Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus, used for reducing the power consumption of a WiFi communication technology-based STA during operation. A first AP receives a plurality of first frames repeatedly transmitted by a second AP in an ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band, wherein the first frame comprises first information, and the first information is used for indicating a transmission resource for the second AP to receive and / or send a radio frame; and the first AP sends a second frame to an associated first STA, wherein the second frame comprises second information, and the second information is associated with the first information. In the present application, a second AP repeatedly transmits a plurality of first frames, so that the coverage range of the signals transmitted by the second AP can be expanded, and information can be exchanged between APs. A first STA can determine, on the basis of second information, a transmission resource for the second AP to receive and / or send a radio frame, and perform, on the transmission resource for the second AP to send the radio frame, interference detection on the radio frame received and / or sent by the second AP.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411493104.0, filed on October 23, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of mobile internet and the widespread adoption of smart devices, data traffic is growing rapidly. Wireless local area networks (WLANs), with their advantages of high speed and low cost, have become one of the mainstream mobile broadband access technologies.

[0005] In WLAN networks, WiFi devices may experience interference from other WiFi devices within the same communication system or from communication devices operating on the same frequency band in other communication systems. Currently, to avoid interference from other WiFi devices within the same communication system or from communication devices outside the same communication system, WiFi-based stations (STAs) need to scan for interference signals for extended periods during operation, which increases the STA's power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for reducing the power consumption of STAs based on WiFi communication technology during operation.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a first access point (AP), such as the first AP or its communication module, or a circuit, chip, or chip system responsible for communication functions within the first AP. Taking the application of this method to a first AP as an example, in this method, the first AP receives multiple first frames repeatedly transmitted by a second AP in the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band; wherein, the first frame includes first information, which is used to indicate the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or send wireless frames; the first AP sends a second frame to an associated first STA, the second frame including the second information, which is associated with the first information.

[0008] Using the above method, the second AP sends multiple first frames in a repetitive transmission manner, which can expand the coverage range of the second AP's transmitted signal and enable information exchange between APs, such as the first AP receiving the first frame sent by the second AP. After receiving the first frame, the first AP can send a second frame to the associated first STA. The second frame includes second information associated with the first information. Since the first information indicates the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or send wireless frames, the first STA can determine the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or send wireless frames based on the second information. Interference detection is then performed on the wireless frames sent by the second AP on the transmission resources used for sending wireless frames, and / or, interference detection is performed on the wireless frames sent by the associated second STA on the transmission resources used for receiving wireless frames. Based on this interference detection method, the first STA avoids prolonged interference scanning, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first STA.

[0009] In one possible design, the first AP receives first interference indication information from the first STA, the first interference indication information being used to indicate that a radio frame sent by the first communication device is interfering with the first STA; the first communication device is the second AP, or the first communication device is a second STA associated with the second AP; the first AP performs a first operation, the first operation being used to reduce the interference of the first communication device on the first STA.

[0010] With the above design, when the first AP determines that the associated first STA is being interfered with by the first communication device, the first AP can perform a first operation to reduce the interference of the first communication device on the first STA.

[0011] In one possible design, the first AP merges and demodulates at least two of the plurality of first frames based on the signal reception strength of the plurality of first frames to obtain the first information.

[0012] With the above design, the first AP can receive multiple first frames sent by the second AP through repeated transmission. The first AP merges and demodulates the multiple first frames. When the second AP is far away from the first AP and the signal strength of the first frame sent is insufficient, the first frame can be accurately demodulated based on the merging and demodulation method, thereby expanding the signal transmission range of the second AP.

[0013] In one possible design, the first AP performs a first operation, including: the first AP adjusting the transmission resources of the first STA; or the first AP notifying the first STA to switch from the UWB band to an unlicensed band; or the first AP sending a request frame to the second AP, the request frame being used to request the second AP to adopt multi-AP cooperation; the first AP receiving a response frame sent by the second AP; wherein the multi-AP cooperation includes at least one of cooperative spatial multiplexing, cooperative beamforming, cooperative time multiplexing, and cooperative constrained target wake-up time Co-RTWT.

[0014] Through the above design, the first AP can reduce the interference of the second AP or the second STA associated with the second AP to the first STA associated with the first AP by performing any of the first operations described above.

[0015] In one possible design, the UWB band includes multiple sub-bands, each sub-band carrying one first frame, and the multiple first frames carrying the same information.

[0016] With the above design, the second AP can send multiple first frames using a repeated transmission method, thereby expanding the signal transmission range of the second AP.

[0017] In one possible design, the first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a station device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band; wherein the first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0018] With the above design, this application can be applied to APs and STAs that communicate based on WiFi technology.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a first STA, such as the first STA or its communication module, or a circuit or chip (e.g., 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) responsible for communication functions in the first STA. Taking the application of this method to the first STA as an example, in this method, the first STA receives a second frame from an associated first AP. The second frame includes second information, which is associated with first information. The first information is used to indicate the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or send wireless frames. The first STA performs interference detection on the wireless frames sent by the first communication device based on the second information. The first communication device is the second AP, or the first communication device is the second STA associated with the second AP.

[0020] Using the above method, the first AP can send a second frame to the associated first STA, where the second information included in the second frame is associated with the first information. Since the first information indicates the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or send wireless frames, the first STA can determine the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or send wireless frames based on the second information. Interference detection is then performed on the wireless frames sent by the second AP on the transmission resources used for sending wireless frames, and / or, interference detection is performed on the wireless frames sent by the associated second STA on the transmission resources used for receiving wireless frames. Based on this interference detection method, the first STA avoids prolonged interference scanning, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first STA.

[0021] In one possible design, when the first STA determines that the radio frame sent by the first communication device is interfering with the first STA, it sends a first interference indication message to the first AP. The first interference indication message is used to indicate that the radio frame sent by the first communication device is interfering with the first STA.

[0022] In one possible design, the first STA detects the signal strength of the wireless frame sent by the first communication device; when the signal strength of the wireless frame sent by the first communication device is detected to be greater than a first threshold, the first STA determines that the wireless frame sent by the first communication device is interfering with the first STA.

[0023] With the above design, when the first STA determines that the first communication device is interfering, it can notify the first AP, so that the first AP can perform a first operation to reduce the interference of the first communication device to the first STA.

[0024] In one possible design, the first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a station device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band.

[0025] The first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0026] With the above design, this application can be applied to APs and STAs that communicate based on WiFi technology.

[0027] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a first access point (AP), such as the first AP or its communication module, or a circuit, chip, or chip system responsible for communication functions within the first AP. Taking the application of this method to the first AP as an example, in this method, the first AP receives multiple first frames repeatedly transmitted by the second AP in the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band; wherein, the first frame includes third information, which is used to indicate intra-domain interference information of the second AP, and the intra-domain interference information characterizes the interference situation of a second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP on the second AP and / or a second STA associated with the second AP, the second communication device transmitting signals conforming to different communication protocols with the second AP; the first AP sends a second frame to the associated first STA, the second frame including the fourth information, the fourth information being associated with the third information.

[0028] Using the above method, the second AP sends multiple first frames in a repetitive transmission manner, which can expand the coverage range of the second AP's transmitted signal and enable information exchange between APs, such as the first AP receiving the first frame sent by the second AP. After receiving the first frame, the first AP can send a second frame to the associated first STA. The fourth information included in the second frame is associated with the third information. Since the third information indicates the intra-domain interference information of the second AP, the first STA can determine the transmission resources of the second communication device's signal transmission within the coverage area of ​​the second AP based on the fourth information. On the transmission resources of the second communication device's signal transmission, interference detection is performed on the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP, avoiding the first STA from performing interference scanning for a long time, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first STA.

[0029] In one possible design, the first AP receives the signal interference strength transmitted from the first STA, the signal interference strength being the signal strength of the signal transmitted by the second communication device detected by the first STA; the first AP performs a second operation to reduce the interference of the second communication device on the first STA.

[0030] In one possible design, the first AP performs the second operation when it determines that the signal interference intensity is greater than a second threshold.

[0031] With the above design, when the first AP determines that the associated first STA is being interfered with by the second communication device, the first AP can perform a second operation to reduce the interference of the second communication device on the first STA.

[0032] In one possible design, the first AP receives second interference indication information from the first STA, the second interference indication information being used to indicate that the signal sent by the second communication device is interfering with the first STA; the first AP performs a second operation, the second operation being used to reduce the interference of the second communication device on the first STA.

[0033] With the above design, when the first AP determines that the associated first STA is being interfered with by the second communication device, the first AP can perform a second operation to reduce the interference of the second communication device on the first STA.

[0034] In one possible design, the first AP merges and demodulates at least two of the plurality of first frames based on the signal reception strength of the plurality of first frames to obtain the third information.

[0035] With the above design, the first AP can receive multiple first frames sent by the second AP through repeated transmission. The first AP merges and demodulates the multiple first frames. When the second AP is far away from the first AP and the signal strength of the first frame sent is insufficient, the first frame can be accurately demodulated based on the merging and demodulation method, thereby expanding the signal transmission range of the second AP.

[0036] In one possible design, the first AP performs a second operation, including the first AP adjusting the transmission resources of the first STA; or the first AP notifying the first STA to switch from the UWB band to an unlicensed band; or the first AP notifying the first STA to increase the transmit power.

[0037] Through the above design, the first AP can reduce the interference of the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to the first STA associated with the first AP by performing any of the first operations described above.

[0038] In one possible design, the UWB band includes multiple sub-bands, each sub-band carrying one first frame, and the multiple first frames carrying the same information.

[0039] With the above design, the second AP can send multiple first frames using a repeated transmission method, thereby expanding the signal transmission range of the second AP.

[0040] In one possible design, the first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a station device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band; wherein the first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0041] With the above design, this application can be applied to APs and STAs that communicate based on WiFi technology.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a first STA, such as the first STA or its communication module, or a circuit or chip (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions in the first STA. Taking the application of this method to the first STA as an example, in this method, the first STA receives a second frame from an associated first AP. The second frame includes fourth information, which is associated with second information. The second information is used to indicate intra-domain interference information of the second AP. The intra-domain interference information characterizes the interference of a second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to the second AP and / or the second STA associated with the second AP. The second communication device transmits signals conforming to different communication protocols with the second AP. The first STA detects the signal interference strength of the second communication device based on the fourth information. The signal interference strength is the signal strength of the signal transmitted by the second communication device detected by the first STA.

[0043] Using the above method, after receiving the first frame, the first AP can send a second frame to the associated first STA. The fourth information included in the second frame is associated with the third information. Since the third information indicates the intra-domain interference information of the second AP, the first STA can determine the transmission resources of the second communication device transmitting signals within the coverage area of ​​the second AP based on the fourth information. On the transmission resources of the second communication device transmitting signals, interference detection is performed on the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP, avoiding the first STA from performing interference scanning for a long time, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first STA.

[0044] In one possible design, the first STA sends the signal interference strength to the first AP; or when the first STA determines that the signal interference strength is greater than a third threshold, it sends a second interference indication message to the first AP, the second interference indication message being used to indicate that the signal sent by the second communication device interferes with the first STA.

[0045] With the above design, when the first STA determines that the second communication device is interfering, it can notify the first AP, so that the first AP can perform a second operation to reduce the interference of the second communication device to the first STA.

[0046] In one possible design, the first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a station device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band; wherein the first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0047] With the above design, this application can be applied to APs and STAs that communicate based on WiFi technology.

[0048] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device that implements the functions described in the first or third aspect above. The communication device may include modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first or third aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit to perform any possible implementation of the first or third aspect above. The communication unit performs transmission and reception operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit performs processing operations.

[0049] In one design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit can be the input / output circuit, input / output interface or antenna port of the communication chip.

[0050] In another design, the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0051] Optionally, the communication device may also include various modules that can be used to perform any of the possible implementations of the first or third aspect described above.

[0052] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device that implements the functions described in the second or fourth aspect above. The communication device may include modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second or fourth aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit to perform any possible implementation of the second or fourth aspect above. The communication unit is used to perform transmission and reception operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations.

[0053] In one design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit can be the input / output circuit, input / output interface or antenna port of the communication chip.

[0054] In another design, the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0055] Optionally, the communication device may also include various modules that can be used to perform any of the possible implementations of the second or fourth aspect described above.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned first AP or first STA. The communication device may include a processor and a memory to execute any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, it may also include a transceiver; the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is used to retrieve and execute the computer programs or instructions from the memory. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions in the memory, the communication device executes any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any possible implementation thereof.

[0057] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0058] Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0059] Optionally, the transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0060] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the aforementioned first AP or first STA. The communication device may include a processor to execute any one of the first to fourth aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects. The processor is coupled to a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0061] In one implementation, when the communication device is a first AP or a first STA, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0062] In another implementation, when the communication device is a chip or chip system, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be manifested as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0063] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and may further include a storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer program or instructions are used to implement the methods in any of the possible designs in the first to fourth aspects described above. The communication device may be a chip system. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0064] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first AP as described in the first or third aspect and a first STA as described in the second or fourth aspect.

[0065] In one aspect, this application also provides a chip, including a processor coupled to a memory for reading and executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, so that the chip implements the method in any of the possible designs in the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0066] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0067] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the possible designs in the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0068] For the various aspects from the fifth to the thirteenth mentioned above, and the technical effects that each aspect may achieve, please refer to the above description of the technical effects that can be achieved by various possible solutions for any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, or for each aspect. They will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a WLAN network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0081] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. 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, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where each of a, b, and c can be an element itself or a set containing one or more elements.

[0082] In this application, terms such as "exemplary," "in some embodiments," and "in other embodiments" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the term "exemplary" is used to present the concept in a specific manner.

[0083] In this application, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, unless a distinction is emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent. Similarly, in the embodiments of this application, "communication" and "transmission" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, unless a distinction is emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent. For example, transmission can include sending and / or receiving, and can be a noun or a verb.

[0084] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0085] The embodiments of this application can be applied to local area networks (LANs), particularly WLANs, such as WLANs employing any of the protocols in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series. The WLAN may include one or more basic service sets (BSSs), and the network nodes in the BSSs include access points (APs) and stations (STAs).

[0086] The embodiments of this application can also be applied to wireless local area networks such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) communication systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) communication systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) communication systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and future evolution communication systems.

[0087] The following description uses an embodiment of this application applicable to a WLAN as an example. Referring to Figure 1, a network architecture diagram of a WLAN applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a WLAN including one AP and two STAs. The STA associated with the AP can receive frames sent by the AP and can also send frames to the AP. This embodiment of the application will describe communication between the AP and STAs as an example. It is understood that this embodiment of the application can also be applied to communication between APs, for example, APs can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS), and it can also be applied to communication between STAs.

[0088] An access point (AP) can serve as an access point for terminal devices (such as mobile phones) to access a wired (or wireless) network. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to an Ethernet network. For example, an AP can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) with a WiFi chip or a network device (such as a router). In this embodiment, the AP can be a device supporting the 802.11be standard, or it can be a device supporting various WLAN standards within the 802.11 series, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ay, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11be next generation.

[0089] A STA can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, a STA can be a mobile phone supporting WiFi communication, a tablet supporting WiFi communication, a set-top box supporting WiFi communication, a smart TV supporting WiFi communication, a smart wearable device supporting WiFi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting WiFi communication, and a computer supporting WiFi communication, etc. Optionally, a STA can support the 802.11be standard, or it can support various WLAN standards in the 802.11 series, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ay, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11be next generation.

[0090] Understandably, the number of APs and STAs shown in Figure 1 is just an example, and there could be more or fewer.

[0091] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, a few basic concepts involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly explained.

[0092] 1. Ultra Wide Band (UWB): UWB technology is a wireless carrier communication technology that does not use sinusoidal carriers but instead uses nanosecond-level non-sinusoidal narrow pulses to transmit data, thus occupying a very wide spectrum. UWB technology has advantages such as low system complexity, low transmitted signal power spectral density, insensitivity to channel fading, low interception capability, and high positioning accuracy, making it particularly suitable for high-speed wireless access in dense multipath environments such as indoor spaces.

[0093] 2. Beacon Frame: A beacon frame is a management frame that is periodically sent in a wireless LAN, typically by the access point (AP). It announces the existence of the network and contains information about it. The main functions of a beacon frame include announcing the network's existence, providing basic network information (such as SSID, channel, and transmission rate), and assisting devices in network selection and connection. Beacon frames play a crucial role in wireless networks. Due to their periodic transmission, they help STAs discover and connect to the network. By providing basic network information such as SSID, channel, and transmission rate, beacon frames enable devices to select the most suitable network to connect to. Furthermore, beacon frames are used to measure network load, helping devices select access points with lower loads for connection, thereby improving network efficiency and stability.

[0094] 3. Within a Domain: In a wireless LAN, an AP and its associated STAs form a domain, also known as a communication domain. Within a domain can refer to the area within that domain; for example, relationships within a domain can include the relationship between an AP and its associated STAs, or the relationship between STAs associated with the same AP.

[0095] 4. Inter-domain: In a wireless LAN, an AP and its associated STAs form a domain, also known as a communication domain. Inter-domain relationships can exist between different communication domains; for example, inter-domain relationships can include the relationship between two APs, or the relationship between multiple STAs associated with different APs, etc.

[0096] During operation, WiFi devices may be interfered with by other WiFi devices or by communication devices operating on the same frequency band that support other communication protocols. For example, to meet the low-latency, high-capacity connection transmission needs of future terminal devices, the operating frequency band of existing WiFi devices can be extended to the UWB band, thereby avoiding the impact of other communication devices in unlicensed frequency bands (such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands) on WiFi signal transmission. When a WiFi device operates in the UWB band, it may be interfered with by signals from other WiFi devices operating in the UWB band, or by signals from UWB devices operating in the UWB band that support other communication protocols. For example, UWB devices may include UWB positioning base stations, UWB tags, or other smart terminals operating in the UWB band.

[0097] Currently, in order to avoid interference from other WiFi devices or communication devices operating on the same frequency band that support other communication protocols, WiFi devices need to scan for interference signals for a long time during operation, which leads to increased power consumption of WiFi devices.

[0098] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method to provide a solution for WiFi devices to detect interference signals and avoid interference, thereby reducing the power consumption of WiFi devices when they detect interference.

[0099] In order to address the interference avoidance schemes of other WiFi devices or communication devices operating in the same frequency band that support other communication protocols, as described above, this application provides interference avoidance schemes in various embodiments. The following describes different interference scenarios.

[0100] Option 1:

[0101] This application provides a communication method for reducing the power consumption of a WiFi device while it avoids interference from other WiFi devices.

[0102] The communication method of Scheme 1 can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 2, which includes multiple WiFi devices that can operate in the UWB band; for example, the operating frequency range of the WiFi devices is 7163-8812MHz, and the transmission signal bandwidth of the WiFi devices is not less than 500MHz. Figure 2 illustrates this using multiple WiFi devices including AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4, AP5, and STA1 associated with AP1 as an example. AP1 and STA1 belong to the same domain, while different APs belong to different domains. In Scheme 1 provided in this application embodiment, STA1 can avoid interference from AP2 and the STAs associated with AP2, AP3 and the STAs associated with AP3, AP4 and the STAs associated with AP4, and AP5 and the STAs associated with AP5.

[0103] As shown in Figure 2, in the network architecture, each AP associated with a STA can detect interference from other APs or STAs associated with other APs. After detecting interference information, the AP can perform interference avoidance operations to avoid or reduce interference from other APs or STAs associated with other APs to the STA associated with that AP.

[0104] Optionally, each AP may repeatedly transmit multiple Beacon frames in the UWB band. The Beacon frames may include relevant information about the AP, such as the AP's basic service set identity (BSSID), interference intensity, transmission resources for transmitting radio frames, and transmission resources for receiving radio frames.

[0105] Each AP can receive Beacon frames transmitted by other APs, add information from other APs' Beacon frames to its own Beacon frame, and then send its own Beacon frame to its associated STAs. After receiving a Beacon frame from an associated AP, any STA can extract the information contained within it. Based on the relevant information about other APs included in the Beacon frame, it can determine the transmission resources for radio frames transmitted by other APs or their associated STAs. The STA can then detect interference from other APs or their associated STAs on the corresponding transmission resources, thus avoiding prolonged scanning for interference information and reducing its power consumption.

[0106] The following description uses the example of a first STA associated with a first AP detecting interference from a second AP or a second STA associated with a second AP. It should be understood that the first AP can be any AP in the network architecture, and the first STA can be any STA associated with the first AP; the second AP can be any other AP in the network architecture that is different from the first AP.

[0107] Optionally, the first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a site device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band; wherein the first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0108] The following description, with reference to Figure 3, illustrates a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. This communication method mainly includes the following steps 300-301. It is understood that the steps and execution order illustrated in Figure 3 are merely examples. In actual implementation, some steps may be executed, or the remaining steps may also be executed. Similarly, the execution order of the steps can be adjusted, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0109] In the communication method flow shown in Figure 3, the first AP can be any AP in the network architecture shown in Figure 2, and the second AP can be any AP in the network architecture shown in Figure 2 that is different from the first AP.

[0110] Step 300: The first AP receives multiple first frames repeatedly transmitted by the second AP in the UWB band.

[0111] Correspondingly, the second AP repeatedly transmits multiple first frames in the UWB band.

[0112] Optionally, each first frame repeatedly transmitted by the second AP includes first information, which is used to indicate the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or send wireless frames.

[0113] Transmission resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources for communication within the UWB band. For example, time-domain resources can be transmission time slot information or transmission time, etc.

[0114] For example, the first information may be the transmission resources for the second AP to send wireless frames; for instance, the second AP sends the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources of the wireless frames to the associated second STA, wherein the wireless frames sent by the second AP include, but are not limited to, Beacon frames and downlink communication frames. Alternatively, the first information may be the transmission resources for the second AP to receive wireless frames; for instance, the second AP sending the transmission resources of the wireless frames to the associated second STA can also be understood as the second AP receiving the transmission resources of the wireless frames sent by the associated second STA; wherein the wireless frames received by the second AP include uplink communication frames, etc.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first frame can be a Beacon frame, or it can be another type of wireless frame transmitted by the second AP.

[0116] Optionally, each first frame repeatedly transmitted by the second AP may also include other AP-related information; for example, other AP-related information includes, but is not limited to, the AP's BSSID and interference strength.

[0117] The second AP can repeatedly transmit multiple first frames in the UWB band, with each first frame carrying the same information. The UWB band can include multiple sub-bands, each carrying one first frame.

[0118] For example, the second AP can send multiple identical first frames within the operating UWB band according to a set repetition granularity. For instance, with a channel bandwidth of 320MHz, when the repetition granularity is 20MHz, the second AP can carry one first frame per 20MHz band within the channel bandwidth. Therefore, on a 320MHz channel bandwidth, the second AP can repetitively transmit 16 first frames.

[0119] Based on the method of the second AP repeatedly transmitting multiple first frames, the first AP can merge and demodulate the multiple first frames after receiving them. Optionally, the first AP merges and demodulates at least two of the multiple first frames according to the signal reception strength of each first frame to obtain the first information. For example, the first AP can select at least two first frames with higher signal reception strength from the multiple first frames for merging and demodulation to obtain the first information carried in the first frame.

[0120] When the power of the second AP's transmitted signal is limited, the coverage of the signal transmitted by the second AP is limited. When the second AP sends the first frame, the first AP may not be able to receive the first frame. Since the second AP in this embodiment of the application sends multiple first frames in a repeated transmission manner, the coverage of the second AP's transmitted signal can be expanded, so that the APs can exchange information, such as the first AP can receive the first frame sent by the second AP.

[0121] As shown in Figure 4, when the AP uses the non-repeating transmission method, the signal coverage of each AP is shown by the solid line in Figure 4. When AP1 uses the repeating transmission method, the signal coverage of AP1 is shown by the dashed line in Figure 4. However, due to the large distance between AP1 and AP4, AP4 and AP1 may not be able to exchange information based on the repeating transmission method.

[0122] Step 301: The first AP sends a second frame to the associated first STA; wherein the second frame includes second information, which is associated with the first information.

[0123] Accordingly, the first STA receives the second frame from the associated first AP.

[0124] In this embodiment of the application, the second information is associated with the first information, and can be: the second information is the first information, that is, the second information is used to indicate the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or send wireless frames, as can be seen in the above description.

[0125] Alternatively, the second information can be associated with the first information, which could be: the first AP generates the second information based on the first information. Optionally, the frame format of the second information and the first information can be the same or different; or, the information notification methods of the second information and the first information can be the same or different, or the information content indicated by the second information and the first information can be the same or different.

[0126] When the first AP generates the second information based on the first information, the second information can be used to indicate the interference of transmission resources, wherein the interference of transmission resources can be the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or transmit radio frames. Alternatively, the second information can be used to indicate the transmission resources for the first STA not to receive and / or transmit radio frames, wherein the transmission resources for the first STA not to receive and / or transmit radio frames can be the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or transmit radio frames.

[0127] In implementation, after receiving the first frame sent by the second AP, the first AP determines the second information based on the first information included in the first frame. The first AP can add the second information, or the second information and other information related to the second AP, to the second frame. For example, in the network architecture shown in Figure 4, if the first AP is AP1, when each AP sends the first frame based on repeated transmission, AP1 can receive the first frames sent by AP2, AP3, and AP5. AP1 can determine the second information based on the first information of AP2, AP3, and AP5 respectively. Then, AP1 can add the second information corresponding to AP2, AP3, and AP5 respectively, or the second information corresponding to AP2, AP3, and AP5 respectively, and other information related to the AP to the second frame.

[0128] The first STA can be any STA associated with the first AP.

[0129] After receiving the second frame sent by the associated first AP, the first STA can perform interference detection on the second AP based on the second information.

[0130] Optionally, the first STA determines the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or transmit wireless frames based on the second information included in the second frame; the first STA detects wireless frames transmitted by the second AP or the second STA associated with the second AP on the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or transmit wireless frames, and determines the interference information of the wireless frames.

[0131] In this embodiment, the first STA can determine the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or transmit wireless frames based on the second information. Interference detection is then performed on the wireless frames transmitted by the second AP using the second AP's transmission resources, and / or, interference detection is performed on the wireless frames transmitted by the second STA associated with the second AP using the second AP's transmission resources. This interference detection method avoids the first STA performing interference scanning for extended periods, thereby reducing the first STA's power consumption. Furthermore, during the first STA's movement, the first STA can determine the transmission resources for the second AP to receive and / or transmit wireless frames based on the second information. Accurate detection of wireless frames transmitted by the second AP or its associated second STA using these transmission resources reduces the first STA's interference detection time and improves its interference detection efficiency.

[0132] In addition, the communication method in this application embodiment may also include steps 302 to 303, which are described in detail below:

[0133] Step 302: The first STA sends the first interference indication information to the first AP.

[0134] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the first interference indication information sent from the first STA.

[0135] The first interference indication information is used to indicate that the radio frames sent by the first communication device are interfering with the first STA. Optionally, the first communication device can be a second AP, or the first communication device can also be a second STA associated with the second AP.

[0136] In this embodiment of the application, when the first STA determines that the wireless frame sent by the first communication device interferes with the first STA, it sends a first interference indication message to the first AP.

[0137] After detecting a wireless frame sent by a first communication device (which can be the second AP or a second STA associated with the second AP) on the transmission resources for receiving and / or sending wireless frames as determined based on the second information, the first STA detects the signal strength of the wireless frame sent by the first communication device. If the detected signal strength of the wireless frame is greater than a first threshold, the first STA determines that the wireless frame sent by the first communication device interferes with the first STA. Alternatively, if the detected signal strength of the wireless frame is not greater than the first threshold, the first STA can determine that the wireless frame sent by the first communication device does not interfere with the first STA, or that the interference from the wireless frame sent by the first communication device is minor. In this case, the first STA may not send the first interference indication information to the first AP.

[0138] Step 303: The first AP performs a first operation; wherein the first operation is used to reduce the interference of radio frames on the first STA.

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, after the first AP receives the first interference indication information, it can determine that the wireless frame sent by the first communication device interferes with the first STA, and the first AP performs the first operation; wherein the first operation can also be called anti-interference operation, which can be used to avoid or reduce the interference of the first communication device to the first STA.

[0140] Optionally, the first operation performed by the first AP may include at least one of the following operations:

[0141] Operation 1: The first AP adjusts the transmission resources of the first STA.

[0142] In practice, the first AP adjusts the transmission resources of the first STA to be different from the transmission resources of the wireless frames sent by the first communication device; for example, the first AP adjusts the transmission time slot of the first STA, and the adjusted transmission time slot of the first STA is different from the transmission time slot of the wireless frames sent by the first communication device.

[0143] Operation 2: The first AP notifies the first STA to switch from the UWB band to the unlicensed band.

[0144] This operating method allows the first AP to avoid interference by using a backoff frequency band.

[0145] For example, unlicensed frequency bands may include 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.

[0146] Operation 3: The first AP sends a request frame to the second AP, requesting the second AP to adopt multi-AP cooperation; the first AP receives the response frame sent by the second AP.

[0147] Among them, multi-AP cooperation includes at least one of cooperative spatial multiplexing, cooperative beamforming, cooperative time multiplexing, and cooperative coordinated restricted target wake time (Co-RTWT).

[0148] The above-described solution one is a solution for WiFi devices to detect and avoid interference from WiFi devices in other domains. For WiFi devices in the same domain, the WiFi devices in this application embodiment can perform interference detection and avoidance in the following ways.

[0149] For WiFi devices operating in the UWB frequency band, a centralized scheduling method can be used for time-sharing transmission. This centralized scheduling time-sharing transmission scheme can be implemented as follows: the AP schedules the transmission of communication frames by its associated STAs, and the STAs cannot actively preempt the channel; or, the STAs compete for the channel on the transmission resources designated by the associated AP.

[0150] Based on the above centralized scheduling method, since each STA associated with the AP scheduling can avoid different STAs transmitting communication frames on the same transmission resources, interference between different STAs within the domain can be avoided.

[0151] Option 2:

[0152] This application provides a communication method for reducing the power consumption of WiFi devices while avoiding interference from other communication devices operating in the same frequency band that support other communication protocols.

[0153] The communication method of Scheme 2 can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 5, which includes multiple WiFi devices and at least one second communication device. The multiple WiFi devices can operate in the UWB frequency band; for example, the operating frequency range of the WiFi devices is 7163-8812MHz, and the transmission signal bandwidth of the WiFi devices is not less than 500MHz. The second communication device can be a device operating in the UWB frequency band that supports a different communication protocol than the WiFi devices. For example, the second communication device can be a UWB device, such as a UWB positioning base station, a UWB tag, or other smart terminals operating in the UWB frequency band.

[0154] Figure 5 illustrates an example using multiple WiFi devices including AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4, AP5, and STA1 associated with AP1. AP2's domain includes UWB device 2, AP3's domain includes UWB device 3, and AP4's domain includes UWB device 4. AP1 and STA1 belong to the same domain, while different APs belong to different domains. In the second embodiment of this application, STA1 can avoid interference from UWB devices 2, 3, and 4.

[0155] As shown in Figure 5, each AP associated with a STA can detect interference from second communication devices within the coverage area of ​​other APs. When a large signal interference is detected, the AP can perform interference avoidance operations to avoid or reduce interference from second communication devices within the coverage area of ​​other APs to the STA associated with that AP.

[0156] Optionally, each AP may repeatedly transmit multiple Beacon frames in the UWB band. The Beacon frames may include intra-domain interference information of the AP, wherein the intra-domain interference information characterizes the interference of a second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the AP to the AP and / or the STA associated with the AP.

[0157] Each AP can receive Beacon frames transmitted by other APs, add information from other APs' Beacon frames to its own Beacon frame, and send its own Beacon frame to its associated STA. After receiving a Beacon frame from its associated AP, any STA obtains the information contained within it. Based on the intra-domain interference information of other APs included in the Beacon frame, it can determine the interference situation of second communication devices within the coverage area of ​​other APs, such as the transmission resources of signals transmitted by second communication devices within the coverage area of ​​other APs. The STA can detect interference from second communication devices within the coverage area of ​​other APs based on this interference situation, such as detecting interference on the transmission resources of signals transmitted by second communication devices. This avoids the STA scanning interference information for extended periods and reduces the STA's power consumption.

[0158] The following description uses the example of a first STA associated with a first AP detecting interference from a second communication device within the coverage area of ​​a second AP. It should be understood that the first AP can be any AP in the network architecture, and the first STA can be any STA associated with the first AP; the second AP can be any other AP in the network architecture that is different from the first AP.

[0159] Optionally, the first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a site device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band; wherein the first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0160] Optionally, the second communication device transmits signals conforming to different communication protocols to the second AP (or the first AP, or the first STA); for example, the second communication device can be a communication device that supports UWB technology other than a WiFi device.

[0161] The following describes a communication method according to an embodiment of this application, with reference to Figure 6. This communication method mainly includes the following steps 600-601. It should be understood that the steps and execution order illustrated in Figure 6 are merely examples. In actual implementation, some steps may be executed, or the remaining steps may also be executed. Similarly, the execution order of the steps may be adjusted, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0162] In the communication method flow shown in Figure 6, the first AP can be any AP in the network architecture shown in Figure 5, and the second AP can be any AP in the network architecture shown in Figure 5 that is different from the first AP.

[0163] Step 600: The first AP receives multiple first frames repeatedly transmitted by the second AP in the UWB band.

[0164] Correspondingly, the second AP repeatedly transmits multiple first frames in the UWB band.

[0165] Optionally, each first frame repeatedly transmitted by the second AP includes third information, which is used to indicate intra-domain interference information of the second AP; wherein, the intra-domain interference information characterizes the interference situation of the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP on the second AP and / or the second STA associated with the second AP.

[0166] For example, the intra-domain interference information includes, but is not limited to: interference intensity and interfered transmission resources. The interference intensity can be the interference intensity of a second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to the second AP, or the interference intensity can be the interference intensity of a second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to a second STA associated with the second AP. The interfered transmission resources can be the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources of signals transmitted by the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP.

[0167] In this embodiment, the first frame can be a Beacon frame, or it can be another type of wireless frame transmitted by the second AP.

[0168] In this embodiment, the second AP can determine intra-domain interference information in various ways. These are described below:

[0169] 1. Intra-domain interference information characterizes the interference situation of the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to the second AP.

[0170] The second access point (AP) detects interference with a second communication device within its coverage area. In practice, the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP transmits signals, and the second AP detects the signal strength and signal transmission resources of the second communication device; these signal transmission resources may include the signal transmission period and transmission duration. For example, if the second communication device transmits a pulse signal, the second AP can detect the pulse signal strength, period (pulse interval), and pulse duration of the first device.

[0171] Optionally, the second AP can determine the interfered transmission resources and interference intensity of the second communication device based on the detected interference situation of the second communication device; the intra-domain interference information determined by the second AP may include the interfered transmission resources and / or interference intensity.

[0172] In this embodiment of the application, after detecting interference information within the domain, the second AP can employ various operating methods to avoid interference from the second communication device. These methods are described below:

[0173] Operation method 1: Adjust the operating frequency band of the second AP.

[0174] During implementation, the second AP can switch from the UWB frequency point to the unlicensed frequency band.

[0175] Additionally, the second AP can notify the associated second STA to switch from the UWB band to the unlicensed band.

[0176] This operating method allows the second AP to avoid interference by using a backoff frequency band.

[0177] For example, unlicensed frequency bands may include 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.

[0178] Operation method 2: The second AP adjusts its own transmission resources.

[0179] In practice, the second AP adjusts its own transmission resources to be different from those of the second communication device. For example, the second AP adjusts its own transmission time slot, and the adjusted transmission time slot is different from the transmission time slot of the signal sent by the second communication device.

[0180] Operation method 3: The second AP adjusts its own transmission power.

[0181] In practice, the second AP increases its own transmission power for sending wireless frames.

[0182] As shown in Figure 7, the AP1 domain includes associated STA1, STA2, and STA3, and the coverage area of ​​AP1 also includes UWB device 1. After AP1 detects the interference information of UWB device 1 in the domain, AP1 can notify associated STA1, STA2, and STA3 of the interference of UWB device 1. AP1 can use the above-mentioned various methods to avoid the interference of UWB device 1.

[0183] 2. Intra-domain interference information characterizes the interference situation of the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to the second STA associated with the second AP.

[0184] The second STA detects interference with the second communication device. In practice, the second communication device, located within the coverage area of ​​the second AP, transmits signals. The second STA associated with the second AP detects the signal strength and signal transmission resources of the second communication device; these resources may include the signal transmission period and duration. For example, if the second communication device transmits a pulse signal, the second AP can detect the pulse signal strength, period (pulse interval), and pulse duration of the first device.

[0185] Optionally, the second STA can determine the interfered transmission resources and interference intensity of the second communication device based on the detected interference from the second communication device. The intra-domain interference information determined by the second STA may include the interfered transmission resources and / or interference intensity. Additionally, the intra-domain interference information may also include the BSSID of the second AP.

[0186] After the second STA detects the intra-domain interference information of the second communication device, it can send the detected intra-domain interference information to the second AP.

[0187] Optionally, the second STA can carry the intra-domain interference information in the uplink data frame or acknowledgment frame sent to the second AP. Accordingly, after receiving the uplink data frame or acknowledgment frame sent by the second STA, the second AP can obtain the intra-domain interference information detected by the second STA from the uplink data frame or acknowledgment frame.

[0188] As shown in Figure 8, AP1 is associated with STA1. After STA1 detects the intra-domain interference information of UWB device 2 (AP1 cannot detect the intra-domain interference information of UWB device 2), STA1 can report the intra-domain interference information to AP1. AP1 can schedule the transmission time slot of STA1 to avoid the interference of UWB device 2.

[0189] After determining the intra-domain interference information of the second communication device, the second AP can indicate the intra-domain interference information to other APs by repeatedly transmitting multiple first frames.

[0190] The second AP can repeatedly transmit multiple first frames in the UWB band, with each first frame carrying the same information. The UWB band can include multiple sub-bands, each carrying one first frame.

[0191] For example, the second AP can send multiple identical first frames within the operating UWB band according to a set repetition granularity. For instance, with a channel bandwidth of 320MHz, when the repetition granularity is 20MHz, the second AP can carry one first frame per 20MHz band within the channel bandwidth. Therefore, on a 320MHz channel bandwidth, the second AP can repetitively transmit 16 first frames.

[0192] Based on the method of the second AP repeatedly transmitting multiple first frames, the first AP can merge and demodulate the multiple first frames after receiving them. Optionally, the first AP merges and demodulates at least two of the multiple first frames according to the signal reception strength of each first frame to obtain the third information. For example, the first AP can select at least two first frames with higher signal reception strength from the multiple first frames for merging and demodulation to obtain the third information carried in the first frame.

[0193] When the power of the second AP's transmitted signal is limited, the coverage of the signal transmitted by the second AP is limited. When the second AP sends the first frame, the first AP may not be able to receive the first frame. Since the second AP in this embodiment of the application sends multiple first frames in a repeated transmission manner, the coverage of the second AP's transmitted signal can be expanded, so that the APs can exchange information, such as the first AP can receive the first frame sent by the second AP.

[0194] As shown in Figure 9, when the AP uses non-repeating transmission, the signal coverage of each AP is shown by the solid line in Figure 9. When the AP uses repeating transmission, the signal coverage of the AP will increase significantly, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9, which represents the signal coverage of AP1 when using repeating transmission. After AP2 detects intra-domain interference information of UWB device 2, AP2 notifies AP1 of the intra-domain interference information of UWB device 2 using repeating transmission. After AP3 detects intra-domain interference information of UWB device 3, AP3 notifies AP1 of the intra-domain interference information of UWB device 3 using repeating transmission. After AP4 detects intra-domain interference information of UWB device 4, AP4 notifies AP1 of the intra-domain interference information of UWB device 4 using repeating transmission.

[0195] Step 601: The first AP sends a second frame to the associated first STA; wherein the second frame includes fourth information, which is associated with the third information.

[0196] Accordingly, the first STA receives the second frame from the associated first AP.

[0197] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth information is associated with the third information, which can be: the fourth information is the third information, that is, the fourth information is used to indicate the intra-domain interference information of the second AP, as can be seen in the above description.

[0198] Alternatively, the fourth information can be associated with the third information, which could be: the first AP generates the fourth information based on the third information. Optionally, the frame formats of the fourth information and the third information can be the same or different; or, the information notification methods of the fourth information and the third information can be the same or different, or the information content indicated by the fourth information and the third information can be the same or different.

[0199] For example, when the interference information within the domain includes the interfered transmission resources, when the first AP generates the fourth information based on the third information, the fourth information can be used to instruct the first STA not to receive and / or send transmission resources of radio frames, wherein the transmission resources for which the first STA does not receive and / or send radio frames can be the transmission resources for the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to send signals.

[0200] In practice, after receiving the first frame sent by the second AP, the first AP determines the fourth information based on the third information included in the first frame; the first AP can add the fourth information to the second frame.

[0201] The first STA can be any STA associated with the first AP.

[0202] For example, the second frame can be a Beacon frame.

[0203] Alternatively, the first STA can query the first AP for intra-domain interference information of the second AP. For example, the first STA sends a query message to the first AP to inquire about the intra-domain interference information of the second AP; the first AP then sends the intra-domain interference information of the second AP to the first STA.

[0204] After receiving the second frame sent by the associated first AP, the first STA can perform interference detection on the first device in the second AP domain based on the fourth information.

[0205] Optionally, the first STA determines the transmission resources of the second AP that are interfered with based on the fourth information included in the second frame (wherein the interferenced transmission resources can be the transmission resources of the second communication device that transmit signals); the first STA detects the signal interference strength of the second communication device on the transmission resources of the second AP that are interfered with, that is, on the transmission resources of the second communication device that transmit signals, and the signal interference strength is the signal strength of the signal transmitted by the second communication device detected by the first STA.

[0206] In this embodiment, the first STA can determine the transmission resources for signals transmitted by the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP based on the fourth information. Interference detection is then performed on these transmission resources for the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP, avoiding prolonged interference scanning by the first STA and thus reducing its power consumption. Furthermore, during the first STA's movement, it can accurately detect signals transmitted by the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP on the transmission resources for the second communication device's signals, reducing interference detection time and improving interference detection efficiency.

[0207] After the first STA obtains the intra-domain interference information of the second AP in the embodiments of this application, the first STA can avoid interference from the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP in a variety of different ways.

[0208] Interference avoidance method 1: The first STA sends the signal interference strength of the second communication device to the first AP; the first AP performs a second operation, which is used to reduce the interference of the second communication device to the first STA.

[0209] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the signal interference strength sent from the first STA.

[0210] After receiving the signal interference strength sent by the first STA, the first AP performs the second operation when it determines that the signal interference strength is greater than the second threshold.

[0211] In this embodiment of the application, when the first AP determines that the signal interference intensity transmitted by the first STA is greater than a second threshold, it indicates that the second communication device in the second AP is causing significant interference to the first STA. At this time, the first AP performs a second operation. This second operation can also be called an anti-interference operation, which can be used to avoid or reduce interference from the second communication device in the second AP to the first STA.

[0212] Interference avoidance method 2: The first STA sends a second interference indication message to the first AP, and the first AP performs a second operation to reduce the interference of the second communication device to the first STA.

[0213] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the second interference indication information sent from the first STA.

[0214] The second interference indication information is used to indicate that the signal sent by the second communication device interferes with the first STA;

[0215] In this embodiment of the application, when the first STA determines that the signal interference intensity is greater than a third threshold, it sends a second interference indication message to the first AP.

[0216] In addition, when the first STA determines that the signal interference intensity is not greater than the third threshold, the first STA can determine that the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP does not interfere with the first STA, or can determine that the interference of the second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to the first STA is small; in this case, the first STA may not send the second interference indication information to the first AP.

[0217] In this embodiment of the application, after the first AP receives the second interference indication information, it can determine that the signal sent by the second communication device interferes with the first STA, and the first AP performs the second operation.

[0218] Optionally, the second operation performed by the first AP may include at least one of the following operations:

[0219] Operation 1: The first AP adjusts the transmission resources of the first STA.

[0220] In practice, the first AP adjusts the transmission resources of the first STA to be different from the transmission resources of the signal sent by the second communication device; for example, the first AP adjusts the transmission time slot of the first STA, and the adjusted transmission time slot of the first STA is different from the transmission time slot of the signal sent by the second communication device.

[0221] Operation 2: The first AP notifies the first STA to switch from the UWB band to the unlicensed band.

[0222] This operating method allows the first AP to avoid interference by using a backoff frequency band.

[0223] For example, unlicensed frequency bands may include 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.

[0224] Operation 3: The first AP notifies the first STA to increase the transmission power.

[0225] During implementation, the first AP notifies the first STA to increase the transmit power of the wireless frames sent.

[0226] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of STA detection and avoidance of interference from other communication devices within the coverage area of ​​AP in this embodiment of the application. The example used is the STA associated with AP1 detecting and avoiding interference from UWB device 2 within the coverage area of ​​AP2. AP2 can repeatedly transmit multiple first frames within the UWB band. The third information included in the first frame indicates the intra-domain interference information of UWB device 2, such as the transmission resources of the signal transmitted by UWB device 2. AP1 sends a second frame to the associated STA1. The fourth information included in the second frame indicates the intra-domain interference information of UWB device 2. During movement, STA1 can quickly detect the signal interference strength of UWB device 2 based on the intra-domain interference information of UWB device 2 and the transmission resources of the signal transmitted by UWB device 2. When the signal interference intensity is high, STA1 sends a second interference indication message to AP1, and AP1 performs a second operation to reduce the interference of UWB device 2 to STA1; or, STA sends the signal interference intensity to AP1, and when AP1 determines that the signal interference intensity is high, it performs a second operation to reduce the interference of UWB device 2 to STA1.

[0227] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 11, the communication device can be used to execute the process executed by the first AP in any of the above embodiments, or the communication device can be used to execute the process executed by the first STA in any of the above embodiments. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0228] The communication device 1100 includes a communication unit 1101 and a processing unit 1102. The processing unit 1102 is used for data processing. The communication unit 1101 can implement corresponding communication functions. The communication unit 1101 can also be referred to as a communication interface, a communication module, a transceiver unit, or a transceiver module. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage unit 1103, which can be used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1102 can read the computer programs or instructions and / or data in the storage unit 1103 to enable the communication device 1100 to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0229] The communication device 1100 can be a device on the first AP side in the above embodiments, such as the first AP or the communication module in the first AP, or a circuit or chip in the first AP responsible for communication functions. The processing unit 1102 is used to perform processing-related operations on the first AP side in the above method embodiments. The communication unit 1101 is used to perform transmit / receive-related operations on the first AP side in the above method embodiments.

[0230] Alternatively, the communication device 1100 can be a device on the first STA side in the above embodiments, such as the first STA or the communication module in the first STA, or a circuit or chip in the first STA responsible for communication functions. The processing unit 1102 is used to perform processing-related operations on the first STA side in the above method embodiments. The communication unit 1101 is used to perform transmit / receive-related operations on the first STA side in the above method embodiments.

[0231] Optionally, the communication unit 1101 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to perform the transmitting operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0232] It should be noted that the communication unit 1101 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 1100 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1100 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0233] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0234] In one possible design, when the communication device 1100 is a first access point (AP) or a communication module within the first AP, the function of the processing unit 1102 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 1101 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry. In another possible design, when the communication device 1100 is a circuit, chip, or chip system responsible for communication functions within the first AP, the function of the processing unit 1102 can be implemented by a circuit system within the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1101 can be implemented by interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0235] In one possible design, when the communication device 1100 is a first STA or a communication module within a first STA, the function of the processing unit 1102 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 1101 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry. In another possible design, when the communication device 1100 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a first STA, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1102 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1101 can be implemented by interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0236] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed 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.

[0237] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0238] In one example, the aforementioned storage unit 1103 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0239] This application also provides a communication device 1200, as shown in FIG12. The communication device 1200 may be a first AP or a chip in the first AP, or the communication device 1200 may be a first STA or a chip in the first STA. The communication device 1200 includes a processor 1201 and a communication interface 1202, and optionally may also include a memory 1203.

[0240] The processor 1201 can be a CPU, a digital processing unit, or something similar. The communication interface 1202 can be a transceiver, an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver chip, etc. The device also includes a memory 1203 for storing the program executed by the processor 1201. The memory 1203 can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory 1203 can be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this.

[0241] The processor 1201 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 1203, specifically to perform the actions of the processing unit 1102. The communication interface 1202 is specifically used to perform the actions of the communication unit 1101, which will not be described in detail here.

[0242] This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1202, processor 1201, and memory 1203. In Figure 12, the memory 1203, processor 1201, and communication interface 1202 are connected via a bus 1204, which is represented by a thick line. The connection methods between other components are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 12, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0243] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions for implementing the method executed by the first AP or the first STA in the above method embodiments.

[0244] For example, when the computer program or instructions are executed by the computer, the computer can implement the method executed by the first AP or the first STA in the above method embodiments.

[0245] This application also provides a computer program product containing a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to implement the method executed by the first AP or the first STA in the above method embodiments.

[0246] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the first AP and the first STA in the above embodiments.

[0247] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the processor to execute the method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any of the above embodiments, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any of the above embodiments.

[0249] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0250] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory in which computer programs or instructions are stored.

[0251] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of a program for controlling the methods provided in any of the above embodiments. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0252] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0253] 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 an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0254] 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.

[0255] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0256] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part 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, server, or network 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, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0257] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: The first access point (AP) receives multiple first frames repeatedly transmitted by the second AP in the ultra-wideband (UWB) band; wherein the first frame includes first information, which is used to indicate the transmission resources of the second AP for receiving and / or sending wireless frames; The first AP sends a second frame to the associated first STA, the second frame including the second information, which is associated with the first information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The first AP receives first interference indication information sent from the first STA. The first interference indication information is used to indicate that the radio frame sent by the first communication device interferes with the first STA. The first communication device is the second AP, or the first communication device is the second STA associated with the second AP. The first AP performs a first operation, which is used to reduce interference from the first communication device to the first STA.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further includes: The first AP merges and demodulates at least two of the plurality of first frames based on the signal reception strength of the plurality of first frames to obtain the first information.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first AP performs a first operation, including: The first AP adjusts the transmission resources of the first STA; or The first AP notifies the first STA to switch from the UWB band to the unlicensed band; or The first AP sends a request frame to the second AP, the request frame being used to request the second AP to adopt multi-AP cooperation; the first AP receives a response frame sent by the second AP; wherein, the multi-AP cooperation includes at least one of cooperative spatial multiplexing, cooperative beamforming, cooperative time multiplexing, and cooperative constrained target wake-up time Co-RTWT.

5. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein, The UWB band includes multiple sub-bands, each sub-band carrying one first frame, and the multiple first frames carry the same information.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a station device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band. The first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: The first STA receives a second frame from the associated first AP. The second frame includes second information, which is associated with first information. The first information is used to instruct the second AP on the transmission resources for receiving and / or sending radio frames. The first STA performs interference detection on the wireless frames sent by the first communication device based on the second information; the first communication device is the second AP, or the first communication device is a second STA associated with the second AP.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further includes: When the first STA determines that the wireless frame sent by the first communication device is interfering with the first STA, it sends a first interference indication information to the first AP. The first interference indication information is used to indicate that the wireless frame sent by the first communication device is interfering with the first STA.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The first STA determines that the radio frame sent by the first communication device interferes with the first STA, including: The first STA detects the signal strength of the wireless frame sent by the first communication device; When the signal strength of the wireless frame sent by the first communication device is detected to be greater than the first threshold, the first STA determines that the wireless frame sent by the first communication device is interfering with the first STA.

10. The method of any of claims 7-9, wherein, The first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a station device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band. The first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

11. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: The first AP receives multiple first frames repeatedly transmitted by the second AP in the ultra-wideband UWB band; wherein, the first frame includes third information, the third information being used to indicate intra-domain interference information of the second AP, the intra-domain interference information being characterized by the interference of a second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to the second AP and / or a second STA associated with the second AP, the second communication device transmitting signals conforming to different communication protocols with the second AP; The first AP sends a second frame to the associated first STA, the second frame including the fourth information, the fourth information being associated with the third information.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: The first AP receives the signal interference strength sent from the first STA, where the signal interference strength is the signal strength of the signal sent by the second communication device detected by the first STA; The first AP performs a second operation, which is used to reduce interference from the second communication device to the first STA.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first AP performs the second operation, including: When the first AP determines that the signal interference intensity is greater than the second threshold, it performs the second operation.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: The first AP receives a second interference indication message from the first STA, the second interference indication message being used to indicate that the signal sent by the second communication device is interfering with the first STA; The first AP performs a second operation, which is used to reduce interference from the second communication device to the first STA.

15. The method of any of claims 11-14, wherein, The method further includes: The first AP merges and demodulates at least two of the plurality of first frames based on the signal reception strength of the plurality of first frames to obtain the third information.

16. The method of any one of claims 12-14, wherein, The first AP performs the second operation, including: The first AP adjusts the transmission resources of the first STA; or The first AP notifies the first STA to switch from the UWB band to the unlicensed band; or The first AP notifies the first STA to increase its transmission power.

17. The method of any of claims 11-16, wherein, The UWB band includes multiple sub-bands, each sub-band carrying one first frame, and the multiple first frames carry the same information.

18. The method of any of claims 11-17, wherein, The first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a station device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band. The first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

19. A method of communication, comprising: The method includes: The first STA receives a second frame from the associated first AP. The second frame includes fourth information associated with the second information. The second information is used to indicate intra-domain interference information of the second AP. The intra-domain interference information characterizes the interference of a second communication device within the coverage area of ​​the second AP to the second AP and / or the second STA associated with the second AP. The second communication device transmits signals conforming to different communication protocols with the second AP. The first STA detects the signal interference strength of the second communication device based on the fourth information. The signal interference strength is the signal strength of the signal sent by the second communication device detected by the first STA.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The method further includes: The first STA sends the signal interference strength to the first AP; or When the first STA determines that the signal interference intensity is greater than the third threshold, it sends a second interference indication message to the first AP. The second interference indication message is used to indicate that the signal sent by the second communication device interferes with the first STA.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein, The first AP and the second AP are access point devices that support transmitting and / or receiving a first wireless signal in the UWB band; the first STA is a station device that supports transmitting and / or receiving a second wireless signal in the UWB band. The first wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol, and the second wireless signal includes at least one signal conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

22. A communications device, characterized by It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 10, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 18, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 21.

23. A communications device, characterized by The device includes one or more processors; the one or more processors are configured to execute a computer program in memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 10, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 18, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 18, or the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 21.

25. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer reads and executes the computer program product, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 18, or the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 21.

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