Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed are a communication method and apparatus, which relate to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: transmitting an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol by means of a first resource unit, wherein the first resource unit comprises a plurality of subcarriers in at least two conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type, and the densities of the subcarriers in the at least two conventional resource units included in the first resource unit are different. Thus, the anti-interference or anti-frequency selection capability is improved. The present application supports IEEE protocols, such as an IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT protocol, an IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, an Integrated mmWave / integrated millimeter-wave / IMMW protocol, an IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol or an IEEE 802.11bf / sensing / sensing protocol.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on August 28, 2024, with application number 202411198392.7 and 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 communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, communication devices can communicate using resource units (RUs). For example, different communication devices can use different RUs to communicate within the same time domain, improving the utilization of spectrum resources. Communication devices can also communicate using distributed resource units (DRUs) to increase transmit power, expand coverage, or enhance throughput. However, in practical scenarios, communication using subcarriers distributed as currently discussed in DRUs presents problems such as interference and frequency selection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, thereby adaptively setting the distribution mode of subcarriers in resource units, and improving the anti-interference and anti-frequency selection capabilities of communication based on distributed resource units.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: transmitting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols through a first resource unit; wherein the first resource unit comprises multiple subcarriers in candidate resource units corresponding to resource unit types, the multiple subcarriers having different intervals, and the candidate resource units comprising conventional resource units and / or distributed resource units.

[0006] Thus, the resource unit provided in this application embodiment includes subcarriers selected from candidate resource units, and the density of the subcarriers selected from the candidate resource units is different, that is, the spacing of the subcarriers selected from the candidate resource units is different. In other words, this application provides a new type of resource unit with a novel subcarrier distribution method. This resource unit can be a new type of distributed resource unit, which can contain non-uniformly distributed subcarriers. Therefore, by selecting interference-free or low-interference subcarriers from candidate resource units, resource units with different subcarrier distributions can be flexibly generated. Compared to communication based on resource units containing uniformly or nearly uniformly distributed subcarriers, communication based on the resource unit provided in this application can effectively improve anti-interference or anti-frequency selection capabilities.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the candidate resource element is a conventional resource element, and the first resource element includes multiple subcarriers in at least two conventional resource elements corresponding to the same resource element type, wherein the subcarrier densities in the at least two conventional resource elements included in the first resource element are different.

[0008] Thus, the resource unit provided in this application embodiment includes subcarriers selected from at least two conventional resource units, and the density of the subcarriers selected from the at least two conventional resource units is different, that is, the spacing between the subcarriers selected from the at least two conventional resource units is different. In other words, this application provides a resource unit with a new subcarrier distribution method. This resource unit can be a new distributed resource unit, which can contain non-uniformly distributed subcarriers. Therefore, by selecting interference-free or low-interference subcarriers from at least two conventional resource units, resource units with different subcarrier distributions can be flexibly generated. Compared to communication based on resource units containing uniformly or nearly uniformly distributed subcarriers, communication based on the resource unit provided in this application can effectively improve anti-interference or anti-frequency selection capabilities.

[0009] In another possible implementation, the first resource unit includes a subset of subcarriers in the subcarrier distribution of at least two conventional resource units.

[0010] Selecting subcarriers with different densities from at least two conventional resource units, for example, the conventional resource units contain subcarriers with the same spacing, and the subcarrier densities between at least two conventional resource units are different, so that the first resource unit contains subcarriers with uneven distribution, thereby reducing the use of subcarriers with strong interference and effectively improving the anti-interference or anti-frequency selection capability in the communication process.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the first resource element includes subcarriers with different spacing in the conventional resource elements.

[0012] Subcarriers with different densities are selected from each of at least two conventional resource elements. For example, the subcarriers in each conventional resource element are spaced differently, resulting in a non-uniformly distributed subcarrier distribution in the first resource element. Not only can the subcarrier densities differ between the at least two conventional resource elements, but the subcarrier densities within a conventional resource element can also differ. This allows for more flexible distribution of subcarriers within a resource element, thereby reducing the use of subcarriers with strong interference and effectively improving anti-interference or anti-frequency selection capabilities during communication.

[0013] In another possible implementation, the method further includes generating a first resource element based on the subcarrier distribution of at least two conventional resource elements indicated by at least two resource element density levels and at least two conventional resource element indices. The at least two resource element density levels indicate different numbers of subcarriers and different subcarrier spacings. The at least two conventional resource element indices are used to indicate at least two conventional resource elements corresponding to the same resource element type.

[0014] The subcarrier distribution of at least two conventional resource units is density-classified according to at least two resource unit density levels. That is, subcarriers with different densities are selected from at least two conventional resource units. Thus, subcarriers with different densities are selected according to the subcarrier distribution specified in the standard, thereby improving the compatibility of the scheme.

[0015] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining at least two regular resource unit indices and at least two resource unit density levels based on spectrum state information.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the spectrum state information includes at least one of channel state information, interference state information, site feedback information, or coexistence information.

[0017] This enables the adaptive setting of subcarrier distribution within resource units based on spectrum conditions, reducing the use of subcarriers with strong interference and improving the anti-interference and anti-frequency selection capabilities of communication based on distributed resource units.

[0018] In another possible implementation, the method further includes sending a trigger frame containing at least two resource unit density levels.

[0019] By sending trigger frames, the communicating devices determine the resource units to be used, reducing the use of subcarriers with strong interference and improving the anti-interference and anti-frequency selection capabilities of communication based on distributed resource units.

[0020] In another possible implementation, sending trigger frames includes sending multiple trigger frames to multiple communication devices. Each communication device sends one trigger frame, and the trigger frames sent to each communication device contain different resource unit density levels.

[0021] Therefore, resource units containing subcarriers of different densities can be configured for different communication devices, allowing multiple communication devices to flexibly select resource units with different subcarrier distributions. This enables different communication devices to communicate using resource units containing subcarriers of different densities, thereby improving anti-interference and anti-frequency selection capabilities.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the candidate resource unit is a distributed resource unit, and the first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in the distributed resource unit, with different subcarrier densities in the distributed resource units contained in the first resource unit.

[0023] In another possible implementation, the first resource unit includes a subset of the subcarriers in the subcarrier distribution of the distributed resource unit.

[0024] The total number of subcarriers contained in the first resource unit is less than the number of subcarriers distributed in the distributed resource unit.

[0025] In another possible implementation, the first resource unit includes distributed resource units with different subcarrier spacings.

[0026] For example, the subcarrier spacing within the frequency band corresponding to a conventional resource unit in a distributed resource unit is different.

[0027] In another possible implementation, the method further includes generating a first resource unit based on the subcarrier distribution of the distributed resource units indicated by the resource unit density level and the distributed resource unit index.

[0028] In another possible implementation, the first resource unit contains distributed resource units that are a combination of at least two distributed resource units allocated to the same user.

[0029] In another possible implementation, the first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in at least two distributed resource units.

[0030] For example, with a bandwidth of 80MHz, the 80MHz consists of two 40MHz bandwidths. Subcarriers are selected from a first distributed resource unit within one 40MHz bandwidth, and from a second distributed resource unit within the other 40MHz bandwidth. The density of subcarriers selected from the first distributed resource unit differs from the density of subcarriers selected from the second distributed resource unit.

[0031] In another possible implementation, the candidate resource units are conventional resource units and distributed resource units. The first resource unit includes subcarriers in conventional resource units and distributed resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type, and the subcarrier densities contained in the first resource unit are different.

[0032] For example, with a bandwidth of 80MHz, the 80MHz consists of two 40MHz bandwidths. Subcarriers are selected from distributed resource units within one 40MHz bandwidth, and subcarriers are selected from at least one conventional resource unit within the other 40MHz bandwidth. The density of subcarriers selected from distributed resource units differs from the density of subcarriers selected from at least one conventional resource unit.

[0033] Secondly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods described above, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0034] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transmitting and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and their possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuits, transceivers, transceivers, or communication interfaces. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and their possible implementations.

[0035] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods.

[0036] A transceiver module is used to transmit OFDM symbols through a first resource unit; wherein the first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in at least two conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type, and the subcarrier densities in the at least two conventional resource units contained in the first resource unit are different. Alternatively, the first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in a distributed resource unit, and the subcarrier densities in the distributed resource units contained in the first resource unit are different. Or, the first resource unit includes subcarriers in both conventional resource units and distributed resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type, and the subcarrier densities in the first resource unit are different.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first resource unit includes a subset of subcarriers in the subcarrier distribution of at least two conventional resource units.

[0038] In another possible implementation, the first resource element includes subcarriers with different spacing in the conventional resource elements.

[0039] In another possible implementation, the processing module is configured to generate a first resource element based on the subcarrier distribution of at least two conventional resource elements indicated by at least two resource element density levels and at least two conventional resource element indices. The at least two resource element density levels indicate different numbers of subcarriers and different subcarrier spacings. The at least two conventional resource element indices are used to indicate at least two conventional resource elements corresponding to the same resource element type.

[0040] In another possible implementation, the processing module is also used to determine at least two conventional resource unit indices and at least two resource unit density levels based on the spectrum status information.

[0041] In another possible implementation, the spectrum state information includes at least one of channel state information, interference state information, site feedback information, or coexistence information.

[0042] In another possible implementation, the processing module is also used to send a trigger frame, which contains at least two resource unit density levels.

[0043] In another possible implementation, the processing module is also used to send multiple trigger frames to multiple communication devices. Each communication device sends one trigger frame, and the trigger frames sent to each communication device contain different resource unit density levels.

[0044] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising one or more transceivers that, under the control of a processor, perform the communication method as described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including an interface circuit for executing the communication method as described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect under the control of logic circuitry.

[0048] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be performed.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product comprising computer instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the communication method as described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be executed.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, a computer program is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the communication method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be executed.

[0051] Eighthly, a chip is provided, comprising: a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect under the control of a processing unit.

[0052] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, which may include communication means for performing the communication method as described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0053] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects two through nine are similar to those in aspect one, and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0054] All possible implementations of any of the above aspects can be combined, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a subcarrier distribution based on RU provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the subcarrier distribution of a DRU provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in this application;

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a subcarrier distribution provided in this application;

[0061] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a subcarrier and CSI amplitude provided in this application;

[0062] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the subcarrier distribution of multiple STAs provided in this application;

[0063] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a trigger frame transmission method provided in this application;

[0064] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0065] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0066] To facilitate understanding, the main terms used in this application will be explained first.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In terms of bandwidth configuration, the 802.11ax standard currently supports the following bandwidth configurations: 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 80+80MHz. The 802.11be standard also supports a 320MHz bandwidth configuration.

[0069] The difference between 160MHz and 80+80MHz is that the former is a continuous frequency band, while the two 80MHz bands of the latter can be separated.

[0070] In WLAN communication systems, resources can be allocated on a resource unit (RU) basis, and communication devices can communicate with each other through RUs. In the same time domain, different RUs can be allocated to different communication devices, improving the utilization rate of spectrum resources.

[0071] The following describes RU in detail using various examples of RU-based subcarrier distribution (tone plan).

[0072] In the first example, as shown in Figure 1(a), with a bandwidth of 20MHz, the entire bandwidth can include a single 242-tone RU, or various combinations of 26-tone RUs, 52-tone RUs, or 106-tone RUs. For example, the entire bandwidth can include any of eight 26-tone RUs, four 52-tone RUs, or two 106-tone RUs. Each RU includes a data subcarrier and a pilot subcarrier. The data subcarrier carries data information, and the pilot subcarrier is used for phase and frequency offset estimation. In addition to RUs, the bandwidth can also include guard subcarriers, empty subcarriers, or direct current (DC) subcarriers.

[0073] In the second example, as shown in Figure 1(b), with a bandwidth of 40MHz, the entire bandwidth is roughly equivalent to a replication of a 20MHz subcarrier distribution. The entire bandwidth can include a whole 484-tone RU, or various combinations of 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, or 242-tone RU.

[0074] In the third example, as shown in Figure 1(c), with a bandwidth of 80MHz, the entire bandwidth can include four resource units of 242-tone RUs. Alternatively, the entire bandwidth can include the entire 996-tone RU, or various combinations of 26-tone RUs, 52-tone RUs, 106-tone RUs, 242-tone RUs, or 484-tone RUs. Here, 484L and 484R represent the left and right halves of the 484-tone RU, respectively, each containing 242 subcarriers, representing another schematic diagram of 484+5DC.

[0075] In the fourth example, when the bandwidth is 160MHz, the entire bandwidth can be regarded as a replication of the distribution of two 80MHz subcarriers. The entire bandwidth can include a whole 2*996-tone RU, or various combinations of 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU or 996-tone RU.

[0076] In the fifth example, when the bandwidth is 320MHz, the entire bandwidth can be viewed as a replication of the distribution of four 80MHz subcarriers.

[0077] Based on the above examples describing subcarrier distribution, using 242-tone RUs as the unit, the left side of the diagram can be considered the lowest frequency, and the right side the highest frequency. From left to right, the 242-tone RUs can be numbered: 1st, 2nd, ..., 16th. It can be understood that in the data field, at most 16 242-tone RUs correspond one-to-one with 16 20MHz channels according to frequency from low to high.

[0078] In addition to the RUs mentioned above, the 802.11be standard also introduces: a 52+26-tone RU consisting of a 52-tone RU and a 26-tone RU; a 106+26-tone RU consisting of a 106-tone RU and a 26-tone RU; a 484+242-tone RU consisting of a 484-tone RU and a 242-tone RU; a 996+484-tone RU consisting of a 996-tone RU and a 484-tone RU; a 2*996+484-tone RU consisting of two 996-tone RUs and a 484-tone RU; a 3*996-tone RU consisting of three 996-tone RUs; and a 3*996+484-tone RU consisting of three 996-tone RUs and a 484-tone RU.

[0079] In terms of bandwidth, a 26-tone RU corresponds to approximately 2MHz, a 52-tone RU to approximately 4MHz, a 106-tone RU to approximately 8MHz, and a 242-tone RU to approximately 20MHz. The dimensions of other RUs can be added or multiplied accordingly, which will not be elaborated here.

[0080] In addition, with the continuous development of communication technology, strict limits have been imposed on the maximum power and the maximum power spectral density. That is, the transmission power of the communication device cannot exceed the maximum power value, and the transmitted power spectral density cannot exceed the maximum power spectral density.

[0081] For example, taking the description of low-power indoor (LPI) communication methods in the regulations for the 6GHz spectrum as shown in Table 1 below, for a client connected to a low-power access point, such as a station (STA), taking the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) as an example, its maximum power is 24 dBm, and its maximum power spectral density is -1 dBm / MHz. Compared to maximum power, the limitation on maximum power spectral density is more stringent; the maximum power that can be transmitted is usually more limited by power spectral density. For a station, the maximum power limit stipulated by regulations is only reached when the bandwidth is at its maximum of 320 MHz. Below this bandwidth, due to the limitation on maximum power spectral density, only lower power can be transmitted.

[0082] Table 1

[0083] In another example, taking the description of LPI communication methods in the regulations for the 6GHz spectrum as shown in Table 2 below, for an access point (AP) and / or STA, with a transmit power of EIRP as an example, its maximum power is 23dBm and its maximum power spectral density is 10dBm / MHz. When the bandwidth does not exceed 20MHz, the transmit power of the AP and STA is mainly limited by the maximum power spectral density; when the bandwidth is greater than 20MHz, the transmit power of the AP or STA is mainly limited by the maximum power.

[0084] Table 2

[0085] Due to limitations in transmit power and transmit power spectral density, the signal coverage is small, resulting in reduced spectral efficiency.

[0086] Under the constraint of power limit per MHz bandwidth, the fewer subcarriers per MHz bandwidth, the greater the transmit power of each subcarrier.

[0087] The Wi-Fi 8 standard proposes subcarrier distribution for distributed resource units (DRUs) with bandwidths of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, and 160MHz. Unlike regular resource units (RRUs), where subcarriers are essentially continuous or adjacent, subcarriers in DRUs are distributed across a wider bandwidth and separated by varying distances. This allows for increased transmit power within the constraints of transmit power spectral density.

[0088] The first exemplary subcarrier distribution scheme is based on subcarrier grouping. Multiple subcarriers are combined and evenly distributed across the entire bandwidth to achieve DRU subcarrier distribution. As shown in Figure 2(a), a 52-tone resource unit 2 and a 26-tone resource unit 1 are distributed as DRU subcarriers over a 20MHz bandwidth. First, the 52-tone resource unit 2 is combined in pairs of subcarriers, and then together with the 26-tone resource unit 1, the subcarriers are evenly distributed across the 20MHz bandwidth in 8-bit steps.

[0089] This method suffers from uneven distribution of data subcarriers and pilot subcarriers, making channel smoothing complex; and each DRU has a different distribution pattern, resulting in different peak to average power ratios (PAPR); it cannot achieve anti-interference or anti-frequency selection by adaptive frequency division based on the link.

[0090] The second exemplary scheme is a uniform subcarrier distribution scheme. As shown in Figure 2(b), DRU subcarrier distribution is achieved by uniformly distributing subcarriers throughout the entire bandwidth.

[0091] The power gain provided by this method is not good; it supports few RU types, such as eight 26-tone RUs at 20MHz; uniform distribution with 16 subcarriers per period will cause packet detection errors for 26-tone DRUs at 40MHz and 52-tone DRUs at 80MHz; and it cannot achieve anti-interference or anti-frequency selection by adaptive frequency division based on the link.

[0092] The third exemplary method is a hierarchical approach based on 26-tone RUs. This involves designing the subcarrier distribution of the 26-tone RUs, then generating 52-tone RUs from two 26-tone RUs, 106-tone RUs from two 52-tone RUs, 242-tone RUs from two 106-tone RUs, 484-tone RUs from two 242-tone RUs, and so on. Figure 2(c) shows the 26-tone subcarrier distribution in 20MHz. Table 3 shows the DRU type, DRU index, and subcarrier range.

[0093] Table 3

[0094] Distributed resource unit technology affects the subcarrier layout for scheduling multiple users, the gain that can be increased in transmit power, and also determines the processing complexity of channel estimation and the impact of frequency offset on performance.

[0095] Currently, the distributed resource unit (or discrete resource unit) technology discussed has various implementation modes for subcarrier distribution, all of which involve uniform or near-uniform distribution. In practical scenarios, due to interference or the need for coexistence with other technologies, the subcarrier distribution needs to be designed adaptively.

[0096] Based on this, this application provides a communication method in which orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols are transmitted through a first resource unit; wherein the first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in at least two conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type, and the subcarrier densities in the at least two conventional resource units included in the first resource unit are different.

[0097] Thus, the resource unit provided in this application embodiment includes subcarriers selected from at least two conventional resource units, and the density of the subcarriers selected from the at least two conventional resource units is different, that is, the spacing between the subcarriers selected from the at least two conventional resource units is different. In other words, this application provides a resource unit with a new subcarrier distribution method. This resource unit can be a new distributed resource unit, which can contain non-uniformly distributed subcarriers. Therefore, by selecting interference-free or low-interference subcarriers from at least two conventional resource units, resource units with different subcarrier distributions can be flexibly generated. Compared to communication based on resource units containing uniformly or nearly uniformly distributed subcarriers, communication based on the resource unit provided in this application can effectively improve anti-interference or anti-frequency selection capabilities.

[0098] Optionally, the first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in a distributed resource unit, and the subcarrier densities in the distributed resource units included in the first resource unit are different; or, the first resource unit includes subcarriers in a conventional resource unit and subcarriers in a distributed resource unit corresponding to the same resource unit type, and the subcarrier densities in the first resource unit are different.

[0099] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0100] The wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application can be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system or a chip or processor in the communication device. This communication device can be a wireless communication device that supports single-link transmission or a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission across multiple links. A wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission across multiple links is called a multi-link device. Compared to a device that only supports single-link transmission, a device that supports multi-link transmission has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput.

[0101] The communication method provided in this application embodiment is applicable to wireless local area networks that support relevant standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These IEEE standards include, but are not limited to, 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / Extremely High Throughput (EHT) protocol, 802.11bn / UHR / WiFi 8, Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf / sensing protocol, UWB / 802.15, etc.

[0102] Exemplary examples show that the communication device in this application can be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, it can be a device with two or more antennas. This application does not limit the number of antennas included in the communication device. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can allow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, and even allow the same data packets to be transmitted on different links; alternatively, it can disallow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, but allow services of different access types to be transmitted on different links.

[0103] For example, the communication device is a device with wireless communication function. The device can be a complete machine or a chip or processing system installed in the complete machine. The device with these chips or processing systems installed can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of these chips or processing systems.

[0104] For example, the station (STA) in this embodiment has wireless transceiver capabilities and can communicate with an access point (AP). For instance, an STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and subsequently with a WLAN.

[0105] 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.

[0106] For example, an STA can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, wireless communication terminal, communication server, router, switch, bridge, 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, a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, or an IoT node in the Internet of Things (IoT), or an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), etc., without limitation.

[0107] In this application embodiment, the AP is a device that provides services to the STA. For example, the 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 standard, 802.11n standard, 802.11ac standard, 802.11ax standard, 802.11be standard, 802.11bn standard / UHR standard / WiFi8 standard, and is not limited thereto.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Understandably, the communication device in this application embodiment can support high-speed, low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of wireless local area network (WLAN) application scenarios, the communication device can also be applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air quality monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, audio equipment, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (e.g., AR, VR wearable devices), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers, projectors, etc.), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, supermarket self-service navigation kiosks, self-checkout machines, self-service ordering machines, etc.). This application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on the specific form of the communication device; it is merely an illustrative example.

[0110] In this embodiment of the application, the frequency band in which the communication device operates may include one or more of the following: sub 1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz and high frequency 60GHz, such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0111] While this application primarily illustrates embodiments using a network deploying the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, StarFlash, High Performance Radio LAN (HIPER LAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), and wide area networks (WANs), WLANs, personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0112] In the embodiments of this application, Bluetooth (BT) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) can refer to each other. Sparklink and Sparklink Low Energy (SLE), Sparklink Basic (SLB), or Sparklink Position (SLP) can also refer to each other.

[0113] The wireless communication systems and application scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication systems and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0114] It should be understood that in this wireless communication system, devices can be divided into devices that provide wireless network services and devices that use wireless network services. Devices providing wireless network services can also be called network equipment or network units; for example, such network equipment includes wireless access devices. Devices using wireless network services are typically located at the network edge and can be called terminal devices or simply terminals. Terminal devices can establish connections with network equipment and provide wireless communication services to users based on the services offered by the network equipment. The following example illustrates the structure of this wireless communication system, which includes both wireless access devices and terminal devices.

[0115] Figure 3 illustrates a communication system 300 used in an embodiment of this application, taking a wireless local area network as an example. The communication system 300 includes multiple wireless access points 310 and multiple stations 320.

[0116] In this system, one or more access point devices can communicate with one or more site devices, and access point devices can also communicate with one or more other access point devices, and site devices can also communicate with one or more other site devices. Access point devices can be APs (Access Points) and site devices can be STAs (Station Devices).

[0117] A wireless access point (AP) is an access point in a wireless network. As a routing device in a wireless local area network (WLAN), it features multi-user access, data encryption, data decryption, and multi-rate transmission capabilities. Wireless access points are primarily used in broadband homes, buildings, campuses, industrial parks, warehouses, factories, and other locations requiring wireless networks. Wireless access points can connect to a distributed system (DS).

[0118] A station (STA) is a device connected to a wireless local area network (WLAN) via a wireless access point. Stations can communicate with other stations within the WLAN, wireless access points, or devices outside the wireless network.

[0119] Each STA within the coverage area of ​​an AP can communicate with each other, and each STA can also communicate with the AP.

[0120] A Basic Service Set (BSS) comprises multiple sites connected to the same Access Point (AP). A BSS may or may not include an AP. The Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) is a unique identifier for the BSS. The BSSID has the same format as a Medium Access Control (MAC) address, typically the AP's MAC address, and is used to identify the AP for managing the BSS.

[0121] An extended service set (ESS) refers to a set of services formed by two or more Base Stations (BSSs) in a wireless LAN interconnected with a backbone network, typically a wired LAN, through their access point devices. An ESS includes multiple BSSs, thereby extending the coverage of the wireless network. In some embodiments, an ESS includes multiple wireless access points whose coverage cells partially overlap to enable seamless roaming between sites. An overlapping BSS (OBSS) refers to other BSSs that overlap with the current BSS in terms of channel or frequency band. OBSSs may be on the same channel or on different channels.

[0122] Optionally, the communication system may also include a relay device through which the AP and STA communicate, as will not be elaborated further in this embodiment. Those skilled in the art will understand that the wireless communication device structure shown in the figures does not constitute a limitation on the wireless communication device, and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0123] In practical implementation, both the AP and STA shown in Figure 3 can adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 4, or include the components shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in this application. The communication device 400 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 4, the communication device 400 includes a processor 401, a communication interface 402, and a communication line 403.

[0124] Furthermore, the communication device 400 may also include a memory 404. The processor 401, memory 404, and communication interface 402 can be connected via a communication line 403.

[0125] The processor 401 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 401 can also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0126] In this embodiment, processor 401 is used to process data. For example, it generates a first resource unit for transmitting OFDMA symbols. The first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in at least two conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type, and the subcarrier densities in the at least two conventional resource units included in the first resource unit are different.

[0127] Communication interface 402 is used to communicate with other devices or other communication networks. These other communication networks can be Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Communication interface 402 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0128] For example, communication interface 402 includes a module supporting the Wi-Fi band and a module supporting other bands. The module supporting the Wi-Fi band is used to transmit or receive a complete Wi-Fi signal. The module supporting other bands is used to transmit or receive at least one signal such as BLE, SLE, or Wi-Fi.

[0129] Communication line 403 is used to transmit information between the components included in communication device 400.

[0130] Memory 404 is used to store instructions. The instructions may be computer programs. Memory 404 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; it may also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; it may 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.

[0131] It should be noted that the memory 404 can exist independently of the processor 401, or it can be integrated with the processor 401. The memory 404 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. The memory 404 can be located inside or outside the communication device 400, without limitation. The processor 401 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 404 to implement the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0132] In one example, processor 401 can be a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in Figure 4.

[0133] As an alternative implementation, the communication device 400 may include multiple processors, for example, in addition to the processor 401 in FIG4, it may also include a processor 407.

[0134] As an optional implementation, the communication device 400 also includes an output device 405 and an input device 406. For example, the input device 406 is a device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and the output device 405 is a device such as a display screen or speaker.

[0135] It should be noted that the communication device 400 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 4. Furthermore, the composition shown in Figure 4 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 4, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0136] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0137] 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 transmitted between devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation. In this application, the second link assisting the first link in achieving its objective can refer to the actions of both parties in acquiring, processing, using, transmitting, or sending information to achieve a certain objective or solve a problem.

[0138] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0139] It should be noted that in the following embodiments of this application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between network elements are just examples. Other names may also be used in other embodiments. The communication method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0140] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element may execute 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 execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0141] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5. The first communication device can be any access point device or site device in the communication system shown in Figure 3. The first communication device described in the following embodiments may include the components shown in Figure 4.

[0142] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in this application. As shown in Figure 5, the method may include...

[0143] Step 510: Transmit OFDM symbols through the first resource unit.

[0144] This application does not limit the communication device that transmits OFDM symbols through the first resource unit; the communication device may be an access point device or a site device.

[0145] For example, the access point device can send OFDM symbols to the site device through the first resource unit, and the site device can receive the OFDM symbols from the access point device on the first resource unit.

[0146] For example, a site device can send OFDM symbols to an access point device through a first resource unit, and the access point device can receive OFDM symbols from the site device in the first resource unit.

[0147] For example, the first access point device can send OFDM symbols to the second access point device through the first resource unit, and the second access point device can receive the OFDM symbols from the first access point device on the first resource unit.

[0148] For example, the first site device can send OFDM symbols to the second site device through the first resource unit, and the second site device can receive the OFDM symbols from the first site device on the first resource unit.

[0149] Optionally, before step 510, the method may further include: generating OFDM symbols, wherein the OFDM symbols carry the data to be transmitted. This application does not limit the method for generating OFDM symbols.

[0150] The first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in at least two conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type.

[0151] Resource unit type refers to the combination of subcarriers, that is, the number of subcarriers that a conventional resource unit corresponding to a resource unit type can contain. For example, resource unit types include 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU, and 996-tone RU. The same resource unit type can correspond to multiple conventional resource units, each containing the same number of subcarriers. Different resource unit types contain different numbers of subcarriers in their corresponding conventional resource units. The number of conventional resource units corresponding to a resource unit type also differs depending on the bandwidth. As shown in Figure 1, the number of conventional resource units corresponding to resource unit types differs for bandwidths of 20MHz, 40MHz, and 80MHz. Conventional resource units contain consecutive subcarriers with the same subcarrier spacing.

[0152] The multiple subcarriers included in the first resource element can be a subset of subcarriers from at least two conventional resource elements corresponding to the same resource element type. Understandably, the multiple subcarriers included in the first resource element are a subset of the subcarriers in the subcarrier distribution of at least two conventional resource elements.

[0153] In addition, the subcarrier densities in at least two conventional resource units contained in the first resource unit are different.

[0154] The subcarrier spacing determines the subcarrier density. If the subcarrier densities of at least two conventional resource elements contained in the first resource element are different, it means that the subcarrier spacing of at least two conventional resource elements contained in the first resource element is different.

[0155] Understandably, the first resource element comprises subcarriers selected from at least two conventional resource elements, and the density of the subcarriers selected from the at least two conventional resource elements is different.

[0156] In some embodiments, the different spacing of subcarriers in at least two conventional resource elements included in the first resource element may refer to different spacing of subcarriers in different conventional resource elements, while the spacing of subcarriers in conventional resource elements may be the same.

[0157] In other embodiments, the different spacing of subcarriers in at least two conventional resource units included in the first resource unit may refer to different spacing of subcarriers in different conventional resource units, or the different spacing of subcarriers in conventional resource units.

[0158] That is, the subcarrier spacing in at least two conventional resource units included in the first resource unit can be different. Among the multiple subcarriers included in the first resource unit, the subcarriers belonging to different conventional resource units have different spacings, while the subcarriers belonging to the same conventional resource unit can have the same or different spacings.

[0159] Optionally, the subcarrier spacing in each conventional resource element included in the first resource element may be different. The subcarrier spacing in some conventional resource elements included in the first resource element may be different, while the subcarrier spacing in some conventional resource elements may be the same.

[0160] Furthermore, the number of subcarriers selected from at least two conventional resource elements is not limited. The number of subcarriers selected from at least two conventional resource elements in the first resource element can be the same or different; that is, the same number of subcarriers or different numbers of subcarriers can be selected from different conventional resource elements.

[0161] In some embodiments, subcarriers may be selected from at least two conventional resource units based on the subcarrier spacing and the number of subcarriers.

[0162] In the first possible example, the subcarrier spacing between conventional resource elements is different, and the number of subcarriers between conventional resource elements is the same. The first resource element contains at least two conventional resource elements with different subcarrier spacing, and at least two conventional resource elements have the same number of subcarriers. That is, the subcarrier spacing between different conventional resource elements is different, the subcarrier spacing within a conventional resource element can be the same, and the number of subcarriers between different conventional resource elements can be the same.

[0163] For example, suppose a first resource unit contains a first number of subcarriers in a first conventional resource unit and a second number of subcarriers in a second conventional resource unit. As shown in Figure 6(a), subcarriers are extracted from the first conventional resource unit at intervals of x, and subcarriers are extracted from the second conventional resource unit at intervals of y. The first number of subcarriers in the first conventional resource unit has the same interval, and the second number of subcarriers in the second conventional resource unit has the same interval. The intervals of the first number of subcarriers in the first conventional resource unit and the intervals of the second number of subcarriers in the second conventional resource unit are different. The first number and the second number are the same.

[0164] In the second possible example, the subcarrier spacing and the number of subcarriers differ between conventional resource elements. The first resource element contains at least two conventional resource elements with different subcarrier spacing and different numbers of subcarriers. That is, the subcarrier spacing differs between different conventional resource elements, the subcarrier spacing within a conventional resource element can be the same, and the number of subcarriers differs between different conventional resource elements.

[0165] As shown in Figure 6(b), the difference from Figure 6(a) is that the first quantity and the second quantity are different.

[0166] In the third possible example, the subcarrier spacing within a conventional resource element is different, while the number of subcarriers between conventional resource elements is the same. The first resource element contains at least two conventional resource elements with different subcarrier spacing, and at least two conventional resource elements with different numbers of subcarriers. That is, the subcarrier spacing is different in different conventional resource elements, the subcarrier spacing within a conventional resource element is different, and the number of subcarriers is the same in different conventional resource elements.

[0167] As shown in Figure 6(c), the spacing of a first number of subcarriers in the first conventional resource unit is different, and the spacing of a second number of subcarriers in the second conventional resource unit is different. The spacing of the first number of subcarriers in the first conventional resource unit is different from the spacing of the second number of subcarriers in the second conventional resource unit. The first number and the second number are the same.

[0168] In the fourth possible example, the subcarrier spacing within a conventional resource element is different, and the number of subcarriers between conventional resource elements is different. The first resource element contains at least two conventional resource elements with different subcarrier spacing, and at least two conventional resource elements with different subcarrier numbers. That is, the subcarrier spacing is different in different conventional resource elements, the subcarrier spacing within a conventional resource element is different, and the number of subcarriers in different conventional resource elements is different.

[0169] As shown in Figure 6(d), the difference between it and Figure 6(c) is that the first quantity and the second quantity are different.

[0170] At least two conventional resource units include any conventional resource units of the same resource unit type. For example, at least two conventional resource units include consecutive or discrete conventional resource units of the same resource unit type. For instance, with a bandwidth of 80MHz, the resource unit type is 106-tone RU, and the entire bandwidth can include eight 106-tone RUs, that is, the entire bandwidth can include eight conventional resource units (RU1-RU8). At least two conventional resource units include RU1 and RU2, or at least two conventional resource units include RU1, RU3 and RU5, or at least two conventional resource units include RU1, RU5, RU7 and RU8.

[0171] This application provides a novel resource element with a non-uniformly distributed and discrete subcarrier distribution. This application does not limit the distribution of the subcarriers within a resource element; the distribution can be arbitrary as needed. For example, in a first conventional resource element, the spacing of a first number of subcarriers may be different, while in a second conventional resource element, the spacing of a second number of subcarriers may be the same.

[0172] In some embodiments, the total number of subcarriers included in the first resource element satisfies the number of subcarriers included in a resource element indicated by the resource element type to which at least two conventional resource elements belong. For example, if the resource element type is 26-tone RU, the total number of subcarriers included in the first resource element is 26; if the resource element type is 52-tone RU, the total number of subcarriers included in the first resource element is 52.

[0173] Optionally, the total number of subcarriers included in the first resource element may not satisfy the number of subcarriers included in a resource element indicated by the resource element type to which at least two conventional resource elements belong. For example, the total number of subcarriers included in the first resource element is less than the number of subcarriers included in a resource element indicated by the resource element type to which at least two conventional resource elements belong. Alternatively, the total number of subcarriers included in the first resource element may be greater than the number of subcarriers included in a resource element indicated by the resource element type to which at least two conventional resource elements belong.

[0174] In the embodiments of this application, "continuous" includes physical continuity, that is, there are no other subcarriers between the continuous first subcarrier, second subcarrier and third subcarrier.

[0175] In the embodiments of this application, "continuous" may also include continuity after removing DC subcarriers, that is, there may be one or more DC subcarriers between the continuous first subcarrier, second subcarrier and third subcarrier.

[0176] Similarly, in the embodiments of this application, "discrete" refers to the discrete state after removing the DC subcarrier, or it can be described as follows: there is at least one subcarrier other than the DC subcarrier between two discrete subcarriers.

[0177] In the embodiments of this application, "selection" can also be described as selection or extraction, etc.

[0178] Prior to step 510, the method may further include: generating a first resource unit.

[0179] In some embodiments, a first resource element is generated based on the subcarrier distribution of at least two conventional resource elements indicated by at least two resource element density levels and at least two conventional resource element indices. The number of subcarriers indicated by the at least two resource element density levels are different, as are the subcarrier spacings.

[0180] The resource element density level indicates the number of subcarriers and the subcarrier spacing. The number of subcarriers indicated by the resource element density level indicates the number of subcarriers selected from the regular resource elements. The subcarrier spacing indicated by the resource element density level indicates the spacing of the subcarriers selected from the regular resource elements.

[0181] Based on the number of subcarriers indicated by the resource unit density level and the subcarrier spacing, subcarriers are selected from the conventional resource units. That is, multiple subcarriers with uniform or non-uniform and discrete distributions are selected. The selected subcarriers are a subset of the subcarriers in the subcarrier distribution of the conventional resource units.

[0182] Different resource unit density levels indicate different numbers of subcarriers and different subcarrier spacings. Subcarriers are selected from multiple conventional resource units according to different resource unit density levels, and the resulting first resource unit contains multiple subcarriers that are unevenly distributed and discrete.

[0183] For example, a first number of subcarriers are selected from a first conventional resource unit based on a first resource unit density level, and a second number of subcarriers are selected from a second conventional resource unit based on a second resource unit density level. The resulting first resource unit contains both the first number of subcarriers and the second number of subcarriers. The spacing between the first number of subcarriers in the first conventional resource unit is different from the spacing between the second number of subcarriers in the second conventional resource unit. Optionally, the first number and the second number can be the same or different. The spacing between the first number of subcarriers in the first conventional resource unit can be the same or different. The spacing between the second number of subcarriers in the second conventional resource unit can be the same or different.

[0184] Optionally, subcarriers are selected from multiple conventional resource units based on a resource unit density level. However, the frequency bands of the subcarriers in each conventional resource unit are different, and the resulting first resource unit contains multiple subcarriers that are not evenly distributed.

[0185] The at least two conventional resource unit indexes described in this application indicate conventional resource units that are conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type.

[0186] This application does not limit the type of resource unit to which the conventional resource unit to which subcarrier selection is performed based on resource unit density level belongs.

[0187] In the first possible example, for any bandwidth, subcarrier selection can be performed on the regular resource units corresponding to any resource unit type under the bandwidth according to the resource unit density level.

[0188] For example, bandwidths include 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, and 160MHz. Resource unit types include 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU, and 996-tone RU.

[0189] With a bandwidth of 20MHz, subcarrier selection can be performed on any of the conventional resource units corresponding to 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU or 242-tone RU, depending on the resource unit density level.

[0190] With a bandwidth of 40MHz, subcarrier selection can be performed on any of the conventional resource units corresponding to 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU or 484-tone RU, depending on the resource unit density level.

[0191] With a bandwidth of 80MHz, subcarrier selection can be performed on any of the conventional resource units corresponding to 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU or 996-tone RU, depending on the resource unit density level.

[0192] In the second possible example, for any bandwidth, subcarrier selection can be performed on the conventional resource units corresponding to the pre-defined resource unit type under the bandwidth according to the resource unit density level.

[0193] For example, in the cases of bandwidths of 20MHz and 40MHz, subcarrier selection is performed on the regular resource units corresponding to resource unit type 26-tone RU. Understandably, resource unit type 26-tone RU is used as the base RU for density grading, and density grading is performed on the regular resource units corresponding to 26-tone RU, i.e., subcarriers are selected from at least two regular resource units. That is, in the case of a bandwidth of 20MHz, resource unit type 26-tone RU, the entire bandwidth can include 8 26-tone RUs, the entire bandwidth can include 8 regular resource units, and each regular resource unit contains 26-tone RUs. Subcarriers are selected from at least two of the 8 regular resource units according to the resource unit density level.

[0194] For example, with bandwidths of 80MHz and 160MHz, subcarrier selection is performed on the regular resource units corresponding to resource unit type 106-tone RU. Understandably, the resource unit type 106-tone RU is used as the base RU for density grading. Density grading is performed on the regular resource units corresponding to the 106-tone RU, i.e., subcarriers are selected from at least two regular resource units. That is, with a bandwidth of 80MHz, the resource unit type is 106-tone RU, the entire bandwidth can include 8 106-tone RUs, and the entire bandwidth can include 8 regular resource units, each containing 106-tone RUs. Subcarriers are selected from at least two of the 8 regular resource units according to the resource unit density level.

[0195] Table 4 shows the distribution of conventional resource units with a bandwidth of 80MHz. The subcarrier spacing of the RUs is the same, at 78.125kHz.

[0196] Table 4

[0197] For example, the subcarrier range of RU1 in a 106-tone is [-499:-394], and the subcarrier range of RU2 in a 106-tone is [-367:-260]. Subcarriers can be selected from RU1 at intervals of 8 subcarriers and from RU2 at intervals of 13 subcarriers. Then, the subcarriers in RU1 included in the first resource unit can be [-498:8:-395], and the subcarriers in RU2 can be [-368:13:-261].

[0198] This application does not limit the number of resource element density levels; more or fewer levels can be defined. The number of subcarriers and the subcarrier spacing indicated by the resource element density level can also be set as needed.

[0199] For example, if a resource unit type corresponds to a large number of regular resource units, it can be divided into more resource unit density levels. If a resource unit type corresponds to a small number of regular resource units, it can be divided into fewer resource unit density levels.

[0200] For example, with a bandwidth of 80MHz, the resource unit type is 106-tone RU, and the entire bandwidth can include 8 106-tone RUs, that is, the entire bandwidth can include 8 regular resource units, and 6 resource unit density levels can be divided.

[0201] The first resource unit density level indicates the 106-tone contained in a regular resource unit. The 106-tone contained in a regular resource unit is selected based on the first resource unit density level, and this 106-tone is used to allocate to a single user.

[0202] The second resource unit density level indicates 53 of the 106-tones contained in a regular resource unit. Based on the second resource unit density level, 53-tones are selected from the regular resource units; these 53-tones are allocated to one user, and the remaining 53-tones are allocated to other users.

[0203] The third resource unit density level indicates the 27-tone out of the 106-tones contained in a regular resource unit. Based on the third resource unit density level, 27-tones are selected from the regular resource units; these 27-tones are allocated to one user, and the remaining 79-tones are allocated to other users.

[0204] The fourth resource unit density level indicates 13 of the 106-tones contained in a regular resource unit. Based on the fourth resource unit density level, 13-tones are selected from the regular resource units. These 13-tones are allocated to one user, and the remaining 93-tones are allocated to other users.

[0205] The fifth resource unit density level indicates the 7-tone out of the 106-tones contained in a regular resource unit. Based on the fifth resource unit density level, the 7-tone is selected from the regular resource units, allocated to one user, and the remaining 99-tones are allocated to other users.

[0206] The sixth resource unit density level indicates that the 106-tone contained in a regular resource unit is not used.

[0207] When the AP communicates with the STA, the AP schedules the STA, and the STA transmits uplink data in DRU mode on an 80MHz bandwidth. The resource unit type allocated to the STA is 106-tone DRU, which means that 106 subcarriers are selected on the 80MHz bandwidth.

[0208] In some examples, subcarrier selection is performed on the eight conventional resource units corresponding to the 106-tone DRU resource unit type according to the fourth resource unit density level. Each conventional resource unit selects 13 subcarriers, resulting in 106 subcarriers. This ensures that the number and spacing of subcarriers selected from each conventional resource unit are the same. However, the frequency bands of the subcarriers within each conventional resource unit can be different.

[0209] In other examples, subcarriers are selected for two regular resource units corresponding to resource unit type 106-tone DRU according to the third resource unit density level, with 27 subcarriers selected for each regular resource unit. Subcarriers are also selected for two regular resource units corresponding to resource unit type 106-tone DRU according to the fifth resource unit density level, with 7 subcarriers selected for each regular resource unit. 38 subcarriers are then selected from the remaining 4 regular resource units, resulting in 106 subcarriers.

[0210] This application provides a new distributed resource unit, which includes subcarriers from at least two conventional resource units with different intervals between the subcarriers. Subcarriers with no interference or minimal interference are selected from the at least two conventional resource units to flexibly generate resource units with different subcarrier distributions. Therefore, compared to communication based on resource units containing uniformly or nearly uniformly distributed subcarriers, communication based on the resource units provided in this application can effectively improve anti-interference or anti-frequency selection capabilities.

[0211] For example, as shown in Table 5, the distribution of distributed resource units (DRUs) is as follows when the bandwidth is 80MHz. The subcarriers of the DRU are discontinuous, but they are evenly distributed within the 80MHz bandwidth.

[0212] Table 5

[0213] For example, the subcarrier range of DRU1 of DRU type 106-tone shown in Table 5 is [-471:8:-383,-367:8:-47,41:8:361,377:8:465], that is, DRU1 is obtained by extracting subcarriers from each of the four conventional resource elements at intervals of 8 subcarriers. According to the method provided in this application, the subcarriers included in the first resource element can be [-471:8:-383,-367:16:-47], wherein subcarriers are extracted from the subcarrier range [-471:-383] at intervals of 8 subcarriers, and subcarriers are extracted from the subcarrier range [-367:-47] at intervals of 16 subcarriers.

[0214] Understandably, the lower the subcarrier density and the larger the subcarrier spacing, the stronger the anti-interference or anti-frequency selection capability. A suitable resource unit density level can be selected from multiple resource unit density levels to perform density classification on conventional resource units, and subcarriers can be selected to achieve anti-interference or anti-frequency selection.

[0215] In some embodiments, at least two conventional resource unit indices and at least two resource unit density levels are determined based on spectrum status information, wherein the at least two conventional resource unit indices are used to indicate at least two conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type.

[0216] The “spectrum status information” in this application embodiment can also be described as spectrum / bandwidth busy information, spectrum / bandwidth idle information, spectrum / bandwidth occupancy information, etc.

[0217] The spectrum state information includes at least one of the following: channel state information, interference state information, site feedback information, or coexistence information.

[0218] Channel state information (CSE) is an indicator of channel quality. It assesses the channel's state by considering various factors affecting signal propagation, such as signal scattering, environmental attenuation, and distance attenuation. Based on CSE information, communication rates can be adjusted to ensure reliable and efficient data transmission.

[0219] Channel state information can be channel frequency selection information. For example, as shown in Figure 7, different subcarrier indices indicate the amplitude and phase information of the subcarriers. Channel state information is determined based on the amplitude and phase information of the subcarriers. Based on this channel state information, a suitable resource element density level is selected from multiple resource element density levels. This density classification of conventional resource elements and the selection of subcarriers achieves anti-interference or anti-frequency selection.

[0220] For example, if the channel state information is below a threshold, it indicates severe channel attenuation, and the density level can be reduced, selecting fewer subcarriers from the regular resource elements to transmit OFDMA symbols. If the channel state information is above a threshold, it indicates good channel quality, and the density level can be increased, selecting more subcarriers from the regular resource elements to transmit OFDMA symbols.

[0221] Interference status information indicates the loss of useful signals. Based on the interference status information, a suitable resource element density level is selected from multiple resource element density levels. This allows for density classification of conventional resource elements, selection of subcarriers, and the achievement of anti-interference or anti-frequency selection.

[0222] In cases of strong interference, subcarriers can be selected from conventional resource elements with a lower density. In cases of weak interference, the density level can be increased, selecting more subcarriers from conventional resource elements to transmit OFDMA symbols. For example, if the AP detects adjacent-channel interference, it can lower the density level, selecting fewer subcarriers from conventional resource elements closer to the interference to transmit OFDMA symbols. Alternatively, in cases of strong interference, no subcarriers may be selected from conventional resource elements.

[0223] Spectrum state information can also be other information that can reflect the differences between channel subcarriers.

[0224] Site feedback information can be bit error rate or packet loss rate for resource unit types. The AP configures different resource unit density levels for different resource unit types based on this feedback. For example, if the bit error rate or packet loss rate is high, the density level can be lowered, selecting fewer subcarriers from regular resource units to transmit OFDMA symbols. If the bit error rate or packet loss rate is low, the density level can be increased, selecting more subcarriers from regular resource units to transmit OFDMA symbols.

[0225] Site feedback information can also be historical bandwidth puncturing data. For example, when the resource unit density level is low, punctured subcarriers can be used.

[0226] Coexistence information can include information from other frequency bands, such as the frequency and bandwidth of Bluetooth, or the frequency and bandwidth of satellite telescopes, or the frequency and bandwidth of radar. For example, if an access point (AP) supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite telescopes, and radar, when the AP communicates via these modes, it selects subcarriers with a lower density for resource units operating on the same frequency. This ensures that the subcarrier spacing used for Wi-Fi communication is greater than the Bluetooth bandwidth, thus achieving coexistence on the same frequency.

[0227] In some embodiments, the AP can establish connections with multiple STAs for communication. Before scheduling multiple STAs for uplink multi-user OFDMA interaction, the AP determines at least two regular resource element indices and at least two resource element density levels for each STA according to the communication method provided in this application. New distributed resource elements are then generated based on the regular resource elements indicated by the at least two regular resource element indices and the at least two resource element density levels. That is, the subcarrier distribution allocated to different STAs is different, each STA uses different subcarriers, and each STA uses subcarriers with different densities. This allows for systematic planning of the subcarrier distribution for each STA, avoiding interference between different STAs.

[0228] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the AP configures subcarriers of different densities for STA1, STA2, and STA3 respectively. STA1, STA2, and STA3 communicate with the AP based on subcarriers of different densities. The subcarriers assigned to STA1, STA2, and STA3 can be different subcarriers. The subcarriers assigned to STA1, STA2, and STA3 can be all subcarriers or a portion of the subcarriers within a certain bandwidth.

[0229] In other embodiments, after the AP configures different density subcarriers for different STA pairs, the different STA pairs can communicate based on subcarriers of different densities.

[0230] After determining at least two conventional resource element indices and at least two resource element density levels based on spectrum status information, and selecting subcarriers according to the subcarrier distribution of the conventional resource elements indicated by the at least two conventional resource element density levels to generate the first resource element, a trigger frame is sent. By sending the trigger frame, the communicating devices determine the resource element to be used, reducing the use of subcarriers with strong interference and improving the anti-interference and anti-frequency selection capabilities of communication based on distributed resource elements. The trigger frame may contain at least two resource element density levels.

[0231] Before an AP schedules multiple STAs to perform uplink multi-user OFDMA interaction, the AP can send a trigger frame to each of the multiple STAs.

[0232] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the AP first determines the resource element (RFI) of each STA and the RFI density level of each RFI. Based on the RFI density level, it selects subcarriers from the RFIs, and the AP sends trigger frames to multiple STAs across the full bandwidth. During transmission, it transmits the Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) of the transmission block (TB). Additionally, it can transmit the Short Interframe Space (SIFS), which is used to separate frames belonging to a single session.

[0233] Optionally, the AP can reuse the signaling of regular resource units to notify the STA of the density level of the resource unit used. For example, it can use the reserved field in the Resource Unit Allocation subfield (RU) to indicate the density level corresponding to the regular resource unit. Alternatively, the AP can send an information exchange frame to the STA to notify it of the density level corresponding to the regular resource unit.

[0234] Since the resource element density level indicates the number of subcarriers and the subcarrier spacing, the STA, upon receiving the resource element density level, can determine the available subcarriers and then transmit OFDMA symbols with the AP on the determined subcarriers.

[0235] The various embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified or in conflict of logic, 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] Figure 10 shows a communication device 1000 when each function is divided into functional modules. The communication device 1000 can perform the actions performed by the first communication device in the method shown in Figure 5. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiment 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 embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] The communication device 1000 may include a transmission module 1001 and a processing module 1002. For example, the communication device 1000 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.

[0241] When the communication device 1000 is a communication equipment, the transmission module 1001 can be a transceiver; the processing module 1002 can be a processor (or a processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs.

[0242] When the communication device 1000 is a component with the above-mentioned transmitting end device functions, the transmission module 1001 may be a radio frequency unit; the processing module 1002 may be a processor (or a processing circuit), such as a baseband processor.

[0243] When the communication device 1000 is a chip system, the transmission module 1001 can be the input / output interface of the chip (e.g., a baseband chip); the processing module 1002 can be the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip system, and may include one or more central processing units.

[0244] It should be understood that the transmission module 1001 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components; the processing module 1002 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuit).

[0245] For example, the transmission module 1001 can be used to perform all the transmission operations performed by the first communication device in the embodiment shown in FIG5, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 1002 is used to control the transmission module 1001 to perform all the transmission operations performed by the first communication device in the embodiment shown in FIG5, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0246] Optionally, the communication device may also include a storage module 1003 for storing data and resource unit density levels, etc.

[0247] As another possible implementation, the transmission module 1001 in FIG10 can be replaced by a transceiver, which can integrate the functions of the transmission module 1001; the processing module 1002 can be replaced by a processor, which can integrate the functions of the processing module 1002. Furthermore, the communication device 1000 shown in FIG10 may also include a memory.

[0248] Alternatively, when the processing module 1002 is replaced by a processor and the transmission module 1001 is replaced by a transceiver, the communication device 1000 involved in the embodiments of this application can also be the communication device 1100 shown in FIG. 11. The processor can be a logic circuit 1101, and the transceiver can be an interface circuit 1102. Furthermore, the communication device 1100 shown in FIG. 11 can also include a memory 1103.

[0249] 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.

[0250] This application also provides a computer program that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] 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, include: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols are transmitted through a first resource unit; wherein the first resource unit includes multiple subcarriers in at least two conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type, and the subcarrier densities in the at least two conventional resource units included in the first resource unit are different.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first resource unit includes a subset of subcarriers in the subcarrier distribution of the at least two conventional resource units.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first resource unit contains conventional resource units with different subcarrier spacings.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first resource unit is generated based on the subcarrier distribution of the at least two conventional resource units indicated by at least two resource unit density levels and at least two conventional resource unit indices, wherein the at least two resource unit density levels indicate different numbers of subcarriers and different subcarrier spacings, and the at least two conventional resource unit indices are used to indicate at least two conventional resource units corresponding to the same resource unit type.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the spectrum status information, at least two regular resource unit indices and at least two resource unit density levels are determined.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spectrum status information includes at least one of channel status information, interference status information, site feedback information, or coexistence information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a trigger frame, the trigger frame containing at least two resource unit density levels.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A functional unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-7; wherein the action performed by the functional unit is implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes one or more transceivers that, under the control of a processor, execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7 under the control of a logic circuit.

11. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes multiple communication devices, each of which performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The communication system includes an access point and multiple stations, and the multiple stations establish a connection with the access point; The access point performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7 to communicate with the plurality of sites.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are executed on a computer, they cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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