Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: an access point device (AP) determining a first radio frame, and sending the first radio frame to a station device (STA), wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies information about the time at which the AP enters a first capability communication mode, wherein the first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode comprise at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode is less than that in the second capability communication mode. By means of the method, a current communication mechanism can be further enhanced to ensure that a device is more power-saving.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, research on Wi-Fi technology includes topics such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), with the vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connections, reducing latency, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing device-level power consumption.

[0003] In UHR, the power-saving mechanism will be further enhanced to ensure that the device is more energy-efficient.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system to further enhance existing communication mechanisms.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by an access point device (AP), the method comprising:

[0007] A first wireless frame is determined; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters the first capability communication mode;

[0008] Wherein, the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode;

[0009] The first radio frame is sent to the site device STA.

[0010] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication method, executed by a STA, the method comprising:

[0011] Receive a first wireless frame sent by the AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters the first capability communication mode;

[0012] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device for performing the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0014] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0015] One or more processors;

[0016] The communication device is used to execute the communication method described in the first or second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0017] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an AP and a STA;

[0018] The AP is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the STA is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0019] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, or to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method described in the first aspect or the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0021] In this embodiment, the AP determines a first wireless frame; wherein, the first identification information in the first wireless frame identifies the time information of the AP entering the first capability communication mode; wherein, the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, the value of which is less in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode; and sends the first wireless frame to the station device STA; in this way, the time information of the AP entering the first capability communication mode can be informed to the STA, which can save power for the AP and enable the STA to use the corresponding parameters to communicate with the AP with the AP at this time information, thereby minimizing the impact of the STA still using the communication parameters before the AP entered the first capability communication mode, which would cause a decrease in communication transmission efficiency or failure, improve the utilization rate of communication resources, and thus improve communication efficiency.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the access point device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the site equipment proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0034] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by an access point device (AP), the method comprising:

[0035] A first wireless frame is determined; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters the first capability communication mode;

[0036] Wherein, the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode;

[0037] The first radio frame is sent to the site device STA.

[0038] In the above embodiments, informing the STA of the time when the AP enters the first capability communication mode can save power for the AP while enabling the STA to use the corresponding parameters to communicate with the AP. This minimizes the impact of the STA still using the communication parameters before the AP entered the first capability communication mode, which could lead to reduced communication transmission efficiency or failure. This improves the utilization rate of communication resources and thus improves communication efficiency.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element, in which the first identification information is carried.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the first identification information can be carried through the operation mode notification element in the first wireless frame.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, where the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame includes a beacon frame, and the beacon frame further includes a Basic Service Set Parameter Change Sequence (BSS) field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that the first radio frame includes the operation mode notification element.

[0042] In the above embodiments, when the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, it can be determined whether the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element based on whether the BSS parameter change sequence field in the beacon frame has changed, that is, whether the AP or the AP MLD attached to the AP needs to enter the first capability communication mode.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the AP is attached to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the first radio frame further includes: first identification information corresponding to other APs attached to the AP MLD.

[0044] In the above embodiments, when an AP is attached to an AP MLD, the first radio frame may include time information of each attached AP of the AP MLD entering the first capability communication mode.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, in which first identification information is carried, and the first identification information corresponds to the link ID of the link where the AP is located.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the time information of each auxiliary AP of the AP MLD entering the first capability communication mode can be carried in the first wireless frame through the multi-link information element, and the time information of each auxiliary AP entering the first capability communication mode corresponds to the link ID of the link where the auxiliary AP is located.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the AP MLD includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit / Receive Mobile Multilink Access Point (NSTR) mobile AP MLD, sending the first radio frame to the site equipment STA includes:

[0048] The first radio frame is sent to the STA via the main link in the NSTR link pair.

[0049] In the above embodiments, when the AP MLD includes an NSTR mobile AP MLD, the first radio frame can be sent to the STA through the main link in the NSTR link pair.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information; wherein the second identification information identifies whether the AP supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the second identification information in the first wireless frame can also be used to identify the AP's support capability information for switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes an extended capabilities element, and the second identification information is carried in the extended capabilities element.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the extended capabilities element in the first wireless frame can carry information about the AP's ability to switch between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the AP is attached to an AP MLD, the second identification information identifies whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0055] In the above embodiments, when the AP is attached to the AP MLD, the AP MLD's support capability information for switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode can be identified by the second identification information in the first radio frame.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame further includes third identification information; wherein the third identification information identifies whether the AP supports operation notification capability.

[0057] In the above embodiments, when the STA is a legacy STA and the AP establishes an association with the STA, the AP can also identify whether it supports operation notification capability through the third identification information in the first radio frame.

[0058] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a STA, the method comprising:

[0059] Receive a first wireless frame sent by the AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters the first capability communication mode;

[0060] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the STA can obtain the time information of the AP entering the first capability communication mode based on the received first wireless frame. This can save power for the AP while enabling the STA to use the corresponding parameters to communicate with the AP. This minimizes the impact of the STA still using the communication parameters before the AP entered the first capability communication mode, which could lead to reduced communication transmission efficiency or failure. This improves the utilization rate of communication resources and thus improves communication efficiency.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes an operation mode notification element, in which the first identification information is carried.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, where the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame includes a beacon frame, and the beacon frame also includes a BSS parameter change sequence field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the AP is attached to an AP MLD, the first radio frame further includes: first identification information corresponding to other APs attached to the AP MLD.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, the first identification information is carried in the multi-link information element, and the first identification information corresponds to the link ID of the link where the AP is located.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the AP MLD includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit / Receive Mobile Multilink Access Point (NSTR) mobile AP MLD, the first radio frame transmitted by the receiving AP includes:

[0067] Receive the first radio frame sent by the AP through the main link in the NSTR link pair.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information; wherein the second identification information identifies whether the AP supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes an extended capabilities element, and the second identification information is carried in the extended capabilities element.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the AP is attached to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the second identification information identifies whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame further includes third identification information; wherein the third identification information identifies whether the AP supports operation notification capability.

[0072] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is used to perform optional implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0073] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0074] One or more processors;

[0075] The communication device is used to execute either the optional implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0076] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system including an AP and a STA; wherein the AP is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the STA is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0077] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementation described in the first or second aspect.

[0078] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0079] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0080] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0081] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0082] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, and communication systems. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0083] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0084] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0085] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0087] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0088] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0089] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0090] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0091] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0092] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0093] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0095] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0096] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0097] In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, uplink channel and downlink channel can be replaced with side channel, and uplink link and downlink link can be replaced with side link.

[0098] In some embodiments, "link" can mean "connection" or "link"; in various embodiments, "connection" and "link" can be used interchangeably.

[0099] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0100] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0101] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0102] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes an access point (AP) 101 and a station (STA) 102.

[0104] In some embodiments, an AP can be an access point for mobile terminals to access a wired 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. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device equipped with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the AP can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0105] In some embodiments, the STA includes, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports Wi-Fi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an IoT device that supports Wi-Fi communication, a car with Wi-Fi communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0106] Specifically, the site equipment can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the repeater device 102 and the site equipment 103 can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but are not limited to these.

[0107] Optionally, AP101 can support multi-link communication, that is, AP101 is attached to an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD, i.e., an access point device that supports multi-link communication).

[0108] Optionally, STA102 can support multi-link communication, that is, STA102 is attached to a multi-link site device (Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device, Non-AP MLD, i.e., a site device that supports multi-link communication) 120.

[0109] Optionally, this embodiment of the disclosure does not limit the number of links established between the multi-link access point device and the multi-link site device, and can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0110] As an example, referring to Figure 3, taking the APs attached to the AP MLD as AP-1 and AP-2, the non-APs attached to the non-AP MLD as STA-1 and STA-2, and the two links established between AP MLD110 and non-AP MLD120 as an example, then as shown in Figure 4, AP-1 can communicate with STA-1 through Link a, and AP-2 can communicate with STA-2 through Link b.

[0111] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0112] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0113] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called an Access Point (AP) device, while other sites in the BSS network that are not APs are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs. APs and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0114] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0115] Step 201, the AP determines the first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: the time information of the AP entering the first capability communication mode;

[0116] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0117] The next-generation Wi-Fi technology, Ultra High Reliability (UHR), aims to improve the reliability of wireless LAN connections, reduce latency, and lower device-level power consumption. To further conserve device power, the device's communication mode can be switched from a higher capability mode to a lower capability mode. Specifically, to reduce device-level power consumption, UHR mobile APs supporting the UHR protocol may enter a lower capability mode or a PS (power saving) state. When communication with a device is needed, an initial control frame can be sent to the device in a lower capability mode or PS state to trigger it to switch to a higher capability mode.

[0118] For backward compatibility, there may be support for NSTR mobile AP MLDs (Non-Simultaneous Transmit and Receive mobile access point devices; NSTR stands for Non-Simultaneous Transmit and Receive; optionally, the affiliated APs of an NSTR mobile AP MLD can include affiliated APs operating on the primary link or on a non-primary link). For regular access point devices (regular APs) or AP MLDs affiliated with regular APs, whether they support this requires consideration of the following two points: 1. Unlike the one-to-one information exchange between a STA and an AP, where a STA only needs to exchange information with the corresponding AP when entering a low-capacity communication mode, if the AP supports multi-link communication and the AP MLD is associated with multiple STAs / non-AP MLDs, then when the AP MLD needs to enter a low-capacity communication mode, the corresponding message needs to be broadcast; 2. Given that the AP and STA have already established an association, how to minimize the impact on the STA caused by the switching between higher and lower capacity communication modes of the AP or AP MLD? In view of at least one of the above points, the embodiments of this disclosure require improvements to existing communication methods.

[0119] Optionally, the AP can be an access point device that supports single-link communication or a multi-link access point device (i.e., AP MLD) that supports multi-link communication. This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the AP.

[0120] Optionally, if the AP supports single-link communication, the AP can be a mobile AP or a regular AP; if the AP supports multi-link communication, the AP MLD can be a mobile AP MLD (hereinafter referred to as "first AP MLD", the AP MLD attached to the mobile AP) or a regular AP MLD (hereinafter referred to as "second AP MLD", the AP MLD attached to the regular AP). Optionally, based on whether the mobile AP MLD supports simultaneous transmission and reception, the mobile AP MLD can be divided into NSTR mobile AP MLD or STR mobile AP MLD.

[0121] Optionally, the STA associated with the AP can be a STA that supports the UHR protocol, i.e., a UHR STA.

[0122] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an unsolicited probe response frame.

[0123] Optionally, the first capability communication mode may also be referred to as a first power mode, low-energy communication mode, low-capability communication mode, low-power communication mode, eavesdropping mode, or low-power communication phase, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name. The second capability communication mode may also be referred to as a second power mode, high-energy capability communication mode, high-capability communication mode, high-power communication mode, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name.

[0124] Optionally, the same communication parameters (i.e., the "at least one communication parameter" mentioned above) corresponding to the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode may include, but are not limited to, bandwidth, supported MCS methods, NSS, etc.

[0125] As an example of "the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one of the same communication parameters, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is less in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode", taking the communication parameter as the working bandwidth as an example, assuming that the device supports a working bandwidth of 20MHz (Mega Hertz) in the first capability communication mode, then in the second capability communication mode, the device supports a working bandwidth greater than 20MHz, for example, it can be any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz.

[0126] Optionally, in the first capability communication mode, the device supports a basic operating bandwidth of 20MHz (i.e., BW = 20MHz), the number of SSs is 1 (i.e., NSS = 1), and the maximum value of the MCS index is 5, meaning the MCS index value can be any value from 0 to 5, for example, an MCS index value of 5. In the second capability communication mode, the device supports a bandwidth greater than or equal to 20MHz, for example, any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz, the number of SSs can be greater than or equal to 1, and the MCS index can be greater than or equal to 5, for example, an MCS index value can be any value from 5 to 13. Optionally, the larger the value of the MCS index supported by the device, the greater the number of spatial streams supported by the device.

[0127] Optionally, the timing information for the AP to enter the first capability communication mode can be indicated by TBTT (target beacon transmission time) timing information.

[0128] Optionally, the TBTT time information may include the number of TBTTs. Correspondingly, the time information for the AP to enter the first capability communication mode may include: the AP enters the low capability communication mode after the TBTT corresponding to the number of TBTTs indicated by the TBTT time information.

[0129] Optionally, the first radio frame may also include other communication information for the AP to enter the first capability communication mode. For example, it may include, but is not limited to, channel width information (BW), modulation and coding scheme (MCS) information (e.g., MCS index), Rx NSS (number of spatial streams received, Rx means receive; NSS means number of spatial streams), Rx NSS Type (type of number of spatial streams received), Tx NSS (number of spatial streams transmitted, Tx means transmit), and Tx NSS Type (type of number of spatial streams transmitted).

[0130] In some embodiments, the first identification information may be carried in the first radio frame either explicitly or implicitly.

[0131] (1) In the explicit mode, the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element, and the first identification information is carried in the operation mode notification element. That is, the first identification information can be carried directly through the operation mode notification element in the first radio frame.

[0132] Optionally, if the STA associated with the AP is a legacy STA, the first identification information can be carried through the operation mode notification element in the first radio frame.

[0133] Optionally, a legacy STA is a STA that supports protocols studied prior to the UHR protocol.

[0134] (2) In the implicit method, the first radio frame includes a BSS parameter change sequence field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element. That is, whether the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element can be indirectly determined by whether the BSS parameter change sequence field changes.

[0135] Optionally, if the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it can be determined that the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element, and one or more affiliated APs attached to the AP MLD need to enter the first capability communication mode.

[0136] Optionally, when the AP is attached to the AP MLD and the AP MLD is associated with the non-AP MLD, the first radio frame may include a per-STA profile field corresponding to each attached STA of the non-AP MLD. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, the value change of the per-STA profile field corresponding to each attached STA may also be included to determine the parameter change information corresponding to that attached STA.

[0137] Optionally, if the STA associated with the AP is a legacy STA and the AP and the STA have established an association, the first radio frame includes a beacon frame, and the beacon frame also includes a BSS parameter change sequence field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element.

[0138] Optionally, when an AP is attached to an AP MLD (Multi-Link Access Point Device), the AP MLD is associated with a non-AP MLD, and the attached STAs to the non-AP MLD include legacy STAs, the beacon frame also includes a multi-link information element, which includes a BSS parameter change sequence field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that one or more attached APs to the AP MLD need to enter the first capability communication mode.

[0139] In some embodiments, if the AP is attached to an AP MLD, the first radio frame may further include: first identification information corresponding to other APs attached to the AP MLD.

[0140] Optionally, the first identification information corresponding to other APs in the AP MLD, that is, the time information when other APs besides AP in the AP MLD enter the first capability communication mode.

[0141] Optionally, the timing information for the AP MLD to enter the first capability communication mode may differ for each link. Optionally, this timing information may include time parameters (TSF offset; TSF stands for Time Synchronization Function), which can be based on the time corresponding to the establishment of the associated link or broadcast link.

[0142] Optionally, when the AP MLD is an NSTR mobile AP MLD, if the auxiliary AP operating under the primary link in the NSTR link pair enters the first capability communication mode, the auxiliary AP operating under the non-primary link in the NSTR link pair automatically enters the first capability communication mode, and the time information of the auxiliary AP operating under the non-primary link entering the first capability communication mode is based on the time information of the auxiliary AP operating under the primary link entering the first capability communication mode.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, the first identification information is carried in the multi-link information element, and the first identification information corresponds to the link ID (link identifier) ​​of the link where the AP is located.

[0144] In some embodiments, the AP MLD may carry the time information of the AP MLD entering the first capability communication mode under each link in the multi-link information element of the beacon frame or probe response frame, wherein the time information of each affiliated AP of the AP MLD entering the first capability communication mode under the corresponding link corresponds to the link ID of that link.

[0145] In some embodiments, when a subordinate AP of an AP MLD is associated with a legacy STA attached to a non-AP MLD, the multi-link information element may also include an operating mode notification information element corresponding to the link ID of the working link of the subordinate AP.

[0146] Optionally, if the associated STA of the AP or the AP MLD attached to the AP includes a legacy STA, the format of the operation mode notification element in the first radio frame can be found in Table 2:

[0147] Table 2:

[0148] Referring to Table 2, the operation mode notification element may include the Element ID field, the Length field, and the Operation Mode field.

[0149] In the operation mode notification element, the Element ID field occupies 1 byte, the Length field occupies 1 byte, and the Operation Mode field occupies 1 byte.

[0150] Optionally, the format of the Operation Mode field can be found in Table 3:

[0151] Table 3:

[0152] Referring to Table 3, the Operation Mode field may include the Channel Width field, the 160 / 80+80MHz field, the No LDPC field, the Rx NSS field, and the Rx NSS Type field.

[0153] In the Operation Mode field, the Channel Width field is a 2-bit field, occupying B0 to B1, used to indicate the maximum channel frequency bandwidth supported by the communication device. Specifically, a Channel Width of 0 indicates support for a 20MHz wide channel; 1 indicates support for a 40MHz wide channel; 2 indicates support for an 80MHz wide channel; and 3 indicates support for a 160MHz wide channel and / or an 80+80MHz channel. The 160 / 80+80MHz field is a 1-bit field, occupying B2, used to indicate that the communication device supports communication at a bandwidth of 160MHz / 80+80MHz. The No LDPC field is a 1-bit field, occupying B3, used to indicate whether the communication device prefers not to receive LDPC-encoded PPDUs (Physical Layer Protocol Data Units). The Rx NSS field is a 3-bit field, occupying B4 to B6. The bit value of this field is used to indicate the number of spatial streams used by the link for data reception. The Rx NSS Type field is a 1-bit field, occupying B7, and is used to indicate the type of spatial streams used by the link for data reception.

[0154] Optionally, when the AP or AP MLD needs to update the per-link capability (e.g., the AP needs to enter the first capability communication mode under a certain link) of the currently transmitting data link, it can send OM Control (operation mode control) information to the non-AP MLD through that link. Accordingly, after receiving the OM Control information, the non-AP MLD can determine the new Rx NSS of the link based on the bit value of the Rx NSS field in the Operation Mode field; determine the type of the new Rx NSS of the link based on the bit value of the Rx NSS Type field; and determine the new BW of the link based on the Channel Width, thereby updating the per-link capability of the AP or AP MLD for that link.

[0155] Furthermore, for APs or AP MLDs that support bandwidths of 320MHz or 160+160MHz, their per-link capability may correspond to more than 8 spatial streams. Therefore, for APs or AP MLDs with bandwidths of 320MHz or 160+160MHz, the Operation Mode domain cannot be used alone to update the per-link capability of the AP or AP MLD under a certain link.

[0156] To address this, the OM Control information can be extended to obtain extended Extremely High Throughput OM Control (EHT OM Control) information. For APs or AP MLDs with bandwidths of 320MHz or 160+160MHz, EHT OM Control and OM Control can be used to update the per-link capability of the AP MLD.

[0157] The format of the control information subfield in the EHT OM Control subfield can be found in Table 4:

[0158] Table 4:

[0159] Referring to Table 4, the control information subfield in the EHT OM Control subfield includes the following fields: Rx NSS Extension, Channel Width Extension, Tx NSTS Extension, MCS15 Disable, and Reserved. The Rx NSS Extension field is a 1-bit field, occupying B0, and can be understood as an extension of the Rx NSS field in OM control; the Channel Width Extension field is a 1-bit field, occupying B1, and can be understood as an extension of the Channel Width field in OM control; the Tx NSTS Extension field is a 1-bit field, occupying B2, and can be considered an extension of the Tx NSTS field in OM control; the MCS15 Disable field is a 1-bit field, occupying B3, used to indicate that the modulation and coding scheme corresponding to MCS15 will not be used; and the Reserved field is a 2-bit field, occupying B4 and B5, used for subsequent extensions.

[0160] For example, when a 320MHz bandwidth AP MLD updates its per-link capabilities (e.g., the AP needs to enter first-capability communication mode on a certain link), it can simultaneously send OM Control information and EHT OM Control information to the non-AP MLD. Upon receiving the OM Control and EHT OM Control information, the non-AP MLD determines the new Rx NSS for the link used to transmit the EHT OM Control and OM Control information in the AP MLD based on the bit values ​​of the Rx NSS field in the OM Control information and the Rx NSS Extension field in the EHT OM Control information, thus updating the Rx NSS in the per-link. Similarly, other per-link capabilities (including Tx NSTS and BW) of the 320MHz bandwidth AP MLD can be updated, which will not be elaborated here.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame may further include second identification information; wherein the second identification information identifies whether the AP supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0162] Optionally, the second identification information may include one bit. When the bit corresponding to the second identification information is set to a first parameter value (e.g., "1"), it indicates that the AP supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode. When the bit corresponding to the second identification information is set to a second parameter value (e.g., "0"), it indicates that the AP does not support switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes an extended capabilities element, and the second identification information is carried in the extended capabilities element.

[0164] In some embodiments, when the AP is attached to an AP MLD, the second identification information indicates whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0165] In other words, when an AP is attached to an AP MLD, the extended capabilities element in the first radio frame can be used to identify whether the AP MLD supports switching between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0166] In some embodiments, when the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame may further include third identification information; wherein the third identification information identifies whether the AP supports operation notification capability.

[0167] Optionally, the third identification information may include one bit. When the bit corresponding to the third identification information is set to the first parameter value (e.g., "1"), it indicates that the AP supports operation notification capability. When the bit corresponding to the third identification information is set to the second parameter value (e.g., "0"), it indicates that the AP does not support operation notification capability.

[0168] Optionally, the AP may send the first radio frame to the STA if the third identification information indicates that the AP supports operation notification capability.

[0169] Optionally, the first radio frame may include at least one of first identification information, second identification information, and third identification information. For example, the first radio frame may include only the first identification information, only the second identification information, only the third identification information, or both the first and second identification information, both the first and third identification information, both the second and third identification information, or both the first, second, and third identification information. This embodiment of the present disclosure does not enumerate all of these possibilities.

[0170] Step 202: The AP sends the first radio frame to the site device STA. Correspondingly, the STA receives the first radio frame sent by the AP.

[0171] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit / Receive Mobile Multilink Access Point (NSTR) mobile AP MLD, sending the first radio frame to the site equipment STA includes:

[0172] The first radio frame is sent to the STA via the main link in the NSTR link pair.

[0173] Optionally, when the AP MLD is an NSTR mobile AP MLD, in an NSTR link pair, communication on the non-primary link depends entirely on the primary link. Therefore, the AP MLD can send beacon frames or probe response frames to subordinate STAs attached to the non-AP MLD and operating on the primary link, carrying in the beacon frames or probe response frames the time information of the AP MLD entering the first capability communication mode on each link. In this case, the subordinate AP on the non-primary link can automatically enter the low capability communication mode through the time information of the subordinate AP entering the first capability communication mode carried in the beacon frames or probe response frames sent by the AP MLD through the primary link.

[0174] The following describes the communication parameters corresponding to the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0175] Optionally, in one communication mode, the MCS information supported by the device is associated with multiple communication parameters. For example, the communication parameters associated with the MCS information may include, but are not limited to: NSS, the modulation scheme supported by each spatial stream, coding rate, BW, device transmission resource type [e.g., Resource Unit RU, Multiple Resource Unit (MRU), Distributed Resource Unit (dRU), UEQM, etc.], whether the device supports BW punctured channel pattern, and at least one of the punctured channel density supported by the device.

[0176] For example, regarding each communication parameter, does the device support its specific parameter values? For instance, for NSS, the maximum NSS supported by the device could be 4, 8, or 16. Taking modulation schemes as an example, the modulation schemes supported by a spatial stream supported by the device could be at least one of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), 64-QAM, 256-QAM, 1024-QAM, and 4096-QAM. Taking coding rate as an example, the coding rate supported by a spatial stream supported by the device could be 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 4, or 5 / 6. Taking BW as an example, the BW supported by the device could be at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz. When the device supports BW punch channel mode, the punch channel density supported by the device may be at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz.

[0177] For a given device, the MCS information it supports can be found in Table 1.

[0178] Table 1:

[0179] As shown in Table 1, n, n+1, n+2, n+3, n+4, etc., are merely examples used to distinguish the differences between each row. Specific values ​​need to be adjusted according to the actual situation. In each row, the NSS, modulation, coding rate, transmission resource type, BW, whether puncturing is supported, and puncturing channel density corresponding to the device can be arbitrarily combined, and the corresponding MCS index value will differ under different combinations. For example, in the first row, the MCS index values ​​corresponding to different combinations can be t, t+1, t+2, ..., etc.

[0180] Optionally, the NSS in Table 1 may specifically include Rx NSS or Tx NSS. This disclosure does not limit this, and it can be set according to the actual situation.

[0181] In some embodiments, a method is provided for a mobile AP to negotiate high and low capability communication modes. In this method, a signaling is defined for a mobile AP or a first AP MLD (including an NSTR mobile AP MLD) attached to a mobile AP, and for a regular AP or a second AP MLD attached to a regular AP to enter a low capability communication mode. This allows the mobile AP, the first AP MLD, the regular AP, or the second AP MLD to save power while reducing the impact on STAs associated with the mobile AP, the first non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD, and the second non-AP MLD associated with the regular AP or the second AP MLD, suitable for UHR requirements.

[0182] Step 1: During the process of establishing an association between the mobile AP / first AP MLD (including NSTR mobile AP MLD) or regular AP / second AP MLD and the STA / non-AP MLD (specifically, during the process of establishing an association between the mobile AP and the STA, during the process of establishing an association between the first AP MLD and the first non-AP MLD, during the process of establishing an association between the regular AP and the second STA, or during the process of establishing an association between the second AP MLD and the second non-AP MLD):

[0183] A. When the AP supports single-link communication, i.e., when the AP is a mobile AP or a regular AP, the AP carries information about entering low-capability communication mode in the beacon frame or probe response frame. The information about the AP entering low-capability communication mode can be defined as an information element. Specifically, the information about the AP entering low-capability communication mode may include TBTT (target beacon transmission time) time information. For example, the TBTT time information may include the number of TBTTs. Accordingly, the information about the AP entering low-capability communication mode may include: the AP enters low-capability communication mode after the TBTT corresponding to the number of TBTTs indicated by the TBTT time information.

[0184] Optionally, if the AP is associated with a legacy STA, the AP can also carry an operation mode notification information element in the beacon frame before entering the low-capability communication mode to indicate that the AP has entered the low-capability communication mode.

[0185] Optionally, the AP can also carry a BSS parameter change sequence element in the beacon frame, and when the BSS parameter change sequence element changes, it can identify that the beacon frame carries an operation mode notification information element.

[0186] Optionally, the format of the operation mode notification element can be found in Table 2 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] Optionally, the format of the Operation Mode field can be found in Table 3 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] Furthermore, for APs or AP MLDs that support bandwidths of 320MHz or 160+160MHz, their per-link capability may correspond to more than 8 spatial streams. Therefore, for APs or AP MLDs with bandwidths of 320MHz or 160+160MHz, the Operation Mode domain cannot be used alone to update the per-link capability of the AP or AP MLD under a certain link.

[0189] To address this, the OM Control information can be extended to obtain extended Extremely High Throughput OM Control (EHT OM Control) information. For APs or AP MLDs with bandwidths of 320MHz or 160+160MHz, EHT OM Control and OM Control can be used to update the per-link capability of the AP MLD.

[0190] The format of the control information subfield in the EHT OM Control subfield can be found in Table 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0191] B. When the AP supports multi-link communication, that is, when the AP is the first AP MLD attached to the mobile AP (mobile AP MLD) or the second AP MLD attached to the regular AP (i.e., regular AP MLD), the PS (power saving) mechanism of the AP MLD (including the first AP MLD or the second AP MLD) is independent of each other under each link. The AP MLD can identify the information related to the switching of low-capability communication mode under multiple links under one of the links.

[0192] Optionally, the information related to low-capability communication mode switching for the AP MLD may differ for each link. This information may include the time information when the AP MLD enters low-capability communication mode for that link. Optionally, this time information may include time parameters (TSF offset; TSF stands for Time Synchronization Function), which may be based on the time corresponding to the establishment of the associated link or broadcast link.

[0193] In some embodiments, the AP MLD may carry information related to low-capability communication mode switching for each link in the multi-link information element of the beacon frame or probe response frame. The information related to low-capability communication mode switching for each link (see the relevant settings in step A for details) corresponds to the link ID of the working link of the affiliated AP attached to the AP MLD.

[0194] In some embodiments, when a subordinate AP of an AP MLD is associated with a legacy STA attached to a non-AP MLD, the multi-link information element may also include an operating mode notification information element corresponding to the link ID of the working link of the subordinate AP.

[0195] Optionally, when the AP MLD is an NSTR mobile AP MLD, in an NSTR link pair, communication on the non-primary link depends entirely on the primary link. Therefore, the AP MLD can send beacon frames or probe response frames to the subordinate STAs attached to the non-AP MLD and operating on the primary link, carrying information related to the AP MLD's low-capability communication mode switching on the primary link within the beacon frames or probe response frames (see the relevant settings in step A for details). In this case, the AP on the non-primary link can automatically enter low-capability communication mode through the information related to low-capability communication mode switching on the primary link in the beacon frames or probe response frames sent by the AP MLD via the primary link.

[0196] Step 2: During the process of establishing association between the mobile AP / first AP MLD (including NSTR mobile AP MLD) or regular AP / second AP MLD and the STA / non-AP MLD, the mobile AP, AP MLD (including NSTR mobile AP MLD), regular AP or second AP MLD carries an indication bit in the beacon frame or probe response frame indicating that it supports switching between high and low capability communication modes.

[0197] In some embodiments, indication bits indicating support for switching between high and low capability communication modes can be carried through the extended capabilities information element in a beacon frame or probe response frame.

[0198] In some embodiments, when the AP supports multi-link communication, the indication information for switching between high and low capability communication modes supported by the AP MLD is MLD-level capability information.

[0199] In some embodiments, when an AP is associated with a legacy STA, the AP may carry information about its ability to support operating notification in a beacon frame or probe response frame.

[0200] The method for negotiating high and low capability communication modes for mobile APs provided in this disclosure can improve spectrum utilization.

[0201] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0202] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0203] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0204] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0205] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0206] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0207] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 201 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 202 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and the combination of step 201 and step 202 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0208] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2 may be referred to.

[0209] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] As shown in Figure 4, the above method can be applied to AP, and the method includes:

[0211] Step 401, determine the first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: the time information when the AP enters the first capability communication mode;

[0212] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0213] Step 402: Send the first radio frame to the STA.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element, and the first identification information is carried in the operation mode notification element.

[0215] In some embodiments, where the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has already established an association with the STA,

[0216] The first radio frame includes a beacon frame, which also includes a BSS parameter change sequence field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element.

[0217] In some embodiments, if the AP is attached to an AP MLD, the first radio frame may further include: first identification information corresponding to other APs attached to the AP MLD.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, the first identification information is carried in the multi-link information element, and the first identification information corresponds to the link ID of the link where the AP is located.

[0219] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD includes an NSTR mobile AP MLD, sending the first radio frame to the site equipment STA includes:

[0220] The first radio frame is sent to the STA via the main link in the NSTR link pair.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information; wherein the second identification information identifies whether the AP supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes an extended capabilities element, and the second identification information is carried in the extended capabilities element.

[0223] In some embodiments, when the AP is attached to an AP MLD, the second identification information identifies whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0224] In some embodiments, when the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame further includes third identification information; wherein the third identification information identifies whether the AP supports operation notification capability.

[0225] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0226] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 401 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 402 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and the combination of steps 401 and 402 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0227] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 4.

[0228] Figure 5 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] As shown in Figure 5, the above method can be applied to STA, and the method includes:

[0230] Step 501: Receive the first wireless frame sent by the AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters the first capability communication mode;

[0231] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element, and the first identification information is carried in the operation mode notification element.

[0233] In some embodiments, the STA is a legacy STA, and the AP and the STA have already been associated.

[0234] The first radio frame includes a beacon frame, which also includes a BSS parameter change sequence field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that the first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element.

[0235] In some embodiments, if the AP is attached to an AP MLD, the first radio frame may further include: first identification information corresponding to other APs attached to the AP MLD.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, the first identification information is carried in the multi-link information element, and the first identification information corresponds to the link ID of the link where the AP is located.

[0237] In some embodiments, when the AP MLD includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit / Receive Mobile Multilink Access Point (NSTR) mobile AP MLD, the first radio frame transmitted by the receiving AP includes:

[0238] Receive the first radio frame sent by the AP through the main link in the NSTR link pair.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information; wherein the second identification information identifies whether the AP supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes an extended capabilities element, and the second identification information is carried in the extended capabilities element.

[0241] In some embodiments, when the AP is attached to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the second identification information identifies whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

[0242] In some embodiments, when the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame further includes third identification information; wherein the third identification information identifies whether the AP supports operation notification capability.

[0243] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0245] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0246] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0247] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access point device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The access point device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the access point device 600 may include at least one of a processing module 601, a transceiver module 602, etc.

[0248] In some embodiments, the processing module 601 is configured to determine a first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters a first capability communication mode; wherein the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is less in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode; the transceiver module 602 is configured to send the first wireless frame to the site device STA.

[0249] Optionally, the processing module 601 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201 and 401, but not limited thereto) performed by the access point device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The transceiver module 602 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 202 and 402, but not limited thereto) performed by the access point device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0250] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0251] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a site device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The site device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the site device 700 may include a transceiver module 701.

[0252] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 is configured to receive a first wireless frame sent by the AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters a first capability communication mode; wherein the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0253] Optionally, the transceiver module 701 is used to perform at least one of the transceiver steps (such as step 202, step 501, but not limited thereto) performed by the site device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0254] In some embodiments, the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver.

[0255] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 800 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 800 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 800 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0256] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 800 includes one or more processors 801. The processor 801 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 800 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 801 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 800 to execute any of the above methods.

[0257] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 further includes one or more transceivers 802. When the communication device 800 includes one or more transceivers 802, the transceiver 802 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 202, 302, 401, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0258] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 further includes one or more memories 803 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 801 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 803 to cause the communication device 800 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 803 may also be located outside the communication device 800. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 800 may include one or more interface circuits 804. Optionally, the interface circuit 804 is connected to the memory 802, and the interface circuit 804 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 802 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 804 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 802 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 801.

[0259] The communication device 800 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 800 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 800 may not be limited by FIG8. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0260] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 900 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 800 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 900 shown in Figure 9, but it is not limited thereto.

[0261] Chip 900 includes one or more processors 901. Chip 900 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0262] In some embodiments, chip 900 further includes one or more interface circuits 902. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 900 further includes one or more memories 903 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 903 may be located outside chip 900. Optionally, interface circuit 902 is connected to memory 903, and interface circuit 902 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 903 or other devices, and interface circuit 902 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 903 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 902 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 903 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 901.

[0263] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 902 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 202, 302, and 401, but not limited thereto). For example, the interface circuit 902 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 902 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 901, the chip 900, the memory 903, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 901 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201 and 301, but not limited thereto).

[0264] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0265] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0266] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0267] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by the access point device (AP), the method includes: A first wireless frame is determined; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters a first capability communication mode; wherein the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode; The first radio frame is sent to the site device STA.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes an operation mode notification element; the first identification information is carried in the operation mode notification element.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has already established an association with the STA, The first radio frame includes a beacon frame, which further includes a Basic Service Set Parameter Change Sequence (BSS) field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that the first radio frame includes the operation mode notification element.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the case where the AP is attached to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the first radio frame further includes: first identification information corresponding to other APs attached to the AP MLD.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, the first identification information is carried in the multi-link information element, and the first identification information corresponds to the link ID of the link where the AP is located.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the case where the AP MLD includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit / Receive Mobile Multilink Access Point (NSTR) mobile AP MLD, sending the first radio frame to the site equipment (STA) includes: The first radio frame is sent to the STA via the main link in the NSTR link pair.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes second identification information; wherein the second identification information identifies whether the AP supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes an extended capabilities element, and the second identification information is carried in the extended capabilities element.

9. The communication method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, When the AP is attached to the AP MLD, the second identification information indicates whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

10. The communication method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, When the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame also includes third identification information; wherein the third identification information identifies whether the AP supports operating notification capability.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by the STA, the method includes: Receive a first wireless frame sent by the AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies the time information when the AP enters the first capability communication mode; The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, and the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes an operation mode notification element, and the first identification information is carried in the operation mode notification element.

13. The communication method according to claim 12, characterized in that, If the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has already established an association with the STA, The first radio frame includes a beacon frame, and the beacon frame further includes a BSS parameter change sequence field. If the BSS parameter change sequence field changes, it indicates that the first radio frame includes the operation mode notification element.

14. The communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, In the case where the AP is attached to an AP MLD, the first radio frame further includes: first identification information corresponding to other APs attached to the AP MLD.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first wireless frame includes a multi-link information element, in which the first identification information is carried, and the first identification information corresponds to the link ID of the link where the AP is located.

16. The communication method according to claim 15, characterized in that, In the case where the AP MLD includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit / Receive Mobile Multilink Access Point (NSTR) mobile AP MLD, the first radio frame transmitted by the receiving AP includes: Receive the first radio frame sent by the AP through the main link in the NSTR link pair.

17. The communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes second identification information; wherein the second identification information identifies whether the AP supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

18. The communication method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes an extended capabilities element, and the second identification information is carried in the extended capabilities element.

19. The communication method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, When the AP is attached to a multi-link access point device (AP MLD), the second identification information indicates whether the AP MLD supports switching between a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode.

20. The communication method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, If the STA is a legacy STA and the AP has established an association with the STA, the first radio frame further includes third identification information; wherein the third identification information identifies whether the AP supports operation notification capability.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, or to perform the communication method of any one of claims 11 to 20.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, Including AP and STA; The AP is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the STA is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 20.

23. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 11 to 20.

24. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 10, or implements the communication method of any one of claims 11 to 20.

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