Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: a first device receiving a first radio frame sent by a second device, wherein the first radio frame is used for triggering the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; in response to the first radio frame, determining a second radio frame, wherein the second radio frame comprises a padding field, the padding field comprising: a switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; and sending the second radio frame to the second device. The method can further enhance a power saving mechanism, realizing that a device can be woken up in time while ensuring power saving of the device, thereby meeting the communication requirements.

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 can be woken up in time to meet communication needs while saving power.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system to further enhance the power-saving mechanism, enabling the device to be woken up in a timely manner while ensuring power saving and meeting communication needs.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first device, the method including:

[0007] Receive a first wireless frame sent by a second device; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0008] In response to the first radio frame, a second radio frame is determined; wherein the second radio frame includes a padding field, the padding field including: the handover delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode;

[0009] Send a second wireless frame to the second device.

[0010] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication method executed by a second device, the method including:

[0011] Send a first wireless frame to the first device; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0012] Receive the second wireless frame sent by the first device in response to the first wireless frame;

[0013] The second wireless frame includes a padding field, which includes the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device for performing the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0016] One or more processors;

[0017] The communication device is used to execute the communication method described in the first or second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including an AP and a STA;

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving a first wireless frame sent by a second device, the first device responds to the first wireless frame triggering the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and determines a second wireless frame; the second wireless frame carries the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode through the padding field; in this way, it can be ensured that the second device has enough time to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, so as to ensure that the device can be woken up in time while ensuring power saving, and meeting the UHR requirement.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0035] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0036] Receive a first wireless frame sent by a second device; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0037] In response to the first radio frame, a second radio frame is determined; wherein the second radio frame includes a padding field, the padding field including: the handover delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode;

[0038] Send a second wireless frame to the second device.

[0039] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving a first wireless frame sent by a second device, the first device responds to the first wireless frame triggering the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and determines a second wireless frame; the second wireless frame carries the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode through the padding field; in this way, it can be ensured that the second device has enough time to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, so as to ensure that the device can be woken up in time while ensuring power saving, and meeting the UHR requirement.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0041] In the above embodiments, for at least one identical communication parameter, the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode. In this way, compared with the second capability communication mode, the first device can save power when it is in the first capability communication mode.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method may further include:

[0043] During the initial association process between the first device and the second device, a third wireless frame sent by the second device is received; wherein the third wireless frame carries the handover delay.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the first device can obtain the switching delay required by the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode through the third wireless frame sent by the second device during the process of establishing an initial association with the second device.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of first identification information and second identification information:

[0046] The first identification information indicates whether the second device supports switching communication capability modes; the switching operation includes at least one of the following: switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and switching from a second capability communication mode to a first capability communication mode;

[0047] The second identification information identifies the switching delay.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the second device can identify whether it supports switching communication capability modes through the first identification information in the third wireless frame; and carry the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode through the second identification information.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third wireless frame includes a first information element, in which the first identification information and the second identification information are carried.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the second device can carry first identification information and second identification information through the first information element in the third wireless frame. In this way, the first device can obtain whether the second device supports the switching operation of communication capability mode by parsing the first information element, and the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the second device supports multi-link communication, the first information element includes an enhanced multi-link EML capability information field.

[0052] In the above embodiments, when the second device supports multi-link communication, the second device can carry the first identification information and the second identification information through the EML capability information field in the third wireless frame. In this way, the first device can obtain whether the second device supports the switching operation of communication capability mode by parsing the first information element, and the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0053] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a second device, the method including:

[0054] A first wireless frame is determined; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0055] Send the first wireless frame to the first device.

[0056] Receive the second wireless frame sent by the first device in response to the first wireless frame;

[0057] The second wireless frame includes a padding field, which includes the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0058] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, after the second device triggers the first device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode via the first wireless frame, it receives the second wireless frame sent by the first device in response to the first wireless frame. If the padding field of the second wireless frame carries the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, the device can switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode within the switching delay. In this way, it can ensure that the second device has enough time to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, so as to ensure that the device can be woken up in time while saving power and meeting the UHR requirement.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method may further include:

[0061] During the initial association process between the second device and the first device, a third wireless frame is determined; wherein the third wireless frame carries the handover delay;

[0062] The third wireless frame is sent to the first device.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of first identification information and second identification information:

[0064] The first identification information indicates whether the second device supports switching communication capability modes; the switching operation includes at least one of the following: switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and switching from a second capability communication mode to a first capability communication mode;

[0065] The second identification information identifies the switching delay.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third wireless frame includes a first information element, in which the first identification information and the second identification information are carried.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, where the second device supports multi-link communication, the first information element includes an EML capability information field.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0070] One or more processors;

[0071] The communication device is used to execute either the optional implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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."

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0088] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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”.

[0091] 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.

[0092] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0093] 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.

[0094] In some embodiments, "link" can mean "connection" or "link"; in various embodiments, "connection" and "link" can be used interchangeably.

[0095] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0096] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0097] 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.

[0098] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101 and a second device 102.

[0100] Optionally, the first device 101 can be a station (STA) or an access point (AP). The second device 102 can also be a STA or an AP.

[0101] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first device 101 can be a STA and the second device 102 can be an AP; in other embodiments, the first device 101 can be an AP and the second device 102 can be a STA.

[0102] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, AP and STA can be devices that support multiple links. For example, they can be represented as Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) and Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), respectively. AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multiple link communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a site that supports multiple link communication functions.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first device 101 can be a non-AP MLD and the second device 102 can be an AP MLD; in other embodiments, the first device 101 can be an AP MLD and the second device 102 can be a non-AP MLD.

[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 STA can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the STA 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 above method may include:

[0111] Step 201: The second device determines the first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0112] 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 communication mode (e.g., the second capability communication mode) to a lower capability communication mode (e.g., the first capability communication mode). Specifically, to reduce device-level power consumption, UHR mobile APs supporting the UHR protocol may enter a lower capability communication mode or a PS (power saving) state. When communication with a device is required, an initial control frame can be sent to the device in a lower capability communication mode or PS state to trigger it to switch to a higher capability communication mode.

[0113] In some embodiments, the mobile AP (Mobile Access Point) supports either a higher capability communication mode or a lower capability communication mode. In some embodiments, both the AP (e.g., a mobile AP) and the STA may be in a lower capability communication mode, and one party may need the other to switch to a higher capability communication mode for communication. In this case, a radio frame can be sent to the other party (optionally, the radio frame may carry the other party's communication parameters in the higher capability communication mode; wherein, the communication parameters may include information such as the number of BW (bandwidth) and SS (Spatial Stream). Optionally, the radio frame may be an initial control frame, abbreviated as ICF frame; wherein, the initial control frame may be a MU-RTS frame (multiple user request to send) to wake up the other party to switch to the higher capability communication mode; wherein, the padding field of the radio frame may carry the information that the receiver of the radio frame has switched from the lower capability communication mode to the higher capability communication mode; after receiving the radio frame, the receiver of the radio frame may send a response frame to the sender of the radio frame. In this scenario, the sender of the wireless frame also needs a certain amount of time to switch from a lower capability communication mode to a higher capability communication mode. To address this, embodiments of this disclosure provide a new communication mechanism that allows the sender of the wireless frame sufficient time to switch from a lower capability communication mode to a higher capability communication mode.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first device can be a STA and the second device can be an AP; in other embodiments, the first device can be an AP and the second device can be a STA.

[0115] In some embodiments, where the first device and the second device support multi-link communication, the first device can be a non-AP MLD and the second device can be an AP MLD; in other embodiments, the first device can be an AP MLD and the second device can be a non-AP MLD.

[0116] Optionally, the first radio frame may include, but is not limited to, an initial control frame (ICF frame), a MU-RTS frame (multiple user request to send), or a BFRP frame (Beamforming Report Poll).

[0117] In some embodiments, before the second device determines the first radio frame, the first device may be in a power saving mode (PS mode, PS stands for power saving) or a first capability communication mode. The first radio frame may be used to trigger the first device to switch from the current communication mode (power saving mode or first capability communication mode) to a second capability communication mode, that is, to trigger the first device to switch from power saving mode to the second capability communication mode, or to trigger the first device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0118] In some embodiments, where both the first device and the second device support multi-link communication, the second device can trigger some or all of the auxiliary devices of the multi-link device attached to the first device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode via the first wireless frame.

[0119] In some examples, power-saving mode may include a Doze State (also known as a hibernation state) and an Awake State (wake-up state).

[0120] Optionally, power-saving mode is relative to Active Mode. Active state refers to the state in which the device transmits or receives data. In Active Mode, all RF links are active, resulting in higher power consumption. In power-saving mode, when the device enters Awake State, its power consumption is the same as in Active State, and it can still receive or transmit data. Doze State is the opposite of Awake State; when the device enters Doze State, its power consumption is very low, and it cannot perform transmit or receive operations.

[0121] As an example, when a device enters the Doze State, if a device associated with it (hereinafter referred to as the associated device) needs to send data to the device in the Doze State, the associated device will cache its data. While the device is in the Doze State, it will periodically wake up (DTIM period) to receive Beacon frames sent by the associated device. The device can determine whether the associated device has cached data to send to it by listening to the TIM (Traffic Indication Map) field of the Beacon frames sent by the associated device. If it determines that the associated device has cached data to send to the device, the device will switch to the Awake State and send PS-Poll (Power Saving Polling) frames to inform the associated device that it is now in the Awake State. After receiving the PS-Poll frames, the associated device will send its cached data to the device.

[0122] Optionally, taking the device as a STA as an example, the STA can indicate the power mode after completing the current frame exchange through the power management subfield carried in the frame control field of the radio frame. When Power Management is set to 0, it indicates that the STA is in Active Mode after completing the current frame exchange. In this state, it can transmit or receive data, all radio frequency links are working, and power consumption is relatively high. When Power Management is set to 1, it indicates that the STA enters PS Mode after completing the current frame exchange.

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

[0125] 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, and the number of SSs.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Optionally, in the first capability communication mode, the device supports a basic 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, and the greater the amount of data that can be transmitted.

[0128] Step 202: The second device sends a first radio frame to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first radio frame sent by the second device.

[0129] Taking the first wireless frame as an ICF frame as an example, the communication device that sends the ICF frame can be called the sender of the ICF frame, and the communication device that receives the ICF frame can be called the receiver of the ICF frame, based on the transmission direction of the ICF frame. In step 202, the second device can be called the sender of the ICF frame, and the first device can be called the receiver of the ICF frame.

[0130] In some embodiments, when both the first device and the second device support multi-link communication, multiple links can be established between the first multi-link device attached to the first device and the second multi-link device attached to the second device. The second device can send a first wireless frame to the first device through the link established with the first device among the multiple links, and trigger the attached device attached to the first multi-link device and operating under other links to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode through the first wireless frame.

[0131] Step 203: In response to the first radio frame, the first device determines the second radio frame; wherein the second radio frame includes a padding field, the padding field including: the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0132] Optionally, the second radio frame may include, but is not limited to, an initial control response (ICR) frame, an ACK (acknowledgement) frame, or a BA (block acknowledgement) frame.

[0133] In some embodiments, during the initial association process between the first device and the second device, both parties can obtain the switching latency required for the other to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode. That is, the first device can obtain the switching latency required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode during the initial association process. Optionally, the second device can also obtain the switching latency required for the first device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode during the initial association process with the first device.

[0134] Optionally, during the initial association process between the first device and the second device, the communicating parties may also obtain the switching latency required for the other party to switch from power saving mode to the second capability communication mode, the switching latency required to switch from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode, and the switching latency required to switch from the second capability communication mode to the power saving mode, etc. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0135] Optionally, the switching delay required for the communication device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode may be the same as or different from the switching delay required for the communication device to switch from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode.

[0136] Optionally, a padding field may be carried in the second radio frame, which carries the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0137] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3, taking the switching delay required for the first device to switch the second device from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode as an example, during the initial association establishment process between the first device and the second device (FIG3 takes the example before step 201), the method may further include:

[0138] Step 301: The second device determines a third radio frame; wherein the third radio frame carries the aforementioned handover delay (i.e., the handover delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode).

[0139] Optionally, the second device may determine the third radio frame during the initial association process with the first device.

[0140] In some embodiments, during the initial association establishment process between the first device and the second device, if the second device is an access point (AP) (e.g., a mobile AP), the third radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame. If the second device is a STA, the third radio frame may include, but is not limited to, a probe request frame, an association request frame, or a reassociation request frame.

[0141] Taking the first radio frame as an ICF frame as an example, when the sender of the ICF (i.e., the second device) is an AP (e.g., a mobile AP), the delay value for the sender of the ICF frame to switch between high and low capability communication modes can be carried in the beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame, or reassociation response frame; when the sender of the ICF frame is a STA, the delay value for the sender of the ICF frame to switch between high and low capability communication modes can be carried in the probe request, association request frame, or reassociation request frame.

[0142] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of first identification information and second identification information:

[0143] The first identification information indicates whether the second device supports switching communication capability modes; the switching operation includes at least one of the following: switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and switching from a second capability communication mode to a first capability communication mode;

[0144] The second identification information identifies the switching delay.

[0145] Optionally, the above switching operation may include switching between at least two communication capability modes, namely power saving mode, first capability communication mode, and second capability communication mode.

[0146] Optionally, the second identification information may also include the switching delay corresponding to the switching operation corresponding to the first identification information. For example, it may include the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the power saving mode to the second capability communication mode, the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the second capability communication mode to the first capability communication mode, and the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the second capability communication mode to the power saving mode, etc.

[0147] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes a first information element, in which the first identification information and the second identification information are carried.

[0148] Optionally, the first information element can be an information element obtained by expanding an existing field in the third radio frame, or it can be a newly defined information element in the third radio frame. This embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0149] In some embodiments, where the second device supports multi-link communication, the first information element includes an EML (enhanced multi-link) capability information field.

[0150] Optionally, a new subdomain can be defined in the EML capability information domain to carry the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0151] Optionally, the format of an EML capability subfield can be as shown in Table 2:

[0152] Table 2:

[0153] Referring to Table 2, the EML capability subfield may include the EMLSR Support field, EMLSR / EMLMR Padding Delay field, EMLMR Support field, EMLSR / EMLMR Transition Delay field, Transition Timeout field, and reserved fields.

[0154] In the EML capability subfield, the EMLSR Support field is a 1-bit field, occupying B0, used to indicate whether the communication device supports EMLSR communication. The EMLSR / EMLMR Padding Delay field is a 3-bit field, occupying B1 to B3, used to indicate the padding delay for EMLSR or EMLMR communication. The EMLMR Support field is a 3-bit field, occupying B4 to B6, used to indicate whether the communication device supports EMLMR communication. The EMLSR / EMLMR Transition Delay field is a 1-bit field, occupying B7, used to indicate the transmission delay for EMLSR or EMLMR communication. The Transition Timeout field is a 4-bit field, occupying B11 to B14, used for the transmission timeout period of the communication device. B8 to B10 and B15 are reserved bits and can be set as needed.

[0155] Optionally, the second device may carry first identification information, i.e., whether the second device supports switching communication capability modes, through one bit (e.g., B15) in the EML capability subfield; and carry second identification information, i.e., the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, through three bits (e.g., B8 to B10) in the EML capability subfield.

[0156] Taking the first radio frame as an ICF frame as an example, the sender of the ICF frame (i.e., the second device) can use one bit (e.g., B15) in the third radio frame to identify whether the sender of the ICF frame supports the high-low capability communication mode switching operation; and use three bits (e.g., B8 to B10) to identify the delay information required by the sender of the ICF frame to perform the high-low capability communication mode switching operation.

[0157] In step 302, the second device sends a third radio frame to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the third radio frame sent by the second device.

[0158] In some embodiments, when both the first device and the second device support multi-link communication, the second device can send a third wireless frame to the first device through one of the multiple links established with the first device, and the third wireless frame carries the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0159] Optionally, the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode may include 8µs (microsecond), 16µs, 24µs or other values, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0160] Referring to Figure 2 or Figure 3, after step 203 (the first device responds to the first wireless frame and determines the second wireless frame), the above method may further include:

[0161] Step 204: The first device sends a second radio frame to the second device. Correspondingly, the second device receives the second radio frame sent by the first device.

[0162] In some embodiments, when both the first device and the second device support multi-link communication, the first device can send a second radio frame to the second device through the link established with the second device among multiple links, and carry the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode through the padding field of the second radio frame.

[0163] The following describes the communication parameters corresponding to the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] For a given device, the MCS information it supports can be found in Table 1.

[0167] Table 1:

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] Optionally, the process shown in Figure 2 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment, or each step or combination of any number of steps can be implemented as a standalone embodiment.

[0171] Optionally, the process shown in Figure 3 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment, or each step or any combination of steps can be implemented as a standalone embodiment.

[0172] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a response frame filling method in a power-saving mode. This method defines a process for a device in a low-capacity communication mode to switch from a low-capacity communication mode to a high-capacity communication mode after sending an initial control frame. This method enables the device to save power and is suitable for UHR (Ultra-High-Resolution) requirements.

[0173] Specifically, the receiver of the ICF (initial control frame) (which can be an AP (e.g., a mobile AP) or a STA) replies with a response frame to the sender of the ICF (which can be a STA or an AP (e.g., a mobile AP)), and both the sender and receiver of the ICF are in a lower capability communication mode. The response frame carries a padding field indicating the duration required for the sender of the ICF to switch from a lower capability communication mode to a higher capability communication mode. This duration can be interactively obtained by the sender and receiver of the ICF during the initial association process.

[0174] Optionally, during the initial association process, the sender of the ICF frame can use the capabilities information field to identify the switching delay value for high-capability communication mode (i.e., the delay required for the sender of the ICF frame to switch from a lower capability communication mode to a higher capability communication mode).

[0175] (1) When the sender of the ICF frame supports multi-link communication, a new subfield can be defined in the EML capability information field, and the high and low capability communication mode switching delay value of the sender of the ICF frame can be carried through the subfield.

[0176] Optionally, the format of the EML capability subfield can be found in Table 2 above.

[0177] Optionally, the sender of the ICF frame may use one bit (e.g., B15) to identify whether the sender of the ICF frame supports high-low capability communication mode switching operation; and use three bits (e.g., B8 to B10) to identify the delay information required by the sender of the ICF frame to perform high-low capability communication mode switching operation.

[0178] (2) If the sender of the ICF frame does not support multi-link communication, a new information element can be defined in the response frame. This information element indicates whether the sender of the ICF frame supports high-low capability communication mode switching operation, and the delay information required by the sender of the ICF frame to perform high-low capability communication mode switching operation.

[0179] Optionally, during the initial association process between the ICF sender and receiver, if the ICF sender is an AP (e.g., a mobile AP), the switching delay value for high / low capability communication modes can be carried in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame, or reassociation response frame; if the ICF sender is a STA, the switching delay value for high / low capability communication modes can be carried in a probe request frame, association request frame, or reassociation request frame.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.”

[0182] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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 an independent embodiment, step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 201 and step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 203 and step 204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 201, step 202, step 203 and step 204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 301 and step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 201, step 202, step 203, step 204, step 301 and step 302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG3.

[0188] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] As shown in Figure 4, the above method can be executed by the first device, and the method may include:

[0190] Step 401: Receive a first wireless frame sent by the second device; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0192] Step 402, in response to the first radio frame, determine the second radio frame; wherein the second radio frame includes a padding field, the padding field including: the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0193] Step 403: Send a second wireless frame to the second device.

[0194] In some embodiments, the method may further include:

[0195] During the initial association process between the first device and the second device, a third wireless frame sent by the second device is received; wherein the third wireless frame carries the handover delay.

[0196] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of first identification information and second identification information:

[0197] The first identification information indicates whether the second device supports switching communication capability modes; the switching operation includes at least one of the following: switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and switching from a second capability communication mode to a first capability communication mode;

[0198] The second identification information identifies the switching delay.

[0199] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes a first information element, in which the first identification information and the second identification information are carried.

[0200] In some embodiments, where the second device supports multi-link communication, the first information element includes an enhanced multi-link EML capability information field.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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 an independent embodiment, step 402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 402 and step 403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 401, step 402 and step 403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0203] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 4.

[0204] Figure 5 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] As shown in Figure 5, the above method can be executed by a second device, and the method may include:

[0206] Step 501: Determine the first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

[0208] Step 502: Send the first wireless frame to the first device.

[0209] Step 503: Receive the second wireless frame sent by the first device in response to the first wireless frame;

[0210] The second wireless frame includes a padding field, which includes the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0211] In some embodiments, the method may further include:

[0212] During the initial association process between the second device and the first device, a third wireless frame is determined; wherein the third wireless frame carries the handover delay;

[0213] The third wireless frame is sent to the first device.

[0214] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes at least one of first identification information and second identification information:

[0215] The first identification information indicates whether the second device supports switching communication capability modes; the switching operation includes at least one of the following: switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and switching from a second capability communication mode to a first capability communication mode;

[0216] The second identification information identifies the switching delay.

[0217] In some embodiments, the third radio frame includes a first information element, in which the first identification information and the second identification information are carried.

[0218] In some embodiments, where the second device supports multi-link communication, the first information element includes an EML capability information field.

[0219] 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 501 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 502 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 503 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 501 and step 502 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 501, step 502 and step 503 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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).

[0224] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the first device 600 may include at least one of a transceiver module 601, a processing module 602, etc.

[0225] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 601 is configured to receive a first wireless frame sent by a second device; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode. The processing module 602 is configured to determine a second wireless frame in response to the first wireless frame; wherein the second wireless frame includes a padding field, the padding field including: the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode. The transceiver module 601 is further configured to send the second wireless frame to the second device.

[0226] Optionally, the transceiver module 601 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 202, 204, 302, 401, 403, but not limited thereto) executed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The processing module 602 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 203, 402, but not limited thereto) executed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0227] In some embodiments, the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver, and the processing module can be interchanged with the processor.

[0228] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The second device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the second device 700 may include at least one of a processing module 701, a transceiver module 702, etc.

[0229] In some embodiments, the processing module 701 is configured to determine a first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame is configured to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; the transceiver module 702 is configured to send the first wireless frame to the first device; and to receive a second wireless frame sent by the first device in response to the first wireless frame; wherein the second wireless frame includes a padding field, the padding field including: the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0230] Optionally, the processing module 701 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, and 501, but not limited thereto) executed by the second device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The transceiver module 702 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 202, 204, 302, 502, and 503, but not limited thereto) executed by the second device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0231] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0232] 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.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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 such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 204, 302, 401, 403, 502, 503, but not limited thereto), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 203, 301, 402, 501, 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, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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, the schematic diagram of the chip 900 shown in Figure 9 can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0238] Chip 900 includes one or more processors 901. Chip 900 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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, 204, 302, 401, 403, 502, 503, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 902 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 902 performing 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, 203, 301, 402, 501, but not limited thereto).

[0241] 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.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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 a first device, the method includes: Receive a first wireless frame sent by a second device; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; In response to the first radio frame, a second radio frame is determined; wherein the second radio frame includes a padding field, the padding field including: the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode; The second wireless frame is sent to the second device.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: During the initial association process between the first device and the second device, a third wireless frame sent by the second device is received; wherein the third wireless frame carries the handover delay.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third radio frame includes at least one of the first identification information and the second identification information: The first identification information indicates whether the second device supports switching communication capability modes; the switching operation includes at least one of the following: switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and switching from a second capability communication mode to a first capability communication mode; The second identification information identifies the switching delay.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third wireless frame includes a first information element, in which the first identification information and the second identification information are carried.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the second device supports multi-link communication, the first information element includes an enhanced multi-link EML capability information field.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a second device, the method includes: A first wireless frame is determined; wherein the first wireless frame is used to trigger the first device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; Send the first wireless frame to the first device; Receive the second wireless frame sent by the first device in response to the first wireless frame; The second wireless frame includes a padding field, which includes the switching delay required for the second device to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode include at least one identical communication parameter, wherein the parameter value of the communication parameter is smaller in the first capability communication mode than in the second capability communication mode.

9. The communication method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: During the initial association process between the second device and the first device, a third wireless frame is determined; wherein the third wireless frame carries the handover delay; The third wireless frame is sent to the first device.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third radio frame includes at least one of the first identification information and the second identification information: The first identification information indicates whether the second device supports switching communication capability modes; the switching operation includes at least one of the following: switching from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode, and switching from a second capability communication mode to a first capability communication mode; The second identification information identifies the switching delay.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third wireless frame includes a first information element, in which the first identification information and the second identification information are carried.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the second device supports multi-link communication, the first information element includes an EML capability information field.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, or to perform the communication method of any one of claims 7 to 12.

14. A communication system, characterized in that, Including AP and STA; The AP is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 6, and the second device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 7 to 12.

15. 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 6, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12.

16. 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 6, or the communication method of any one of claims 7 to 12.

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