NPCA configuration information determination methods and determination apparatuses in multi-access point coordination, storage medium, electronic apparatus, and computer program product

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are NPCA configuration information determination methods and determination apparatuses in multi-access point coordination, a storage medium, an electronic apparatus and a computer program product. A method comprises: sending a first information frame to a first access point, the first information frame being used for requesting establishment of a multi-access point coordination protocol, and the first information frame carrying first configuration information of a non-primary channel access (NPCA) of a second access point; receiving a first response frame sent by the first access point, and acquiring second configuration information carried in the first response frame, the second configuration information at least comprising one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

Description

Method and apparatus for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, storage medium, electronic device, and computer program product

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411123598.3, filed on August 15, 2024, entitled “Method and apparatus for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, storage medium, electronic device, and computer program product,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of communication, in particular, to a method and apparatus for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, storage medium, electronic device, and computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0004] 802.11bn (11bn), also known as Wi-Fi8, is the next generation of wireless local area network interconnection technology, aiming to further improve the throughput and stability of wireless networks. Compared with 802.11be, 11bn adds many new technologies in the media access control (Media Access Control, MAC) including non-primary channel access (Non-primary channel access, NPCA) technology and multi-access point (Multi-Access Point, MAP) technology. NPCA and MAP optimize the method of AP using wireless air interface, improve the overall resource utilization, and further improve the user experience.

[0005] Both MAP and NPCA are key MAC technologies of 11bn, wherein NPCA is responsible for improving the utilization rate of communication channels between AP and STA, and MAP is responsible for improving the utilization rate of communication channels between AP and AP. However, there is interference between the two in some scenarios. In the MAP scenario, the access point AP that is transmitting data in the MAP operation is collectively referred to as a Sending AP (SAP for short), and other APs that are receiving data are collectively referred to as Receiving APs (RAPs for short). If the channels of SAP and RAP do not overlap, then MAP cannot coexist with the NPCA mechanism, and there is an implicit conflict.

[0006] For the problem of non-overlapping NPCA working channels of access points in a multi-access point cooperation scenario in the related art, no effective solution has been proposed. SUMMARY

[0007] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method and device for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, a storage medium, an electronic device and a computer program product, so as to at least solve the problem that the NPCA working channels of access points do not overlap in a multi-access point cooperation scene in the related art.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation is provided, applied to a second access point, comprising: sending a first information frame to a first access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; receiving a first response frame sent by the first access point, and obtaining second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation is provided, comprising: applied to a first access point, comprising: receiving a first information frame sent by a second access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; sending a first response frame to the second access point, so that the second access point obtains second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation is provided, comprising: applied to a second access point, comprising: a sending module configured to send a first information frame to a first access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; and a receiving module configured to receive a first response frame sent by the first access point, and obtain second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation is provided, comprising: an application to a first access point, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive a first information frame sent by a second access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; and a sending module configured to send a first response frame to the second access point, so that the second access point obtains second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information comprises at least one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

[0012] According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is also provided, and the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to execute the steps in any of the above method embodiments when running.

[0013] According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device is also provided, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0014] According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product is also provided, comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps in any of the above method embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of NPCA working channel state 1 in the related art;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of NPCA working channel state 2 in the related art;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of NPCA working channel state 3 in the related art;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of NPCA working channel state 4 in the related art;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of NPCA working channel overlapping MAP and NPCA normal interaction in the related art;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of primary channel non-overlapping SAP performing NPCA leading to MAP operation failure in the related art;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of NPCA working channel non-overlapping leading to MAP operation failure in the related art;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a processing signal of a RAP being unable to listen to a MAP after NPCA switching in the related art;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an OBSS being a hidden node with respect to a RAP in the related art;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer terminal of a method for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of communication through NPCA;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a Co-TDMA transmission framework diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an Extension Multi-Link element format according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 16a is a schematic diagram of a Multiple BSSID element format (I) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 16b is a schematic diagram of a Multiple BSSID element format (II) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a reduced neighbor report element format according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 18 is a structural block diagram of a determination apparatus of NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 19 is a structural block diagram of a determination apparatus of NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0036] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the specification and claims of the present disclosure and the above-described drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0037] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, first, the related art is described as follows:

[0038] According to the definition of the NPCA working channel between the SAP and the RAP, there are the following states:

[0039] State 1: The NPCA working channel of the RAP is a subset of the SAP, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] State 2: The NPCA working channels of the RAP and the SAP do not overlap, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] State 3: The bandwidth of the RAP is greater than that of the SAP, and the NPCA working channel of the RAP is located on the bandwidth not supported by the SAP, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] State 4: The primary channels of the RAP and the SAP are different, and the NPCA working channels are also different, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0043] The above-mentioned part of the state will cause the conflict between the operation of the Multi-AP and the NPCA. We take the Collaborative Time Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA) as an example to explain the existing problems. There is a scenario as follows:

[0044] Scenario 1: As shown in FIG. 5, the NPCA working channels of the Sharing AP (which can be understood as the SAP) and the Shared AP (which can be understood as the RAP) are set to state 1. If the SAP decides to perform full-channel Co-TDMA, at this time, the RAP will detect interference on all channels (including the NPCA working channel). At this time, the NPCA will not intervene, and the RAP can also receive the subsequent Co-TDMA interaction data. Co-TDMA and NPCA both work normally.

[0045] Scenario 2: As shown in FIG. 6, the NPCA working channels of the SAP and the RAP are set to state 4. At this time, the SAP detects the Over lapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) interference on the primary channel, and the SAP will enter the NPCA working channel to send the Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). Since the NPCA working channel of the SAP and the working channel of the RAP do not overlap, the RAP cannot monitor the control frame of the MAP, resulting in the failure of the Co-TDMA operation.

[0046] Scenario 3: As shown in Figure 7, the NPCA operating channel of SAP and RAP is set to state 3. If SAP decides to perform Co-TDMA, RAP will detect interference on the primary channel. RAP can perform NPCA on the NPCA operating channel, causing the Co-TDMA control frame sent by SAP to be missed, and NPCA and Co-TDMA conflict.

[0047] Scenario 4: As shown in Figure 8, SAP detects interference on the primary channel and decides to perform NPCA. If RAP also detects OBSS channel interference and listens to the NPCA operating channel. If SAP and RAP are in state 3 or 4, RAP cannot listen to the NPCA operating channel, and SAP cannot perform Co-TDMA for RAP.

[0048] Scenario 5: As shown in Figure 9, a hidden node scenario. When the OBSS interference affecting SAP is a hidden node with respect to RAP, typical NPCA cannot solve this problem. SAP detects OBSS interference on the primary channel and switches to the NPCA operating channel for transmission. RAP subsequently detects the primary channel and finds no interference, and then performs full-channel transmission. At this time, the SAP auxiliary channel transmission conflicts with the RAP full-channel transmission. In a non-NPCA and MAP cooperative scenario, the NPCA operating channel is equivalent to a co-channel interference scenario. In a cooperative scenario, to avoid this problem, all APs in MAP need to be forced to perform NPCA operating channel detection before accessing any channel.

[0049] In the General scenario, the following two problems are mainly considered:

[0050] 1. Is P20 synchronized information, for example: 1) P20 is completely different. 2) P20 is the same, but OBSS hidden node.

[0051] 2. Is NPCA the same?

[0052] Assume that APs are divided into: AP_OBSS and AP_NON_OBSS, where AP_OBSS represents an AP that has heard an OBSS, and AP_NON_OBSS represents an AP that has not heard an OBSS, and the following cases are considered:

[0053] Case 1: P20 is not the same, NPCA is the same (NPCA is not overlapped with P20), and AP_OBSS occupies the air interface:

[0054] AP_OBSS sends NPCA PPDU;

[0055] AP_NON_OBSS transmits Punctured PPDU / dMU PPDU;

[0056] Case 2: P20 is not same, NPCA is same (NPCA same P20 is not overlapped), AP_NON_OBSS preempts to air:

[0057] AP_OBSS does nothing:

[0058] AP_NON_OBSS transmits full bandwidth.

[0059] Case 3: P20 is not same, NPCA is not same (NPCA same P20 is not overlapped), AP_OBSS preempts to air:

[0060] AP_OBSS transmits NPCA PPDU:

[0061] AP_NON_OBSS transmits Punctured PPDU / dMU PPDU;

[0062] Case 4: P20 is not same, NPCA is not same (NPCA same P20 is not overlapped), AP_NON_OBSS preempts to air:

[0063] AP_OBSS transmits NPCA PPDU;

[0064] AP_NON_OBSS transmits full bandwidth PPDU;

[0065] Case 5: P20 is not same, NPCA is not same (NPCA same P20 is overlapped), AP_OBSS preempts to air:

[0066] AP_OBSS transmits NPCA PPDU;

[0067] AP_NON_OBSS cannot transmit information.

[0068] Case 6: P20 is not same, NPCA is not same (NPCA same P20 is overlapped), AP_NON_OBSS preempts to air:

[0069] AP_OBSS cannot transmit information;

[0070] AP_NON_OBSS transmits Punctured PPDU / dMU PPDU.

[0071] In summary, for the MAP scenario, if the channels of the SAP and the RAP do not overlap, the MAP cannot coexist with the NPCA mechanism and the implicit conflict. More generally, the NPCA mechanism will not only cause a conflict with the Co-TDMA cooperative transmission technology, but also cause a failure of cooperation in the Multi-AP involving data exchange between APs, such as Co-SR, due to the NPCA working channel switching. Since both the MAP and the NPCA are standard technologies that determine entry into the 11bn MAC layer, the problem of non-overlapping channels of the SAP and the RAP must be solved.

[0072] To solve the above technical problems, the disclosure embodiment provides a method and device for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, a storage medium, an electronic device, and a computer program product. The method embodiment provided in the disclosure embodiment can be executed in a mobile terminal, a computer terminal, or a similar computing device. Taking a computer terminal as an example, FIG. 10 is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer terminal for a method for determining NPCA configuration information according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the computer terminal can include one or more (only one is shown in FIG. 10) processors 1002 (the processor 1002 can include, but is not limited to, a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) processing device, etc.) and a memory 1004 for storing data. The computer terminal can further include a transmission device 1006 for communication function and an input and output device 1008. Those skilled in the art can understand that the structure shown in FIG. 10 is only schematic, which does not limit the structure of the computer terminal. For example, the computer terminal can include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 10, or have a different configuration from that shown in FIG. 10.

[0073] The memory 1004 can be used to store computer programs, such as software programs of application software and modules, such as a computer program corresponding to the method for determining NPCA configuration information in the disclosure embodiment. The processor 1002 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 1004, that is, implements the above method. The memory 1004 can include a high-speed random access memory, and can also include a non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memories, or other non-volatile solid-state memories. In some examples, the memory 1004 can further include a memory remotely arranged with respect to the processor 1002, which can be connected to the computer terminal through a network. Examples of the above network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and a combination thereof.

[0074] The transmission device 1006 is configured to receive or send data via a network. The network can include a wireless network provided by a communication provider of a computer terminal. In one example, the transmission device 1006 includes a network adapter (NIC) that can be connected to other network devices through a base station to communicate with the Internet. In one example, the transmission device 1006 can be a radio frequency (RF) module configured to communicate with the Internet through a wireless manner.

[0075] In the embodiment, a method for determining NPCA configuration information of a second access point is provided. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the method for determining NPCA configuration information according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, the method includes the following steps:

[0076] In step S1102, a first information frame is sent to a first access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point.

[0077] In step S1104, a first response frame sent by the first access point is received, and second configuration information is determined according to the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

[0078] In the case that the second configuration information contains the first status code and the first status code does not indicate that the multi-access point cooperation protocol is successfully established, it is determined that the multi-access point cooperation protocol between the first access point and the second access point fails to be established. At this time, since the access point cooperation protocol fails to be established, the second access point does not need to adjust the NPCA configuration information.

[0079] The first information frame is sent to the first access point through the above steps, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of a non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; a first response frame sent by the first access point is received, and second configuration information is determined according to the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, a first state code, and discovery of an NPCA working channel when an access point performs a MAP operation, to ensure that access points inside the MAP have the same or overlapping NPCA working channels. Therefore, the problem that the NPCA working channels of the access points do not overlap in the multi-access point cooperation scenario can be solved, and it is ensured that the access points performing the MAP operation have overlapping NPCA working channels, avoiding the conflict between the NPCA and the MAP.

[0080] The second access point in the above steps can be a base station, a computer terminal, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the above multi-access point (Multi-AP) cooperation is described:

[0082] Multi-AP cooperation involves analysis, discussion and design in many aspects, so using a unified cooperation transmission framework can reduce the overhead and complexity in the Multi-AP cooperation process, and can lay a foundation for the flexibility and efficiency of the 11bn standard protocol.

[0083] The Multi-AP cooperation process is divided into three stages of Multi-AP setup, Multi-AP Coordination and Multi-AP data transmission by the Ofinno proposal, wherein,

[0084] The Multi-AP setup stage is: the exchange of capability information between multiple APs; multiple candidate APs are grouped to form multiple AP candidate sets (MAP Group).

[0085] The Multi-AP Coordination stage is: determining an AP as a Sharing AP to share the resources obtained by itself; the Sharing AP selects a Shared AP to share resources; the Sharing AP and the Shared AP further exchange information for subsequent transmission.

[0086] Multi-AP data transmission phase is to start transmission by selecting appropriate DL / UL coordinated transmission strategy, such as Co-SR, Co-TDMA, etc.

[0087] Multi-AP setup phase is a long-term operation, and its time granularity is usually one or more beacon intervals; Multi-AP Coordination and Multi-AP data transmission phase are short-term operations, and their time granularity is usually one TXOP. The APs perform pre-processing operations (channel measurement, coordinated transmission parameter update) between each data transmission to avoid the timeliness of the shared information between MAPs.

[0088] The NPCA technology is described as follows:

[0089] If the primary 20MHz channel is busy, the 802.11 STA will not transmit on any part of the operating bandwidth, even if these signals are idle, as shown in FIG. 13. This inefficient bandwidth utilization in 802.11 will cause more loss as the operating bandwidth increases: in 802.11be, if the STA operates in a 320MHz bandwidth, the busy 20MHz primary channel will prevent the STA from accessing the idle 300MHz remaining bandwidth.

[0090] For downlink NPCA, the AP as the transmitter needs to detect the busy / idle state of the primary channel through CCA ED / PD. When the primary channel receives the frame exchange process of OBSS and sets the NAV, and the P2 channel is idle for a given time, the AP can switch to the P2 channel and prepare to send. On the P2 channel, the AP performs backoff and uses BSRP trigger or RTS frame (control frame) to initiate TXOP to the target STA. On the P2 channel, frame exchange requires RTS / CTS or BSRP / BSR type of control frame exchange to understand whether the target STA is on the second primary channel. TXOP needs to end before the P1 channel NAV=0 to avoid loss of medium synchronization.

[0091] The STA as the receiver should receive the frame exchange process of OBSS on the P1 channel and set the NAV, then move to the P2 channel and wait for the BSRP or RTS (control frame) from the AP. The STA needs to return to the P1 channel before the P1 NAV=0.

[0092] In order to ensure the simplicity of implementation, therefore, it is required that NPCA has only one NPCA operating channel P2 to operate.

[0093] Co-TDMA is a MAP coordinated transmission technique based on the EHT TXOP Sharing extension. The 11bn proposal discusses many aspects of Co-TDMA, including design guidelines, transmission framework, transmission procedure, and problems faced.

[0094] The Intel proposal discusses the transmission framework of Co-TDMA, as shown in FIG. 14. The SAP divides the TXOP it obtains into multiple time periods, and each time period can only be allocated to one RAP. The SAP determines the start and end times of the allocation to the RAP in the MAP time frame, without limiting the transmission content (i.e., the Shared AP can decide the transmission of control frames, management frames, and DL / UL data frames within the shared time resource).

[0095] The transmission framework of Co-TDMA is similar to other Multi-AP coordinated transmission techniques, which are composed of three stages: MAP setup, MAP Selection, and Coordinated transmission. The Coordinated transmission stage of Co-TDMA needs to ensure:

[0096] 1. The Sharing AP can share part of the TXOP with the Shared AP;

[0097] 2. The Sharing AP can recover the remaining TXOP;

[0098] 3. Hidden node problem;

[0099] 4. Protection of Legacy devices (i.e., NAV protection issues).

[0100] In some embodiments, after step S1102 is performed, further comprising: adjusting the first configuration information to third configuration information according to the second configuration information.

[0101] Wherein, adjusting the first configuration information to third configuration information according to the second configuration information can be realized by the following way:

[0102] In the case that the second configuration information includes the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, adjusting the first configuration information to fourth configuration information, wherein the fourth configuration information is the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point;

[0103] In the case that the second configuration information does not include the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, it is determined whether there is an intersection between the NPCA working channel indicated by the first configuration information and the NPCA working channel indicated by the second configuration information; in the case that there is no intersection between the NPCA working channel indicated by the first configuration information and the NPCA working channel indicated by the second configuration information, the first configuration information is adjusted to fifth configuration information, wherein the NPCA working channel indicated by the fifth configuration information has an intersection with the NPCA working channel indicated by the first configuration information, and the third configuration information includes one of the fourth configuration information and the fifth configuration information.

[0104] In some embodiments, in the case that the second configuration information in the first response frame contains the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, the second access point adjusts the first configuration information to fourth configuration information, wherein the fourth configuration information is the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point.

[0105] In some embodiments, in the case that the NPCA configuration information in the first response frame does not contain the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, the second access point adjusts the first configuration information to fifth configuration information, wherein the fifth configuration information has an intersection with the NPCA configuration information of the first access point.

[0106] In some embodiments, in the case that the second configuration information in the first response frame has an intersection with or is identical to the NPCA configuration information of the second access point, the second access point does not adjust the NPCA configuration information.

[0107] After adjusting the first configuration information to the third configuration information according to the second configuration information, the method further includes: sending a second information frame to the first access point, wherein the second information frame includes the third configuration information and a second status code, and the second status code is used to indicate the result of adjusting the NPCA configuration information.

[0108] In some embodiments, after adjusting the first configuration information to the third configuration information, the second access point sends a second information frame to the first access point.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second information frame contains the adjusted NPCA configuration information of the second access point.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second information frame can further contain a status field, and the status field carries a second status code used to indicate the result of adjusting the NPCA configuration information. As shown in Table 1, Table 1 is an exemplary definition of the status field status code.

[0111] Table 1

[0112] In some embodiments, in the case that the NPCA operating channel of the second access point and the NPCA operating channel of the MAP do not overlap, the first access point displays a first specific field in the first response frame, representing that the MAP operation with the second access point fails. The failure can be defined in various ways, such as a field or a pre-agreed character.

[0113] In some embodiments, in the case that the NPCA operating channel of the second access point and the NPCA operating channel of the MAP overlap, the first access point displays a second specific field in the information frame sent to the second access point, representing that the second access point is allowed to perform the MAP operation with the first access point.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 15, the first response frame includes a status field, which carries a first status code, for indicating the success or failure of the requested operation in the first information frame, and indicating the reason for the success or failure. An exemplary definition of the status code is shown in Table 2.

[0115] Table 2

[0116] If the information frame or the response information frame fails to be received, the first access point and the second access point consider that the negotiation of the MAP operation fails after a certain time.

[0117] In the case that the second access point is an access point in the second set, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a method for an access point in the second set to perform NPCA configuration information negotiation with other access points in the first set, specifically:

[0118] sending a sixth information frame to the first access point, wherein the sixth information frame is used to request the other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, the other access points being the access points in the first set except the first access point; receiving a sixth response frame sent by the first access point, and obtaining seventh configuration information carried in the sixth response frame, wherein the seventh configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the other access points in the first set, NPCA configuration information recommended by the other access points in the first set, and a third status code.

[0119] The access point in the second set sends an information frame to one or more access points in the first set, and then performs negotiation of the MAP operation. At this time, the access point in the second set announces the NPCA configuration information of the second set in the sent information frame.

[0120] The access point receiving the information frame caches the NPCA configuration information of all the access points which have been negotiated by itself. If the working channel of the NPCA of the access point sending the information frame does not overlap with any of the working channels of the NPCA of the access point receiving the information frame and all the access points cached by the access point receiving the information frame, the access point receiving the information frame carries a specific field in the response frame to represent that the MAP operation with the access point sending the information frame fails.

[0121] The access point receiving the information frame caches the NPCA configuration information of all the access points which have been negotiated by itself. If the working channel of the NPCA of the access point sending the information frame overlaps with all the working channels of the NPCA of the access point receiving the information frame and all the access points cached by the access point receiving the information frame, the access point receiving the information frame carries a specific field in the response frame to represent that the MAP operation with the access point sending the information frame succeeds.

[0122] After one or more access points in the first set receive the information frame, the one or more access points in the first set send a response information frame to one or more access points in the second set to announce the NPCA configuration information.

[0123] When the multi-access point cooperation protocol is established, any access point establishing the multi-access point protocol can request to update the NPCA configuration information. The access point is referred to as a requesting access point, and other access points establishing the multi-access point protocol are referred to as responding access points. There are two cases as follows.

[0124] In the case of establishing the multi-access point cooperation protocol with the first access point, a seventh information frame is sent to the first access point, wherein the seventh information frame is used to request to remove the NPCA configuration information of the multi-access point cooperation protocol group.

[0125] In the case of establishing the multi-access point cooperation protocol with the first access point, an eighth information frame is sent to the first access point, wherein the eighth information frame is used to request to modify the NPCA configuration information of the multi-access point cooperation protocol group.

[0126] The NPCA configuration information of the multi-access point cooperation protocol group, the removal of the NPCA configuration information of the multi-access point cooperation protocol group, and the modification of the NPCA configuration information of the multi-access point cooperation protocol group can also be established in the following ways:

[0127] In some embodiments, the seventh information frame and the eighth information frame are the same as the information frame described above, and the seventh information frame and the eighth information frame include an NPCA Request Type field, which is used to indicate whether the frame is used to request to establish, remove, or modify the existing NPCA configuration information. Table 3 shows an exemplary type:

[0128] Table 3

[0129] In some embodiments, the seventh information frame corresponds to the same first response frame as described above, and the status field in the seventh response frame indicates the success and failure of the NPCA adjustment, as shown in Table 4, which is an exemplary definition.

[0130] Table 4

[0131] In some embodiments, the types of the seventh information frame and the eighth information frame established by the above negotiation are different, and the seventh information frame and the eighth information frame cannot be sent by modifying the status code of one field, and the seventh information frame and the eighth information frame need to be determined by different ways.

[0132] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for discovering NPCA configuration information in a MAP is also provided, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0133] Step 11: sending a third information frame to the first access point, wherein the third information frame is used to request to obtain the NPCA configuration information of the first access point;

[0134] Step 12: receiving a third response frame sent by the first access point, and obtaining the NPCA configuration information of the first access point carried in the third response frame.

[0135] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, another method for discovering NPCA configuration information in a MAP is also provided, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0136] Step 13: sending a fourth information frame to the first access point, wherein the fourth information frame is used to request to obtain the NPCA configuration information of one or more access points in a first set corresponding to the first access point;

[0137] Step 14: receiving a fourth response frame sent by the first access point, and obtaining the NPCA configuration information of the one or more access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point carried in the fourth response frame.

[0138] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first access point or one or more access points in the first set can actively send information frames, including:

[0139] receiving a fifth information frame sent by the first access point, wherein the fifth information frame carries at least one of the following: the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point.

[0140] In the implementation process, the following methods can also be used:

[0141] Step 21: The first access point sends an information frame to the second access point to announce the NPCA configuration information.

[0142] In some embodiments, the NPCA configuration information is the NPCA configuration information of the first access point; in other embodiments, the NPCA configuration information is the NPCA configuration information of the first access point for MAP cooperation.

[0143] In step 21, the sent information frame can be a unicast frame or a groupcast frame.

[0144] In step 21, the announced NPCA configuration information includes but is not limited to the NPCA operating channel, bandwidth, subcarrier bitmap, primary operating channel of the NPCA, secondary operating channel, tertiary operating channel, etc.

[0145] Step 22: The second access point sends an information frame (i.e., the third information frame described above) to the first access point to request the first access point to announce the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the information frame can carry the NPCA configuration information of the second access point itself and / or other access points known to the second access point.

[0146] Step 23: Based on step 22, after the first access point receives the information frame described in step 22, the first access point sends a response frame to the second access point to announce the NPCA configuration information of the first access point.

[0147] Step 24: One or more access points in the first set directly send an information frame to the second access point, and the information frame includes the NPCA configuration information of the access point itself and / or the NPCA configuration information of other access points.

[0148] Step 25: One or more access points in the second set send an information frame (i.e., the fourth information frame described above) to one or more access points in the first set to request the access points to announce the NPCA configuration information of the one or more access points in the first set.

[0149] In step 25, the first set contains one or more access points. For example, the first set can be multiple access points under a Multi-link device. For another example, the first set can be multiple access points under a Multi-BSSID set.

[0150] Step 26: Based on step 25, after the one or more access points in the first set receive the information frame described in step 22, the one or more access points in the first set send a response frame (i.e., the fourth response frame described above) to the one or more access points in the second set to announce the NPCA configuration information of the one or more access points in the first set.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first set is a plurality of affiliated access points of an MLD (i.e., a multi-link device), a first field outside a first element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the first element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 15, at this time, the NPCA configuration information in the response frame sent by any first access point in the first set can contain the Common Info field and the Link Info field in which the Multi-Link element exists, which are used to carry the NPCA configuration information of the access point and other affiliated access points of the affiliated unified AP MLD, respectively.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first set is a plurality of access points in a Multiple BSSID set (i.e., a plurality of basic service set identifier sets), a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the second element carries fifth information, the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 16b, at this time, the response frame sent by the AP of the corresponding transmitted BSSID in the Multiple BSSID set needs to contain its own and the NPCA configuration information of the access point of the corresponding non-transmitted BSSID in the same Multiple BSSID set, which are contained outside and inside the Multiple BSSID element, respectively.

[0155] In some embodiments, in the case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and other access points in the first set.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 16a, at this time, the response frame sent by the AP of the corresponding transmitted BSSID in the Multiple BSSID set needs to contain its own NPCA configuration information, which is contained outside the Multiple BSSID element.

[0157] Wherein, (1) the NPCA configuration information of all nontransmitted BSSIDs in the multiple basic service set identifier sets is the same as the NPCA configuration information of the transmitted BSSID, at this time, only the fourth information is written in the first field outside the third element of the fourth response frame, for indicating the configuration information of the NPCA of all BSSIDs.

[0158] (2) the NPCA configuration information of all nontransmitted BSSIDs in the multiple basic service set identifier sets is different from the NPCA configuration information of the transmitted BSSID, at this time, the fourth information is written in the first field outside the third element of the fourth response frame, and the fifth information is written in the second field inside the third element.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first set is a plurality of non co-located APs (i.e. the first set of non co-located APs), the fourth information for indicating the NPCA configuration information of the first access point is carried by the first field outside the third element of the fourth response frame, and / or the fifth information for indicating the NPCA configuration information of the other access points in the first set is carried by the second field inside the third element.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 17, at this time, the response frame sent by any first access point in the first set can contain the NPCA configuration information of itself and other non co-located APs, respectively contained outside and inside the reduced neighbor report element.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, after the first configuration information is adjusted to the third configuration information according to the second configuration information, the method further comprises: sending sixth configuration information to the target station, so that the target station adjusts the NPCA configuration information of the target station according to the sixth configuration information, wherein the sixth configuration information comprises one of the third configuration information and the NPCA configuration information of the subset of the NPCA operating channel containing the indication of the third configuration information.

[0162] In some embodiments, after the second access point receives the information frame carrying the NPCA configuration information, the second access point sends the NPCA operating channel configuration information frame to the target station STA associated with the second access point (i.e. the second access point sends the sixth configuration information through the NPCA operating channel configuration information frame).

[0163] Wherein, the NPCA operating channel configuration information frame can be a groupcast frame or a unicast frame.

[0164] After the STA receives the NPCA operating channel configuration information frame sent by the second access point, the STA adjusts the NPCA configuration information of the STA according to the configuration information frame.

[0165] After the STA receives the NPCA operating channel configuration information frame, the STA sends an information frame to the second access point, wherein the information frame carries information about whether to adjust the NPCA configuration information.

[0166] The information frame carrying the NPCA configuration information can be a response frame sent by the first access point, showing that the MAP is rejected. It can also be an announcement information sent by the first access point. It can also be a NPCA configuration information response frame requested by the second access point to the first access point.

[0167] The information frame carrying the NPCA configuration information can be a response frame sent by the first access point, showing that the MAP is rejected. It can also be an announcement information sent by the first access point. It can also be a NPCA configuration information response frame requested by the second access point to the first access point.

[0168] The disclosure also provides a sending method of the NPCA in the MAP, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0169] Step 31: The first access point detects the first channel to compete for the channel.

[0170] Step 32: Based on step 31, when the first channel is idle, the first access point transmits on the channel.

[0171] Step 33: Based on step 31, when the first channel is busy and the OBSS interference comes from an access point that is performing MAP operation in the MAP operation, the first access point stops sending and listens to the first channel.

[0172] Step 34: Based on step 31, when the first channel is busy and the OBSS interference comes from an access point that is performing MAP operation in the non-MAP operation, the first access point switches to the NPCA operating channel to detect the channel to compete for the channel.

[0173] Step 35: Based on step 33, when the NPCA operating channel is idle, the first access point transmits on the NPCA operating channel.

[0174] In this embodiment, a determination method of the NPCA configuration information in the multi-access point cooperation running on the first access point is provided. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the determination method of the NPCA configuration information in the multi-access point cooperation according to the embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, the flowchart includes the following steps:

[0175] S1202, receiving a first information frame sent by the second access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point;

[0176] S1204, sending a first response frame to the second access point, so that the second access point obtains second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first access point described above can be the computer terminal described above.

[0178] By the above method, the first information frame sent by the second access point is received, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; and a first response frame is sent to the second access point, so that the second access point obtains second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code. Since the access points perform MAP operation, the NPCA working channel is discovered, and it is ensured that the access points inside the MAP have the same or overlapping NPCA working channel. Therefore, the problem that the NPCA working channel of the access points does not overlap in the multi-access point cooperation scenario can be solved, and it is ensured that the access points performing MAP operation have overlapping NPCA working channel, avoiding the conflict between NPCA and MAP.

[0179] In one example embodiment, the first field in the first response frame carries the first status code, and / or the second field in the first response frame carries the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and / or the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point.

[0180] In one example embodiment, the method further includes: receiving a third information frame sent by the second access point, wherein the third information frame is used to request to obtain the NPCA configuration information of the first access point; and sending a third response frame to the second access point, wherein the third response frame carries the NPCA configuration information of the first access point.

[0181] In an example embodiment, a fourth information frame sent by the second access point is received, wherein the fourth information frame is used to request to obtain the NPCA configuration information of one or more access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point; and a fourth response frame is sent to the second access point, wherein the NPCA configuration information of the one or more access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point is carried in the fourth response frame.

[0182] In an example embodiment, in a case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a multi-link device, a first field outside a first element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the first element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0183] In an example embodiment, in a case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the second element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0184] In an example embodiment, in a case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and other access points in the first set.

[0185] In an example embodiment, in a case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a first set of non-common locations, a first field outside a third element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the third element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0186] In an example embodiment, a fifth information frame is sent to the second access point, wherein the fifth information frame carries at least one of the following: the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point.

[0187] In an example embodiment, a sixth information frame sent by the second access point is received, wherein the sixth information frame is used to request other access points in a first set corresponding to the first access point to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, the other access points being access points in the first set except the first access point; a sixth response frame is sent to the second access point, wherein the sixth response frame carries seventh configuration information, and the seventh configuration information includes at least one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the other access points in the first set, NPCA configuration information recommended by the access points in the first set, and a third status code.

[0188] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the method according to the above-mentioned embodiments can be realized by means of software and necessary general hardware platforms, of course, it can also be realized by hardware, but in many cases, the former is a better implementation. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium (such as a read-only memory / random access memory (ROM / RAM), a magnetic disk, an optical disk), and includes a plurality of instructions for causing an end device (which can be a mobile phone, a computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the method described in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0189] In the present embodiment, a determination apparatus for NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation is also provided, which is used to implement the above-mentioned embodiments and preferred embodiments, and will not be described again. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the apparatus described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware is also possible and contemplated.

[0190] It should be noted that the above-mentioned modules can be realized by software or hardware, and for the latter, the following implementation manners are possible, but are not limited thereto: all the above-mentioned modules are located in the same processor; or the above-mentioned modules are located in different processors in any combination.

[0191] In order to facilitate the understanding of the technical solutions provided by the present disclosure, the following will be described in detail in conjunction with the embodiments of specific scenarios.

[0192] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a determination apparatus for NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation is provided, wherein FIG. 18 is a structural block diagram of the determination apparatus for NPCA configuration information according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 18, the apparatus includes:

[0193] The sending module 182 is configured to send a first information frame to the first access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request establishment of a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point;

[0194] The receiving module 184 is configured to receive a first response frame sent by the first access point, and determine second configuration information according to the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

[0195] Through the apparatus in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first information frame is sent to a first access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request establishment of a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of a second access point; a first response frame sent by the first access point is received, and second configuration information carried in the first response frame is obtained, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code. Since an access point discovers NPCA working channels when performing a MAP operation, it is ensured that access points inside a MAP have the same or overlapping NPCA working channels. Therefore, the problem that NPCA working channels of access points do not overlap in a multi-access point cooperation scenario can be solved, and it is ensured that access points performing a MAP operation have overlapping NPCA working channels, thereby avoiding conflict between NPCA and MAP.

[0196] In one example embodiment, in a case where the second configuration information contains the first status code, and the first status code does not indicate that the multi-access point cooperation protocol is successfully established, it is determined that the first access point and the second access point fail to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol.

[0197] In one example embodiment, the receiving module 184 is configured to obtain the first status code in a first field in the first response frame, and / or obtain the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and / or the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point in a second field in the first response frame.

[0198] In one example embodiment, the apparatus further includes an adjusting module configured to adjust the first configuration information to third configuration information according to the second configuration information.

[0199] In an example embodiment, the adjusting module is configured to, in a case that the second configuration information comprises the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, adjust the first configuration information into fourth configuration information, wherein the fourth configuration information is the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point; in a case that the second configuration information does not comprise the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, determine whether there is intersection between the NPCA operating channel indicated by the first configuration information and the NPCA operating channel indicated by the second configuration information; in a case that there is no intersection between the NPCA operating channel indicated by the first configuration information and the NPCA operating channel indicated by the second configuration information, adjust the first configuration information into fifth configuration information, wherein the fifth configuration information indicates the NPCA operating channel having intersection with the NPCA operating channel indicated by the first configuration information, and the third configuration information comprises one of the fourth configuration information and the fifth configuration information.

[0200] In an example embodiment, the sending module 182 is configured to send a second information frame to the first access point, wherein the second information frame comprises the third configuration information and a second status code, and the second status code is used to indicate the result of adjusting the NPCA configuration information.

[0201] In an example embodiment, the sending module 182 is configured to send sixth configuration information to the target station, so that the target station adjusts the NPCA configuration information of the target station according to the sixth configuration information, wherein the sixth configuration information comprises one of the third configuration information and NPCA configuration information comprising a subset of the NPCA operating channel indicated by the third configuration information.

[0202] In an example embodiment, the sending module 182 is configured to send a third information frame to the first access point, wherein the third information frame is used to request to obtain the NPCA configuration information of the first access point; and the receiving module 184 is configured to receive a third response frame sent by the first access point, and obtain the NPCA configuration information of the first access point carried in the third response frame.

[0203] In an example embodiment, the sending module 182 is configured to send a fourth information frame to the first access point, wherein the fourth information frame is used to request to obtain the NPCA configuration information of one or more access points in a first set corresponding to the first access point.

[0204] The receiving module 184 is configured to receive a fourth response frame sent by the first access point, and obtain the NPCA configuration information of the one or more access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point carried in the fourth response frame.

[0205] In an example embodiment, in case that the first set corresponding to the first access point is a multi-link device, a first field outside a first element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the first element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0206] In an example embodiment, in case that the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the second element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0207] In an example embodiment, in case that the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and other access points in the first set.

[0208] In an example embodiment, in case that the first set corresponding to the first access point is a first set of non-common locations, a first field outside a third element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the third element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0209] In an example embodiment, the sending module 182 is configured to send a sixth information frame to the first access point, wherein the sixth information frame is used to request the establishment of a multi-access point cooperation protocol with other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point, the other access points being access points in the first set except the first access point;

[0210] The receiving module 184 is configured to receive a sixth response frame sent by the first access point, and obtain seventh configuration information carried in the sixth response frame, wherein the seventh configuration information at least includes one of the following: the NPCA configuration information of the other access points in the first set, the NPCA configuration information recommended by the other access points in the first set, and a third status code.

[0211] In an example embodiment, the sending module 182 is configured to send a seventh information frame to the first access point in a case that the multi-access point cooperation protocol is established with the first access point, wherein the seventh information frame is used to request to remove the NPCA configuration information of the multi-access point cooperation protocol group.

[0212] In an example embodiment, the sending module 182 is configured to send an eighth information frame to the first access point in a case that the multi-access point cooperation protocol is established with the first access point, wherein the eighth information frame is used to request to modify the NPCA configuration information of the multi-access point cooperation protocol group.

[0213] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation is also provided, which is applied to a first access point. FIG. 19 is a structural block diagram of the device for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 19, the device comprises:

[0214] The receiving module 192 is configured to receive a first information frame sent by a second access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point.

[0215] The sending module 194 is configured to send a first response frame to the second access point, so that the second access point obtains second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

[0216] Through the device in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first information frame sent by the second access point is received, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point. The first response frame is sent to the second access point, so that the second access point obtains second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code. Since the access points perform MAP operation to discover the NPCA working channel, it is ensured that the access points in the MAP have the same or overlapping NPCA working channel. Therefore, the problem that the NPCA working channels of the access points are not overlapped in the multi-access point cooperation scenario can be solved, and it is ensured that the access points performing MAP operation have overlapping NPCA working channels, thereby avoiding the conflict between NPCA and MAP.

[0217] In an example embodiment, a first field in the first response frame carries the first status code, and / or a second field in the first response frame carries the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and / or the recommended NPCA configuration information of the first access point.

[0218] In an example embodiment, the receiving module 192 is configured to receive a third information frame sent by the second access point, wherein the third information frame is used to request the NPCA configuration information of the first access point; and the sending module 194 is configured to send a third response frame to the second access point, wherein the third response frame carries the NPCA configuration information of the first access point.

[0219] In an example embodiment, the receiving module 192 is configured to receive a fourth information frame sent by the second access point, wherein the fourth information frame is used to request the NPCA configuration information of one or more access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point;

[0220] The sending module 194 is configured to send a fourth response frame to the second access point, wherein the fourth response frame carries the NPCA configuration information of the one or more access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point.

[0221] In an example embodiment, in the case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a multi-link device, a first field outside a first element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the first element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0222] In an example embodiment, in the case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the second element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

[0223] In an example embodiment, in the case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and other access points in the first set.

[0224] In an example embodiment, the first field outside the third element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information and / or the second field inside the third element carries fifth information, where the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of the other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point.

[0225] In an example embodiment, the sending module 194 is configured to send a fifth information frame to the second access point, where the fifth information frame carries at least one of the following: the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the NPCA configuration information of the other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point.

[0226] In an example embodiment, the receiving module 192 is configured to receive a sixth information frame sent by the second access point, where the sixth information frame is used to request the establishment of a multi-access point cooperation protocol with the other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point, the other access points being the access points in the first set except the first access point.

[0227] The sending module 194 is configured to send a sixth response frame to the second access point, where the sixth response frame carries seventh configuration information, and the seventh configuration information includes at least one of the following: the NPCA configuration information of the other access points in the first set, the NPCA configuration information recommended by the access points in the first set, and a third status code.

[0228] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, where the computer program is configured to execute the steps in any of the above method embodiments when running.

[0229] In an example embodiment, the above computer readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, a U disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store computer programs.

[0230] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an electronic device, which includes a memory storing a computer program and a processor configured to execute the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0231] In an example embodiment, the electronic device described above can further include a transmission device connected to the processor, and an input / output device connected to the processor.

[0232] The specific examples in the embodiments can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementation, and the embodiments will not be described here again.

[0233] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program product, which comprises a computer program. The computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps in any of the method embodiments described above.

[0234] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide another computer program product, which comprises a non-volatile computer readable storage medium. The non-volatile computer readable storage medium stores a computer program. The computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps in any of the method embodiments described above.

[0235] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program, which comprises computer instructions stored in a computer readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer readable storage medium. The processor executes the computer instructions to make the computer device perform the steps in any of the method embodiments described above.

[0236] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the modules or steps of the present disclosure described above can be realized by universal computing devices. They can be concentrated on a single computing device, or distributed on a network composed of multiple computing devices. They can be realized by program codes executable by computing devices, so that they can be stored in storage devices and executed by computing devices. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in different order, or they can be made into individual integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be made into a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular hardware and software combination.

[0237] The above only describes preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present disclosure. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. within the principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, applied to a second access point, comprising: sending a first information frame to a first access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request establishment of a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; receiving a first response frame sent by the first access point, and obtaining second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information comprises at least one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, comprising: in a case where the second configuration information contains the first status code and the first status code does not indicate that the multi-access point cooperation protocol is successfully established, determining that the multi-access point cooperation protocol between the first access point and the second access point fails to be established.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, obtaining the second configuration information carried in the first response frame comprises: obtaining the first status code in a first field in the first response frame, and / or obtaining the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and / or the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point in a second field in the first response frame.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, after obtaining the second configuration information carried in the first response frame, the method further comprises: adjusting the first configuration information to third configuration information according to the second configuration information.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, adjusting the first configuration information to third configuration information according to the second configuration information comprises: in a case where the second configuration information comprises the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, adjusting the first configuration information to fourth configuration information, wherein the fourth configuration information is the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point; in a case where the second configuration information does not comprise the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, determining whether there is an intersection between NPCA working channels indicated by the first configuration information and NPCA working channels indicated by the second configuration information; and in a case where there is no intersection between the NPCA working channels indicated by the first configuration information and the NPCA working channels indicated by the second configuration information, adjusting the first configuration information to fifth configuration information, wherein the fifth configuration information indicates NPCA working channels that have an intersection with the NPCA working channels indicated by the first configuration information, and the third configuration information comprises one of the fourth configuration information and the fifth configuration information.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, after adjusting the first configuration information to third configuration information according to the second configuration information, the method further comprises: sending a second information frame to the first access point, wherein the second information frame comprises the third configuration information and a second status code, and the second status code is used to indicate a result of adjusting the NPCA configuration information.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein, after adjusting the first configuration information to third configuration information according to the second configuration information, the method further comprises: sending sixth configuration information to the target station, so that the target station adjusts NPCA configuration information of the target station according to the sixth configuration information, wherein the sixth configuration information comprises one of the third configuration information and NPCA configuration information of a subset of NPCA working channels of the target station containing an indication of the third configuration information.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a third information frame to the first access point, wherein the third information frame is used to request to obtain NPCA configuration information of the first access point; receiving a third response frame sent by the first access point, and obtaining the NPCA configuration information of the first access point carried in the third response frame.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a fourth information frame to the first access point, wherein the fourth information frame is used to request to obtain NPCA configuration information of one or more access points in a first set corresponding to the first access point; receiving a fourth response frame sent by the first access point, and obtaining the NPCA configuration information of the one or more access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point carried in the fourth response frame.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, comprises: in a case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a multi-link device, a first field outside a first element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the first element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, comprises: in a case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the second element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein, comprises: in a case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and other access points in the first set.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein, comprises: in a case where the first set corresponding to the first access point is a first set of non-common locations, a first field outside a third element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the third element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein, comprises: receiving a fifth information frame sent by the first access point, wherein the fifth information frame carries at least one of the following: the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a sixth information frame to the first access point, wherein the sixth information frame is used to request the establishment of a multi-access point cooperation protocol with other access points in a first set corresponding to the first access point, the other access points being access points in the first set other than the first access point; receiving a sixth response frame sent by the first access point and obtaining seventh configuration information carried in the sixth response frame, wherein the seventh configuration information includes at least one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the other access points in the first set, NPCA configuration information recommended by the other access points in the first set, and a third status code.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein, After obtaining the second configuration information carried in the first response frame, the method further includes: in the case where the multi-access point cooperation protocol is established with the first access point, sending a seventh information frame to the first access point, wherein the seventh information frame is used to request the removal of NPCA configuration information of a multi-access point cooperation protocol group.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein, After obtaining the second configuration information carried in the first response frame, the method further includes: in the case where the multi-access point cooperation protocol is established with the first access point, sending an eighth information frame to the first access point, wherein the eighth information frame is used to request the modification of NPCA configuration information of a multi-access point cooperation protocol group.

18. A method for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, applied to a first access point, comprising: receiving a first information frame sent by a second access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request the establishment of a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; sending a first response frame to the second access point, so that the second access point obtains second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information includes at least one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, including: a first field in the first response frame carries the first status code, and / or a second field in the first response frame carries the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and / or the NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: receiving a third information frame sent by the second access point, wherein the third information frame is used to request the obtaining of the NPCA configuration information of the first access point; sending a third response frame to the second access point, wherein the third response frame carries the NPCA configuration information of the first access point.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: receiving a fourth information frame sent by the second access point, wherein the fourth information frame is used to request the obtaining of NPCA configuration information of one or more access points in a first set corresponding to the first access point; sending a fourth response frame to the second access point, wherein the fourth response frame carries the NPCA configuration information of the one or more access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, including: In the case that the first set corresponding to the first access point is a multi-link device, a first field outside a first element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the first element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein, Comprise: In the case that the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the second element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein, Comprise: In the case that the first set corresponding to the first access point is a plurality of basic service set identifier sets, a first field outside a second element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point and other access points in the first set.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein, Comprise: In the case that the first set corresponding to the first access point is a first set of non-common locations, a first field outside a third element of the fourth response frame carries fourth information, and / or a second field inside the third element carries fifth information, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, and the fifth information is the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set.

26. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a fifth information frame to the second access point, wherein the fifth information frame carries at least one of the following: the NPCA configuration information of the first access point, the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point.

27. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a sixth information frame sent by the second access point, wherein the sixth information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol with other access points in the first set corresponding to the first access point, the other access points being access points in the first set except the first access point: sending a sixth response frame to the second access point, wherein the sixth response frame carries seventh configuration information, and the seventh configuration information includes at least one of the following: the NPCA configuration information of other access points in the first set, the NPCA configuration information recommended by the access points in the first set, and a third status code.

28. A device for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, applied to a second access point, comprising: a sending module configured to send a first information frame to a first access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request to establish a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first configuration information of a non-primary channel access (NPCA) of the second access point; The receiving module is configured to receive the first response frame sent by the first access point and obtain second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code. 29.A device for determining NPCA configuration information in multi-access point cooperation, applied to a first access point, comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive a first information frame sent by a second access point, wherein the first information frame is used to request establishment of a multi-access point cooperation protocol, and the first information frame carries first non-primary channel access (NPCA) configuration information of the second access point; The sending module is configured to send a first response frame to the second access point, so that the second access point obtains second configuration information carried in the first response frame, wherein the second configuration information at least includes one of the following: NPCA configuration information of the first access point, NPCA configuration information recommended by the first access point, and a first status code.

30. A computer readable storage medium having stored therein a computer program, wherein, The computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method in any one of claims 1 to 17 or any one of claims 18 to 27. 31.An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor implements the steps of the method in any one of claims 1 to 17 or any one of claims 18 to 27 when executing the computer program. 32.A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method in any one of claims 1 to 17 or any one of claims 18 to 27.

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