Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus, which can avoid interference from hidden nodes. The present application supports the IEEE protocol, such as the IEEE 802.11be / WiFi 7 / EHT protocol, the IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / WiFi 8 protocol, the IEEE Integrated mmWave (IMMW) protocol, the IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol, or the IEEE 802.11bf / Sensing protocol. The present application may also support the SparkLink / NearLink standard protocol. The method comprises: a station device receiving a control frame, and sending a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame on the basis of trigger of the control frame, wherein the control frame is carried in a non-ELR PPDU, the first CTS frame is carried in an ELR PPDU, and the second CTS frame is carried in the non-ELR PPDU.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411182982.0, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 26, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] A typical wireless local area network (WLAN) basic service set (BSS) architecture consists of one access point (AP) and at least one non-access point station (non-AP STA). The non-AP STA associates with the AP and accesses the network through the AP. In addition, hidden nodes exist in WLAN systems. Hidden nodes are stations that are not within the signal coverage area of ​​the transmitting station but can interfere with the receiving station's reception of wireless frames from the transmitting station.

[0004] Therefore, how to avoid interference from hidden nodes is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can avoid interference from hidden nodes.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a site device. Unless otherwise specified, "site device" in this application can refer to the site device itself, components within the site device (e.g., processors, chips, or chip systems), or logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the site device's functions. The method includes: receiving a control frame, the control frame being carried on a non-Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (non-ELR PPDU); and, based on the triggering of the control frame, sending a first Clear Transmission (CTS) frame and a second CTS frame, the first CTS frame being carried on an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU) and the second CTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0007] Based on the first aspect, a communication method is provided in which a site device can send a CTS to the access point device via an ELR PPDU and a non-ELR PPDU respectively, triggered by a control frame from the access point device. (That is, sending a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame to the access point device, the first CTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU and the second CTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU).

[0008] Understandably, the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set the value of its Network Allocation Vector (NAV), so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0. In other words, during the period when the NAV value decreases to 0 (this period can also be called the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when communicating, thus achieving channel protection between the site device and the access point device.

[0009] Therefore, for hidden nodes located near the site equipment, if the hidden node can parse the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU when it receives the CTS frame. If the hidden node cannot parse the ELR PPDU (i.e., it can parse the non-ELR PPDU), it can set its NAV based on the CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU when it receives the CTS frame. This avoids hidden nodes near the site equipment interfering with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0010] Furthermore, for hidden nodes located near the access point device, since control frames are carried on non-ELR PPDUs, if the hidden node can parse the non-ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV based on the control frame it receives. This avoids hidden nodes near the access point device interfering with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, further improving communication efficiency.

[0011] In one possible design, the non-ELR PPDU is a non-high-throughput physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT PPDU).

[0012] In one possible design, the control frame includes a Type field, a Subtype field, and a Control Frame Extension field, where the Type field has a value of 01, the Subtype field has a value of 0110, and the Control Frame Extension field has a value between 1100 and 1111.

[0013] In one possible design, the control frame is the trigger frame.

[0014] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, the control frame can be a newly defined type of control frame, or it can be an existing control frame other than RTS frames and MU-RTS frames (such as a trigger frame). It is understandable that if the hidden node sets the NAV based on an RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, the control frame in this application can be a newly defined type of control frame, or an existing control frame other than RTS frames and MU-RTS frames. As long as it is not an RTS frame or MU-RTS frame, NAV reset can be avoided; thus, the hidden node can avoid interfering with the communication between the site equipment and the access point settings due to the NAV being reset to 0.

[0015] In one possible design, the control frame is a clear send polling CTS-poll.

[0016] In one possible design, the control frame is a request to send an RTS frame. Before receiving the control frame, the communication method also includes receiving a self-clearing CTS-to-self frame.

[0017] Based on this possible design, when the control frame is an RTS frame, the access point device can send a CTS-to-self frame before sending the RTS frame. The hidden node receives the CTS-to-self frame first and sets its NAV value based on the Duration field value in the CTS-to-self frame. Therefore, upon receiving a subsequent RTS frame, it will not set the NAV value again. In this case, the RTS frame has no effect on the hidden node, thus avoiding the NAV reset phenomenon caused by receiving an RTS frame. This prevents the hidden node from interfering with the communication between the site device and the access point settings due to the NAV being reset to 0.

[0018] In one possible design, the control frame includes indication information that instructs the control frame to trigger the site device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame.

[0019] Based on this possible design, when the control frame is an RTS frame, since an existing RTS frame can only trigger one CTS frame, when reusing an existing RTS frame, the RTS frame can contain a field indicating whether the control frame has its original function or the function of triggering the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. In other words, when the indication information in the RTS frame indicates that the control frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, it means that the RTS frame is executing the process of this application; thus providing a possible implementation method for the embodiments of this application.

[0020] In one possible design, the first CTS frame precedes the second CTS frame.

[0021] Based on this possible design, after receiving a control frame from the access point device, the site device can first send a first CTS frame, and then send a second CTS frame. When the access point device is within the signal coverage area of ​​the site device transmitting radio frames via ELR PPDU, the first CTS frame can be received by the access point device, thus completing the interaction between the access point device and the site device as early as possible. It can be understood that completing one control frame and CTS frame interaction between the site device and the access point device indicates that a TXOP has been established between them. Therefore, sending the first CTS frame first means establishing the TXOP as early as possible, laying the foundation for subsequent communication between the access point device and the site device within the TXOP.

[0022] In one possible design, the first CTS frame is located after the second CTS frame.

[0023] Based on this possible design, after receiving a control frame from the access point device, the site device can first send a second CTS frame, and then send the first CTS frame. Since the second CTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU, a typical non-ELR PPDU is a traditional legacy PPDU. Generally, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, then that hidden node can also parse a legacy PPDU. Therefore, sending the second CTS frame first allows as many hidden nodes as possible to set their NAV values ​​(i.e., using the Duration field in the second CTS frame), thereby achieving channel protection as early as possible.

[0024] Furthermore, when the access point device is within the signal coverage area of ​​the site device transmitting radio frames via ELR PPDU, the first CTS frame can be received by the access point device. Because channel protection is implemented after transmitting the second CTS frame, the first CTS frame transmitted by the site device is less susceptible to interference from hidden nodes (the number of hidden nodes performing interference is reduced), thereby improving the reception performance of the access point device's first CTS frame.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by an access point device. Unless otherwise specified, "access point device" in this application can refer to the access point device itself, a component within the access point device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access point device. The method includes: transmitting a control frame, the control frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU; and receiving a first CTS frame, the first CTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU, the first CTS frame being triggered based on the control frame.

[0026] Based on the second aspect, a communication method is provided in which an access point device can send a control frame to a site device to trigger the site device to send a CTS to the access point device via an ELR PPDU and a non-ELR PPDU respectively (i.e., to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame to the access point device, wherein the first CTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU and the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU).

[0027] Understandably, the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set the value of its Network Allocation Vector (NAV), so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0. In other words, during the period when the NAV value decreases to 0 (this period can also be called the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when communicating, thus achieving channel protection between the site device and the access point device.

[0028] Therefore, for hidden nodes located near the site equipment, if the hidden node can parse the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU when it receives the CTS frame. If the hidden node cannot parse the ELR PPDU (i.e., it can parse the non-ELR PPDU), it can set its NAV based on the CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU when it receives the CTS frame. This avoids hidden nodes near the site equipment interfering with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0029] Furthermore, for hidden nodes located near the access point device, since control frames are carried on non-ELR PPDUs, if the hidden node can parse the non-ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV based on the control frame it receives. This avoids hidden nodes near the access point device interfering with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, further improving communication efficiency.

[0030] In one possible design, the non-ELR PPDU is a non-HT PPDU.

[0031] In one possible design, the control frame includes a Type field, a Subtype field, and a Control Frame Extension field, where the Type field has a value of 01, the Subtype field has a value of 0110, and the Control Frame Extension field has a value between 1100 and 1111.

[0032] In one possible design, the control frame is a trigger frame.

[0033] In one possible design, the control frame is CTS-poll.

[0034] In one possible design, the control frame is an RTS frame, and the communication method also includes sending a CTS-to-self frame before sending the control frame.

[0035] In one possible design, sending a control frame includes: sending a control frame to a site device, the control frame including indication information, the indication information indicating that the control frame is used to trigger the site device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame, the second CTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0036] In one possible design, the first CTS frame precedes the second CTS frame.

[0037] In one possible design, the first CTS frame is located after the second CTS frame.

[0038] The technical effects of any design in the second aspect can be referenced from the technical effects of the corresponding design in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated here.

[0039] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a site device. Unless otherwise specified, "site device" in this application can refer to the site device itself, components within the site device (such as processors, chips, or chip systems), or logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the site device's functions. The method includes: receiving a first RTS frame, the first RTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU; triggering the first RTS frame, sending a first CTS frame, the first CTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU; receiving a second RTS frame, the second RTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU; and triggering the second RTS frame, sending a second CTS frame, the second CTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0040] Based on the third aspect, a communication method is provided in which a station device can receive a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame from an access point device in sequence; wherein, the first RTS frame is used to trigger the station device to send a first CTS frame, the second RTS frame is used to trigger the station device to send a second CTS frame, both the first RTS frame and the first CTS frame are carried on an ELR PPDU, and both the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0041] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0042] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving the first RTS frame carried by the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the first RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0043] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second RTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the site equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0044] Furthermore, the first RTS frame can precede the second RTS frame; that is, the site device and the access point device establish a TXOP first, and then the site device sends the second RTS frame. It is understandable that if the hidden node sets the NAV based on the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, an NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, if the TXOP establishment between the site device and the access point device fails, the site device does not need to send a second RTS frame, thus triggering an NAV reset, allowing the hidden node to immediately participate in channel contention and avoiding channel waste.

[0045] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by an access point device. Unless otherwise specified, "access point device" in this application can refer to the access point device itself, a component within the access point device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access point device. The method includes: transmitting a first RTS frame, the first RTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU; receiving a first CTS frame, the first CTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU, the first CTS frame being triggered based on the first RTS; and transmitting a second RTS frame, the second RTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU, the first RTS frame preceding the second RTS frame.

[0046] Based on the fourth aspect, a communication method is provided in which an access point device can send a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame to a site device in sequence; wherein, the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send a first CTS frame, both the first RTS frame and the first CTS frame are carried on an ELR PPDU, and both the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0047] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0048] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving the first RTS frame carried by the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the first RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0049] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second RTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, the first RTS frame can precede the second RTS frame; that is, the site device and the access point device establish a TXOP first, and then the site device sends the second RTS frame. It is understandable that if the hidden node sets the NAV based on the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, an NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, if the TXOP establishment between the site device and the access point device fails, the site device does not need to send a second RTS frame, thus triggering an NAV reset, allowing the hidden node to immediately participate in channel contention and avoiding channel waste.

[0051] In one possible design, sending a second RTS frame includes: sending a second RTS frame to a site device, the second RTS frame being used to trigger the site device to send a second CTS frame, the second CTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0052] Based on this possible design, the second RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send a second CTS frame. The site device then sends the second CTS frame. Since the second CTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU, a hidden node located near the site device that cannot parse ELR PPDUs (or a hidden node that can parse non-ELR PPDUs) can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame upon receiving it. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0053] Fifthly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a site device. Unless otherwise specified, "site device" in this application can refer to the site device itself, a component within the site device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the site device's functions. The method includes: receiving a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame, wherein the first RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, the second RTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the first RTS frame precedes the second RTS frame; and based on the triggering of the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame, transmitting a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame, wherein the first CTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, the second CTS frame precedes the first CTS frame, and the second RTS frame precedes the second CTS frame.

[0054] Based on the fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, in which a station device can sequentially receive a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame from an access point device; wherein the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame are used to trigger the station device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame, both the first RTS frame and the first CTS frame are carried on an ELR PPDU, both the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the first RTS frame is located before the second RTS frame, the second CTS frame is located before the first CTS frame, and the second RTS frame is located before the second CTS frame.

[0055] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0056] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving the first RTS frame carried by the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the first RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0057] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second RTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the site equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0058] Furthermore, the first RTS frame can precede the second RTS frame. It's understandable that if the hidden node sets its NAV based on an RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU (i.e., the first RTS frame) can be sent first, allowing the hidden node to set its NAV according to the first RTS frame. Consequently, when the second RTS frame is received subsequently, it has no effect on the hidden node, thus preventing the hidden node from interfering with the TXOP communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment due to NAV reset.

[0059] Furthermore, after receiving the second RTS frame from the access point device, the site device can first send the second CTS frame, and then send the first CTS frame. Since the second CTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU, a typical non-ELR PPDU is a legacy PPDU. Generally, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, then that hidden node can also parse a legacy PPDU. Therefore, sending the second CTS frame first allows as many hidden nodes as possible to set their NAV values ​​(i.e., using the Duration field value in the second CTS frame), thereby achieving channel protection as early as possible.

[0060] In one possible design, when the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame are triggered based on the first RTS frame, the first RTS frame includes first indication information, which indicates that the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0061] In one possible design, when the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame are triggered based on the second RTS frame, the second RTS frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0062] Based on the two possible designs described above, since an existing RTS frame can only trigger one CTS frame, the RTS frame (such as the first RTS frame or the second RTS frame) may contain a field indicating whether the control frame has its original function or the function of triggering the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. In other words, when the indication information in the RTS frame (i.e., the first indication information or the second indication information) indicates that the control frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, it means that the RTS frame is executing the process of this application; thus providing a possible implementation method for the embodiments of this application.

[0063] Sixthly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by an access point device. Unless otherwise specified, "access point device" in this application can refer to the access point device itself, a component within the access point device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access point device. The method includes: transmitting a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame, wherein the first RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, the second RTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the first RTS frame precedes the second RTS frame; receiving a first CTS frame, wherein the first CTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, the second RTS frame precedes the second CTS frame, and the first CTS frame is triggered based on the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame.

[0064] Based on the sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, in which an access point device can send a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame to a site device in sequence; wherein the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame are used to trigger the site device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame, the first RTS frame and the first CTS frame are both carried on an ELR PPDU, the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are both carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the first RTS frame is located before the second RTS frame, the second CTS frame is located before the first CTS frame, and the second RTS frame is located before the second CTS frame.

[0065] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0066] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving the first RTS frame carried by the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the first RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0067] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second RTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the site equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, the first RTS frame can precede the second RTS frame. It's understandable that if the hidden node sets its NAV based on an RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU (i.e., the first RTS frame) can be sent first, allowing the hidden node to set its NAV according to the first RTS frame. Consequently, when the second RTS frame is received subsequently, it has no effect on the hidden node, thus preventing the hidden node from interfering with the TXOP communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment due to NAV reset.

[0069] Furthermore, after receiving the second CTS frame from the access point device, the site device can send the second CTS frame first, followed by the first CTS frame. Since the second CTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU, a typical non-ELR PPDU is a legacy PPDU. Generally, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, it can also parse a legacy PPDU. Therefore, sending the second CTS frame first allows as many hidden nodes as possible to set their NAV values ​​(i.e., using the Duration field value in the second CTS frame), thus achieving channel protection as early as possible.

[0070] In one possible design, the first RTS frame is also used to trigger a second CTS frame, the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, the second CTS frame is located before the first CTS frame, and sending the first RTS frame and the second RTS frame includes: sending the first RTS frame and the second RTS frame to the site device. The first RTS frame includes first indication information, which indicates that the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0071] In one possible design, the second RTS frame is also used to trigger a second CTS frame, which is carried on a non-ELR PPDU and precedes the first CTS frame. Sending the first RTS frame and the second RTS frame includes sending the first RTS frame and the second RTS frame to the site device. The second RTS frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0072] The technical effects of any design in the sixth aspect can be referenced from the technical effects of the corresponding design in the fifth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] Seventhly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a station device. Unless otherwise specified, "station device" in this application can refer to the station device itself, a component within the station device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the station device's functions. The method includes: receiving an RTS frame, the RTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU; triggering a CTS frame based on the RTS frame, the CTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU; and receiving a CTS-to-self frame, the CTS-to-self frame being located after the CTS frame.

[0074] Based on the seventh aspect, a communication method is provided in which a station device can send an RTS frame to an access point device to trigger the access point device to send a CTS frame. The RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, and the CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU. It is understood that the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention until the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, during the period when the NAV value decreases to 0 (this period can also be called the TXOP between the station device and the access point device), when the station device and the access point device communicate, they will not be interfered with by the hidden node.

[0075] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving an RTS frame carried on the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on that RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0076] For hidden nodes located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, since a hidden node can parse ELR PPDUs, it must also be able to parse non-ELR PPDUs. Therefore, in this application, the CTS frame triggered by the RTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU. This allows more hidden nodes to set their NAV values ​​based on the Duration field in the CTS frame. This avoids these hidden nodes initiating channel contention during the period when their NAV values ​​decrease to 0, thus preventing interference with communication between the site device and the access point device.

[0077] Furthermore, the CTS-to-self frame can be placed after the CTS frame; that is, the site device and the access point device establish a TXOP first, and then the site device sends the CTS-to-self frame. It is understandable that if the hidden node sets the NAV based on the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, if the TXOP establishment between the site device and the access point device fails, the site device does not need to send the CTS-to-self frame, thus triggering an NAV reset, allowing the hidden node to immediately participate in channel contention and avoiding channel waste.

[0078] Eighthly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by an access point device. Unless otherwise specified, "access point device" in this application can refer to the access point device itself, a component within the access point device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access point device. The method includes: transmitting an RTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU; receiving a CTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, the CTS frame being triggered based on the RTS frame; and receiving a CTS-to-self frame following the CTS frame.

[0079] Based on the eighth aspect, a communication method is provided in which an access point device can receive an RTS frame from a site device, which is used to trigger the access point device to send a CTS frame. The RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, and the CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU. It is understood that the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, during the period when the NAV value decreases to 0 (this period can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), when the site device and the access point device communicate, they will not be interfered with by the hidden node.

[0080] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving an RTS frame carried on the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on that RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0081] For hidden nodes located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, since a hidden node can parse ELR PPDUs, it must also be able to parse non-ELR PPDUs. Therefore, in this application, the CTS frame triggered by the RTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU. This allows more hidden nodes to set their NAV values ​​based on the Duration field in the CTS frame. This avoids these hidden nodes initiating channel contention during the period when their NAV values ​​decrease to 0, thus preventing interference with communication between the site device and the access point device.

[0082] Furthermore, the CTS-to-self frame can be placed after the CTS frame; that is, the site device and the access point device establish a TXOP first, and then the site device sends the CTS-to-self frame. It is understandable that if the hidden node sets the NAV based on the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, if the TXOP establishment between the site device and the access point device fails, the site device does not need to send the CTS-to-self frame, thus triggering an NAV reset, allowing the hidden node to immediately participate in channel contention and avoiding channel waste.

[0083] Ninthly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a site device. Unless otherwise specified, "site device" in this application can refer to the site device itself, a component within the site device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the site device's functions. The method includes: transmitting a CTS-to-self frame; transmitting an RTS frame, the RTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU, and the CTS-to-self frame preceding the RTS frame; receiving a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame, the first CTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU, and the second CTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU, the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame being triggered based on the RTS frame.

[0084] Based on the ninth aspect, a communication method is provided in which a site device can send a CTS-to-self frame and an RTS frame to an access point device; wherein, the RTS frame is used to trigger the access point device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame, both the RTS frame and the first CTS frame are carried on an ELR PPDU, both the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the CTS-to-self frame is located before the RTS frame.

[0085] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0086] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving a CTS-to-self frame carrying an ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the CTS-to-self frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0087] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the RTS frame when it receives an RTS frame carrying an ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment but unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying a non-ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the site equipment but unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame carrying a non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0088] Furthermore, it can be understood that CTS-to-self frames do not require a response frame; their arrival at the access device signifies the successful establishment of the TXOP between the access point device and the site device. Therefore, when the site device and access point device communicate within the TXOP, they will not be interfered with by hidden nodes. Thus, the site device establishing the TXOP first, then sending the RTS frame, and receiving the first and second CTS frames triggered by the RTS frame, can increase the probability of successful reception of the RTS frame, the first CTS frame, and the second CTS frame.

[0089] In one possible design, the RTS frame includes indication information that instructs the site device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame.

[0090] Based on this possible design, since an existing RTS frame can only trigger one CTS frame, the RTS frame can contain a field indicating whether the control frame has its original function or the function of triggering the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. That is, when the indication information in the RTS frame indicates that the control frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, it means that the RTS frame is executing the process of this application; thus providing a possible implementation method for the embodiments of this application. In one possible design, the second CTS frame is located before the first CTS frame.

[0091] Based on this possible design, when the site device receives the second CTS frame, it indicates that the access point device and the site device have completed an interaction, signifying the establishment of a TXOP between them. Therefore, radio frame transmission within this TXOP will not be interfered with by hidden nodes. Furthermore, since the second CTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU, a typical non-ELR PPDU is a legacy PPDU. Generally, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, it can also parse a legacy PPDU. Therefore, sending the second CTS frame first allows as many hidden nodes as possible to set their NAV values ​​(i.e., using the Duration field value in the second CTS frame), thus achieving channel protection as early as possible.

[0092] Furthermore, since channel protection is implemented after the second CTS frame is sent, the first CTS frame sent by the site device is less affected by interference from hidden nodes (the number of hidden nodes performing interference is reduced), thereby improving the reception performance of the first CTS frame of the access point device.

[0093] Tenthly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by an access point device. Unless otherwise specified, "access point device" in this application can refer to the access point device itself, a component within the access point device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access point device. The method includes: receiving a CTS-to-self frame; receiving an RTS frame, the RTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU, and the CTS-to-self frame preceding the RTS frame; and, based on the triggering of the RTS frame, transmitting a first CTS and a second CTS, the first CTS frame being carried on an ELR PPDU and the second CTS frame being carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0094] Based on the tenth aspect, a communication method is provided, in which an access point device can receive a CTS-to-self frame and an RTS frame from a site device; wherein, the RTS frame is used to trigger the access point device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame, both the RTS frame and the first CTS frame are carried on an ELR PPDU, both the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the CTS-to-self frame is located before the RTS frame.

[0095] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0096] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving a CTS-to-self frame carrying an ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the CTS-to-self frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0097] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the RTS frame when it receives an RTS frame carrying an ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment but unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying a non-ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the site equipment but unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame carrying a non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0098] Furthermore, it can be understood that CTS-to-self frames do not require a response frame; their arrival at the access device signifies the successful establishment of the TXOP between the access point device and the site device. Therefore, when the site device and access point device communicate within the TXOP, they will not be interfered with by hidden nodes. Thus, the site device establishing the TXOP first, then sending the RTS frame, and receiving the first and second CTS frames triggered by the RTS frame, can increase the probability of successful reception of the RTS frame, the first CTS frame, and the second CTS frame.

[0099] In one possible design, sending an RTS frame includes sending an RTS frame to a site device, the RTS frame including indication information indicating that the RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame.

[0100] In one possible design, the second CTS frame is positioned before the first CTS frame.

[0101] The technical effects of any design in aspect ten can be referenced from the technical effects of the corresponding design in aspect nine above, and will not be repeated here.

[0102] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes one or more transceivers, the transceivers executing the communication method as described in any one of the first to tenth aspects under the control of a processor.

[0103] In one possible design, the communication device further includes one or more memories coupled to one or more processors, the memories used to store computer programs or instructions. In one possible implementation, the memories are located outside the communication device. In another possible implementation, the memories are located inside the communication device. In embodiments of this application, the processor and memory may also be integrated into a single device, i.e., the processor and memory may be integrated together. In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving and / or transmitting information.

[0104] In one possible design, the transceiver can also be a communication interface, with one or more communication interfaces coupled to one or more processors, and the one or more communication interfaces used to communicate with other modules outside the communication device.

[0105] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including an interface circuit for executing the communication method described in any one of the first to tenth aspects under the control of a logic circuit.

[0106] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method described in any one of the first to tenth aspects to be performed.

[0107] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing computer instructions that, when run on a computer, causes the communication method described in any one of the first to tenth aspects to be executed.

[0108] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the communication method described in any one of the first to tenth aspects to be executed.

[0109] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip, including: a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to execute a communication method as described in any one of the first to tenth aspects under the control of a processing unit.

[0110] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects eleven through sixteen can be found in the technical effects of any of aspects one through ten mentioned above, and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0111] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include communication means for performing the communication method described in any of the possible designs of the first to tenth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0112] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the framework of a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0114] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a signal coverage area provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the interaction between an access point site (AP) and a non-access point site (STA) according to an embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0119] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0120] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another signal coverage range provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0121] Figure 10 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0122] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a control frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0123] Figure 12 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0124] Figure 13 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0125] Figure 14 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0126] Figure 15 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0127] Figure 16 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0128] Figure 17 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0129] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0130] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the composition of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0131] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs) that support relevant standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These IEEE standards include: 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn / Ultra High Reliability (UHR) / Wi-Fi 8, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf / sensing, and Ultra Wide Bandwidth (UWB) / 802.15 standards, etc.

[0132] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is given below.

[0133] 1. WLAN:

[0134] In a WLAN, stations can include access point stations (AP STAs) and non-access point stations (non-AP STAs). Non-AP STAs can also be simply referred to as STAs, and AP STAs can be simply referred to as APs.

[0135] For ease of description, this application will refer to AP STA as AP and non-AP STA as STA, and will use these terms consistently without further elaboration.

[0136] A typical WLAN basic service set (BSS) architecture consists of one access point (AP) and at least one STA; the at least one STA associates with the AP and accesses the network through the AP.

[0137] Referring to Figure 1, a framework diagram of a WLAN communication system is shown. Figure 1 illustrates a WLAN comprising an Access Point (AP) associated with STA#1, STA#2, and STA#3. The AP can schedule radio resources for its associated STAs and transmit data for them on the scheduled radio resources. For example, the AP can schedule radio resources for STA#1, STA#2, and STA#3 and transmit data, including uplink and / or downlink data frames, on the scheduled radio resources. Furthermore, the AP can also connect to a network (internet).

[0138] In some scenarios, AP and STA can be multi-link devices (MLDs); in this case, AP can be an AP multi-link device (AP MLD), and STA can be a STA multi-link device (STA MLD).

[0139] It should be noted that AP MLD can also be called multi-link AP or multi-link AP device; STA MLD can also be called multi-link STA, multi-link STA device, or non-AP multi-link device (non-AP MLD). These names are interchangeable, and this application does not impose specific limitations on them. Of course, AP MLD or STA MLD can also have other names.

[0140] For example, MLDs have the ability to transmit and receive on multiple frequency bands, resulting in higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput compared to devices that only support single-link transmission. For example, the multiple frequency bands mentioned above include, but are not limited to, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band.

[0141] In this context, the spatial path for data transmission in an MLD frequency band can be referred to as a link. That is, MLD supports multi-link communication, and each link corresponds to a frequency band. Optionally, a frequency band may include one or more channels.

[0142] It should be noted that in this application, MLD can also be referred to as a multi-band device, and the two can be used interchangeably. This application does not specifically limit the term.

[0143] 2. Hide nodes:

[0144] A hidden node refers to a node that is not within the signal coverage area of ​​a transmitting station, but whose transmitted signal can interfere with the receiving station's reception of signals from the transmitting station. Specifically, the transmitting station (and / or the receiving station) can be an Access Point (AP) or a Station on the Server (STA).

[0145] Specifically, during the transmission of wireless frames by the transmitting station, the hidden node, being outside the signal coverage area of ​​the transmitting station, cannot perceive the transmission time and thus also transmits a wireless frame at that time. This causes interference to the receiving station, preventing it from correctly receiving the wireless frames. For example, the hidden node can be an access point (AP) or a station (STA).

[0146] To address the hidden node problem, WLAN systems introduce a virtual carrier sensing mechanism. After using virtual carrier sensing, once a transmitting station wins the channel, it can interact with the receiving station for a short frame. The hidden node can set the value of the network allocation vector (NAV) maintained by the virtual carrier sensing based on the duration field of the two short frames. The hidden node cannot initiate contention until the NAV value decreases to 0. This period when the NAV value decreases to 0 is also known as the transmission opportunity (TXOP) between the transmitting and receiving stations. During this TXOP, the transmitting and receiving stations will not be interfered with by the hidden node when transmitting wireless frames.

[0147] For example, NAV can include the following two possible implementations:

[0148] In one implementation, a NAV exists in a station (AP or STA) within a WLAN system.

[0149] In this implementation, after a hidden node correctly receives a radio frame, it can first determine whether the receiving address of the radio frame is the medium access control (MAC) address of the hidden node. If so, the hidden node does not need to update the NAV value. If not, it can further determine the relationship between the value of the Duration field in the radio frame and the value of the NAV in the hidden node. If the value of the Duration field is greater than the value of the NAV in the hidden node, the NAV in the hidden node is updated using the value of the Duration field, that is, the value of the NAV is updated to the value of the Duration field.

[0150] In another implementation, a station (AP or STA) in a WLAN system has two NAVs. These two NAVs include the intra-BSS NAV and the basic NAV.

[0151] The intra-BSS NAV is updated based on the Duration field value in radio frames sent from stations within this BBS, while the basic NAV is updated based on the Duration field value in radio frames sent from stations in other BBSs besides this BBS. When both the intra-BSS NAV and basic NAV values ​​are 0, it indicates that the virtual carrier sensing is idle, and only then can stations engage in channel contention.

[0152] Therefore, in this implementation, after a hidden node correctly receives a radio frame, it can first determine whether the receiving address of the radio frame is the MAC address of the hidden node. If so, the hidden node does not need to update the NAV value. If not, it can determine whether the station sending the radio frame is in the same BSS as the hidden node. When the station sending the radio frame is in the same BSS as the hidden node, the value of the Duration field is used to update the intra-BSS NAV in the hidden node. When the station sending the radio frame is in a different BSS from the hidden node, the value of the Duration field is used to update the basic NAV in the hidden node.

[0153] In this implementation, the TXOP between the sending and receiving stations is the time during which the larger value of the intra-BSS NAV and the basic NAV decreases to 0.

[0154] The above describes two different implementations of NAV. For ease of description, the following examples use the example of a WLAN site having one NAV. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated.

[0155] In existing protocols, request-to-send (RTS) frames and clear-to-send (CTS) frames are typically used as two short frames for interaction between the sending and receiving stations. That is, the RTS frame sent by the sending end triggers the receiving end to send a CTS frame. Furthermore, the Duration field in both RTS and CTS frames can be used by hidden nodes to set their NAV, thereby avoiding interference from hidden nodes during wireless frame transmission between the sending and receiving stations. Therefore, the RTS / CTS mechanism can also be considered a channel reservation mechanism introduced to address interference from hidden nodes.

[0156] For example, taking the sending station as AP and the receiving station as STA, as shown in Figure 2, the communication between the sending station and the receiving station may include the following steps S201 to S204:

[0157] S201, AP sends RTS frames to STA; correspondingly, STA receives RTS frames from AP.

[0158] For example, the AP can also send RTS frames to multiple STAs, that is, the AP can send multi-user RTS (MU-RTS) frames. The MU-RTS frame is also a trigger frame, enabling the AP to send RTS frames to multiple STAs; that is, the AP only needs to send one MU-RTS frame to achieve the goal of sending RTS frames to multiple STAs. Compared to the scheme where the AP sends multiple RTS frames (i.e., the AP sends an RTS frame to each STA separately), this reduces air interface resources. In this case, step S201 can be replaced by: the AP sending the MU-RTS frame; correspondingly, multiple STAs receive the MU-RTS frame from the AP respectively.

[0159] Furthermore, after a hidden node near the AP receives an RTS frame (or MU-RTS frame), it can set its NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the RTS frame. The Duration field value in the RTS frame refers to the expiration time protected by the RTS frame.

[0160] S202, STA sends a CTS frame to AP; correspondingly, AP receives the CTS frame from STA.

[0161] For example, after receiving an RTS frame (or MU-RTS frame), the STA can send a CTS frame; that is, after receiving an RTS frame, the STA can send a CTS frame to the AP as a response to the RTS frame; that is, the CTS frame is equivalent to the RTS response frame.

[0162] Furthermore, after receiving a CTS frame, a hidden node near the STA can set its NAV value based on the CTS frame (i.e., the value of the Duration field in the CTS frame). The Duration field value in the CTS frame refers to the expiration time protected by the CTS frame. Specifically, if a hidden node receives an RTS frame, sets its NAV based on the RTS frame, and then receives a CTS frame, it can determine the order of the expiration times of the Duration field protection in the CTS frame and the RTS frame (i.e., the relative values ​​of the Duration field values ​​in the CTS and RTS frames). If the expiration time of the Duration field protection in the CTS frame is later than the expiration time of the Duration field protection in the RTS frame, then the NAV is updated using the Duration field value from the CTS frame.

[0163] It should be understood that, under normal circumstances, the value of the Duration field in the RTS frame sent by the sending station to the receiving station is protected to the same point in time as the Duration field in the CTS frame responded by the receiving station to the sending station. Therefore, when a hidden node receives an RTS frame, sets its NAV according to the RTS frame, and then receives a CTS frame, it can be assumed that the hidden node does not need to perform any further operations.

[0164] S203, AP sends a data frame to STA; correspondingly, STA receives a data frame from AP.

[0165] For example, after successful resolution, the AP indicates that a TXOP has been established between it and the STA; furthermore, the AP can send radio frames to the STA within the TXOP. The radio frames sent within the TXOP include, but are not limited to, data frames, management frames, and control frames. That is, the data frames in step S203 above can also be replaced with management frames or control frames.

[0166] S204. STA sends an acknowledgment (ACK) frame to AP; correspondingly, AP receives the ACK frame from STA.

[0167] For example, after successfully receiving a wireless frame (such as a data frame) from the AP, the STA can notify the AP by sending an ACK frame to the AP.

[0168] The above steps S203 to S204 exemplify an interaction between AP and STA within TXOP. In reality, AP and STA can interact multiple times within TXOP, as in the multiple rounds described in steps S203 to S204 above. The implementation of each interaction can be referred to the relevant descriptions in steps S203 to S204 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0169] If the AP does not receive a CTS frame after sending an RTS frame (e.g., after the AP executes step S201 in Figure 2), it indicates that the TXOP establishment between the AP and the STA has failed. In this case, the AP should re-compete for the channel (i.e., the AP competes for the channel with other stations). However, since the AP sent an RTS frame, the hidden nodes near the AP have already set their NAV according to the value of the Duration field in the RTS frame, making it impossible for the hidden nodes to participate in channel contention.

[0170] To address this issue, a NAV reset mechanism was introduced: If a station (such as a hidden node) receives an RTS frame (or MU-RTS frame) and fails to receive a radio frame from the transmitting station that sent the RTS frame within 2 * short frame interval + CTS frame transmission time, it is considered that the transmitting station's TXOP establishment has failed. At this time, the station (i.e., the hidden node) can set its NAV, which is set according to the RTS frame, to 0, and the station can immediately engage in channel contention.

[0171] For example, taking the process shown in Figure 2 above as an example, if the hidden node is a station near the AP, after the AP executes step S201, the hidden node receives an RTS frame and sets the NAV according to the RTS frame; if no wireless frame is received from the AP within 2 * short frame interval + CTS frame transmission time from the time it receives the RTS frame (i.e., the AP does not execute the above step S203), the hidden node can reset the NAV.

[0172] 3. Legacy Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) and Enhanced Long Range Physical Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU):

[0173] Due to limitations in device size and manufacturing process, the maximum transmit power of a STA (Station) is typically lower than that of an AP (Access Point), with a difference exceeding approximately 6 decibels (dB); this phenomenon is known as uplink / downlink power imbalance. To eliminate the impact of this power imbalance on coverage, a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) frame format capable of extending uplink coverage, namely ELR PPDU, was introduced. Therefore, PPDUs prior to the introduction of ELR PPDU can be referred to as legacy PPDUs.

[0174] In some scenarios, ELR PPDUs can also be applied to downlink transmission. For example, the minimum physical layer rate under the existing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (IEEE 802.11a standard) is 6 bits per second (Mbps), while the direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) (IEEE 802.11b standard), although allowing for greater transmission distance, only achieves a physical layer rate of 1 Mbps. If the access point (AP) can send ELR PPDUs, a physical layer rate of 1.5 Mbps can be achieved while increasing the transmission distance. This represents a 50% improvement over the DSSS physical layer rate. Specifically, the 1.5 Mbps can be simply understood as the physical layer signal being repeated four times to provide a 6 dB signal enhancement, corresponding to a reduction in the physical layer rate to 1 / 4, from 6 Mbps to 1.5 Mbps.

[0175] For example, as shown in Figure 3, in the two circles centered on the AP, the solid circle represents the signal coverage area when the AP sends a wireless frame via a legacy PPDU (or, in other words, the wireless frame is carried on a legacy PPDU), and the dashed circle represents the signal coverage area when the AP sends a wireless frame via an ELR PPDU (or, in other words, the wireless frame is carried on an ELR PPDU). Similarly, in the two circles centered on the STA, the solid circle represents the signal coverage area when the STA sends a wireless frame via a legacy PPDU (or, in other words, the wireless frame is carried on a legacy PPDU), and the dashed circle represents the signal coverage area when the STA sends a wireless frame via an ELR PPDU (or, in other words, the wireless frame is carried on an ELR PPDU).

[0176] As shown in Figure 3, regardless of whether the AP transmits radio frames via legacy PPDU or ELR PPDU, the STA is always within its signal coverage area, meaning the STA can successfully receive radio frames from the AP (or, in other words, the STA can parse radio frames carried on legacy PPDU or ELR PPDU). However, when the STA transmits radio frames via legacy PPDU, the AP cannot receive the radio frame because it is behind its signal coverage area (i.e., the AP cannot parse radio frames carried on legacy PPDU); when the STA transmits radio frames via ELR PPDU, the AP is within its signal coverage area, therefore the AP can successfully receive the radio frame (i.e., the AP can parse radio frames carried on ELR PPDU).

[0177] Therefore, after the introduction of ELR PPDU, there are two types of sites in the network: sites that can resolve ELR PPDU and sites that cannot. Sites that can resolve ELR PPDU are those that can parse radio frames carried on ELR PPDU. For example, UHR sites or UHR next-generation sites. Sites that cannot resolve ELR PPDU are those that cannot parse radio frames carried on ELR PPDU.

[0178] For example, sites that cannot resolve ELR PPDUs include legacy sites and new sites that cannot resolve ELR PPDUs. Legacy sites may include, for example, pre-UHR sites. New sites that cannot resolve ELR PPDUs may be UHR sites or UHR next-generation sites that do not support transmitting and receiving radio frames on ELR PPDUs.

[0179] The process of establishing a TXOP between the AP and STA can include the following two implementation methods:

[0180] In one implementation, both RTS frames and CTS frames are carried on legacy PPDUs.

[0181] As shown in Figure 4(a), a TXOP is established between AP and STA#1. STA#2 is a hidden node near AP, and STA#3 to STA#4 are hidden nodes near STA#1. AP can send RTS frames to STA#1 through legacy PPDU. After receiving the RTS frame, STA#1 can reply with a CTS frame to AP. This CTS frame is also carried on legacy PPDU.

[0182] Since STA#2 is located near the AP, it can receive RTS frames and set its NAV based on those RTS frames. Similarly, since STA#3 to STA#4 are located near the STA, they can receive CTS frames and set their NAV based on those CTS frames. This prevents STA#2 to STA#4 from interfering with communication between the AP and STA#1 within the TXOP.

[0183] However, this implementation requires one prerequisite: STA#1 must be within its signal coverage area when the AP sends a radio frame via the legacy PPDU; and the AP must be within its signal coverage area when STA#1 sends a radio frame via the legacy PPDU. In the scenario where STA#1 is within its signal coverage area when the AP sends a radio frame via the legacy PPDU, and the AP is within its signal coverage area when STA#1 sends a radio frame via the ELR PPDU, the CTS frame sent by STA#1 in this implementation cannot be received by the AP, meaning the TXOP establishment between the AP and STA#1 fails.

[0184] In another implementation, both RTS frames and CTS frames are carried on ELR PPDU.

[0185] As shown in Figure 4(b), a TXOP is established between AP and STA#1. STA#2 is a hidden node near AP, and STA#3 to STA#4 are hidden nodes near STA#1. AP can send RTS frames to STA#1 through ELR PPDU. After receiving the RTS frame, STA#1 can reply with a CTS frame to AP. The CTS frame is also carried on ELR PPDU.

[0186] Taking the example that all hidden nodes (STA#2 to STA#4) can resolve ELR PPDUs, since STA#2 is located near the AP, it can receive RTS frames and set its NAV based on those RTS frames. Similarly, since STA#3 to STA#4 are located near the STA, they can receive CTS frames and set their NAV based on those CTS frames. This avoids STA#2 to STA#4 interfering with communication between the AP and STA#1 within the TXOP.

[0187] However, this implementation requires a prerequisite: all hidden nodes (i.e., any one of STA#2 to STA#4) must be able to parse the ELR PPDU. If a hidden node cannot parse the ELR PPDU, it cannot receive the radio frames (such as RTS or CTS frames) carried on the ELR PPDU, and therefore cannot set the NAV. Consequently, during communication between the AP and STA#1, the hidden node will attempt to initiate contention, interfering with the communication between the AP and STA#1.

[0188] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus, wherein a site device can send a CTS to the access point device via an ELR PPDU and a non-ELR PPDU respectively based on a control frame triggered from the access point device (i.e., send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame to the access point device, wherein the first CTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU and the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU).

[0189] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0190] Therefore, for hidden nodes located near the site equipment, if the hidden node can parse the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU when it receives the CTS frame. If the hidden node cannot parse the ELR PPDU (i.e., it can parse the non-ELR PPDU), it can set its NAV based on the CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU when it receives the CTS frame. This avoids hidden nodes near the site equipment interfering with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0191] Furthermore, for hidden nodes located near the access point device, since control frames are carried on non-ELR PPDUs, if the hidden node can parse the non-ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV based on the control frame it receives. This avoids hidden nodes near the access point device interfering with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, further improving communication efficiency.

[0192] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0193] The technical solutions provided in this application are applicable to wireless local area networks (WLANs) that support relevant IEEE standards. These IEEE standards include: 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / Extremely High Throughput (ETH), 802.11bn / Ultra High Reliability (UHR) / Wi-Fi 8, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf / sensing, Ultra Wide Bandwidth (UWB) / 802.15, Integrated Millimeter Wave (IMMW), Spark Link / NearLink, etc., and are not limited thereto. The WLAN communication system provided in this application embodiment is described below using Figure 5 as an example.

[0194] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the communication system may include access point devices and site devices. One or more access point devices (AP#1 to AP#2 in Figure 5) may communicate with one or more site devices (STA#1 to STA#2 in Figure 5). Access point devices may also communicate with one or more other access point devices, and site devices may also communicate with one or more other site devices.

[0195] The access point device mentioned above can be an AP STA (hereinafter referred to as AP), and the site device mentioned above can be a non-AP STA (hereinafter referred to as STA). For example, the access point device can be any one of AP#1 to AP#2 in Figure 5, and the site device can be any one of STA#1 to STA#2 in Figure 5.

[0196] For example, an AP can be a device that supports multiple WLAN standards, such as the 802.11be standard or future Wi-Fi standards; it can also be a device that supports the 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn / UHR / WiFi8 standards, without limitation.

[0197] For example, an AP can be a terminal device with a Wi-Fi chip, network device, communication server, router, switch, bridge, computer, etc. An AP can also serve as an access point for mobile users to access a wired network, primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0198] For example, the STA can be a device that supports multiple WLAN standards such as the 802.11be standard or future Wi-Fi standards; it can also be a device that supports the 802.11a / b / g standard, 802.11n standard, 802.11ac standard, 802.11ax standard, 802.11be standard, 802.11bn standard / UHR standard / WiFi8 standard, without limitation.

[0199] For example, an STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, a wireless communication terminal, a communication server, a router, a switch, a bridge, a computer, etc. For example, an STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, etc., without limitation.

[0200] In specific implementation, as shown in Figure 5, each access point device and site device can also adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 6, or include the components shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 600 can be an access point device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the access point device; it can also be a site device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the site device. As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 600 includes a processor 601, a transceiver 602, and a communication line 603.

[0201] Furthermore, the communication device 600 may also include a memory 604. The processor 601, memory 604, and transceiver 602 can be connected via a communication line 603.

[0202] The processor 601 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 601 can also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0203] Transceiver 602 is used to communicate with other devices or other communication networks. This other communication network can be Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), etc. Transceiver 602 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0204] Communication line 603 is used to transmit information between the components included in communication device 600.

[0205] Memory 604 is used to store instructions. These instructions can be computer programs.

[0206] The memory 604 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and / or instructions; it can also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and / or instructions; it can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0207] It should be noted that the memory 604 can exist independently of the processor 601, or it can be integrated with the processor 601. The memory 604 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. The memory 604 can be located inside or outside the communication device 600, without limitation. The processor 601 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 604 to implement the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0208] In one example, processor 601 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in Figure 6.

[0209] As an optional implementation, the communication device 600 may include multiple processors, for example, in addition to the processor 601 in FIG. 6, it may also include a processor 607.

[0210] As an optional implementation, the communication device 600 also includes an output device 605 and an input device 606. For example, the input device 606 is a device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and the output device 605 is a device such as a display screen or speaker.

[0211] It should be noted that the communication device 600 can be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a web server, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal, an embedded device, a chip system, or a device with a similar structure to that shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the composition shown in Figure 6 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 6, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0212] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0213] Furthermore, the actions, terms, etc., involved in the various embodiments of this application can be referenced interchangeably without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the messages exchanged between the various devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation.

[0214] The following description, using the communication system shown in Figure 5 as an example, illustrates the communication method provided in this application embodiment through the interaction between an access point device and a site device.

[0215] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the access point device and the site device may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0216] It should be noted that the message names between devices or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of this application are just examples. In specific implementations, other names may also be used, and this application does not specifically limit them.

[0217] In this application, communication between the access point device and the site device can be implemented based on the following two different scenarios:

[0218] Scenario 1: Site equipment can send and receive ELR PPDUs, while access point equipment cannot send ELR PPDUs but can receive them.

[0219] For example, sending an ELR PPDU means: sending a radio frame via an ELR PPDU; or, sending a radio frame on an ELR PPDU; that is, the transmitted radio frame is carried on an ELR PPDU. Similarly, receiving an ELR PPDU means: receiving a radio frame via an ELR PPDU; or, receiving a radio frame on an ELR PPDU; that is, the received radio frame is carried on an ELR PPDU.

[0220] For example, in one scenario, both the site device and the access point device are capable of sending and receiving non-enhanced long range physical protocol data units (non-ELR PPDUs).

[0221] For example, a non-ELR PPDU refers to a PPDU other than an ELR PPDU. For instance, a non-ELR PPDU can include a legacy PPDU. Legacy PPDUs include, but are not limited to, non-high throughput physical protocol data units (non-HT PPDUs) and non-high throughput duplicated physical protocol data units (non-HT duplicated PPDUs). For ease of description, the following description uses legacy PPDUs as examples of non-HT PPDUs; this will be consistent and will not be elaborated further. In this case, a non-ELR PPDU can be considered a non-HT PPDU.

[0222] This application does not limit the frame format of legacy PPDU (such as non-HT PPDU) and ELR PPDU. For example, the frame format of non-HT PPDU can be found in the relevant description in the 802.11a standard; and the frame format of ELR PPDU can be found in the relevant description in the WiFi8 standard / 802.11bn standard, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] For example, in one scenario, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may include two implementation methods, namely the communication methods shown in Figures 7 and 13 below.

[0224] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the method may include:

[0225] S701. The access point device sends a control frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site device receives a control frame from the access point device. The control frame is carried in a non-enhanced long range physical protocol data unit (non-ELR PPDU).

[0226] For example, based on the aforementioned related technologies, the value of the Duration field in the wireless frame can be used to set the value of the hidden node's NAV, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the value of NAV decreases to 0; that is, when the value of NAV decreases to 0, the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when communicating.

[0227] Therefore, for a hidden node (such as a hidden node located near the access point device) that can receive control frames from the site device (i.e., the control frames in step S701 above), after receiving the control frame, it can use the value of the Duration field in the control frame to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site device and the access point device before the NAV value is reduced to 0.

[0228] For example, the concept of hidden nodes can be found in the aforementioned related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0229] It should be understood that the hidden node in this application may contain one NAV, or two NAVs; where the number of NAVs in the hidden node is different, the implementation of setting the value of the NAV according to the value of the Duration field in the radio frame (such as the control frame) can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0230] S702. Based on the triggering of the control frame, the site device sends a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame. The first CTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, and the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0231] For example, the function of the control frame from the access point device is to trigger the site device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame. Thus, after receiving the control frame from the access point device, the site device knows that it needs to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0232] For example, the first CTS frame refers to a CTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU; the second CTS frame refers to a CTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0233] As an example, a site device may send the first CTS frame first, and then send the second CTS frame; that is, the first CTS frame is placed before the second CTS frame.

[0234] For example, the first CTS frame is located before the second CTS frame, which can also be understood as the transmission time of the first CTS frame being located before the reception time of the second CTS frame.

[0235] For example, the time interval between the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame is a short inter-frame space (SIFS), that is, the station device can send the first CTS frame and then send the second CTS frame after an interval of one SIFS.

[0236] Specifically, in this example, step S702 can be replaced by steps S702a to S702b as shown in Figure 8 below:

[0237] S702a, The site device sends a first CTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receives the first CTS frame from the site device.

[0238] For example, based on the aforementioned relationship between the radio frame and the hidden node (i.e., the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value is reduced to 0), for a hidden node that can receive the first CTS frame (such as a hidden node located near the site that can parse ELR PPDU), after receiving the first CTS frame, it can use the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment before the NAV value is reduced to 0.

[0239] For example, the value of the Duration field in the control frame from the access point device and the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame are protected for the same time period; that is, the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame - the value of the Duration field in the control frame - the transmission duration of the first CTS frame - SIFS. Therefore, the hidden node that can receive the control frame from the access point device and the hidden node that can receive the first CTS frame will not initiate channel contention during the same time period (i.e., the time when the NAV value decreases to 0); this time period is the TXOP established between the site device and the access point device. Thus, when the site device and the access point device communicate within the TXOP, they will not be interfered with by the hidden nodes that can receive the control frame from the access point device and the hidden nodes that can receive the first CTS frame.

[0240] S702b: The site device sends a second CTS frame to the access point device.

[0241] Optionally, in one scenario, the locational relationship between the access point device and the site device can exist in two ways:

[0242] Scenario 1: The site equipment is located within signal coverage area #1, the access point equipment is located within signal coverage area #2, and the access point equipment is located outside signal coverage area #3.

[0243] Among them, signal coverage range #1 is the signal coverage range when the access point device transmits radio frames through a non-ELR PPDU (such as a legacy PPDU); signal coverage range #2 is the signal coverage range when the site device transmits radio frames through an ELR PPDU; and signal coverage range #3 is the signal coverage range when the site device transmits radio frames through a non-ELR PPDU (such as a legacy PPDU).

[0244] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9(a), signal coverage area #1 is the area enclosed by a solid circle centered on the access point device, signal coverage area #2 is the area enclosed by a dashed circle centered on the site device, and signal coverage area #3 is the area enclosed by a solid circle centered on the site device.

[0245] In other words, under the following circumstances, the control frame sent by the access point device via the non-ELR PPDU (i.e., step S701) can reach the site device; the CTS frame sent by the site device via the ELR PPDU (i.e., the first CTS frame) can reach the access point device. However, the CTS frame sent by the site device via the non-ELR PPDU (i.e., the second CTS frame) cannot reach the access point device. That is, when the first CTS frame arrives at the access point device, it indicates that the site device and the access point device have completed an interaction.

[0246] It should be noted that even if the access point device cannot receive the second CTS frame, it should still assume that the site device has sent the second CTS frame; therefore, it should wait for the second CTS frame to finish sending before transmitting the wireless frame with the site device. For example, the access point device can wait for 2*SIFS + the transmission time of the second CTS frame after receiving the first CTS frame before sending the wireless frame to the site device.

[0247] For example, since the access point device cannot receive the second CTS frame, but needs to determine the transmission time of the next radio frame based on the transmission duration of the second CTS frame, it is necessary to fix the transmission duration of the second CTS frame. Therefore, it is possible to choose to send the second CTS frame using a non-ELR PPDU, thus fixing the transmission duration of the second CTS frame.

[0248] Specifically, the non-ELR PPDU can be a non-HT PPDU or a non-HT duplicated PPDU. Furthermore, the transmission rate of the second CTS frame can be 6 Mbps.

[0249] For example, based on the aforementioned relationship between the radio frame and the hidden node (i.e., the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value is reduced to 0), for a hidden node that can receive the second CTS frame (such as a hidden node located near the site that cannot parse the ELR PPDU), after receiving the second CTS frame, it can use the value of the Duration field in the second CTS frame to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment before the NAV value is reduced to 0.

[0250] For example, the values ​​of the Duration field in the control frame from the access point device, the Duration field in the first CTS frame, and the Duration field in the second CTS frame all protect the same time period. Therefore, hidden nodes that can receive control frames from the access point device, hidden nodes that can receive the first CTS frame, and hidden nodes that can receive the second CTS frame will not initiate channel contention during the same time period (i.e., the time when the NAV value decreases to 0). This time period is the TXOP established between the site device and the access point device. Thus, when the site device and the access point device communicate within the TXOP, they will not be interfered with by hidden nodes that can receive control frames from the access point device, hidden nodes that can receive the first CTS frame, and hidden nodes that can receive the second CTS frame.

[0251] Scenario 2: The site equipment is located within signal coverage area #1, and the access point equipment is located within signal coverage areas #2 and #2.

[0252] For example, as shown in Figure 9(b), signal coverage area #1 is the area enclosed by a solid circle centered on the access point device, signal coverage area #2 is the area enclosed by a dashed circle centered on the site device, and signal coverage area #3 is the area enclosed by a solid circle centered on the site device.

[0253] In other words, in scenario two, the control frame sent by the access point device via the non-ELR PPDU (i.e., step S701) can reach the site device; the CTS frame sent by the site device via the non-ELR PPDU (i.e., the first CTS frame) and the CTS frame sent via the ELR PPDU (i.e., the second CTS frame) can both reach the access point device. That is, when the first CTS frame and / or the second CTS frame arrive at the access point device, it indicates that the site device and the access point device have completed an interaction.

[0254] At this point, step S702b can be replaced by: the site device sending a second CTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receiving the second CTS frame from the site device.

[0255] For example, the relationship between the second CTS frame and the hidden node is the same as that in Case 1 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Case 1 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0256] For example, after receiving the second CTS frame, the access point device can send a radio frame to the site device. This radio frame will not be interfered with during transmission by hidden nodes that can receive control frames from the access point device, hidden nodes that can receive the first CTS frame, and hidden nodes that can receive the second CTS frame.

[0257] Specifically, the radio frame can be sent by the access point device one SIFS after receiving the second CTS frame.

[0258] Based on this example, after receiving a control frame from the access point device, the site device can first send a first CTS frame, and then send a second CTS frame. When the access point device is within the signal coverage area of ​​the site device transmitting radio frames via ELR PPDU, the first CTS frame can be received by the access point device, thus completing the interaction between the access point device and the site device as early as possible. It can be understood that completing one exchange of control frames and CTS frames between the site device and the access point device indicates that a TXOP has been established between them. Therefore, sending the first CTS frame first means establishing the TXOP as early as possible, laying the foundation for subsequent communication between the access point device and the site device within the TXOP.

[0259] As another example, the site device may send the second CTS frame first, and then send the first CTS frame; that is, the first CTS frame is after the second CTS frame.

[0260] For example, the first CTS frame is located after the second CTS frame, which can also be understood as the transmission time of the first CTS frame being located after the reception time of the second CTS frame.

[0261] For example, the time interval between the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame is one SIFS, that is, the site device can send the second CTS frame, and after an interval of one SIFS, send the first CTS frame.

[0262] Specifically, in this example, step S702 can be replaced by steps S702c to S702d as shown in Figure 10 below:

[0263] S702c, the site device sends a second CTS frame to the access point device.

[0264] For example, the implementation of step S702c is similar to that of step S702b above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of step S702b above, which will not be repeated here.

[0265] S702d, the site device sends a first CTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receives the first CTS frame from the site device.

[0266] For example, if the access point device receives the first CTS frame, it indicates that the TXOP between the site device and the access point device has been successfully established; if the access point device does not receive the first CTS frame, it indicates that the TXOP between the site device and the access point device has failed to be established.

[0267] For example, the implementation of step S702d is similar to that of step S702a above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of step S702a above, which will not be repeated here.

[0268] For example, taking a non-ELR PPDU as a legacy PPDU, typically, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, then that hidden node must also be able to parse a legacy PPDU. Therefore, if the hidden node can receive the second CTS frame, it can set the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in that CTS frame, without needing to set the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame.

[0269] In other words, in this example, after step S702c is executed, all hidden nodes located in coverage area #3 can set the value of the NAV based on the value of the Duration field in the second CTS frame; thus, after step S702d is executed, hidden nodes located within signal coverage area #2 and outside signal coverage area #3, and capable of parsing ELR PPDU, can set the value of the NAV based on the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame.

[0270] Based on this example, after receiving a control frame from the access point device, the site device can first send a second CTS frame, followed by the first CTS frame. Since the second CTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU, a typical non-ELR PPDU is a legacy PPDU. Generally, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, it can also parse a legacy PPDU. Therefore, sending the second CTS frame first allows as many hidden nodes as possible to set their NAV values ​​(i.e., using the Duration field value in the second CTS frame), thus achieving channel protection as early as possible.

[0271] Furthermore, when the access point device is within the signal coverage area of ​​the site device transmitting radio frames via ELR PPDU, the first CTS frame can be received by the access point device. Because channel protection is implemented after transmitting the second CTS frame, the first CTS frame transmitted by the site device is less susceptible to interference from hidden nodes (the number of hidden nodes performing interference is reduced), thereby improving the reception performance of the access point device's first CTS frame.

[0272] Combining the two examples above, after step S702, the radio frames transmitted between the access point device and the site device (such as radio frames sent by the access point device to the site device) can be any of the following: control frames, data frames, or management frames. Furthermore, after step S702, the access point device can interact with the site device multiple times, where the radio frames for each interaction (such as radio frames sent by the access point device to the site device) can be any of the following: control frames, data frames, or management frames. When the transmission time of a radio frame is within the TXOP (Turn-Only Window), the radio frame will not be interfered with by hidden nodes during transmission, thus improving the reception performance of the radio frame.

[0273] The above is an overall description of the scheme shown in Figure 7. The "control frame" involved in step S701 will be described in detail below. For example, the control frame in step S701 (or, may also be referred to as: the control frame received by the site device) may include the following three possible implementations:

[0274] In one possible implementation, the control frame in step S701 is a newly defined wireless frame.

[0275] Optionally, the type of the control frame in step S701 can be a newly defined type.

[0276] Figure 11 (as shown in Figure 11(a) or Figure 11(b)) illustrates the frame structure of a control frame. The control frame includes: a Protocol Version field, a Type field, and a Subtype field. The Protocol Version field occupies 2 bits, which are 00. The Type field also occupies 2 bits, and different values ​​of these 2 bits indicate the type of the radio frame; for example, 01 indicates a control frame. The Subtype field occupies 4 bits, and different values ​​of these 4 bits correspond to different types of control frames.

[0277] When the value of these 4 bits is not 0110, as shown in Figure 11(a), the control frame also includes the following fields: To Distribution System (To DS), From Distribution System (From DS), More Frag, Retry, Power Management, More Data, Protected Frame, and High Traffic Client (HTC). Each of the fields To DS, From DS, More Data, Retry, Power Management, Protected Frame, and HTC occupies one bit. Furthermore, the fields To DS, From DS, More Frag, Retry, Protected Frame, and HTC are reserved fields, and their value is 0.

[0278] When the 4-bit value is 0110, as shown in Figure 11(b), the control frame also includes a Control Frame Extension field, a Power Management field, a More Data field, a Protected Frame field, and a +HTC field. The Control Frame Extension field occupies 4 bits, and when these 4 bits are any value from 1100 to 1111, it indicates that the field is reserved, i.e., 1100 to 1111 are reserved bits. In addition, each of the Power Management field, More Data field, Protected Frame field, and +HTC field occupies one bit, and the Protected Frame field and +HTC field are both reserved fields, with a value of 0.

[0279] Based on the above description of the control frame structure, the reserved bits of the Control Frame Extension field can define the type of the control frame. Specifically, the four bits occupied by the Control Frame Extension field can be set to a value between 1100 and 1111 to represent the newly defined type. In other words, to indicate this newly defined type, the Type field in the control frame of step S701 must be set to 01, the Subtype field must be set to 0110, and the Control Frame Extension field must be set to a value between 1100 and 1111. In other words, the control frame in step S701 includes a Type field, a Subtype field, and a Control Frame Extension field. The Type field has a value of 01, the Subtype field has a value of 0110, and the Control Frame Extension field has a value between 1100 and 1111.

[0280] In another possible implementation, the control frame in step S701 can be an existing control frame. That is, an existing control frame can be reused to perform the steps in step S701.

[0281] Optionally, in possible implementations, the multiplexed control frame can be any control frame other than the RTS frame and the MU-RTS frame. For example, it can be a trigger frame (such as a trigger frame).

[0282] For example, as described above, the control frame in step S701 has the function of triggering the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. Therefore, in this possible implementation, the multiplexed control frame (such as the trigger frame) may contain a field indicating whether the control frame has its original function or the function of triggering the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. That is, when the indication information in the multiplexed control frame indicates that the control frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, it means that the control frame is executing the process of FIG7 above. In other words, in this application, the control frame includes indication information that indicates that the control frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0283] Specifically, as mentioned above, the To DS, From DS, More Frag, Retry, Protected Frame, and +HTC fields in the control frame are all reserved fields. Therefore, one or more bits in these reserved fields can be used to indicate whether the control frame has its original function or the function of triggering the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0284] Combining the two possible implementations described above, for example, the control frame in step S701 can be a clear send polling CTS-poll.

[0285] Based on the two possible implementation methods described above, the control frame can be a newly defined type of control frame, or it can be an existing control frame other than RTS frames and MU-RTS frames (such as a trigger frame). It is understandable that if the hidden node sets the NAV based on an RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, the control frame in this application can be a newly defined type of control frame, or an existing control frame other than RTS frames and MU-RTS frames. As long as it is not an RTS frame or MU-RTS frame, NAV reset can be avoided; thus, the hidden node can avoid interfering with the communication between the site equipment and the access point settings due to the NAV being reset to 0.

[0286] In another possible implementation, the control frame in step S701 can be an RTS frame or a MU-RTS frame.

[0287] For example, the implementation of RTS frames and MU-RTS frames can be referred to the description in the related technologies mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. For ease of description, the control frame in step S701 is taken as an RTS frame as an example below. That is to say, in this case, step S701 can be replaced by S701a as shown in Figure 12:

[0288] S701a, The access point device sends an RTS frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site device receives an RTS frame from the access point device.

[0289] Optionally, in this possible implementation, prior to step S701a, as shown in FIG12, the communication method further includes step S700:

[0290] S700, the access point device sends a self-clearing transmit (CTS-to-self) frame. For example, a site device can receive this CTS-to-self frame.

[0291] It should be understood that the receiving address in the CTS-to-self frame is its sending device. That is, in step S700, the receiving address in the CTS-to-self frame is the access point device. Therefore, there is no response frame in the CTS-to-self frame. Thus, after the access point device sends the CTS-to-self frame, it indicates that the TXOP between the access point device and the site device has been successfully established; and the value of its Duration field can also be used to hide the node setting its NAV value.

[0292] For example, the time interval between sending an RTS frame and a CTS-to-self frame can be one SIFS; that is, after sending a CTS-to-self frame, the access point device sends an RTS frame to the site device after an interval of one SIFS.

[0293] For example, the value of the Duration field in the CTS-to-self frame and the value of the Duration field in the RTS frame protect the same time period. Therefore, if a hidden node receives a CTS-to-self frame first and sets its NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the CTS-to-self frame, it will not set the NAV value again after receiving an RTS frame. At this time, the RTS frame has no effect in the hidden frame, thus avoiding the phenomenon of NAV reset due to receiving an RTS frame.

[0294] In the prior art, RTS frames are used to trigger their corresponding CTS frames; for example, when an RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, the CTS frame it triggers is also carried on an ELR PPDU; when an RTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, the CTS frame it triggers is also carried on a non-ELR PPDU. In other words, in the prior art, an RTS frame can only trigger one CTS frame.

[0295] Therefore, in this possible implementation, the RTS frame may contain a field indicating whether the control frame has its original function or the function of triggering the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. That is, when the indication information in the RTS frame indicates that the control frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, it means that the RTS frame is executing the process described in Figure 7 above. In other words, in this application, the RTS frame includes indication information that indicates the RTS frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0296] For example, the implementation of the instruction information is the same as that in the other possible implementation described above. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the other possible implementation described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] Based on this possible implementation, when the control frame is an RTS frame, the access point device can send a CTS-to-self frame before sending the RTS frame. The hidden node receives the CTS-to-self frame first and sets its NAV value based on the Duration field value in the CTS-to-self frame. Therefore, upon receiving the subsequent RTS frame, it will not set the NAV value again. In this case, the RTS frame has no effect in the hidden frame, thus avoiding the NAV reset phenomenon caused by receiving the RTS frame. This prevents the hidden node from interfering with the communication between the site device and the access point settings due to the NAV being reset to 0.

[0298] It should be understood that the values ​​of the Duration field in the control frames, the first CTS frame, and the second CTS frame in Figures 7 to 12 all protect the same time period; that is, regardless of which of the above radio frames the hidden node receives, the time period protected by the NAV value set by the hidden node based on the value of the Duration field in that radio frame is the same; furthermore, if the hidden node can receive the above multiple radio frames in succession, after it sets the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the first received radio frame, if it receives the above radio frames again, the radio frames will not have any effect on it, that is, the hidden node will not perform any further operations.

[0299] Based on the communication method described in Figures 7 to 12 above, the site device can send CTS to the access point device via ELR PPDU and non-ELR PPDU respectively based on the triggering of the control frame from the access point device (that is, send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame to the access point device, the first CTS frame is carried on ELR PPDU, and the second CTS frame is carried on non-ELR PPDU).

[0300] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0301] Therefore, for hidden nodes located near the site equipment, if the hidden node can parse the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU when it receives the CTS frame. If the hidden node cannot parse the ELR PPDU (i.e., it can parse the non-ELR PPDU), it can set its NAV based on the CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU when it receives the CTS frame. This avoids hidden nodes near the site equipment interfering with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0302] Furthermore, for hidden nodes located near the access point device, since control frames are carried on non-ELR PPDUs, if the hidden node can parse the non-ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV based on the control frame it receives. This avoids hidden nodes near the access point device interfering with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, further improving communication efficiency.

[0303] Referring to Figure 13, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in this application, the method may include:

[0304] S1301, the site device sends an RTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receives an RTS frame from the site device. The RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU.

[0305] For example, a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs can set its NAV value based on the Duration field value in the RTS frame after receiving the RTS frame. This prevents the hidden node from initiating channel contention during the period when its NAV value decreases to 0, thus avoiding interference with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment.

[0306] S1302. Based on the triggering of the RTS frame, the access point device sends a CTS frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site device receives the CTS frame from the access point device. The CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0307] For example, the implementation of non-ELR PPDU is the same as that of non-ELR PPDU in step S701 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of step S701 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0308] Normally, CTS frames triggered by RTS frames carried on ELR PPDUs are also carried on ELR PPDUs; however, based on the relevant technology of non-ELR PPDUs, it is known that if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, it can certainly parse a non-ELR PPDU. Therefore, in this application, CTS frames triggered by RTS frames are carried on non-ELR PPDUs. This allows more hidden nodes to set their NAV values ​​based on the value of the Duration field in the CTS frame. This avoids these hidden nodes initiating channel contention during the period when their NAV values ​​decrease to 0, thus preventing interference with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment.

[0309] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when a site device and an access point device complete one exchange of RTS and CTS frames, it indicates that a TXOP has been established between them. Within this TXOP, communication between the access point device and the site device will not be interfered with by hidden nodes, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0310] S1303, The site device sends a CTS-to-self frame. The CTS-to-self frame is located after the CTS frame.

[0311] Optionally, the access point device can receive CTS-to-self frames from the site device. The implementation of the CTS-to-self frame can be referred to the relevant description in step S700 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0312] For example, a CTS-to-self frame following a CTS frame can be understood as the CTS-to-self frame being sent after the CTS frame; that is, step S1303 is executed after step S1302. For instance, the CTS-to-self frame and the CTS frame can be separated by one SIFS.

[0313] Optionally, CTS-to-self frames can be carried on non-ELR PPDUs.

[0314] It should be understood that CTS-to-self frames do not require a response frame, and the value of its Duration field can also be used by hidden nodes to set their NAV value. Therefore, a hidden node located near a site device that cannot parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node that can parse non-ELR PPDUs) can set its NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the CTS-to-self frame after receiving it.

[0315] Optionally, during step S1302, due to interference from the hidden node, the access point device may be unable to receive (or correctly parse) the CTS frame, that is, the TXOP establishment between the access point device and the site device fails; in this case, step S1303 does not need to be executed.

[0316] Optionally, after step S1303, the site device and the access point device can perform wireless frame transmission. For example, the wireless frame can be any of a control frame, a data frame, or a management frame. Further, the site device and the access point device can perform multiple rounds of wireless frame transmission; each round of transmission can consist of any of a control frame, a data frame, or a management frame.

[0317] Specifically, as mentioned above, when a site device and an access point device complete one exchange of RTS and CTS frames, it indicates that a TXOP has been established between them. Within this TXOP, communication between the access point device and the site device will not be interfered with by hidden nodes. Therefore, as long as the site device and the access point device can transmit wireless frames within the TXOP, interference from hidden nodes can be avoided, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0318] It should be understood that the values ​​of the Duration field in the RTS frame, CTS frame, and CTS-to-self frame in Figure 13 all protect the same time period. That is, regardless of which of the above radio frames the hidden node receives, the time period protected by the NAV value set by the hidden node based on the value of the Duration field in that radio frame is the same. In addition, if the hidden node can receive the above multiple radio frames in succession, after it sets the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the first received radio frame, if it receives the above radio frames again, the radio frames will not have any effect on it, that is, the hidden node will not perform any further operations.

[0319] Based on the communication method described in Figure 13, the station device can send an RTS frame to the access point device to trigger the access point device to send a CTS frame. The RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, and the CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU. It can be understood that the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, ensuring that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention until the NAV value decreases to 0. In other words, during the period when the NAV value decreases to 0 (this period can also be called the TXOP between the station device and the access point device), the station device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when communicating.

[0320] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving an RTS frame carried on the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on that RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0321] For hidden nodes located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, since a hidden node can parse ELR PPDUs, it must also be able to parse non-ELR PPDUs. Therefore, in this application, the CTS frame triggered by the RTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU. This allows more hidden nodes to set their NAV values ​​based on the Duration field in the CTS frame. This avoids these hidden nodes initiating channel contention during the period when their NAV values ​​decrease to 0, thus preventing interference with communication between the site device and the access point device.

[0322] Furthermore, the CTS-to-self frame can be placed after the CTS frame; that is, the site device and the access point device establish a TXOP first, and then the site device sends the CTS-to-self frame. It is understandable that if the hidden node sets the NAV based on the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, if the TXOP establishment between the site device and the access point device fails, the site device does not need to send the CTS-to-self frame, thus triggering an NAV reset, allowing the hidden node to immediately participate in channel contention and avoiding channel waste.

[0323] Scenario 2: Both site equipment and access point equipment are capable of sending and receiving ELR PPDUs.

[0324] For example, the implementation of ELR PPDU is the same as that of ELR PPDU in Scenario 1 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Scenario 1 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0325] For example, both the site device and the access point device can send and receive non-ELR PPDUs. Specifically, the implementation of sending and receiving ELR PPDUs and non-ELR PPDUs can be referred to the relevant description in Scenario 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0326] For example, in scenario two, the communication method provided in this application embodiment may include two implementation methods, namely the communication methods shown in Figures 14, 15 and 17 below.

[0327] Referring to Figure 14, which is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0328] S1401, the access point device sends a first RTS frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site device receives the first RTS frame from the access point device. The first RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU.

[0329] For example, the first RTS frame refers to the RTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU.

[0330] For example, based on the aforementioned related technologies, the value of the Duration field in the wireless frame can be used to set the value of the hidden node's NAV, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the value of NAV decreases to 0; that is, when the value of NAV decreases to 0, the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when communicating.

[0331] Therefore, for a hidden node that can receive the first RTS frame (such as a hidden node located near the access point device and capable of parsing the ELR PPDU), after receiving the first RTS frame, it can use the value of the Duration field in the first RTS frame to set its NAV value. Thus, before the NAV value is reduced to 0, the hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site device and the access point device.

[0332] For example, the concept of hidden nodes can be found in the aforementioned related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0333] It should be understood that the hidden node in this application may contain one NAV, or two NAVs; where the number of NAVs in the hidden node is different, the implementation of setting the value of the NAV according to the value of the Duration field in the radio frame (such as the first RTS frame) can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0334] For example, the first RTS frame in S1401 can also be replaced with the first MU-RTS frame (i.e., the MU-RTS frame carried on the ELR PPDU). Specifically, the implementation of the MU-RTS frame can be referred to the relevant description in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0335] S1402. Based on the triggering of the first RTS frame, the site device sends a first CTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receives the first CTS frame from the site device. The first CTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU.

[0336] For example, the first CTS frame refers to the CTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU.

[0337] For example, typically, a CTS frame triggered by an RTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU is also carried on an ELR PPDU; therefore, after receiving the first RTS frame, the site device can respond to the access point device with the first CTS frame.

[0338] Therefore, for a hidden node that can receive the first CTS frame (such as a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing the ELR PPDU), after receiving the first CTS frame, it can use the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame to set its NAV value. Thus, before the NAV value is reduced to 0, the hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment.

[0339] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when a site device and an access point device complete one exchange of RTS and CTS frames, it indicates that a TXOP has been established between them. Within this TXOP, communication between the access point device and the site device will not be interfered with by hidden nodes, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0340] S1403, the access point device sends a second RTS frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site device receives the second RTS frame from the access point device. The second RTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the first RTS frame precedes the second RTS frame.

[0341] For example, the second RTS frame refers to an RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0342] For example, a hidden node located near the access point device that cannot parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node that can parse non-ELR PPDUs) can set its NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the second RTS frame after receiving the second RTS frame. Thus, the hidden node will not interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device until the NAV value decreases to 0.

[0343] For example, step S1403 is executed after step S1402. That is, the access point device and the site device establish a TXOP first, and then step S1403 is executed. However, due to interference from the hidden node, the access point device may not be able to receive (or correctly parse) the first CTS frame; that is, the TXOP establishment between the access point device and the site device fails. In this case, there is no need to execute step S1403.

[0344] For example, the second RTS frame in S1403 can also be replaced with a second MU-RTS frame (i.e., a MU-RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU). Specifically, the implementation of the MU-RTS frame can be referred to the relevant description in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0345] S1404. Based on the triggering of the second RTS frame, the site device sends a second CTS frame. The second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0346] For example, the second CTS frame refers to a CTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0347] For example, since communication between the access point device and the site device within the TXOP is not affected by the hidden node, and after step S1402 is executed, it is already indicated that a TXOP has been established between the access point device and the site device. Therefore, the probability of the second RTS frame sent in step 1403 being interfered with is small, so the site device is likely to receive the second RTS frame. Consequently, the site device can be triggered to send the second CTS frame (i.e., the site device will execute step S1404).

[0348] Therefore, a hidden node located near the site equipment that cannot parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node that can parse non-ELR PPDUs) can set its NAV value based on the Duration field value in the second CTS frame after receiving the second CTS frame. Thus, the hidden node will not interfere with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment until the NAV value decreases to 0.

[0349] Optionally, if the site device is located within signal coverage area #1 and the access point device is located within signal coverage area #3, it means that the radio frame sent by the site device via the non-ELR PPDU can reach the access point device; that is, the second CTS frame sent by the site device can be received by the access point device. In this case, step S1404 can be replaced by: based on the triggering of the second RTS frame, the site device sends the second CTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receives the second CTS frame from the site device.

[0350] Optionally, if the site device is located within signal coverage area #1, the access point device is located within signal coverage area #2, and the access point device is located outside signal coverage area #3, then the radio frame sent by the site device via the non-ELR PPDU cannot reach the access point device; that is, the second CTS frame sent by the site device cannot be received by the access point device. In this case, even if the access point device cannot receive the second CTS frame, it must assume that the site device has sent the second CTS frame; and then, after waiting for the second CTS frame to finish sending, it will then transmit radio frames with the site device. For example, the access point device can wait 2*SIFS + the transmission time of the second CTS frame after receiving the first CTS frame before sending the radio frame to the site device.

[0351] Specifically, the implementation of signal coverage ranges #1 to #3 can be found in the relevant description in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0352] For example, since the access point device cannot receive the second CTS frame, but needs to determine the transmission time of the next radio frame based on the transmission duration of the second CTS frame, it is necessary to fix the transmission duration of the second CTS frame. Therefore, it is possible to choose to send the second CTS frame using a non-ELR PPDU, thus fixing the transmission duration of the second CTS frame.

[0353] Specifically, the non-ELR PPDU can be a non-HT PPDU or a non-HT duplicated PPDU. Furthermore, the transmission rate of the second CTS frame can be 6 Mbps.

[0354] Optionally, after step S1404, the site device and the access point device can perform wireless frame transmission. For example, the wireless frame can be any of a control frame, a data frame, or a management frame. Further, the site device and the access point device can perform multiple rounds of wireless frame transmission; each round of transmission can consist of any of a control frame, a data frame, or a management frame.

[0355] Specifically, as mentioned above, when a site device and an access point device complete one exchange of RTS and CTS frames, it indicates that a TXOP has been established between them. Within this TXOP, communication between the access point device and the site device will not be interfered with by hidden nodes. Therefore, as long as the site device and the access point device can transmit wireless frames within the TXOP, interference from hidden nodes can be avoided, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0356] It should be understood that the values ​​of the Duration field in the first RTS frame, the second RTS frame, the first CTS frame, and the second CTS frame in Figure 14 all protect the same time period; that is, regardless of which of the above radio frames the hidden node receives, the time period protected by the NAV value set by the hidden node based on the value of the Duration field in that radio frame is the same; furthermore, if the hidden node can receive the above multiple radio frames in succession, after it sets the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the first received radio frame, if it receives the above radio frames again, the radio frames will not have any effect on it, that is, the hidden node will not perform any further operations.

[0357] Based on the communication method described in Figure 14 above, the access point device can send a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame to the site device in sequence; wherein, the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send a first CTS frame, and the second RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send a second CTS frame. Both the first RTS frame and the first CTS frame are carried on an ELR PPDU, and both the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0358] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0359] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving the first RTS frame carried by the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the first RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0360] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second RTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the site equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0361] Furthermore, the first RTS frame can precede the second RTS frame; that is, the site device and the access point device establish a TXOP first, and then the site device sends the second RTS frame. It is understandable that if the hidden node sets the NAV based on the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, an NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, if the TXOP establishment between the site device and the access point device fails, the site device does not need to send a second RTS frame, thus triggering an NAV reset, allowing the hidden node to immediately participate in channel contention and avoiding channel waste.

[0362] Referring to Figure 15, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0363] S1501, the access point device sends a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site device receives the first RTS frame and the second RTS frame from the access point device. The first RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, the second RTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the first RTS frame precedes the second RTS frame.

[0364] For example, the first RTS frame refers to an RTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU; the second RTS frame refers to an RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0365] For example, "the first RTS frame precedes the second RTS frame" means that the first RTS frame is sent before the second RTS frame; that is, the access point device can send the first RTS frame first, and then send the second RTS frame. For instance, the access point device can send the first RTS frame first, and then send the second RTS frame after an interval of one SIFS. In this case, step S1501 can be replaced by steps S1501a to S1501b as shown in Figure 16:

[0366] S1501a, The access point device sends a first RTS frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site device receives the first RTS frame from the access point device.

[0367] S1501b, the access point device sends a second RTS frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site device receives the second RTS frame from the access point device. For example, based on the aforementioned related technologies, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0, the site device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when communicating with the access point device.

[0368] Therefore, for a hidden node capable of receiving the first RTS frame (such as a hidden node located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value using the value of the Duration field in the first RTS frame after receiving it. For a hidden node capable of receiving the second RTS frame (such as a hidden node located near the access point device and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs)), it can set its NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the second RTS frame after receiving it. Thus, until the NAV value decreases to 0, the aforementioned hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site device and the access point device.

[0369] For example, the concept of hidden nodes can be found in the aforementioned related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0370] It should be understood that there may be one NAV or two NAVs in the hidden node in this application. When the number of NAVs in the hidden node is different, the implementation of setting the value of the NAV according to the value of the Duration field in the radio frame (such as the first RTS frame or the second RTS frame) can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0371] For example, the first RTS frame in S1501 can also be replaced with a first MU-RTS frame (i.e., a MU-RTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU). Similarly, the second RTS frame in S1501 can also be replaced with a second MU-RTS frame (i.e., a MU-RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU). Specifically, the implementation of the MU-RTS frame can be referred to the relevant description in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0372] S1502. Based on the triggering of the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame, the site device sends a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame to the access point device. The first CTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, the second CTS frame precedes the first CTS frame, and the second RTS frame precedes the second CTS frame.

[0373] For example, the first CTS frame refers to a CTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU; the second CTS frame refers to a CTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0374] For example, "the second CTS frame precedes the first CTS frame" means that the second CTS frame is sent before the first CTS frame; that is, the site device can send the second CTS frame first, and then send the first CTS frame. For instance, the site device can send the second CTS frame first, and then send the first CTS frame after an interval of one SIFS.

[0375] At this point, step S1502 can be replaced by steps S1502a to S1502b as shown in Figure 16:

[0376] S1502a, Based on the triggering of the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame, the access point device sends a second CTS frame.

[0377] Optionally, if the station device is located within signal coverage area #1 and the access point device is located within signal coverage area #3, it means that the radio frame sent by the station device via the non-ELR PPDU can reach the access point device; that is, the second CTS frame sent by the station device can be received by the access point device. In this case, step S1502a can be replaced by: based on the triggering of the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame, the station device sends the second CTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receives the second CTS frame from the station device. At this time, the access point device and the station device have completed an interaction, marking the establishment of a TXOP between them. Therefore, radio frame transmission within this TXOP will not be interfered with by hidden nodes.

[0378] Optionally, if the site device is located within signal coverage area #1, the access point device is located within signal coverage area #2, and the access point device is located outside signal coverage area #3, it means that the radio frame sent by the site device via the non-ELR PPDU cannot reach the access point device; that is, the second CTS frame sent by the site device cannot be received by the access point device. In this case, even if the access point device cannot receive the second CTS frame, it must assume that the site device has sent the second CTS frame; therefore, it must wait for the first CTS frame to determine whether the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame it sent were successfully received by the site device.

[0379] Specifically, the implementation of signal coverage ranges #1 to #3 can be found in the relevant description in Figure 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0380] Normally, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, it must also be able to parse a non-ELR PPDU (such as a legacy PPDU). Therefore, if the hidden node can receive the second CTS frame, it can set the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the second CTS frame, without needing to set the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame. In other words, after step S1502a is executed, all hidden nodes located within coverage area #3 can set the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the second CTS frame; thus, until the NAV value decreases to 0, the hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment.

[0381] S1502b: Based on the triggering of the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame, the site device sends a first CTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receives the first CTS frame from the site device.

[0382] For example, for a hidden node that can receive the first CTS frame (such as a hidden node located near the site that can parse ELR PPDU), after receiving the first CTS frame, it can use the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site device and the access point device until the NAV value is reduced to 0.

[0383] For example, the value of the Duration field in the second CTS frame from the access point device is protected for the same time period as the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame; therefore, a hidden node that can receive the second CTS frame from the access point device and a hidden node that can receive the first CTS frame will not initiate channel contention during the same time period (i.e., the time period during which the value of NAV decreases to 0).

[0384] Furthermore, if the access point device does not receive the second CTS frame in S1502a, then receiving the first CTS frame in step S1502b indicates that the access point device and the site device have completed an interaction, signifying the establishment of a TXOP between them. Therefore, wireless frame transmission within this TXOP will not be interfered with by hidden nodes.

[0385] In step S1502 above, as an example, the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame can be triggered based on the first RTS frame; that is, after receiving the first RTS, the station device knows that it needs to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. Therefore, after receiving the second RTS frame, it sends the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame in sequence.

[0386] In the prior art, RTS frames are used to trigger their corresponding CTS frames; for example, when an RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, the CTS frame it triggers is also carried on an ELR PPDU; when an RTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, the CTS frame it triggers is also carried on a non-ELR PPDU. In other words, in the prior art, an RTS frame can only trigger one CTS frame.

[0387] Therefore, in this scheme, the first RTS frame may contain a field indicating whether the first RTS frame has its original function or the function of triggering the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. That is, when the indication information in the first RTS frame indicates that the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, it means that the first RTS frame is executing the process shown in Figure 15 or Figure 16 above. In other words, in this application, the first RTS frame includes first indication information, which indicates that the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0388] For example, the implementation of the first indication information is the same as that of the indication information described in the above embodiments. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0389] In step S1502 above, as another example, the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame can be triggered based on the second RTS frame; that is, after receiving the second RTS, the station device knows that it needs to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. Therefore, it sends the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame sequentially.

[0390] In this scheme, the second RTS frame may contain a field indicating whether it has its original function or the function of triggering the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. That is, when the indication information in the second RTS frame indicates that the second RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, it means that the second RTS frame is executing the process described in Figure 15 or Figure 16. In other words, in this application, the second RTS frame includes two indication information fields, which indicate that the second RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0391] For example, the implementation of the second instruction information is the same as that of the instruction information described in the above embodiments. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] In step S1502 above, as another example, the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame can be triggered based on the first RTS frame and the second RTS frame; for example, the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame, and the second RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the second CTS frame. Alternatively, the first RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the second CTS frame, and the second RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame. Alternatively, the first RTS frame and the second RTS frame jointly trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0393] It should be understood that the values ​​of the Duration field in the first RTS frame, the second RTS frame, the first CTS frame, and the second CTS frame in Figures 15 and 16 all protect the same time period. Therefore, regardless of which of the above radio frames the hidden node receives, the time period protected by the NAV value set by the hidden node based on the value of the Duration field in that radio frame will be the same. Furthermore, if the hidden node can receive the above multiple radio frames in succession, after it sets the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the first received radio frame, if it receives the above radio frames again, the radio frames will have no effect on it, that is, the hidden node will not perform any further operations.

[0394] Based on the communication method described in Figures 15 and 16 above, the access point device can send a first RTS frame and a second RTS frame to the site device in sequence; wherein, the first RTS frame and / or the second RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame, the first RTS frame and the first CTS frame are both carried on an ELR PPDU, the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are both carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the first RTS frame is located before the second RTS frame, the second CTS frame is located before the first CTS frame, and the second RTS frame is located before the second CTS frame.

[0395] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0396] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the access point device and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving the first RTS frame carried by the ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the first RTS frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0397] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying the ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second RTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the site equipment and unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame carrying the non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0398] Furthermore, the first RTS frame can precede the second RTS frame. It's understandable that if the hidden node sets its NAV based on an RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU, NAV reset is likely to occur. Therefore, the RTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU (i.e., the first RTS frame) can be sent first, allowing the hidden node to set its NAV according to the first RTS frame. Consequently, when the second RTS frame is received subsequently, it has no effect on the hidden node, thus preventing the hidden node from interfering with the TXOP communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment due to NAV reset.

[0399] Furthermore, after receiving the second CTS frame from the access point device, the site device can send the second CTS frame first, followed by the first CTS frame. Since the second CTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU, a typical non-ELR PPDU is a legacy PPDU. Generally, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, it can also parse a legacy PPDU. Therefore, sending the second CTS frame first allows as many hidden nodes as possible to set their NAV values ​​(i.e., using the Duration field value in the second CTS frame), thus achieving channel protection as early as possible.

[0400] Referring to Figure 17, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 17, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0401] S1701, The site device sends a CTS-to-self frame.

[0402] Optionally, the access point device can receive CTS-to-self frames from the site device. The implementation of the CTS-to-self frame can be found in the relevant description of step S700 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0403] It should be understood that CTS-to-self frames do not require a response frame; their arrival at the access device signifies a successful TXOP establishment between the access point device and the site device. Therefore, communication between the site device and the access point device within the TXOP is not affected by hidden nodes. Furthermore, the value of its Duration field can also be used to set the NAV value for hidden nodes.

[0404] Optionally, CTS-to-self frames are carried on non-ELR PPDUs.

[0405] For example, for a hidden node located near a site that cannot parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node that can parse non-ELR PPDUs), if it receives a CTS-to-self frame, it can set its NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. Thus, until the NAV value decreases to 0, the hidden node will not interfere with communication between the site device and the access point device.

[0406] S1702, the site device sends an RTS frame to the access point device; correspondingly, the access point device receives an RTS frame from the site device. The RTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, and the CTS-to-self frame precedes the RTS frame.

[0407] For example, a CTS-to-self frame preceding an RTS frame means that the CTS-to-self frame is sent before the RTS frame. That is, the station device can execute step S1701 first and then step S1702. Specifically, the time interval between the CTS-to-self frame and the RTS frame is one SIFS, meaning the station device can send the CTS-to-self frame, wait one SIFS interval, and then send the RTS frame.

[0408] For example, a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs can set its NAV value based on the Duration field value in the RTS frame after receiving the RTS frame. This prevents the hidden node from initiating channel contention during the period when its NAV value decreases to 0, thus avoiding interference with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment.

[0409] Furthermore, compared to RTS frames carried on non-ELR PPDUs, RTS frames carried on ELR PPDUs have a wider signal coverage, thus making them more likely to be received by access point sites.

[0410] S1703. Based on the triggering of the RTS frame, the access point device sends a first CTS frame and a second CTS frame to the site device; correspondingly, the site receives the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame from the access point device. The first CTS frame is carried on an ELR PPDU, and the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0411] For example, the first CTS frame refers to a CTS frame carried on an ELR PPDU; the second CTS frame refers to a CTS frame carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

[0412] Since existing RTS frames can only trigger one CTS frame, in this application, the RTS frame may contain a field indicating whether the control frame has its original function or the function of triggering the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame. That is, when the indication information in the RTS frame indicates that the control frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, it means that the RTS frame is executing the process shown in Figure 17 above. In other words, in this application, the RTS frame includes indication information that indicates the RTS frame is used to trigger the station device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

[0413] For example, the implementation of the indication information is the same as that in the above embodiments, and the specific details can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0414] For example, all hidden nodes located within coverage area #3 can set the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the second CTS frame; thus, the hidden node will not interfere with the communication between the site device and the access point device until the NAV value decreases to 0. For hidden nodes capable of receiving the first CTS frame (such as hidden nodes located near the site capable of parsing ELR PPDUs), after receiving the first CTS frame, they can use the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame to set their NAV value, thus preventing interference with the communication between the site device and the access point device until the NAV value decreases to 0.

[0415] For example, the value of the Duration field in the second CTS frame from the access point device is protected for the same time period as the value of the Duration field in the first CTS frame; therefore, a hidden node that can receive the second CTS frame from the access point device and a hidden node that can receive the first CTS frame will not initiate channel contention during the same time period (i.e., the time period during which the value of NAV decreases to 0).

[0416] Optionally, the second CTS frame is positioned before the first CTS frame.

[0417] Based on the aforementioned technologies, when the site device receives the second CTS frame, it indicates that the access point device and the site device have completed an interaction, signifying the establishment of a TXOP between them. Therefore, wireless frame transmission within this TXOP will not be interfered with by hidden nodes.

[0418] Furthermore, since the second CTS frame carries a non-ELR PPDU, a typical non-ELR PPDU is a legacy PPDU. Generally, if a hidden node can parse an ELR PPDU, then that hidden node must also be able to parse a legacy PPDU. Therefore, sending the second CTS frame first allows as many hidden nodes as possible to set their NAV values ​​(i.e., using the Duration field value in the second CTS frame), thereby achieving channel protection as early as possible.

[0419] Furthermore, since channel protection is implemented after the second CTS frame is sent, the first CTS frame sent by the site device is less affected by interference from hidden nodes (the number of hidden nodes performing interference is reduced), thereby improving the reception performance of the first CTS frame of the access point device.

[0420] It should be understood that the values ​​of the Duration field in the CTS-to-self frame, RTS frame, first CTS frame, and second CTS frame in Figure 17 all protect the same time period. That is, regardless of which of the above radio frames the hidden node receives, the time period protected by the NAV value set by the hidden node based on the value of the Duration field in that radio frame is the same. In addition, if the hidden node can receive the above multiple radio frames in succession, after it sets the NAV value based on the value of the Duration field in the first received radio frame, if it receives the above radio frames again, the radio frames will not have any effect on it, that is, the hidden node will not perform any further operations.

[0421] Based on the communication method described in Figure 17 above, the site device can send CTS-to-self frames and RTS frames to the access point device; wherein, the RTS frame is used to trigger the access point device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, both the RTS frame and the first CTS frame are carried on ELR PPDU, both the second RTS frame and the second CTS frame are carried on non-ELR PPDU, and the CTS-to-self frame is located before the RTS frame.

[0422] Understandably, the value of the Duration field in the radio frame can be used by the hidden node to set its NAV value, so that the hidden node will not initiate channel contention before the NAV value decreases to 0; that is, when the NAV value decreases to 0 during this period (which can also be called the TXOP between the site device and the access point device), the site device and the access point device will not be interfered with by the hidden node when they communicate.

[0423] Therefore, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, upon receiving a CTS-to-self frame carrying an ELR PPDU, it can set its NAV value based on the CTS-to-self frame. This allows the hidden node to interfere with communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0424] Similarly, for a hidden node located near the site equipment and capable of parsing ELR PPDUs, it can set its NAV value based on the RTS frame when it receives an RTS frame carrying an ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the access point equipment but unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the first CTS frame carrying a non-ELR PPDU. For a hidden node located near the site equipment but unable to parse ELR PPDUs (such as a hidden node capable of parsing non-ELR PPDUs), it can set its NAV value based on the second CTS frame carrying a non-ELR PPDU. Thus, these hidden nodes interfere with the communication between the site equipment and the access point equipment within the TXOP, improving communication efficiency.

[0425] Furthermore, it can be understood that CTS-to-self frames do not require a response frame; their arrival at the access device signifies the successful establishment of the TXOP between the access point device and the site device. Therefore, when the site device and access point device communicate within the TXOP, they will not be interfered with by hidden nodes. Thus, the site device establishing the TXOP first, then sending the RTS frame, and receiving the first and second CTS frames triggered by the RTS frame, can increase the probability of successful reception of the RTS frame, the first CTS frame, and the second CTS frame.

[0426] It should be understood that, in addition to the methods shown in Figures 14, 15 and 17 above, the schemes described in Figures 7 to 13 above can also be supported in Scenario 2. The specific implementation can be referred to the relevant descriptions in Figures 7 to 13 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0427] It should be noted that the two scenarios described above use hidden nodes as examples to illustrate how to avoid interference between hidden nodes and communication between site devices and access point devices. In fact, this application embodiment can also be applied to other communication settings that interfere with communication between site devices and access point devices, besides hidden nodes. The specific implementation is similar to that of hidden nodes, and can be found in the relevant description above; it will not be repeated here. In other words, for communication devices other than site devices and access point devices, there is no need to set the NAV after determining that it is a hidden node; it can directly set its NAV.

[0428] It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified or in conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between the different embodiments provided in this application are consistent and can be referenced mutually. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0429] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the executing entity may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0430] The foregoing primarily describes the solutions provided in this application from the perspective of device-to-device interaction. It is understood that each device, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0431] This application embodiment can divide each device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0432] When each functional module is divided according to its corresponding function, FIG18 shows a communication device 180. The communication device 180 can perform the actions performed by the first communication device in the methods shown in FIG7 to FIG17. All relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module. The technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0433] The communication device 180 may include a transmission module 1801 and a processing module 1802. For example, the communication device 180 may be a communication device, or a chip or other combination device or component with the above-mentioned transmitting end device functions applied in the communication device.

[0434] When the communication device 180 is a communication equipment, the transmission module 1801 may be a transceiver; the processing module 1802 may be a processor (or a processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs.

[0435] When the communication device 180 is a component with the above-mentioned transmitting end device functions, the transmission module 1801 may be a radio frequency unit; the processing module 1802 may be a processor (or, processing circuit), such as a baseband processor.

[0436] When the communication device 180 is a chip system, the transmission module 1801 can be the input / output interface of the chip (e.g., a baseband chip); the processing module 1802 can be the processor (or processing circuitry) of the chip system, and may include one or more central processing units.

[0437] It should be understood that the transmission module 1801 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components; the processing module 1802 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuit).

[0438] For example, the transmission module 1801 can be used to perform all the transmission operations performed by the first communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 18, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1802 is used to control the transmission module 1801 to perform all the transmission operations performed by the first communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 18, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0439] As another possible implementation, the transmission module 1801 in FIG18 can be replaced by a transceiver that integrates the functions of the transmission module 1801; the processing module 1802 can be replaced by a processor that integrates the functions of the processing module 1802. Furthermore, the communication device 180 shown in FIG18 may also include a memory.

[0440] Alternatively, when the processing module 1802 is replaced by a processor and the transmission module 1801 is replaced by a transceiver, the communication device 180 involved in the embodiments of this application can also be the communication device 190 shown in FIG. 19. The processor can be logic circuit 1901, and the transceiver can be interface circuit 1902. Furthermore, the communication device 190 shown in FIG. 19 can also include a memory 1903.

[0441] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0442] This application also provides a computer program that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0443] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the terminal (including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end) of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the terminal's hard disk or memory. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both the terminal's internal storage unit and external storage devices. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0444] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. "First" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0445] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0446] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more. "More than one" means two or more. "At least two (items)" means two or three or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Both "...when" and "if" indicate that a corresponding action will be taken under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require a judgment action to be taken when the action is taken, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0447] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0448] In this application, "sending information to...(terminal device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. "Receiving information from...(terminal device)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source.

[0449] In this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. When describing "a certain instruction information instructs A" or "instruction information of A," it can include whether the instruction information directly or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction information carries A. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, the common parts of various information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information. Furthermore, the specific instruction method can also be any existing instruction method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned instruction methods and their various combinations. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In specific implementation, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces and sent separately. Furthermore, the sending period or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period or timing of these sub-information pieces can be predefined, for example, predefined according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0450] In this application, "predefined" can refer to a standard protocol predefined, or it can refer to something agreed upon or negotiated in advance between devices. In this application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as the 5G protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applied in future communication systems; this application does not limit this. "Predefined" can include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device; this application does not limit the implementation method, for example.

[0451] In the embodiments of this application, "of", "corresponding (relevant)" and "corresponding" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their meanings are consistent.

[0452] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0453] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0454] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0455] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0456] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application embodiment, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive control frames, which are carried in non-ELR PPDU (non-elevated long-distance physical layer protocol data unit); Based on the triggering of the control frame, a first clear transmission CTS frame and a second CTS frame are sent. The first CTS frame is carried on an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU), and the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-ELR PPDU is a non-high throughput physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT PPDU).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control frame includes a Type field, a Subtype field, and a Control Frame Extension field. The value of the Type field is 01, the value of the Subtype field is 0110, and the value of the Control Frame Extension field is one of 1100-1111.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control frame is a trigger frame.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The control frame is for clearing the send polling (CTS-poll).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control frame is a request to send an RTS frame. Before receiving the control frame, the method further includes: Receive self-clearing and send CTS-to-self frames.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that, The method is performed by the site equipment; The control frame includes indication information, which indicates that the control frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first CTS frame is located before the second CTS frame.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first CTS frame is located after the second CTS frame.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a control frame, which is carried in a non-ELR PPDU (non-elevated long-distance physical layer protocol data unit); A first clear transmission CTS frame is received, the first CTS frame is carried on an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU), and the first CTS frame is triggered based on the control frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The non-ELR PPDU is a non-high throughput physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT PPDU).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The control frame includes a Type field, a Subtype field, and a Control Frame Extension field. The value of the Type field is 01, the value of the Subtype field is 0110, and the value of the Control Frame Extension field is one of 1100-1111.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The control frame is a trigger frame.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, characterized in that, The control frame is for clearing the send polling (CTS-poll).

15. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The control frame is a request to send an RTS frame. Before sending the control frame, the method further includes: Send a self-clearing CTS-to-self frame.

16. The method according to claim 13 or 15, characterized in that, The transmission control frame includes: The control frame is sent to the site device. The control frame includes indication information, which instructs the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame, wherein the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first CTS frame is located before the second CTS frame.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first CTS frame is located after the second CTS frame.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The system receives a request to send an RTS frame, which is carried in an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU). Based on the triggering of the RTS frame, a clearing CTS frame is sent, which is carried in a non-ELR PPDU. The receiver clears and sends a CTS-to-self frame, which is located after the CTS frame.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Sending a request to send an RTS frame, the RTS frame being carried in an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU); Receive and clear the transmitted CTS frame, the CTS frame is carried in a non-ELR PPDU, and the CTS frame is triggered based on the RTS frame; The receiver clears and sends a CTS-to-self frame, which is located after the CTS frame.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a self-clearing CTS-to-self frame; Sending a request to send an RTS frame, the RTS frame being carried on an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU), the CTS-to-self frame being located before the RTS frame; Receive a first clear transmission CTS frame and a second CTS frame, wherein the first CTS frame is carried on an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU) and the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU, and the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame are triggered based on the RTS frame.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method is performed by the site equipment; The RTS frame includes indication information, which indicates that the RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The second CTS frame is located before the first CTS frame.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive self-clearing and send CTS-to-self frames; A request is received to send an RTS frame, the RTS frame being carried on an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU), and the CTS-to-self frame preceding the RTS frame; Based on the triggering of the RTS frame, a first clear transmission CTS and a second CTS are sent. The first CTS frame is carried on an Enhanced Long Distance Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (ELR PPDU), and the second CTS frame is carried on a non-ELR PPDU.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, Sending the RTS frame includes: sending the RTS frame to the site device, the RTS frame including indication information, the indication information indicating that the RTS frame is used to trigger the site device to send the first CTS frame and the second CTS frame.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-9, or includes a module for performing the method according to any one of claims 10-18, or includes a module for performing the method according to claim 19, or includes a module for performing the method according to claim 20, or includes a module for performing the method according to any one of claims 21-23, or includes a module for performing the method according to claim 24 or 25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-9, or to perform the method according to any one of claims 10-18, or to perform the method according to claim 19, or to perform the method according to claim 20, or to perform the method according to any one of claims 21-23, or to perform the method according to claim 24 or 25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-9 to be implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 10-18 to be implemented, or the method according to claim 19 to be implemented, or the method according to claim 20 to be implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 21-23 to be implemented, or the method according to claim 24 or 25 to be implemented.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-9 to be implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 10-18 to be implemented, or the method according to claim 19 to be implemented, or the method according to claim 20 to be implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 21-23 to be implemented, or the method according to claim 24 or 25 to be implemented.

30. A chip, characterized in that, include: Memory is used to store computer program instructions; A processor for executing the computer program instructions to cause a communication device including the chip to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10-18, or to perform the method as claimed in claim 19, or to perform the method as claimed in claim 20, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 21-23, or to perform the method as claimed in claim 24 or 25.

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