted or rejected. The first multi-link channel switching device accepts the request corresponding to the fourth frame, indicating that the first multi-link channel switching device will switch to the target sub-channel at the target time period or no later than the target time. The first multi-link channel switching device rejects the request corresponding to the fourth frame, indicating that the first multi-link channel switching device will not switch.

[0691] In some embodiments, to improve the channel utilization rate of the non-primary channel, after the first multi-link channel switching device receives the fourth frame and accepts the request corresponding to the fourth frame, the first multi-link channel switching device can further send a first frame. The first frame is used to instruct other stations associated with the first station in the second multi-link channel switching device to switch to the target sub-channel at the target time period or no later than the target time. For details, refer to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, which are not described here again.

[0692] In some embodiments, after receiving the fourth frame and accepting the request corresponding to the fourth frame, the first multi-link channel switching device can further send, through the third station, a third frame for instructing other stations associated with the first station in the second multi-link channel switching device to switch to the target subchannel at the target time period or no later than the target time point. For details, refer to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, which will not be described here again.

[0693] For details, refer to step 32-1 described above.

[0694] It should be noted that the apparatuses provided in the above embodiments are only used as examples for dividing the above functional modules, and in actual applications, the above functions can be completed by different functional modules according to actual needs, that is, the content structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0695] It should be noted again that the frame formats, element formats, and field formats shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not limiting. The present application supports changes to the formats of the frames, elements, and fields based on the format designs described above, such as changing the order of fields / elements, changing the number of bytes of fields / elements, changing the number of bits of fields / elements, changing the names of fields / elements / frames, and the like. It is also supported to set part of the fields / elements as reserved fields.

[0696] It should be understood that the formats, names, and values of the frames / elements / fields involved in the various embodiments of the present application are only examples and do not mean to limit the formats, names, and values of the frames / elements / fields. In different embodiments or different designs, one or more of the names of the above elements / fields, the positions in the frames, the arrangement order between other elements / fields, the number of bytes occupied, and the number of bits occupied can change. In different embodiments or different designs, one or more of the names of the above frames, the elements / fields contained, the number of bytes occupied, and the number of bits occupied can change.

[0697] FIG. 22 shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can include a processor 901, a receiver 902, a transmitter 903, a memory 904, and a bus 905.

[0698] The processor 901 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 901 performs various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0699] The receiver 902 and the transmitter 903 can be implemented as a transceiver 906, which can be a communication chip.

[0700] The memory 904 is connected to the processor 901 through the bus 905. The memory 904 can be used to store a computer program, and the processor 901 is configured to execute the computer program to implement the steps performed by the AP and / or the STA in the above method embodiments.

[0701] In addition, the memory 904 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: RAM (Random-Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash memory or other solid-state storage technology, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Video Disc), or other optical storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device.

[0702] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium, the storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used for the processor of a communication device to implement the steps in the above channel switching method. In some embodiments, the computer readable storage medium can include: ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drives) or optical disc, etc. Among them, the random access memory can include ReRAM (Resistance Random Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0703] The embodiments of the present application also provide a chip, the chip includes programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and when the chip is running on a communication device, is used to implement the steps in the above channel switching method.

[0704] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product or computer program, the computer program product or computer program comprising computer instructions stored in a computer readable storage medium, and a processor of a terminal or network device reads and executes the computer instructions from the computer readable storage medium to implement each step in the above channel switching method.

[0705] Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in one or more examples described above, the functions described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions can be stored in a computer readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes computer storage medium and communication medium, wherein the communication medium includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a general or special purpose computer.

[0706] The above merely illustrates the embodiments of the present application, and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A channel switching method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first site, and the method includes: Send the first frame on the current link. The first frame is used to instruct the second station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time. Wherein, the first site is an access point, and the second site includes one or more non-access point sites associated with the first site; or, the first site is a non-access point site, and the second site includes one or more non-access point sites that have established point-to-point links with the first site.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first frame on the current link includes: If interference is anticipated in the working channel, the first frame is transmitted on the current link.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of transmitting the first frame on the current link when interference is anticipated in the working channel includes: If the interference is anticipated to occur in the working channel and the duration of the interference is not less than a first time threshold, the first frame is transmitted on the current link.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first time threshold is predefined; and / or, the first time threshold is preset by the first site; and / or, the first time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first site and the second site.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second station is explicitly indicated by the first station; or, The second site is implicitly indicated by the first site.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second site includes: The first site is a site in the basic service set that supports non-main channel access functions.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second site includes: The first site is a site in the basic service set that supports dynamic sub-channel access.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Upon receiving the first frame, the second station performs a handover in accordance with the instructions of the first frame.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The target time period begins before the start of the interference duration period; or, The start time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, The start time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The end time of the target time period is before the start time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is equal to the end time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is after the end time of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, When the interference is aperiodic, the target time period is also aperiodic; In the case where the interference is periodic, the target time period is either periodic or non-periodic.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The target time is before the end of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The target subchannel is a subchannel within the working channel bandwidth of the first station.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated between the first station and the second station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the first frame.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The time difference between the transmission time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the time difference between the transmission time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel. Two time thresholds; Wherein, the second time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the second station to switch to the target sub-channel.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second time threshold is predefined; and / or, the second time threshold is preset by the first site or the second site; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first site and the second site.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send to the second station the channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the working channel of the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The first frame includes at least one of the following fields: The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or non-periodic; The second field indicates the duration of transmission on the target sub-channel; The third field is used to indicate the start time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or to indicate the offset value of the start time relative to the current time. The fourth field is used to indicate the end time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or to indicate the offset value of the end time relative to the start time; The fifth field is used to indicate the target sub-channel; The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable sub-channel.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is periodic; When the value of the first field is the second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is non-periodic.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the sub-channel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target sub-channel; Each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each sub-channel.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that the target time period is periodic, the first frame also includes: The seventh field is used to indicate the duration of the interval between two adjacent periodic target time periods.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The seventh field also includes: The first subfield is used to indicate the last digit of the interval duration; The second subfield is used to indicate the index of the interval duration; The last digit and the exponent are used to calculate the interval duration.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The interval duration is equal to the product of the last digit and the first value, where the first value is equal to the power of 2 with the exponent as the exponent.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that, The first frame is the action frame.

25. A channel switching method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a second site, and the method includes: Receive the first frame sent by the first station on the current link. The first frame is used to instruct the second station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time. Wherein, the first site is an access point, and the second site is a site associated with the first site; or, the first site is a non-access point site, and the second site is a site that has established a point-to-point link with the first site.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The first frame is sent by the first station when it anticipates interference in the working channel.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first frame is sent by the first station when it anticipates that the interference will occur in the working channel and the duration of the interference is not less than a first time threshold.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The first time threshold is predefined; and / or, the first time threshold is preset by the first site; and / or, the first time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first site and the second site.

29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The second station is explicitly indicated by the first station; or, The second site is implicitly indicated by the first site.

30. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The second site is a site in the basic service set to which the first site is located that supports non-main channel access functionality.

31. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The second site is a site in the basic service set to which the first site is located that supports the dynamic sub-channel access function.

32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, Upon receiving the first frame, the second station performs a handover in accordance with the instructions of the first frame.

33. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The target time period begins before the start of the interference duration period; or, The start time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, The start time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station.

34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The end time of the target time period is before the start time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is equal to the end time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is after the end time of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station.

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, When the interference is aperiodic, the target time period is also aperiodic; In the case where the interference is periodic, the target time period is either periodic or non-periodic.

36. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The target time is before the end of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the first station.

37. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The target subchannel is a subchannel within the working channel bandwidth of the first station.

38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated between the first station and the second station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the first frame.

39. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The time difference between the transmission time of the first frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the second time threshold. Wherein, the second time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the second station to switch to the target sub-channel.

40. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The second time threshold is predefined; and / or, the second time threshold is preset by the first site or the second site; and / or, the second time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first site and the second site.

41. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 40, characterized in that, The method further includes: The channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the working channel transmitted by the first station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel.

42. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 41, characterized in that, The first frame includes at least one of the following fields: The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or non-periodic; The second field indicates the duration of transmission on the target sub-channel; The third field is used to indicate the start time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or to indicate the offset value of the start time relative to the current time. The fourth field is used to indicate the end time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or to indicate the offset value of the end time relative to the start time; The fifth field is used to indicate the target sub-channel; The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable sub-channel.

43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is periodic; When the value of the first field is the second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is non-periodic.

44. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the sub-channel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target sub-channel; Each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each sub-channel.

45. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that the target time period is periodic, the first frame also includes: The seventh field is used to indicate the duration of the interval between two adjacent periodic target time periods.

46. ​​The method according to claim 45, characterized in that, The seventh field also includes: The first subfield is used to indicate the last digit of the interval duration; The second subfield is used to indicate the index of the interval duration; The last digit and the exponent are used to calculate the interval duration.

47. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that, The interval duration is equal to the product of the last digit and the first value, where the first value is equal to the power of 2 with the exponent as the exponent.

48. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 47, characterized in that, The first frame is the action frame.

49. A channel switching method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a second site, and the method includes: Send a second frame on the current link. The second frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time. Wherein, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first site includes an access point associated with the second site, or the first site includes one or more non-access point sites that have established point-to-point links with the second site.

50. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that, Sending the second frame on the current link includes: If interference is anticipated in the working channel, the second frame is transmitted on the current link.

51. The method according to claim 50, characterized in that, The step of transmitting the second frame on the current link when interference is anticipated in the working channel includes: If the interference is anticipated to occur in the working channel and the duration of the interference is not less than a third time threshold, the second frame is transmitted on the current link.

52. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that, The third time threshold is predefined; and / or, the third time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the third time threshold is pre-negotiated between the second station and the first station.

53. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 52, characterized in that, The target time period begins before the start of the interference duration period; or, The start time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, The start time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the second station.

54. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 52, characterized in that, The end time of the target time period is before the start time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is equal to the end time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is after the end time of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the second station.

55. The method according to claim 53 or 54, characterized in that, When the interference is aperiodic, the target time period is also aperiodic; In the case where the interference is periodic, the target time period is either periodic or non-periodic.

56. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 52, characterized in that, The target time is before the end of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the second station.

57. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 52, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is a sub-channel within the working channel bandwidth of the second station, and / or the target sub-channel is a sub-channel outside the working channel bandwidth of the second station.

58. The method according to claim 57, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated between the first station and the second station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the second frame.

59. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 52, characterized in that, The time difference between the transmission time of the second frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the fourth time threshold. Wherein, the fourth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the second station to switch to the target sub-channel.

60. The method according to claim 59, characterized in that, The fourth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fourth time threshold is preset by the first station or the second station; and / or, the fourth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

61. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 60, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send to the first station the channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the working channel of the second station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel.

62. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 61, characterized in that, The second frame includes at least one of the following fields: The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or non-periodic; The second field indicates the duration of transmission on the target sub-channel; The third field is used to indicate the start time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or to indicate the offset value of the start time relative to the current time. The fourth field is used to indicate the end time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or to indicate the offset value of the end time relative to the start time; The fifth field is used to indicate the target sub-channel; The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable sub-channel; The eighth field is used to indicate whether the second frame is a request frame or a response frame.

63. The method according to claim 62, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is periodic; When the value of the first field is the second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is non-periodic.

64. The method according to claim 62, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the sub-channel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target sub-channel; Each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each sub-channel.

65. The method according to claim 62, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that the target time period is periodic, the second frame also includes: The seventh field is used to indicate the duration of the interval between two adjacent periodic target time periods.

66. The method according to claim 65, characterized in that, The seventh field also includes: The first subfield is used to indicate the last digit of the interval duration; The second subfield is used to indicate the index of the interval duration; The last digit and the exponent are used to calculate the interval duration.

67. The method according to claim 66, characterized in that, The interval duration is equal to the product of the last digit and the first value, where the first value is equal to the power of 2 with the exponent as the exponent.

68. The method according to claim 62, characterized in that, When the value of the eighth field is the fourth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the second frame is the request frame; When the value of the eighth field is the fifth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the second frame is the response frame.

69. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 68, characterized in that, The second frame is the action frame.

70. A channel switching method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first site, and the method includes: On the current link, a second frame sent by the second station is received. The second frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. Wherein, the second site is a non-access point site, the first site is an access point associated with the second site, or the first site is a site that has established a point-to-point link with the non-access point site.

71. The method according to claim 70, characterized in that, The second frame is sent by the second station when it anticipates interference in the working channel.

72. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that, The second frame is sent by the second station when it anticipates that the interference will occur in the working channel and the duration of the interference is not less than a third time threshold.

73. The method according to claim 72, characterized in that, The third time threshold is predefined; and / or, the third time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the third time threshold is pre-negotiated between the second station and the first station.

74. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 73, characterized in that, The target time period begins before the start of the interference duration period; or, The start time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, The start time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the second station.

75. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 73, characterized in that, The end time of the target time period is before the start time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is equal to the start time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is after the start time of the interference duration period and before the end time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is equal to the end time of the interference duration period; or, The end time of the target time period is after the end time of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the second station.

76. The method according to claim 74 or 75, characterized in that, When the interference is aperiodic, the target time period is also aperiodic; In the case where the interference is periodic, the target time period is either periodic or non-periodic.

77. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 73, characterized in that, The target time is before the end of the interference duration period; The interference duration period is the period during which interference occurs in the working channel of the second station.

78. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 73, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is a sub-channel within the working channel bandwidth of the second station, and / or the target sub-channel is a sub-channel outside the working channel bandwidth of the second station.

79. The method according to claim 78, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated between the first station and the second station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the second frame.

80. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 73, characterized in that, The time difference between the transmission time of the second frame and the completion time of the second station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the fourth time threshold. Wherein, the fourth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the second station to switch to the target sub-channel.

81. The method according to claim 80, characterized in that, The fourth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fourth time threshold is preset by the first station or the second station; and / or, the fourth time threshold is pre-negotiated by the first station and the second station.

82. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 81, characterized in that, The method further includes: The channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the working channel transmitted by the second station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel.

83. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 82, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second frame is sent to the second station, the second frame being used to instruct the first station to accept the request of the second station, or the second frame being used to instruct the first station to reject the request of the second station.

84. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 83, characterized in that, The second frame includes at least one of the following fields: The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or non-periodic; The second field indicates the duration of transmission on the target sub-channel; The third field is used to indicate the start time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or to indicate the offset value of the start time relative to the current time. The fourth field is used to indicate the end time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or to indicate the offset value of the end time relative to the start time; The fifth field is used to indicate the target sub-channel; The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable sub-channel; The eighth field is used to indicate whether the second frame is a request frame or a response frame.

85. The method according to claim 84, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is periodic; When the value of the first field is the second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is non-periodic.

86. The method according to claim 84, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the sub-channel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target sub-channel; Each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each sub-channel.

87. The method according to claim 84, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that the target time period is periodic, the second frame also includes: The seventh field is used to indicate the duration of the interval between two adjacent periodic target time periods.

88. The method according to claim 87, characterized in that, The seventh field also includes: The first subfield is used to indicate the last digit of the interval duration; The second subfield is used to indicate the index of the interval duration; The last digit and the exponent are used to calculate the interval duration.

89. The method according to claim 88, characterized in that, The interval duration is equal to the product of the last digit and the first value, where the first value is equal to the power of 2 with the exponent as the exponent.

90. The method according to claim 84, characterized in that, When the value of the eighth field is the fourth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the second frame is the request frame; When the value of the eighth field is the fifth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the second frame is the response frame.

91. The method according to any one of claims 70 to 90, characterized in that, The second frame is the action frame.

92. A channel switching method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first multi-link device, and the method includes: The third frame is sent on the second link through the second station. The third frame is used to instruct the first auxiliary station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. The first auxiliary station is the auxiliary station corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link. Wherein, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices associated with the first multi-link device; or, the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices that have established point-to-point links with the first multi-link device.

93. The method according to claim 92, characterized in that, The transmission of the third frame via the second station on the second link includes: In the event that the first station is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel, the third frame is transmitted via the second station on the second link; Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

94. The method according to claim 93, characterized in that, The transmission of the third frame via the second link through the second station in the case that the first station is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel includes: When the first station is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel, and the interval between the current time and the first time is not less than the fifth time threshold, the third frame is sent on the second link through the second station; The first moment is the moment when the first station is expected to end its non-main channel access and transmission.

95. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that, The fifth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fifth time threshold is preset by the first multi-link device.

96. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 95, characterized in that, The first auxiliary site is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device; or, The first auxiliary site is implicitly indicated by the first multi-link device.

97. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 95, characterized in that, The first affiliated site includes: The first site is located in the basic service set of sites that support non-main channel access functions; Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

98. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 95, characterized in that, The first affiliated site includes: The first site is located in the basic service set of sites that support dynamic sub-channel access. Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

99. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 95, characterized in that, Upon receiving the third frame, the first auxiliary station performs a handover in accordance with the instructions of the third frame.

100. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 95, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is the channel used after the first site handover; Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

101. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the third frame.

102. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 95, characterized in that, The time difference between the transmission time of the third frame and the completion time of the first auxiliary station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the sixth time threshold. Wherein, the sixth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the first auxiliary station to switch from the working channel to the target sub-channel.

103. The method according to claim 102, characterized in that, The sixth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the sixth time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the sixth time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first station and the first affiliated station.

104. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 103, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send to the second multi-link device the channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the working channel of the first site, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel; Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

105. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 104, characterized in that, The third frame includes at least one of the following fields: The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or non-periodic; The second field indicates the duration of transmission on the target sub-channel; The third field is used to indicate the start time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or to indicate the offset value of the start time relative to the current time. The fourth field is used to indicate the end time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or to indicate the offset value of the end time relative to the start time; The fifth field is used to indicate the target sub-channel; The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable sub-channel; The ninth field is used to indicate the identifier and quantity of the first link.

106. The method according to claim 105, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is periodic; When the value of the first field is the second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is non-periodic.

107. The method according to claim 105, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the sub-channel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target sub-channel; Each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each sub-channel.

108. The method according to claim 105, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that the target time period is periodic, the third frame also includes: The seventh field is used to indicate the duration of the interval between two adjacent periodic target time periods.

109. The method according to claim 108, characterized in that, The seventh field also includes: The first subfield is used to indicate the last digit of the interval duration; The second subfield is used to indicate the index of the interval duration; The last digit and the exponent are used to calculate the interval duration.

110. The method according to claim 109, characterized in that, The interval duration is equal to the product of the last digit and the first value, where the first value is equal to the power of 2 with the exponent as the exponent.

111. The method according to claim 105, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the ninth field are of the sixth value, the position of the one or more bits is used to indicate the identifier of the first link, and the number of the one or more bits is used to indicate the number of the first links.

112. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 111, characterized in that, The third frame is the action frame.

113. A channel switching method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a second multi-link device, and the method includes: On the second link, a third frame is received from the second station in the first multi-link device. This third frame instructs the first auxiliary station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. The first auxiliary station is the second multi-link device on the first link. The corresponding affiliated sites; Wherein, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device associated with the first multi-link device; or, the first multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, and the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device that has established a point-to-point link with the first multi-link device.

114. The method according to claim 113, characterized in that, The third frame is sent by the first station when it is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel; Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

115. The method according to claim 114, characterized in that, The third frame is sent by the first station when it is about to switch to the target sub-channel and / or has already switched, and the interval between the current time and the first time is not less than the fifth time threshold. The first moment is the moment when the first station is expected to end its non-main channel access and transmission.

116. The method according to claim 115, characterized in that, The fifth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the fifth time threshold is preset by the first multi-link device.

117. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 116, characterized in that, The first auxiliary site is explicitly indicated by the first multi-link device; or, The first auxiliary site is implicitly indicated by the first multi-link device.

118. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 116, characterized in that, The first affiliated site includes: The first site is located in the basic service set of sites that support non-main channel access functions; Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

119. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 116, characterized in that, The first affiliated site includes: The first site is located in the basic service set of sites that support dynamic sub-channel access. Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

120. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 116, characterized in that, Upon receiving the third frame, the first auxiliary station performs a handover in accordance with the instructions of the third frame.

121. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 116, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is the channel used after the first site handover; Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

122. The method according to claim 121, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the third frame.

123. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 116, characterized in that, The time difference between the transmission time of the third frame and the completion time of the first auxiliary station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the sixth time threshold. Wherein, the sixth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the first auxiliary station to switch from the working channel to the target sub-channel.

124. The method according to claim 123, characterized in that, The sixth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the sixth time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the sixth time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first station and the first affiliated station.

125. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 124, characterized in that, The method further includes: The channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the working channel of the first site sent by the first multi-link device, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel; Wherein, the first site is the site corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link.

126. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 125, characterized in that, The third frame includes at least one of the following fields: The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or non-periodic; The second field indicates the duration of transmission on the target sub-channel; The third field is used to indicate the start time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or to indicate the offset value of the start time relative to the current time. The fourth field is used to indicate the end time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or to indicate the offset value of the end time relative to the start time; The fifth field is used to indicate the target sub-channel; The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable sub-channel; The ninth field is used to indicate the identifier and quantity of the first link.

127. The method according to claim 126, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is periodic; When the value of the first field is the second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is non-periodic.

128. The method according to claim 126, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the sub-channel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target sub-channel; Each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each sub-channel.

129. The method according to claim 126, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that the target time period is periodic, the third frame also includes: The seventh field is used to indicate the duration of the interval between two adjacent periodic target time periods.

130. The method according to claim 129, characterized in that, The seventh field also includes: The first subfield is used to indicate the last digit of the interval duration; The second subfield is used to indicate the index of the interval duration; The last digit and the exponent are used to calculate the interval duration.

131. The method according to claim 130, characterized in that, The interval duration is equal to the product of the last digit and the first value, where the first value is equal to the power of 2 with the exponent as the exponent.

132. The method according to claim 126, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the ninth field are of the sixth value, the position of the one or more bits is used to indicate the identifier of the first link, and the number of the one or more bits is used to indicate the number of the first links.

133. The method according to any one of claims 113 to 132, characterized in that, The third frame is the action frame.

134. A channel switching method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a second multi-link device, and the method includes: The fourth frame is sent on the second link through the second auxiliary station. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. The first station is the auxiliary station corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link. Wherein, the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device associated with the second multi-link device, or the first multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices that have established point-to-point links with the second multi-link device.

135. The method according to claim 134, characterized in that, The transmission of the fourth frame via the second auxiliary station on the second link includes: If the first auxiliary station is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel, the fourth frame is transmitted on the second link via the second auxiliary station; The first auxiliary site is the site corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link.

136. The method according to claim 135, characterized in that, In the case where the first auxiliary station is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel, transmitting the fourth frame on the second link via the second auxiliary station includes: When the first auxiliary station is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel, and the interval between the current time and the second time is not less than the seventh time threshold, the fourth frame is transmitted on the second link through the second auxiliary station; The second moment is the moment when the first auxiliary station is expected to end its non-main channel access and transmission.

137. The method according to claim 136, characterized in that, The seventh time threshold is predefined; and / or, the seventh time threshold is preset by the first station.

138. The method according to any one of claims 134 to 137, characterized in that, The target subchannel is the subchannel used after the first auxiliary site handover; The first auxiliary site is the site corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link.

139. The method according to claim 138, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the fourth frame.

140. The method according to any one of claims 134 to 137, characterized in that, The time difference between the transmission time of the fourth frame and the completion time of the first auxiliary station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the eighth time threshold, where the first auxiliary station is the station corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link. Wherein, the eighth time threshold is greater than or equal to the time required for the first auxiliary station to switch from the working channel to the target sub-channel. Change the duration.

141. The method according to claim 140, characterized in that, The eighth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the eighth time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the eighth time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first station and the first affiliated station.

142. The method according to any one of claims 134 to 141, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send to the first multi-link device the channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the working channel of the first auxiliary station, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel; The first auxiliary site is the site corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link.

143. The method according to any one of claims 134 to 142, characterized in that, The fourth frame includes at least one of the following fields: The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or non-periodic; The second field indicates the duration of transmission on the target sub-channel; The third field is used to indicate the start time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or to indicate the offset value of the start time relative to the current time. The fourth field is used to indicate the end time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or to indicate the offset value of the end time relative to the start time; The fifth field is used to indicate the target sub-channel; The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable sub-channel; The eighth field is used to indicate whether the second frame is a request frame or a response frame; The ninth field is used to indicate the identifier and quantity of the first link.

144. The method according to claim 143, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is periodic; When the value of the first field is the second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is non-periodic.

145. The method according to claim 143, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the sub-channel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target sub-channel; Each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each sub-channel.

146. The method according to claim 143, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that the target time period is periodic, the fourth frame also includes: The seventh field is used to indicate the duration of the interval between two adjacent periodic target time periods.

147. The method according to claim 146, characterized in that, The seventh field also includes: The first subfield is used to indicate the last digit of the interval duration; The second subfield is used to indicate the index of the interval duration; The last digit and the exponent are used to calculate the interval duration.

148. The method according to claim 147, characterized in that, The interval duration is equal to the product of the last digit and the first value, where the first value is equal to the power of 2 with the exponent as the exponent.

149. The method according to claim 143, characterized in that, When the value of the eighth field is the fourth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the fourth frame is the request frame; When the value of the eighth field is the fifth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the fourth frame is the response frame.

150. The method according to claim 143, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the ninth field are of the sixth value, the position of the one or more bits is used to indicate the identifier of the first link, and the number of the one or more bits is used to indicate the number of the first links.

151. The method according to any one of claims 134 to 150, characterized in that, The fourth frame is the action frame.

152. A channel switching method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first multi-link device, and the method includes: On the second link, a fourth frame sent by the second auxiliary station is received. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. The first station is the auxiliary station corresponding to the first multi-link device on the first link. Wherein, the second multi-link device is a non-access point multi-link device, the first multi-link device is an access point multi-link device associated with the second multi-link device, or the first multi-link device includes one or more non-access point multi-link devices that have established point-to-point links with the second multi-link device.

153. The method according to claim 152, characterized in that, The fourth frame is sent by the first auxiliary station when it is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel; The first auxiliary site is the site corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link.

154. The method according to claim 153, characterized in that, The fourth frame is sent by the first auxiliary station when it is about to and / or has already switched to the target sub-channel, and the interval between the current time and the second time is not less than the seventh time threshold. The second moment is the moment when the first auxiliary station is expected to end its non-main channel access and transmission.

155. The method according to claim 154, characterized in that, The seventh time threshold is predefined; and / or, the seventh time threshold is preset by the first station.

156. The method according to any one of claims 152 to 155, characterized in that, The target subchannel is the subchannel used after the first auxiliary site handover; The first auxiliary site is the site corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link.

157. The method according to claim 156, characterized in that, The target sub-channel is predefined; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-set by the first station; and / or, the target sub-channel is pre-negotiated by the first station and the first affiliated station; and / or, the target sub-channel is indicated in the fourth frame.

158. The method according to any one of claims 152 to 155, characterized in that, The time difference between the transmission time of the fourth frame and the completion time of the first auxiliary station switching to the target sub-channel is not less than the eighth time threshold, where the first auxiliary station is the station corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link. Wherein, the eighth time threshold is greater than or equal to the switching time required for the first auxiliary station to switch from the working channel to the target sub-channel.

159. The method according to claim 158, characterized in that, The eighth time threshold is predefined; and / or, the eighth time threshold is preset by the first station; and / or, the eighth time threshold is pre-negotiated between the first station and the first affiliated station.

160. The method according to any one of claims 152 to 159, characterized in that, The method further includes: The channel bandwidth occupied by interference in the working channel of the first auxiliary site, and / or the target available bandwidth of the target sub-channel; The first auxiliary site is the site corresponding to the second multi-link device on the first link.

161. The method according to any one of claims 152 to 160, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first multi-link device sends the fourth frame to the second multi-link device, the fourth frame being used to instruct the first multi-link device to accept the request of the second multi-link device, or the fourth frame being used to instruct the first multi-link device to reject the request of the second multi-link device.

162. The method according to any one of claims 152 to 161, characterized in that, The fourth frame includes at least one of the following fields: The first field is used to indicate whether the target time period is periodic or non-periodic; The second field indicates the duration of transmission on the target sub-channel; The third field is used to indicate the start time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the start time, or to indicate the offset value of the start time relative to the current time. The fourth field is used to indicate the end time of the most recent target time period, or to indicate a partial synchronization time value of the end time, or to indicate the offset value of the end time relative to the start time; The fifth field is used to indicate the target sub-channel; The sixth field is used to indicate an unavailable sub-channel; The eighth field is used to indicate whether the second frame is a request frame or a response frame; The ninth field is used to indicate the identifier and quantity of the first link.

163. The method according to claim 162, characterized in that, When the value of the first field is the first value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is periodic; When the value of the first field is the second value, the first field is used to indicate that the target time period is non-periodic.

164. The method according to claim 162, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the fifth field take the third value, the sub-channel corresponding to the one or more bits is the target sub-channel; Each bit in the fifth field has a one-to-one correspondence with each sub-channel.

165. The method according to claim 162, characterized in that, If the first field indicates that the target time period is periodic, the fourth frame also includes: The seventh field is used to indicate the duration of the interval between two adjacent periodic target time periods.

166. The method according to claim 165, characterized in that, The seventh field also includes: The first subfield is used to indicate the last digit of the interval duration; The second subfield is used to indicate the index of the interval duration; The last digit and the exponent are used to calculate the interval duration.

167. The method according to claim 166, characterized in that, The interval duration is equal to the product of the last digit and the first value, where the first value is equal to the power of 2 with the exponent as the exponent.

168. The method according to claim 162, characterized in that, When the value of the eighth field is the fourth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the fourth frame is the request frame; When the value of the eighth field is the fifth value, the eighth field is used to indicate that the fourth frame is the response frame.

169. The method according to claim 162, characterized in that, When one or more bits in the ninth field are of the sixth value, the position of the one or more bits is used to indicate the identifier of the first link, and the number of the one or more bits is used to indicate the number of the first links.

170. The method according to any one of claims 152 to 169, characterized in that, The fourth frame is the action frame.

171. A first channel switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The transmitting module is used to transmit a first frame on the current link, the first frame being used to instruct the second channel switching device to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period; Wherein, the first channel switching device is an access point, and the second channel switching device includes one or more non-access point channel switching devices associated with the first channel switching device; or, the first channel switching device is a non-access point channel switching device, and the second channel switching device includes one or more non-access point channel switching devices that have established a point-to-point link with the first channel switching device.

172. A second channel switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The receiving module is used to receive a first frame sent by the first channel switching device on the current link. The first frame is used to instruct the second channel switching device to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time. Wherein, the first channel switching device is an access point, and the second channel switching device is a channel switching device associated with the first channel switching device; or, the first channel switching device is a non-access point channel switching device, and the second channel switching device is a channel switching device that establishes a point-to-point link with the first channel switching device.

173. A second channel switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The transmitting module is used to transmit a second frame on the current link, the second frame being used to request the first channel switching device to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period; Wherein, the second channel switching device is a non-access point channel switching device, and the first channel switching device includes an access point associated with the second channel switching device, or the first channel switching device includes one or more non-access point channel switching devices that have established a point-to-point link with the second channel switching device.

174. A first channel switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The receiving module is used to receive a second frame sent by the second channel switching device on the current link. The second frame is used to request the first channel switching device to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. Wherein, the second channel switching device is a non-access point channel switching device, and the first channel switching device is an access point associated with the second channel switching device, or the first channel switching device is a channel switching device that establishes a point-to-point link with the non-access point channel switching device.

175. A first multi-link channel switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The transmitting module is used to transmit a third frame on the second link through the second station. The third frame is used to instruct the first auxiliary station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. The first auxiliary station is the auxiliary station corresponding to the second multi-link channel switching device on the first link. Wherein, the first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device, and the second multi-link channel switching device includes one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices associated with the first multi-link channel switching device; or, the first multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, and the second multi-link channel switching device includes one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices that have established a point-to-point link with the first multi-link channel switching device.

176. A second multi-link channel switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The receiving module is used to receive a third frame sent by the second station in the first multi-link channel switching device on the second link. The third frame is used to instruct the first auxiliary station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. The first auxiliary station is the auxiliary station corresponding to the second multi-link channel switching device on the first link. Wherein, the first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device, and the second multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device associated with the first multi-link channel switching device; or, the first multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, and the second multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device that has established a point-to-point link with the first multi-link channel switching device.

177. A second multi-link channel switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The sending module is used to send a fourth frame on the second link through the second auxiliary station. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. The first station is the auxiliary station corresponding to the first multi-link channel switching device on the first link. Wherein, the second multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, the first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device associated with the second multi-link channel switching device, or the first multi-link channel switching device includes one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices that have established a point-to-point link with the second multi-link channel switching device.

178. A first multi-link channel switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The receiving module is used to receive a fourth frame sent by a second auxiliary station on the second link. The fourth frame is used to request the first station to switch to the target sub-channel at or no later than the target time period. The first station is the auxiliary station corresponding to the first multi-link channel switching device on the first link. Wherein, the second multi-link channel switching device is a non-access point multi-link channel switching device, the first multi-link channel switching device is an access point multi-link channel switching device associated with the second multi-link channel switching device, or the first multi-link channel switching device includes one or more non-access point multi-link channel switching devices that have established a point-to-point link with the second multi-link channel switching device.

179. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: processor; A transceiver connected to the processor; Memory for storing the executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the channel switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 170.

180. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that is loaded and executed by a communication device to implement the channel switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 170.

181. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the communication device retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, causing the processor to load and execute them to implement the channel switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 170.

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