Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and an apparatus, relating to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: on a first frequency band, a first apparatus sending and / or receiving a signal that complies with a first communication protocol, the first frequency band being an unlicensed frequency band; and, after a first frame has been received, on a second frequency band, sending a first communication frame and / or receiving a second communication frame, the first frame being used for time synchronization of the first apparatus, the second frequency band being a UWB frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame containing the signal that complies with the first communication protocol. By means of switching the unlicensed frequency band to the UWB frequency band, transmission requirements for a low delay or a massive connection are met. After receiving the first frame, the first apparatus exchanges the communication frames with a second apparatus on the second frequency band. Thus, compared with proactively initiating contention access after a frequency band switch, the solution can avoid a conflict between a STA corresponding to the first apparatus and other STAs during the contention access, and transmission errors caused by time asynchronization.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411434637.1, filed on October 14, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In today's rapidly developing digital age, users are increasingly reliant on wireless networks. Whether for leisure and entertainment at home, intense work in the office, or enjoying convenient network services in public places, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology plays a crucial role. With the explosive growth of smart devices, from mobile phones, tablets, and computers to various smart home devices, the demand for Wi-Fi frequency bands is showing a continuous upward trend.

[0004] However, commonly used unlicensed Wi-Fi frequency bands are insufficient to meet transmission requirements such as low latency or large connections. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that switches unlicensed frequency bands to ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency bands to meet transmission requirements such as low latency or large connectivity.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The method provided in the first aspect can be executed by a first device. Unless otherwise specified, the first device in this application can be a station (STA) device, a component within the STA device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the STA device. For ease of description, the following description will use the example of the first device as the executing entity.

[0007] The method includes: a first device sending a signal conforming to a first communication protocol to a second device on a first frequency band, and / or the first device receiving a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the second device on the first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band; after the first device receives a first frame, the first device sending a first communication frame to the second device on a second frequency band, and / or the first device receiving a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band; wherein the first frame is used for time synchronization of the first device, the second frequency band is a UWB frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame include a signal conforming to the first communication protocol.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the first device switches from the unlicensed frequency band to the UWB frequency band, thereby meeting transmission requirements such as low latency or large connectivity. After receiving the first frame, the first device exchanges communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band. Compared with the scheme of actively initiating contention for access after switching frequency bands, the above scheme can avoid conflicts between the STA corresponding to the first device and other STAs during access competition (for example, when there are many STAs, each STA initiates access competition, resulting in many conflicts between STAs, and some STAs may fail to access successfully for a long time), and avoid transmission errors caused by time asynchrony.

[0009] In some implementations, the transmission period of the first frame is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, the transmission period of the first frame is shorter, thereby reducing the waiting time of the first device and enabling the first device to communicate with the second device on the second frequency band as soon as possible, thus reducing the communication interruption time caused by the first device switching frequency bands.

[0011] In some implementations, the first frame includes any of the following: a beacon frame whose frame body has a number of bytes less than or equal to a second threshold; a null data packet (NDP) frame; a trigger frame; or a synchronization sequence.

[0012] It is understandable that the simplified beacon frames, NDP frames, trigger frames, or synchronization sequence frames mentioned above have fewer bytes. Therefore, the duration of the first frame is relatively short. Based on the above scheme, the time required for the first device to parse the first frame is less, thereby further reducing the waiting time of the first device and enabling the first device to communicate with the second device on the second frequency band as soon as possible, further reducing the communication interruption time caused by the first device switching frequency bands.

[0013] In some implementations, the method further includes: the first device receiving a second frame from the second device on the first frequency band, the second frame indicating at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information of a third device, or a key for communication between the first device and the second device on the second frequency band, wherein the third device is used to transmit the first frame.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, the first device can receive information for communication in the second frequency band on the first frequency band before switching frequency bands. In this way, the first device does not need to receive relevant information after switching to the second frequency band, thereby further reducing the communication interruption time caused by the first device switching frequency bands.

[0015] In some implementations, the first device corresponds to a first module and a second module. The method further includes: the first device receiving a third frame from the second device on a third frequency band via the first module, wherein the third frequency band belongs to the unlicensed frequency band, and the third frame indicating at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, MCS, information of the third device, or a key for communication between the first device and the second device on the second frequency band; the third device transmitting the first frame; the first device transmitting a first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band including: the first device transmitting the first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band via the second module; and the first device receiving a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band including: the first device receiving the second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band via the second module.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, in the case of multiple radio frequency connections, the first device can receive information for communication in the second frequency band through the radio frequency connection without switching frequency bands. In this way, the first device does not need to receive relevant information after switching to the second frequency band, thereby further reducing the communication interruption time caused by the first device switching frequency bands.

[0017] In some implementations, the third frame is also used to indicate handover completion information, which indicates that the second device has established a radio frequency connection for communication on the second frequency band.

[0018] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The method provided in this application can be executed by a second device. Unless otherwise specified, the second device in this application can be an access point (AP) device, a component within the AP device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the AP device. For ease of description, the following description will use the example of the second device as the executing entity.

[0019] The method includes: a second device sending a signal conforming to a first communication protocol to a first device on a first frequency band, and / or the second device receiving a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the first device on the first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band; after the second device sends a first frame to the first device, or after the second device receives the first frame, the second device receiving a first communication frame from the first device on the second frequency band, and / or the second device sending a second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band; wherein the first frame is used for time synchronization of the second device, the second frequency band is an ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame includes a signal conforming to the first communication protocol.

[0020] In some implementations, the transmission period of the first frame is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0021] In some implementations, the first frame includes any of the following: a beacon frame whose frame body has fewer than or equal to a second threshold in bytes; an empty data packet (NDP) frame; a trigger frame; or a synchronization sequence.

[0022] In some implementations, the method further includes: the second device sending a second frame to the first device on the first frequency band, the second frame indicating at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information of a third device, or a key for communication between the first device and the second device on the second frequency band, wherein the third device is used to send the first frame.

[0023] In some implementations, the second device corresponds to the third module and the fourth module. The method further includes: the second device sending a third frame to the first device via the third module on a third frequency band, wherein the third frequency band belongs to the unlicensed frequency band, and the third frame is used to indicate at least one of the time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, MCS, information of the third device, or a key for communication between the first device and the second device on the second frequency band; the third device is used to send the first frame; wherein the second device receiving a first communication frame from the first device on the second frequency band includes: the second device receiving the first communication frame from the first device on the second frequency band via the fourth module; wherein the second device sending a second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band includes: the second device sending the second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band via the fourth module.

[0024] In some implementations, the third frame is also used to indicate handover completion information, which indicates that the second device has established a radio frequency connection for communication on the second frequency band.

[0025] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, including processing circuitry (or a processor) and an input / output interface (also referred to as an interface circuit), the input / output interface being used for inputting and / or outputting signals, the processing circuitry being used to perform the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or the processing circuitry being used to perform the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0026] In some implementations, the processing circuitry is used to communicate with other devices via an interface circuitry and to perform the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or to perform the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0027] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device may include units or modules for performing the functions of the communication device.

[0028] In some implementations, the communication device may include modules, units, or means for performing the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0029] The device includes a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit a signal conforming to a first communication protocol to a second device on a first frequency band, and / or receive a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the second device on the first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. After receiving a first frame, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a first communication frame to the second device on a second frequency band, and / or receive a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band; wherein the first frame is used for time synchronization of the first device, the second frequency band is a UWB frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame include a signal conforming to the first communication protocol.

[0030] In some implementations, the transmission period of the first frame is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0031] In some implementations, the first frame includes any of the following: a beacon frame, the number of bytes in the frame body of which is less than or equal to the second threshold; an NDP frame; a trigger frame; or a synchronization sequence.

[0032] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive a second frame from the second device on the first frequency band, the second frame being configured to indicate at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, MCS, information of a third device, or a key of the first device communicating with the second device on the second frequency band, wherein the third device is configured to transmit the first frame.

[0033] In some implementations, the first device corresponds to a first module and a second module, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive a third frame from the second device on a third frequency band via the first module, wherein the third frequency band belongs to the unlicensed frequency band, and the third frame is used to indicate at least one of the time domain resources, frequency domain resources, MCS, information of the third device, or key of the first device communicating with the second device on the second frequency band, and the third device is used to send the first frame; wherein the transceiver unit is specifically configured to: send the first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band via the second module, and / or receive the second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band via the second module.

[0034] In some implementations, the third frame is also used to indicate handover completion information, which indicates that the second device has established a radio frequency connection for communication on the second frequency band.

[0035] In some implementations, the communication device may include modules, units, or means for performing the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0036] The device includes a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit a signal conforming to a first communication protocol to a first device on a first frequency band, and / or receive a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the first device on the first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. After transmitting a first frame to the first device, or receiving a first frame, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive a first communication frame from the first device on a second frequency band, and / or transmit a second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band; wherein the first frame is used for time synchronization of the second device, the second frequency band is an ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame include a signal conforming to the first communication protocol.

[0037] In some implementations, the transmission period of the first frame is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0038] In some implementations, the first frame includes any of the following: a beacon frame whose frame body has fewer than or equal to a second threshold in bytes; an empty data packet (NDP) frame; a trigger frame; or a synchronization sequence.

[0039] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a second frame to the first device on the first frequency band, the second frame being configured to indicate at least one of the time domain resources, frequency domain resources, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information of a third device, or a key of the first device communicating with the second device on the second frequency band, wherein the third device is configured to send the first frame.

[0040] In some implementations, the second device corresponds to the third module and the fourth module. The transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit a third frame to the first device via the third module on a third frequency band, wherein the third frequency band belongs to the unlicensed frequency band; the third frame indicates at least one of the time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, MCS, information of the third device, or a key for communication between the first device and the second device on the second frequency band; and the third device transmits the first frame. Specifically, the transceiver unit is configured to: receive the first communication frame from the first device on the second frequency band via the fourth module, and / or transmit the second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band via the fourth module.

[0041] In some implementations, the third frame is also used to indicate handover completion information, which indicates that the second device has established a radio frequency connection for communication on the second frequency band.

[0042] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be performed (or implemented), or cause the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be performed (or implemented).

[0043] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be performed (or implemented), or cause the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be performed (or implemented).

[0044] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, including a processor for executing (or implementing) any of the possible methods of the first aspect above, or for executing (or implementing) any of the possible methods of the second aspect above, by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the device also includes a memory. In another possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together. In yet another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device. The processor may include one or more processors.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0047] In one implementation, the communication device of the third, fourth, or seventh aspect mentioned above can be a chip or a chip system.

[0048] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory to cause any of the implementations of the first aspect to be executed (or implemented), or to cause any of the implementations of the second aspect to be executed (or implemented).

[0049] In some implementations, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0050] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a first device and a second device, the first device being configured to perform the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the second device being configured to perform the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] The description of the beneficial effects of any of the second to ninth aspects can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the application scenario to which the embodiments of this application are applicable.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a working frequency band switching provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another operating frequency band switching provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] In this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0063] I. In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one 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 of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0064] II. In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) indicate distinctions made for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may distinguish different messages, rather than describing a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0065] Third, in this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0066] IV. In this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" can include both direct (or explicit) and indirect (or implicit) instruction. When describing instruction information as indicating A, it can include whether the instruction information directly or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction information carries A. For example, in the case of indirect (or implicit) instruction, the receiving end of the instruction information can obtain A based on the parameters indicated by the instruction information, combined with other rules or parameters, or through deduction.

[0067] V. The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0068] VI. In this application, "protocol" can refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as 5G protocols, new radio (NR) protocols, and related protocols applied to future communication systems; this application does not limit this term. "Predefined" can include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device; this application does not limit the implementation method.

[0069] VII. In this application, "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," "data processing," etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and "receiving." For example, transmission can be uplink transmission, such as a terminal device sending a signal to a network device; transmission can also be downlink transmission, such as a network device sending a signal to a terminal device; transmission can also be sidelink transmission, such as a terminal device sending a signal to another terminal device. For example, "transmission" can be air interface level transmission, or it can be signal transmission from a chip input (I) / output (O) port, rather than air interface level transmission.

[0070] 8. In this application, terms such as “message”, “information”, “signal” or “information element (IE)” can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0071] 9. "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that 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. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, "sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0072] 10. In this application, terms such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions to present concepts in a specific manner. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," "corresponding," and "associate" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0073] XI. In this application, configuration can be signaling configuration or can be described as configuring signaling. For example, signaling configuration includes configuration using signaling sent by network devices, which can be radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI) messages, or system information blocks (SIBs). Another example is signaling configuration between network devices. These network devices can include access network devices, core network devices, or management plane devices, etc. Optionally, signaling configuration can also be configured to terminal devices or network devices by pre-configured signaling, or configured to terminal devices or network devices through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration means defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance using a protocol, and storing them in the terminal device or network device during communication. Pre-configured messages can be modified or updated when the terminal device or network device is connected to the network.

[0074] 12. This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. Each system may include devices, components, modules, etc., other than those illustrated, and / or may not include all and all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0075] Thirteen, the business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0076] XIV. In the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0077] Short-range communication enables communication between electronic devices that are relatively close to each other. Examples of access technologies used in short-range communication include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, and ZigBee. Unless otherwise specified, the access technologies mentioned below refer to short-range access technologies.

[0078] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, they support IEEE 802.11 related standards, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11ad, 802.11ay, or 802.11bf, as well as 802.11be next generation, Wi-Fi 8, etc. They can also be applied to ultra-wideband (UWB) based wireless personal area network systems, such as the 802.15 series standards, and to sensing systems, such as the 802.11bf series standards. Furthermore, they can be applied to the 802.11bn standard, integrated millimeter wave (IMMW) protocols, or ultra-high reliability (UHR) standards. This application can also support the Spark Link / NearLink standard protocol.

[0079] Furthermore, the technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to fifth-generation (5G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and NR systems. thThis includes various mobile communication systems such as 5G, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), satellite communication systems, LTE-machine-to-machine (LTE-M) systems, and other systems that evolve after 5G, such as future mobile communication systems.

[0080] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited to these. They will be uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0081] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the application scenario applicable to the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication method provided by this application is applicable to communication between stations (STAs). A station can be an access point (AP) type STA or a non-access point station (non-AP STA), and this application does not limit the type. In the embodiments of this application, AP type stations can be simply referred to as APs, and non-AP STAs can be simply referred to as STAs. Specifically, the solution of this application is applicable to communication between an AP and one or more stations (e.g., communication between AP1 and STA1, STA2), communication between APs (e.g., communication between AP1 and AP2), and communication between STAs (e.g., communication between STA2 and STA3).

[0082] An access point (AP) can convert wired network signals into wireless signals and manage and control the network. A standby point (STA) can access the network by establishing a connection with the AP.

[0083] For example, an Access Point (AP) can be a node for a STA (e.g., a mobile phone) to access a wired (or wireless) network. For instance, an AP can be deployed in homes, inside buildings, and within campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Alternatively, an AP can be deployed outdoors. An AP can act 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.

[0084] For example, an AP can be a terminal or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. This network device can be a server (or communication server), a wireless access point (WAP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a mobile hotspot device (also known as a hotspot), a wireless access point controller (AC), a router, a switch, a bridge, a computer, a mobile phone, a relay station, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in a 5G network, a network device in a future communication network, or a network device in a public land mobile network (PLMN), etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited to these. The AP can be a device that supports Wi-Fi standards. For example, the AP can also support one or more standards in the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn / UHR, 802.11ad, or 802.11ay. APs can also be used for devices that support UWB transmission.

[0085] A Station (STA) can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, etc. A STA can be fixed or mobile. A STA can also be referred to as a user. Exemplarily, a STA can include user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. A station can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, IoT device, wearable device, terminal device in a 5G network, terminal device in a future communication network, or terminal device in a PLMN, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited thereto.STA can also include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, PDAs, portable computers, desktop computers, laptops, handheld computers, ultra-mobile personal computers (umPCs), mobile internet devices (MIDs), netbooks, cameras, camcorders, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), artificial intelligence (AI) devices, wearable devices (such as smartwatches and smart bracelets), in-vehicle devices (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, and smart cities. Wireless terminals in a city, or wireless terminals in a smart home, and flying equipment (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc.

[0086] The STA in this embodiment can be equipped with system, system, system, system, This application does not limit the application to other types of operating systems.

[0087] A STA can be a device that supports WLAN standards. For example, a station can support one or more standards from the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn / UHR, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay. A STA can also be a device that supports UWB transmission.

[0088] For example, STA can be mobile phones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs, smart wearable devices, in-vehicle communication devices, computers, Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, sensors, smart home devices such as smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities.

[0089] The aforementioned AP or STA may include a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, a processor, etc., wherein the transmitter and receiver are used for transmitting and receiving packet structures, respectively, the memory is used to store signaling information and pre-agreed preset values, etc., and the processor is used to parse signaling information and process related data, etc.

[0090] In recent years, more applications have placed higher demands on the throughput and latency of wireless communication networks, such as transmitting 4K / 8K video, virtual reality (VR) technology, augmented reality (AR) technology, gaming (e.g., latency requirements below 5 milliseconds), remote work, online video conferencing, and cloud computing. To meet the low latency and massive connectivity needs of future terminal devices, commonly used Wi-Fi frequency bands, such as the unlicensed spectrum of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, are no longer sufficient. The simultaneous connection and data transmission of a large number of devices leads to limited and congested commonly used frequency bands, resulting in severe signal interference. This not only reduces network transmission speed and stability but also frequently causes connection interruptions, high latency, and low quality of service (QoS), significantly impacting the user experience.

[0091] Based on the low latency and high connectivity requirements of future terminal devices, this application proposes extending the operating frequency band of current Wi-Fi wireless communication devices to the ultra-wideband (UWB) band (e.g., 8GHz) to avoid the impact of other devices in unlicensed frequency bands (e.g., 2.4GHz, 5GHz) on Wi-Fi signal transmission. In this application, such a Wi-Fi device with an extended operating frequency band can be referred to as an extended Wi-Fi device, and the UWB band can be referred to as an extended Wi-Fi band.

[0092] In this embodiment, a channel, also known as a transmission channel or frequency band, refers to a channel used for transmitting data using wireless signals as the transmission carrier. In other words, channel, transmission channel, and frequency band are interchangeable. Frequency point and bandwidth can be used to describe a wireless channel. Frequency point and bandwidth together determine the frequency range of signals transmitted on that channel.

[0093] Wi-Fi technology can include WLAN connectivity technologies based on the IEEE series of standards. Traditional Wi-Fi technology uses radio waves in specific frequency bands, such as 2.4GHz or 5GHz, to transmit data, enabling wireless communication and network connectivity between devices. Wi-Fi technology converts wired network signals into wireless signals, allowing Wi-Fi-enabled devices to access the network within a certain range (e.g., tens to hundreds of meters, depending on signal strength and environmental obstacles) without physical cables. This allows them to access internet resources, share files, transfer data, and access various network-based applications and services.

[0094] 5GHz channels can offer higher wireless transmission speeds than 2.4GHz channels; for example, the minimum wireless transmission speed on a 5GHz band channel can reach 433 megabits per second (Mbps). Some devices accessing the 5GHz band can achieve wireless transmission speeds exceeding 1 gigabits per second (Gbps).

[0095] For example, the bandwidth of 2.4 GHz can be 83.5 MHz, and the bandwidth of 5 GHz can reach 555 MHz. In the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band can be divided into multiple channels. Frequency overlap exists between adjacent channels. If wireless connections use the same or overlapping channels, channel contention may occur, affecting the quality of the wireless link. This is because electromagnetic waves encountering waves of the same frequency will produce interference, such as superposition or attenuation based on phase differences. If there are different Wi-Fi access points (APs) in a coverage area, many APs using the same channel simultaneously may cause severe signal interference, resulting in slower network speeds. To effectively avoid mutual interference caused by channel overlap, wireless connections should ideally operate on non-overlapping, i.e., independent channels.

[0096] For example, the radio frequency range of the 2.4 GHz band can be 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. The radio frequency range of the 5 GHz band can include at least one of 5.150 GHz to 5.350 GHz, 5.725 GHz to 5.825 GHz, or 5.470 GHz to 5.725 GHz.

[0097] In this application embodiment, the unlicensed frequency band for Wi-Fi may include the 2.4GHz band and / or the 5GHz band. However, this application is not limited to this; for example, the unlicensed frequency band may also include frequency bands that may be allocated for Wi-Fi communication in the future.

[0098] Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology can transmit data using nanosecond-level non-sinusoidal narrow pulses, thus occupying a wide spectral range. UWB signals can possess characteristics such as very wide spectral bandwidth, short pulses, low interference, or low power density. UWB technology features low system complexity, low transmitted signal power spectral density, low interception capability, and high positioning accuracy, making it applicable to short-range high-speed wireless data communication, positioning, ranging, and sensing. In this embodiment, the operating frequency range applicable to UWB technology can be referred to as the UWB band.

[0099] The extended Wi-Fi device proposed in this application embodiment can operate in both unlicensed Wi-Fi frequency bands and UWB frequency bands. Currently, the UWB system defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) typically covers the 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz frequency band; however, other specific UWB frequency bands may be permitted in other regions.

[0100] For example, the UWB band may include 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz, 7.163 GHz to 8.812 GHz, 3.4 GHz to 4.8 GHz, 6.0 GHz to 8.5 GHz or other bands.

[0101] The UWB frequency bands specified in different regions at different times may vary. In the embodiments of this application, the UWB frequency band may include the UWB frequency band specified in any region at present (e.g., 3.1GHz to 10.6GHz), or the UWB frequency band specified in any region in the future. No specific limitation is made.

[0102] Furthermore, this application does not limit the operating frequency range of a specific UWB frequency point within the UWB band. For example, the operating frequency range of 8GHz could be 7163-8812MHz. This operating frequency range can be referred to as the UWB band or the 8GHz UWB band.

[0103] The operating frequency range of UWB frequencies may vary in different regions and at different times. In this embodiment, the operating frequency range of UWB frequencies may include the operating frequency range of UWB frequencies specified in any region at present (e.g., 8GHz corresponds to 7163-8812MHz), or it may include the operating frequency range of UWB frequencies specified in any region in the future. No specific limitation is made.

[0104] To adapt to the signal transmission needs of different scenarios, extended Wi-Fi devices can have the ability to switch between different frequency bands. For example, since the UWB band performs better than the unlicensed Wi-Fi band in terms of short-range high-speed data transmission and accurate positioning, the UWB band can be used for short-range high-speed transmission, while the unlicensed band can be used for long-range transmission.

[0105] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 is only an example, and the application scenarios of this application embodiment may also include other scenarios besides those shown in Figure 2.

[0106] As shown in Figure 2, with the AP as the center, the STA moves from point A to point B. The coverage area of ​​the first frequency band can be the coverage area of ​​the unlicensed Wi-Fi band, and the coverage area of ​​the second frequency band can be the coverage area of ​​the UWB band. The coverage area of ​​the unlicensed Wi-Fi band is larger than that of the UWB band. The STA moves from point A, which is farther from the AP, to point B, which is closer to the AP. That is, the STA moves from the coverage area of ​​the first frequency band to the coverage area of ​​the second frequency band. Since the UWB band has shorter latency and better signal quality than the unlicensed Wi-Fi band at close range, the Wi-Fi connection between the STA and the AP can be switched from the unlicensed Wi-Fi band to the UWB band.

[0107] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 300 switches from an unlicensed frequency band to a UWB frequency band, thereby meeting transmission requirements such as low latency and large connectivity. Optional operations in method 300 are shown in Figure 3 with dashed lines. The various operations of method 300 are described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0108] S320, the first device and the second device exchange signals conforming to the first communication protocol on the first frequency band.

[0109] The first frequency band can be an unlicensed frequency band. For example, the first frequency band may include the 2.4 GHz band and / or the 5 GHz band. Alternatively, the first frequency band may include other frequency bands within the unlicensed frequency bands.

[0110] For example, the first communication protocol may be a related protocol of IEEE 802.11. The first communication protocol may also be called a Wi-Fi protocol. A signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol may also be called a Wi-Fi signal. In future communications, the first communication protocol may also be called a Wi-Fi protocol, or have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0111] The following description uses Wi-Fi signals as an example of "signals conforming to the first communication protocol".

[0112] A Wi-Fi signal can be understood as a signal that can be processed according to the Wi-Fi protocol. For example, the signal can be sent and received according to the Wi-Fi protocol. Another example is that the signal can be modulated and demodulated according to the Wi-Fi protocol. Yet another example is that the signal can carry fields specified by the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0113] For example, a signal conforming to the first communication protocol can be used to carry a communication frame conforming to the first communication protocol. The communication frame may include a management frame, a data frame, or other frames.

[0114] The above S320 can be understood as the first device and the second device communicating on the first frequency band.

[0115] In some possible implementations, the above S320 may include: the first device sending a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the second device on the first frequency band, and / or the first device receiving a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the second device on the first frequency band.

[0116] Correspondingly, the second device receives a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the first device on the first frequency band, and / or the second device sends a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the first device on the first frequency band.

[0117] In some examples, the first device may transmit signals conforming to the first communication protocol only on the first frequency band, or receive signals conforming to the first communication protocol.

[0118] In other examples, the first device may transmit or receive signals conforming to a first communication protocol on a first frequency band.

[0119] S330, the operating frequency band of at least one radio frequency module of the first device is switched to the second frequency band. Correspondingly, the operating frequency band of at least one radio frequency module of the second device is switched to the second frequency band.

[0120] This application does not limit the order in which the first device and the second device switch the operating frequency band. For example, the first device and the second device can switch the operating frequency band to the second frequency band simultaneously. Another example is that the first device can switch the operating frequency band to the second frequency band first, and then the second device can switch the operating frequency band to the second frequency band. Yet another example is that the third device can switch the operating frequency band to the second frequency band first, and then the first device can switch the operating frequency band to the second frequency band.

[0121] For example, the radio frequency module can be a radio frequency link (or radio frequency circuit). The radio frequency link of the first device can establish a radio frequency connection with the radio frequency link of the second device to achieve communication.

[0122] In S330 above, at least one radio frequency module switching to the second frequency band can be all radio frequency modules of the first device or some radio frequency modules of the first device. Correspondingly, at least one radio frequency module switching to the second frequency band can be all radio frequency modules of the second device or some radio frequency modules of the second device.

[0123] In some possible implementations, prior to S330, method 300 further includes: the first device negotiating a frequency band switch with the second device. For example, the second device may notify the first device to perform a frequency band switch. Alternatively, the first device may request the second device to perform a frequency band switch.

[0124] S350, the first device and the second device exchange communication frames on the second frequency band.

[0125] The second frequency band can belong to the UWB band. For example, the UWB band can include the 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz band. The UWB band can also include other frequency bands. In future communications, the UWB band can also be called by other names, and this application does not limit it.

[0126] The above S350 can be understood as the first device and the second device communicating on the second frequency band.

[0127] In some possible implementations, the above S350 may include: the first device sending a first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band, and / or the first device receiving a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band.

[0128] Correspondingly, the second device receives the first communication frame from the first device on the second frequency band, and / or the second device sends the second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band.

[0129] In some examples, the first device may transmit the first communication frame only on the second frequency band, or receive the second communication frame.

[0130] In other examples, the first device may transmit the first communication frame on the second frequency band, or receive the second communication frame on the second frequency band.

[0131] The first communication frame and / or the second communication frame include signals conforming to the first communication protocol.

[0132] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "signal conforming to the first communication protocol" can refer to a type of signal. The "signal conforming to the first communication protocol" in different operations of method 300 may not be exactly the same, but they all conform to the first communication protocol. For example, in S320, the "signal conforming to the first communication protocol" sent by the first device to the second device and the "signal conforming to the first communication protocol" included in the first communication frame in S350 may carry different information, but they both conform to the first communication protocol.

[0133] Taking a Wi-Fi signal as an example, the "signal that conforms to the first communication protocol".

[0134] The first communication frame and / or the second communication frame may include at least one Wi-Fi signal. For example, the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame may include at least one complete Wi-Fi signal.

[0135] The first communication frame and / or the second communication frame may also include other signals, which are not limited in this application. The aforementioned "other signals" can be signals other than Wi-Fi signals. For example, "other signals" can be signals that satisfy the UWB protocol.

[0136] The first communication frame and / or the second communication frame can be referred to as an extended Wi-Fi signal. In other words, the extended Wi-Fi signal may include the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame. The above S350 can also be understood as: the first device and the second device interactively extend the Wi-Fi signal on the second frequency band.

[0137] Optionally, the bandwidth of the signals exchanged between the first device and the second device on the first frequency band is less than the bandwidth of the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame. The bandwidth of the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame can also be referred to as the extended bandwidth. For example, the extended bandwidth can be greater than the signal bandwidth specified by the Wi-Fi protocol. In other words, the extended bandwidth can be greater than the bandwidth of the Wi-Fi signal.

[0138] Based on the above scheme, the first device switches the unlicensed frequency band to the UWB frequency band, thereby meeting the transmission requirements such as low latency or large connection.

[0139] In some examples, after the first device switches from the unlicensed frequency band to the UWB frequency band, it may not actively send communication frames to the second device. Instead, it may communicate with the second device on the second frequency band after detecting the first frame. This will be explained in detail below.

[0140] In some possible implementations, before S350, method 500 may also include S340 or S345, which will be described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0141] S340, the second device sends a first frame to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first frame from the second device.

[0142] The first frame can be used for time synchronization between the first device and the second device.

[0143] For example, after the second device switches to the second frequency band, the second device can listen within the communication domain to see if there is an AP (denoted as the domain master device) that is already communicating on the second frequency band. All devices communicating on the second frequency band in this communication domain synchronize their time with the domain master device.

[0144] If the second device does not detect the domain master device, then the second device may execute S340 as described above. In this case, the second device may also be referred to as the domain master device. In other words, if the second device does not detect the domain master device, then the second device is the domain master device. The second device may send the first frame to the first device on a second frequency band, or it may send the first frame to the first device on other frequency bands; this application does not limit this.

[0145] If the second device detects the domain master device (for example, referred to as the third device), the second device may not execute the above-described S340.

[0146] In some possible implementations, if the aforementioned domain master device exists, the second device can acquire information about the domain master device (e.g., information about the third device), thereby enabling it to receive communication frames (e.g., a first frame for time synchronization) sent by the domain master device. Further, in some possible implementations, the second device can send information about the domain master device to the first device, enabling the first device to receive communication frames (e.g., a first frame for time synchronization) sent by the domain master device.

[0147] The third device can be an AP device (e.g., an AP device different from the AP device corresponding to the second device), a component of the AP device, or a module or unit that can realize the functions of the AP device.

[0148] The third device, the second device, and the first device can belong to the same communication domain. For example, this communication domain can be a basic service set (BSS). Prior to S350, the third device could communicate on the second frequency band.

[0149] S345, the third device sends a first frame to the first device and a first frame to the second device.

[0150] Correspondingly, the first device receives a first frame from the third device. This first frame is used for time synchronization between the first device and the third device.

[0151] Correspondingly, the second device receives a first frame from the third device. This first frame is used for time synchronization between the second and third devices.

[0152] The first and second devices are both time-synchronized with the third device; therefore, the first and second devices are also time-synchronized.

[0153] The third device may send the first frame to both the first and second devices simultaneously, or it may not send the first frame to both devices simultaneously. For example, the third device may send the first frame to the first device first, and then send the first frame to the second device; or it may send the first frame to the second device first, and then send the first frame to the first device. This application does not limit the time interval between the third device sending the first frame to the first and second devices.

[0154] In the above S345, the third device can send the first frame to the first device and the second device on the second frequency band.

[0155] The above-mentioned S340 and S345 can also be understood as the domain master device of the communication domain in which the first device and the second device reside sending the first frame, thereby synchronizing the time between the first device and the second device. In this way, the first device and the second device can align the time domain resources (e.g., transmission time slots) used for data transmission, thereby ensuring transmission quality.

[0156] In some possible implementations, S350 includes: after the first device receives the first frame, the first device and the second device exchange communication frames on the second frequency band. The first frame can be used for time synchronization of the first device.

[0157] For example, after the first device receives the first frame, the first device sends a first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band, and / or the first device receives a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band.

[0158] In some examples, the first device is not allowed to compete for access on resources allocated to both the first and second devices. For downlink transmissions, after the first device receives a beacon frame, it can receive a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band. The first frame can be the aforementioned beacon frame. For uplink transmissions, after the first device receives the beacon frame, it can wait for a trigger frame from the second device. After receiving the trigger frame, the first device can send a first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band. The first frame can be either the aforementioned beacon frame or the aforementioned trigger frame.

[0159] In other examples, the first device is allowed to contend for access on resources allocated to both the first and second devices. The first device can contend for access after receiving a beacon frame. Upon successful contention, the first device can send a first communication frame to the second device on a second frequency band, and / or the first device can receive a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band. The first frame can be the aforementioned beacon frame.

[0160] The first frame mentioned above can be from the second device or from the third device. If the first frame comes from the second device, it can be used for time synchronization between the first and second devices. If the first frame comes from the third device, it can be used for time synchronization between the first and third devices. Alternatively, since the third device also synchronizes its time with the second device, if the first frame comes from the third device, it can also be understood as being used for time synchronization between the first and second devices.

[0161] In some possible implementations, S350 includes: the second device sending a first frame to the first device, or, after the second device receives the first frame, the second device and the first device exchanging communication frames on a second frequency band. The first frame is used for time synchronization of the second device.

[0162] For example, the second device sends a first frame to the first device, or after the second device receives the first frame, the second device receives a first communication frame from the first device on a second frequency band, and / or the second device sends a second communication frame to the first device on a second frequency band.

[0163] When the second device sends the first frame to the first device, the first frame can be used for time synchronization between the first device and the second device.

[0164] When the second device receives the first frame, the first frame can originate from the third device. The first frame can be used for event synchronization between the second and third devices. Since the third device also synchronizes its time with the first device, when the second device receives the first frame, the first frame can also be understood as being used for time synchronization between the first and second devices.

[0165] In some possible implementations, the first device does not exchange communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band before receiving the first frame. Similarly, the second device does not exchange communication frames with the first device on the second frequency band before sending the first frame to the first device, and / or before receiving the first frame. That is, after the first device switches from the unlicensed frequency band to the UWB frequency band, it may not actively send communication frames to the second device until it detects the first frame, at which point the first device and the second device communicate on the UWB frequency band. For example, after detecting the first frame, the first device does not need to re-enter the network and can communicate with the second device on the UWB frequency band. The above scheme can also be understood as the AP centrally scheduling STAs, making the latency of each STA determinable. Those skilled in the art will understand that if all STAs compete for access, some STAs may fail to access successfully for a long time, resulting in a larger transmission latency for these STAs.

[0166] Based on the above scheme, after receiving the first frame, the first device exchanges communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band. Compared with the scheme of actively initiating contention for access after switching frequency bands, the above scheme can avoid conflicts between the STA corresponding to the first device and other STAs when competing for access (for example, when there are many STAs, each STA initiates contention for access, and there are many conflicts between the STAs, and some STAs may fail to access successfully for a long time), and avoid transmission errors caused by time asynchrony.

[0167] In some possible implementations, the transmission period of the first frame is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0168] The first threshold can be a small value. For example, the first threshold could be 0.1 milliseconds (ms), 0.5 ms, or other values.

[0169] The first frame can be sent periodically.

[0170] For example, if the second device is a domain master device, after switching its operating frequency band to the second frequency band, the second device can periodically send the first frame to the first device. After switching its operating frequency band to the second frequency band, the first device can detect the first frame. After receiving the complete first frame, the first device begins exchanging communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band.

[0171] For example, if the third device is the domain master device, it can periodically send a first frame to both the first and second devices. After switching its operating frequency to the second frequency band, the first device can detect the first frame. After receiving the complete first frame, the first device begins exchanging communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band. Similarly, after switching its operating frequency to the second frequency band, the second device can detect the first frame. After receiving the complete first frame, the second device begins exchanging communication frames with the first device on the second frequency band.

[0172] Based on the above scheme, the transmission period of the first frame is shorter, thereby reducing the waiting time of the first device and enabling the first device to communicate with the second device on the second frequency band as soon as possible, thus reducing the communication interruption time caused by the first device switching frequency bands.

[0173] In some possible implementations, the first frame includes any of the following:

[0174] A beacon frame. The frame body of this beacon frame has a number of bytes less than or equal to a second threshold. This beacon frame can be a communication frame that conforms to the Wi-Fi protocol. For distinction, the above-mentioned beacon frame can also be called a simplified beacon frame.

[0175] A null data packet (NDP) frame. This NDP frame can be a communication frame that conforms to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0176] Trigger frame. This trigger frame can be a communication frame that conforms to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0177] Synchronization sequence. This synchronization sequence may not conform to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0178] The second threshold can be a small value. For example, the second threshold can be 100 bytes, 200 bytes, or other values.

[0179] The aforementioned beacon frame can carry a small amount of information, such as limited device information, time synchronization information, or other information. This type of beacon frame can also be called a simplified beacon frame.

[0180] The duration of the first frame mentioned above is relatively short. The first frame may also be called a short-time communication frame or other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0181] It is understandable that the simplified beacon frames, NDP frames, trigger frames, or synchronization sequence frames mentioned above have fewer bytes. Therefore, the duration of the first frame is relatively short. Based on the above scheme, the time required for the first device to parse the first frame is less, thereby further reducing the waiting time of the first device and enabling the first device to communicate with the second device on the second frequency band as soon as possible, further reducing the communication interruption time caused by the first device switching frequency bands.

[0182] However, this application does not limit the specific type of the first frame. The first frame can also be a beacon frame, NDP frame, trigger frame, or other communication frame other than a synchronization sequence.

[0183] The first device may have one or more radio frequency (RF) modules. The second device may have one or more RF modules. Scenario Example 1 and Scenario Example 2 are described below based on the different numbers of RF modules in the first and second devices.

[0184] Scenario Example 1: Switching the operating frequency band in a multi-RF module.

[0185] The following example, Scenario 1, is illustrated with reference to Figure 4.

[0186] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a working frequency band switching provided in an embodiment of this application. The first device may have multiple radio frequency modules. Taking two of the above multiple radio frequency modules as examples, they are referred to as the first module and the second module, respectively. The second device may have multiple radio frequency modules. Taking two of the above multiple radio frequency modules as examples, they are referred to as the third module and the fourth module, respectively.

[0187] Referring to Figure 4(a), the first module of the first device can establish a radio frequency connection with the third module of the second device (denoted as the second radio frequency connection). The second module of the first device can establish a radio frequency connection with the fourth module of the second device (denoted as the first radio frequency connection).

[0188] In some possible implementations, the above-described S320 may include: the first device and the second device interacting with signals conforming to the first communication protocol on a first frequency band via a first radio frequency connection. For example, the first device sends signals conforming to the first communication protocol to the second device on the first frequency band via a second module, and correspondingly, the second device receives signals conforming to the first communication protocol from the first device on the first frequency band via a fourth module. As another example, the first device receives signals conforming to the first communication protocol from the second device on the first frequency band via a second module, and correspondingly, the second device sends signals conforming to the first communication protocol to the first device on the first frequency band via a fourth module.

[0189] In some possible implementations, method 300 may further include: the first device and the second device exchanging signals conforming to the first communication protocol on a third frequency band via a second radio frequency connection. For example, the first device sends a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the second device on the third frequency band via a first module, and correspondingly, the second device receives a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the first device on the third frequency band via a third module. As another example, the first device receives a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the second device on the third frequency band via a first module, and correspondingly, the second device sends a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the first device on the third frequency band via a third module.

[0190] The third frequency band can belong to the unlicensed frequency band. For example, the third frequency band and the first frequency band can belong to two different frequency bands in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0191] For example, the third frequency band can be 2.4 GHz and the first frequency band can be 5 GHz. However, this application is not limited to this, and the third frequency band and the first frequency band can also be other unlicensed frequency bands.

[0192] Referring to Figures 4(b) and (c), in some possible implementations, S330 includes: the first device disconnecting the first radio frequency connection; the first device establishing a third radio frequency connection via a second module, the third radio frequency connection being a connection on a second frequency band. Correspondingly, the second device disconnecting the first radio frequency connection; the second device establishing the third radio frequency connection via a fourth module. For example, the second frequency band may be 8 GHz.

[0193] In the above scheme, after the first RF connection is disconnected, data is no longer transmitted through the second and fourth modules to avoid packet loss. Furthermore, after the first RF connection is disconnected, the first device and the second device can maintain data transmission through the second RF connection.

[0194] In some possible implementations, method 300 also includes S335 before S350. This will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 3.

[0195] S335, the first device receives a third frame from the second device on the third frequency band via the first module. Correspondingly, the second device transmits a third frame to the first device on the third frequency band via the third module.

[0196] The third frame can be used to indicate at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, MCS, information of the third device, key, or handover completion information of the first device communicating with the second device on the second frequency band.

[0197] For example, the third frame indicates time-domain resources and may include time slot allocation information and transmission time slot information. The transmission time slot information may indicate the time slot in which the first device begins transmitting data after receiving the first frame. The format of the transmission time slot information includes, but is not limited to, time intervals and integer multiples of time-domain units. For example, the transmission time slot information may include a time interval dt, indicating that after dt from the moment the first device receives the first frame, it can begin exchanging communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band. As another example, the transmission time slot information may include an integer multiple of time-domain units ts (i.e., ts*N), indicating that after ts*N from the moment the first device receives the first frame, it can begin exchanging communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band. For example, the time-domain unit ts may be one or more time slots, one or more symbols, or other time-domain units.

[0198] The time slot allocation information can indicate the transmission time slots that the second device allocates to the first device.

[0199] For example, the third frame indicates frequency domain resources and may include at least one of the channel number, center frequency, or transmission bandwidth of the second frequency band.

[0200] For example, the information of the third device may include the identifier of the third device, such as the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the third device.

[0201] The handover completion information can be used to indicate that the second device has established a radio frequency connection for communication on the second frequency band.

[0202] The aforementioned third frame can be understood as indicating the information required for the first device to communicate with the second device on the second frequency band.

[0203] In some possible implementations, the first device can send a 'handover completion' message to the second device on the third frequency band via the first module. This 'handover completion' message can be used to indicate that the first device has established a radio frequency connection for communication on the second frequency band.

[0204] The above scheme can also be understood as follows: after the first radio frequency connection completes the frequency switching, the first and second devices can use the second radio frequency connection to exchange signaling (e.g., switching completion information, or transmission time slot information on the second frequency band, etc.). For example, the first and second devices negotiate the key, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, MCS, or other information of the second frequency band. Then, the first and second devices can establish a data transmission link on the second frequency band.

[0205] Referring to (d) in Figure 4, in some possible implementations, S350 includes: the first device and the second device exchanging communication frames on the second frequency band via a third radio frequency connection.

[0206] For example, the first device transmits the first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band via the second module. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first communication frame from the first device on the second frequency band via the fourth module.

[0207] For example, the first device receives the second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band via the second module. Correspondingly, the second device transmits the second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band via the fourth module.

[0208] In some possible implementations, method 300 may also include S340 or S345 before S350, as detailed above.

[0209] In some possible implementations, different RF connections may use different buffers to store data (e.g., referred to as buffered data). After a frequency band switch, the first device can move the buffered data from the original RF connection. One possible implementation is that after a frequency band switch, the first device discards the buffered data from the original RF connection.

[0210] In some examples, after completing the frequency band switching of the first RF connection, the first and second devices can continue switching the frequency band of the second RF connection. Similar to the frequency band switching of the first RF connection, the first and second devices can utilize the third RF connection to maintain data transmission during the switching period, disconnect the data transmission of the second RF connection, switch the second RF connection to the third frequency band, and then resume data transmission.

[0211] Based on the above scheme, in the case of multiple radio frequency connections, the first device can receive information for communication in the second frequency band through the radio frequency connection without switching frequency bands. In this way, the first device does not need to receive relevant information after switching to the second frequency band, thereby further reducing the communication interruption time caused by the first device switching frequency bands.

[0212] Scenario Example 2: Switching of operating frequency bands in a single module.

[0213] The following section, with reference to Figure 5, introduces scenario example 2.

[0214] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another operating frequency band switching provided in an embodiment of this application. The first device may have one or more radio frequency modules. The following description uses any one radio frequency module of the first device (denoted as radio frequency module A) as an example. The second device may have one or more radio frequency modules. The second device may use one radio frequency module to perform frequency band switching with the first device, or it may use two radio frequency modules to perform frequency band switching with the first device. The following description uses radio frequency module B and radio frequency module C to perform frequency band switching as an example. Radio frequency module B and radio frequency module C may be two different radio frequency modules, or they may be the same radio frequency module.

[0215] Referring to Figure 5(a), the radio frequency module A of the first device can establish a radio frequency connection with the radio frequency module B of the second device (denoted as the first radio frequency connection).

[0216] In some possible implementations, the above-described S320 may include: the first device transmitting a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the second device in a first frequency band via radio frequency module A; correspondingly, the second device receiving a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the first device in the first frequency band via radio frequency module B. Alternatively, the first device may receive a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the second device in the first frequency band via radio frequency module A; correspondingly, the second device may transmit a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the first device in the first frequency band via radio frequency module B.

[0217] In some possible implementations, method 300 may also include S325 before S330. This will be described in detail below.

[0218] S325, the first device receives a second frame from the second device on the first frequency band, the second frame being used to indicate at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, MCS, information of the third device, or key for communication between the first device and the second device on the second frequency band.

[0219] Correspondingly, the second device sends a second frame to the first device on the first frequency band.

[0220] The information indicated in the second frame can be found in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0221] Optionally, the second frame may also include a frequency switching indication. This frequency switching indication may include information such as the frequency switching time. The first device can complete the execution of S330 within the frequency switching time.

[0222] The second device can actively execute S325, or it can execute it based on a request from the first device. In some possible implementations, before S325, method 300 further includes: the first device sending a frequency band switching request to the second device. Further, S325 includes: in response to the frequency band switching request, the second device sending a second frame to the first device on the first frequency band.

[0223] The above scheme can also be understood as follows: before frequency switching, the first and second devices can use the first radio frequency connection to exchange signaling (e.g., switching completion information, or transmission time slot information on the second frequency band, etc.). For example, the first and second devices can negotiate the key, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, MCS, or other information of the second frequency band, thereby preventing the first device from re-entering the network after the frequency band switch. Then, the first and second devices can establish a data transmission link on the second frequency band.

[0224] Based on the above scheme, the first device can receive information for communication in the second frequency band on the first frequency band before switching frequency bands. In this way, the first device does not need to receive relevant information after switching to the second frequency band, thereby further reducing the communication interruption time caused by the first device switching frequency bands.

[0225] Referring to Figure 5(b), in some possible implementations, S330 includes: the first device disconnecting the first radio frequency connection; the first device establishing a third radio frequency connection via radio frequency module A, the third radio frequency connection being a connection on the second frequency band. Correspondingly, the second device disconnecting the first radio frequency connection; the second device establishing the third radio frequency connection via radio frequency module C. For example, the first frequency band may be 5 GHz, and the second frequency band may be 8 GHz.

[0226] Referring to (c) in Figure 5, the first and second devices can execute S340 or S345 to achieve time synchronization.

[0227] The above scheme can also be understood as follows: after the frequency band switch, in order to align the time of the receiver and the transmitter on the second frequency band, the second device can transmit the first frame on the second frequency band. After the first device detects the first frame on the second frequency band, after a specified inter-frame interval, the second device transmits a communication frame (such as a data frame or a management frame) with the first device.

[0228] Referring to (d) in Figure 5, in some possible implementations, S350 includes: the first device and the second device exchanging communication frames on the second frequency band via a third radio frequency connection.

[0229] For example, the first device transmits the first communication frame to the second device via the radio frequency module A on the second frequency band. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first communication frame from the first device via the radio frequency module C on the second frequency band.

[0230] For example, the first device receives the second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band via the radio frequency module A. Correspondingly, the second device transmits the second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band via the radio frequency module C.

[0231] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 may be a specific example of the scheme shown in Figure 5, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to the example shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis may represent time.

[0232] During the phase where the first device and the second device are operating on the first frequency band, the second device can send data frames to the first device on the first frequency band. These data frames can be signals conforming to the first communication protocol. After receiving the data frame, the first device can send an acknowledgment frame to the second device.

[0233] The second device can send a second frame to the first device on the first frequency band. For example, the second frame can be used to indicate transmission time slot information (including time interval dt), frequency switching time T0, and other information. After receiving the second frame, the first device can send an acknowledgment frame to the second device.

[0234] Upon sending the aforementioned confirmation frame, the first device executes S330, which involves switching the operating frequency band of RF module A from the first frequency band to the second frequency band. According to the instructions in the second frame, the first device needs to complete the execution of S330 within the frequency switching time T0 from the time the confirmation frame was sent. From the moment the second device receives the aforementioned confirmation frame during the frequency switching time T0, the first and second devices begin operating on the second frequency band.

[0235] The second device can periodically send the first frame to the first device so that the first device and the second device can synchronize their time.

[0236] However, since the actual frequency switching time of the first device is T1, the first device cannot detect the first frame sent by the second device. The first device needs to wait to detect the next first frame before it can transmit a communication frame with the second device.

[0237] After the first device detects the complete first frame (the second first frame sent by the second device in Figure 6), it can exchange communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band.

[0238] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 10. The description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0239] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0240] Figure 7 is an exemplary block diagram of the communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0241] As shown in Figure 7, for example, the communication device 10 may include a chip system 110, a memory 120, a bus 130, a power management module 140, or a transceiver 150, etc.

[0242] The chip system 110 can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed through integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the chip system 110 or through software instructions.

[0243] By way of example and not limitation, chip system 110 may include circuitry or chips responsible for signal processing (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core).

[0244] Optionally, the chip system 110 may also include a memory (such as a cache) for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the chip system 110 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the chip system 110 has just used or that are used repeatedly. If the chip system 110 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can directly retrieve it from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the chip system 110, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0245] In some embodiments, the chip system 110 may include one or more interfaces. Interfaces may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.

[0246] Memory 120 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 120 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described in this application.

[0247] Optionally, the code may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the embodiments of this application, such as instructions for sending measurement reports. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, the code may not be directly executable by the chip system 110, but may instead enable a computer (e.g., at compile and execution time) to perform the functions described in this application. In some cases, memory 120 may contain a basic I / O system that controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0248] For example, the chip system 110 executes various functional applications and data processing of the communication device 10 by running instructions stored in the memory 120. For instance, when the communication device 10 transfers files with other devices (which may also be terminals or access network devices), the chip system 110 of the communication device 10 can call the computer-executable program code stored in the memory 120 to implement the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0249] In addition, the memory 120 can be integrated into the chip system 110 or independent of the chip system 110.

[0250] For example, bus 130 may be USB for supporting communication between various parts of communication device 10.

[0251] The power management module 140 is used to receive charging input from the charger. Optionally, the power management module 140 can also supply power to the communication device 10 while charging it (e.g., the battery module of the communication device 10). By way of example and not limitation, the power management module 140 can also supply power to other devices besides the communication device 10.

[0252] Transceiver 150 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired links, or wireless links. For example, transceiver 150 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 150 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and for demodulating packets received from the antenna. Transceiver 150 may include a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver performing the function of receiving information and the transmitter performing the function of transmitting information.

[0253] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna. However, in other cases, the device may have more than one antenna, such as antenna 1 and antenna 2 shown in FIG. 7, which may be capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. Exemplarily, antenna 1 and antenna 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in communication device 10 can be used to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be multiplexed to improve antenna utilization. For example, antenna 1 can be multiplexed as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with a tuning switch. Communication device 10 can transfer files to other devices via wireless communication functions.

[0254] In one design, the communication device 10 may correspond to the first device in the above method embodiment.

[0255] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the first device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver 150 can be used to perform transmission and reception related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments, such as executing step S320 in the above method embodiments. The chip system 110 can be used to perform processing related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments, such as executing step S330 in the above method embodiments.

[0256] In another design, the communication device 10 may correspond to the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0257] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver 150 can be used to perform transmit / receive related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments, such as executing step S320 in the above method embodiments. The chip system 110 can be used to perform processing related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments, such as S330.

[0258] In the design of the communication device 20 corresponding to the first device, the communication device 10 may include modules such as the short-range communication module 164, sensor 161, display 162, or camera 163 as shown in FIG7.

[0259] The short-range communication module 164 may include modules that support short-range communication, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

[0260] For example, sensor 161 may include pressure sensor, gyroscope sensor, barometric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, distance sensor, proximity sensor, fingerprint sensor, temperature sensor, touch sensor, ambient light sensor, bone conduction sensor, etc.

[0261] For example, display 162 is used to display images, videos, etc. The display includes a display panel. The display panel may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a mini light-emitting diode (LED), a micro LED, a micro OLED, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. For example, in this embodiment, the display can be used to display the interface required by the communication device 10. For example, the communication device 10 implements display functions through a graphics processing unit (GPU), a display, and an application processor. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, connected to the display and the application processor. The GPU is used to perform mathematical and geometric calculations for graphics rendering. The chip system 110 may include one or more GPUs that execute program instructions to generate or modify display information.

[0262] For example, camera 163 is used to acquire images, videos, etc.

[0263] It is understood that the structure shown in Figure 7 does not constitute a specific limitation on the communication device 10, and the specific structure of the first device and / or access network equipment can be referred to Figure 7. In some embodiments, the communication device 10 may also include more or fewer components than shown in Figure 7, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements, etc. Alternatively, some components shown in Figure 7 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware, and the first device and / or access network equipment may add or reduce components based on the structure given in Figure 7.

[0264] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0265] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 20 may include a baseband unit 210, which can communicate with external devices via a cellular radio frequency (RF) transceiver 220 (e.g., if the communication device 20 is a first device, the baseband unit 210 can communicate with a second device via the cellular RF transceiver 220; or, if the communication device 20 is a second device, the baseband unit 210 can communicate with the first device via the cellular RF transceiver 220).

[0266] Exemplarily, baseband unit 210 may include a computer-readable medium / memory. Baseband unit 210 may be responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by baseband unit 304, the software causes baseband unit 210 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by baseband unit 210 during software execution.

[0267] Optionally, the baseband unit 210 further includes a receiving unit 201, a management unit 202, and a transmitting unit 203. The management unit 202 includes one or more sub-units shown in FIG. 8. For example, a frequency band switching sub-unit, which can be used for the frequency band switching operation in the above method embodiments. The units within the management unit 201 can be stored in a computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within the baseband unit 210. The receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 203 can be referred to as transceiver units.

[0268] When the communication device 20 is used to implement the function of the first device in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 201 is used to execute the receiving step of the first device, the sending unit 203 is used to execute the sending step of the first device, and the management unit 202 is used to execute the processing step of the first device.

[0269] For example, when the communication device 20 is used to implement the function of the first device in the above method embodiments, the transmitting unit 203 is used to: transmit a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the second device on a first frequency band, and / or receive a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the second device on a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band belongs to an unlicensed frequency band; after receiving the first frame, transmit a first communication frame to the second device on a second frequency band, and / or receive a second communication frame from the second device on a second frequency band; wherein the first frame is used for time synchronization of the first device, the second frequency band belongs to the UWB frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame include a signal conforming to the first communication protocol.

[0270] For example, when the device 20 is used to perform the method in FIG3, the receiving unit 201 can be used to perform the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 202 can be used to perform the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 203 can be used to perform the step of sending information in the method.

[0271] When the communication device 20 is used to implement the function of the second device in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 201 is used to execute the receiving step of the second device, the sending unit 203 is used to execute the sending step of the second device, and the management unit 202 is used to execute the processing step of the second device.

[0272] For example, when the communication device 20 is used to implement the function of the second device in the above method embodiments, the transmitting unit 203 is used to: transmit a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the first device in a first frequency band, and / or receive a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the first device in a first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band belongs to an unlicensed frequency band; after transmitting a first frame to the first device, or after receiving the first frame, receive a first communication frame from the first device in a second frequency band, and / or transmit a second communication frame to the first device in a second frequency band; wherein the first frame is used for time synchronization of the second device, the second frequency band belongs to the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame include a signal conforming to the first communication protocol.

[0273] For example, when the device 20 is used to perform the method in FIG3, the receiving unit 201 can be used to perform the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 202 can be used to perform the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 203 can be used to perform the step of sending information in the method.

[0274] For a more detailed description of the receiving unit 201, management unit 202 and sending unit 203, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] By way of example and not limitation, the chip system in this application is shown in FIG9, which is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system includes, but is not limited to, a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or a system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core.

[0276] As can be seen from Figure 9, the chip system (or processing system) includes a processor 310, a memory 320, and an input / output interface 330.

[0277] The processor 310 can be a processing circuit in the chip system (including at least one processor, such as processor 1 and processor 2 as shown in FIG. 9). The processor 310 can be coupled to the memory 320 to call the instructions in the memory 320, so that the chip system can implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 330 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, which outputs the information processed by the chip system, or inputs the data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0278] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first or second device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0279] For example, processor 310 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments; input / output interface 330 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0280] As an example and not a limitation, the chip system in this application is shown in FIG10, which is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 40 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0281] As shown in Figure 10, the chip system (or processing system) includes an input / output interface 410 and logic circuitry 420. The input / output interface 410 can be an input / output circuit within the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing. For details, please refer to the description in the preceding embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The logic circuitry 420 is used to execute the aforementioned communication method, and for details, please refer to the description in the preceding embodiments.

[0282] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first or second device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0283] For example, logic circuit 420 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 410 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0284] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0285] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods performed by the first or second device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0286] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first or second device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0287] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first device and second device.

[0288] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software 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.

[0290] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0291] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of 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 system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0292] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0293] In addition, 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.

[0294] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a second device, etc.) 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, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: The first device sends a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the second device on the first frequency band, and / or the first device receives a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the second device on the first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band; After the first device receives the first frame, the first device sends a first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band, and / or the first device receives a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band; wherein the first frame is used for time synchronization of the first device, the second frequency band belongs to the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame include signals conforming to the first communication protocol.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The transmission period of the first frame is less than or equal to the first threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first frame includes any of the following: A beacon frame, wherein the number of bytes in the frame body of the beacon frame is less than or equal to a second threshold; Empty data packet NDP frame; Trigger frame; or, Synchronization sequence.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first device receives a second frame from the second device on the first frequency band. The second frame is used to indicate at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information of the third device, or key of the third device in communication between the first device and the second device on the second frequency band. The third device is used to transmit the first frame.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first device corresponds to the first module and the second module. The method further includes: The first device receives a third frame from the second device on a third frequency band via the first module, wherein the third frequency band belongs to the unlicensed frequency band, and the third frame is used to indicate at least one of the time domain resources, frequency domain resources, MCS, information of the third device, or key of the first device communicating with the second device on the second frequency band, and the third device is used to send the first frame; Wherein, the first device sends a first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band, including: The first device sends the first communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band through the second module; Wherein, the first device receives a second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band, including: The first device receives the second communication frame from the second device on the second frequency band via the second module.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The third frame is also used to indicate handover completion information, wherein the handover completion information is used to indicate that the second device has established a radio frequency connection for communication on the second frequency band.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: The second device sends a signal conforming to the first communication protocol to the first device in the first frequency band, and / or the second device receives a signal conforming to the first communication protocol from the first device in the first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band belongs to an unlicensed frequency band; The second device sends a first frame to the first device, or after the second device receives the first frame, the second device receives a first communication frame from the first device on a second frequency band, and / or the second device sends a second communication frame to the first device on a second frequency band; wherein the first frame is used for time synchronization of the second device, the second frequency band belongs to the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band, and the first communication frame and / or the second communication frame includes signals conforming to the first communication protocol.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The transmission period of the first frame is less than or equal to the first threshold.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first frame includes any of the following: A beacon frame, wherein the number of bytes in the frame body of the beacon frame is less than or equal to a second threshold; Empty data packet NDP frame; Trigger frame; or, Synchronization sequence.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second device sends a second frame to the first device on the first frequency band. The second frame is used to indicate at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, modulation and coding strategy (MCS), information of the third device, or key of the third device for communication between the first device and the second device on the second frequency band. The third device is used to send the first frame.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The second device corresponds to the third and fourth modules. The method further includes: The second device sends a third frame to the first device on a third frequency band through the third module, wherein the third frequency band belongs to the unlicensed frequency band, and the third frame is used to indicate at least one of the time domain resources, frequency domain resources, MCS, information of the third device or key of the first device communicating with the second device on the second frequency band, and the third device is used to send the first frame; Wherein, the second device receives a first communication frame from the first device on a second frequency band, including: The second device receives the first communication frame from the first device on the second frequency band via the fourth module; Wherein, the second device sends a second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band, including: The second device sends the second communication frame to the first device on the second frequency band through the fourth module.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The third frame is also used to indicate handover completion information, wherein the handover completion information is used to indicate that the second device has established a radio frequency connection for communication on the second frequency band.

13. A communications device, characterized by It includes at least one module or at least one unit, said at least one module or said at least one unit being used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A communications device, characterized by include: A processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed.

15. The communication apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or the instructions.

16. A computer readable storage medium characterized by: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are run, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 is performed.

17. A computer program product, characterised in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when the computer program or instructions are executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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