Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method can be applied to supporting IEEE protocols, such as the 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, the IEEE 802.11 integrated mmWave protocols, the IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol, the UWB protocol, or the SparkLink protocol. The method may be applied to a scenario in which an ELR PPDU is transmitted. The method comprises: generating a first PPDU, a first sequence carried in the first PPDU being used for indicating a BSS color of the first PPDU and a transmission direction of the first PPDU; and sending the first PPDU. Thus, by means of performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU, a receiving end can achieve the determination, on the basis of the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU, of whether to discard the first PPDU or continue parsing the first PPDU, thereby reducing power consumption.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411587588.5, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on November 6, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) have evolved through several generations, including standards below 7 GHz such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and 802.11bn; as well as high-frequency standards (standards at 45 GHz and above) such as 802.11ad and 802.11ay operating around 60 GHz, and potentially future integrated millimeter wave standards. Among them, the 802.11n standard is called high throughput (HT), the 802.11ac standard is called very high throughput (VHT), the 802.11ax standard is called high efficient (HE), the 802.11be standard is called extremely high throughput (EHT), the 802.11bn standard is called ultra high reliability (UHR), the 802.11ad standard is called directional multi-gigabit (DMG), and the 802.11ay standard is called enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG).

[0004] Generally, in many regulations, access points (APs) are allowed to transmit greater power or higher power spectral density than non-AP stations (STAs), thus providing a wider coverage area. For example, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued regulations for the 6 GHz spectrum, defining a low-power indoor (LPI) communication method with strict limits on maximum transmitted power and maximum frequency spectral density. For access points (APs), the maximum transmitted power is limited to 36 dBm, and the maximum power spectral density is 5 dBm / MHz (decibel-milliwatts / megahertz). For stations (STAs), the maximum transmitted power is limited to 24 dBm, and the maximum power spectral density is -1 dBm / MHz.

[0005] Because the coverage area of ​​an Access Point (AP) is much wider than that of a Station (STA), a straightforward problem arises: a STA might receive a weak signal from the AP but be unable to transmit with it (due to insufficient uplink coverage). To address this, the 802.11bn standard introduced the Enhanced Long Range (ELR) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), used for long-distance transmission. An ELR-PPDU can consist of four parts: a legacy preamble (L-preamble), an ultra-high reliability (UHR-preamble), an enhanced long range preamble (ELR-preamble), and ELR data. Currently, the frame format design for ELR PPDUs is still under research and discussion. When designing the frame format of ELR PPDUs, it is necessary to consider how to reduce the power consumption of the receiver parsing the ELR PPDU. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the power consumption of the receiving end in parsing the received PPDU.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a first communication device. This method is implemented by the first communication device or components on the first communication device side (e.g., a chip, processing system, or functional module within the first communication device). The following description uses an implementation by a first communication device as an example. The method includes: the first communication device generating a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), the first PPDU including a first field, the first field carrying a first sequence, the first sequence indicating the basic service set (BSS) color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU; or, in other words, the first sequence determining the BSS color and transmission direction of the first PPDU; and sending the first PPDU. The first sequence used to indicate the BSS color and transmission direction of the first PPDU can be described as follows: the first sequence indicates the transmission direction of the first PPDU and the BSS color associated with the sender of the first PPDU; it can also be described as: the first sequence indicates the transmission direction of the first PPDU and the BSS color associated with the destination receiver of the first PPDU; or it can be described as: the first sequence is used for BSS color identification and indicating the transmission direction of the first PPDU. The destination receiver can be simply referred to as the destination. The destination receiver of a PPDU can refer to the receiver that expects to receive and parse the PPDU. Optionally, the first PPDU contains the address of the destination receiver, such as a medium access control (MAC) address. For example, the first PPDU is transmitted by a first communication device, i.e., the transmitter or source of the first PPDU, to one or more destination receivers. After determining that the first PPDU is the PPDU it expects to receive by performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU, the destination receiver continues to parse the first PPDU. After determining that the first PPDU is not the PPDU it expects to receive by performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU, the non-destination receiver (hereinafter referred to as the destination) discards the first PPDU. The method of the first aspect can be applied to the scenario of enhanced long range (ELR) PPDU.

[0008] In some existing PPDU frame formats, the PPDU carries a sequence for power adjustment, a sequence for channel estimation, and indication information of the PPDU's transmission direction, for example, this indication information is one bit. To ensure the receiver can correctly parse the transmission direction indication information carried in the PPDU, this indication information is placed after the power adjustment sequence and the channel estimation sequence. After performing power adjustment based on the power adjustment sequence and channel estimation based on the channel estimation sequence, the receiver determines the transmission direction of the PPDU based on the indication information, and then discards PPDUs whose transmission direction is not expected by the receiver or parses PPDUs whose transmission direction is expected by the receiver. Using the first aspect of the method, the first sequence is used to indicate the BSS color and transmission direction of the first PPDU. Thus, by performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU, the receiver can decide whether to discard or continue parsing the first PPDU based on its BSS color and transmission direction. Compared to determining whether to discard or parse the PPDU based on its transmission direction after power conditioning and channel estimation, this saves power consumption and reduces unnecessary power conditioning and channel estimation. Furthermore, using the first sequence to indicate the BSS color and transmission direction of the first PPDU saves bit overhead compared to carrying one or more bits (i.e., the aforementioned indication information) in the PPDU to indicate its transmission direction.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first sequence is any sequence in a sequence set, which includes multiple second sequences and multiple third sequences. The second sequences indicate uplink transmission and a BSS color, and the third sequences indicate downlink transmission and a BSS color. Therefore, the first PPDU does not need to carry bits indicating uplink / downlink transmission, saving bit overhead. Furthermore, by performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU, the receiver can determine whether to discard or continue parsing the first PPDU based on its BSS color and transmission direction. Compared to determining whether to discard or parse the PPDU based on its transmission direction after power conditioning and channel estimation, this saves power and reduces unnecessary power conditioning and channel estimation.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the elements at the same positions in the second and third sequences are opposites of each other, so the third sequence can be obtained from the second sequence. The receiving end only needs to store the second sequence, which can reduce the storage overhead of the sequence set.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first PPDU also includes a second field indicating the transmission direction of the first PPDU. The second field follows the first field, so that the destination receiver can verify whether the transmission direction of the first PPDU determined based on the first sequence is correct based on the second field, thereby improving reliability.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first PPDU is an ELRPDU, which can reduce the energy waste when non-target receivers parse ELR PPDUs.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first PPDU also includes a short training field (STF) and a long training field (LTF), the STF being used for power conditioning or automatic gain control, and the LTF being used for channel estimation. The first field precedes the STF and the LTF, so that the non-target receiver can determine to discard the first PPDU before performing power conditioning and channel estimation, thereby saving power consumption.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another communication method applied to a second communication device. This method is implemented by the second communication device or components on the second communication device side (e.g., chips, processing systems, or functional modules within the second communication device). The following description uses an implementation by a second communication device as an example. The method includes: the second communication device receiving a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first field carrying a first sequence, the first sequence indicating the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU; performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU; so as to determine whether to discard or continue parsing the first PPDU based on its BSS color and transmission direction. Compared to determining whether to discard or parse the PPDU based on its transmission direction after power adjustment and channel estimation, this saves power consumption and reduces unnecessary power adjustment and channel estimation. Furthermore, the first sequence indicating the BSS color and transmission direction of the first PPDU saves bit overhead compared to carrying one or more bits (i.e., the aforementioned indication information) in the PPDU to indicate its transmission direction. The method of this second aspect can be applied to scenarios involving the transmission of ELR PPDUs.

[0015] In one possible implementation, sequence detection of the first sequence in the first PPDU includes: the second communication device performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU based on the target sequence to determine the subsequent processing method for the first PPDU.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the step of performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU based on the target sequence to determine the subsequent processing method for the first PPDU specifically includes:

[0017] The target sequence is correlated with the first sequence to obtain a correlation value;

[0018] If the relevant value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, then continue processing the first PPDU;

[0019] If the relevant value is less than the threshold value, the first PPDU is discarded.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the target sequence is any sequence in a sequence set, which includes multiple second sequences and multiple third sequences. The second sequences indicate uplink transmission and a BSS color, and the third sequences indicate downlink transmission and a BSS color. Thus, the destination receiver can detect the expected PPDU and discard the unwanted PPDU by means of the target sequence.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the elements at the same positions in the second and third sequences are opposites of each other, so the third sequence can be obtained from the second sequence. The receiving end only needs to store the second sequence, which can reduce the storage overhead of the sequence set.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first PPDU also includes a second field indicating the transmission direction of the first PPDU. The second field follows the first field, so that the destination receiver can verify whether the transmission direction of the first PPDU determined based on the first sequence is correct based on the second field, thereby improving reliability.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first PPDU is an ELR PPDU, which can reduce the energy waste when non-target receivers parse the ELR PPDU.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first PPDU also includes an STF and an LTF, the STF being used for power conditioning or automatic gain control, and the LTF being used for channel estimation. The first field precedes the STF and the LTF, so that the non-target receiver can determine to discard the first PPDU before performing power conditioning and channel estimation, thereby saving power consumption.

[0025] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the first aspect of the method embodiments. The communication device can be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. For example, the communication device is a station. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the processing module is used to generate a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first field, the first field carrying a first sequence, the first sequence being used to indicate the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU, or in other words, the first sequence being used to determine the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU; the transceiver module is used to transmit the first PPDU.

[0026] For possible implementations of the communication device in the third aspect, please refer to the various possible implementations in the first aspect.

[0027] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the third aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0028] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the second aspect of the method embodiment. The communication device can be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. For example, the communication device is a station. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is used to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first field, the first field carrying a first sequence, the first sequence indicating the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU; the processing module is used to perform sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU.

[0029] In one possible implementation, sequence detection of the first sequence in the first PPDU includes: the second communication device performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU based on the target sequence to determine the subsequent processing method for the first PPDU.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the step of performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU based on the target sequence to determine the subsequent processing method for the first PPDU specifically includes:

[0031] The target sequence is correlated with the first sequence to obtain a correlation value;

[0032] If the relevant value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, then continue processing the first PPDU;

[0033] If the relevant value is less than the threshold value, the first PPDU is discarded.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to target any sequence in a sequence set, the sequence set including multiple second sequences and multiple third sequences, the second sequences indicating uplink transmission and a BSS color, and the third sequences indicating downlink transmission and a BSS color.

[0035] For possible implementations of the communication device in the fourth aspect, please refer to the various possible implementations in the second aspect.

[0036] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the fourth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0037] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide another communication device, which includes one or more processors for processing data and / or signaling to enable the methods described in the first or second aspects above to be implemented.

[0038] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above. For example, the communication device may be a chip, the processor may be a processing unit within the chip, and the memory may be random access memory or a cache within the chip.

[0039] In this embodiment of the application, during the execution of the above method, the process of sending information (or signals) can be understood as a process of outputting information based on a computer program or instruction of the processor. When outputting information, the processor outputs the information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After being output by the processor, the information may undergo further processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may undergo further processing before being input into the processor.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, or unless it contradicts its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, operations such as sending and / or receiving involved by the processor can generally be understood as processor-based computer program or instruction output.

[0041] In implementation, the processor described above can be a processor specifically designed to execute these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer programs or instructions stored in memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. For example, the processor can also be used to execute programs stored in memory, which, when executed, cause the communication device to perform the methods as shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the aforementioned communication device. In another possible implementation, the memory is located inside the aforementioned communication device.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory may be integrated into a single device; that is, the processor and memory may be integrated together.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving or transmitting signals, etc.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, this application provides another communication device, which includes a processing circuit and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to acquire or output data; the processing circuit being used to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above. The computer may be a communication device, such as an access point or station.

[0047] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above. The computer may be a communication device, such as an access point or station.

[0048] Ninthly, this application provides a chip system including a communication interface and a processor; the communication interface is used for signal transmission and reception of the chip system; the processor is used for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication system, which includes a communication device according to a third aspect and a communication device according to a fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the frame format of EHT MU PPDU;

[0052] Figure 3 shows the fields included in the EHT TB PPDU;

[0053] Figure 4 is an example of a scheduled uplink transmission method based on trigger frames provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a trigger frame format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an ELR PPDU provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 7 shows the signaling in the ELR-SIG field;

[0057] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 is a simulation diagram of false alarm and false detection rate of column detection provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 10 shows an example of a 32-row, 48-column orthogonal matrix;

[0060] Figure 11 shows the PAPR of the ELR-Mark field when the sequence in the ELR-Mark field is used to indicate the BSS color of the ELR PPDU and the transmission direction of the ELR PPDU;

[0061] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of the apparatus 10 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of another device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of another device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are only used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the processes involved in the embodiments of this application does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0065] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. Those skilled in the art will understand, explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. In this application, message names are used only to distinguish different messages and should not be construed as limiting. That is, any message name in this application can be replaced with other names, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0066] The terminology used in the following embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to include the plural expressions as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. For example, “A and / or B” can mean: the presence of only A, the presence of only B, and the presence of both A and B, where A and B can be singular or plural. The term “multiple” as used in this application refers to two or more. In the textual description of this application, the character “ / ” generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0067] In the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that there is a correspondence between A and B, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining (or generating) B based on (or on) A does not mean that B is determined (or generated) solely based on (or on) A; B can also be determined (or generated) based on (or on) A and / or other information.

[0068] In this application, the indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Direct indication information A refers to information A being included; implicit indication information A refers to information A being indicated through the correspondence between information A and information B, and the direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, or pre-configured.

[0069] In this application, information C is used to determine information D, including both cases where information D is determined solely based on information C and cases where it is determined based on information C and other information. Furthermore, information C can also be used to determine information D indirectly, for example, where information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0070] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0071] In this application, the names of the messages (or information) in the following processes are merely examples. As communication technology evolves, the names of the messages (or information, etc.) in the following processes may change. However, no matter how the names change, as long as their meaning is the same as the function or meaning of the messages (or information, etc.) in this application, they all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0072] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, traces, or interfaces.

[0073] The following describes the system involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0074] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, such as Wi-Fi. For example, the technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards (or protocols), such as the 802.11be standard, the 802.11bn standard (or Wi-Fi 8, also known as ultra-high reliability (UHR) or ultra-high reliability and throughput (UHRT)), or next-generation standards of the 802.11bn standard, or standards supporting ambient power (AMP), etc., and will not be listed exhaustively. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to wireless personal area networks (WPANs) based on millimeter wave (MMW) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.15 series standards, such as the 802.15.4a, 802.15.4z, or 802.15.4ab standards, or future UWB WPAN standards, etc., and will not be listed one by one. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to the Spark Link or NearLink standards. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, where X can represent anything), device-to-device (D2D), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in the future development of communication. For example, V2X can include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0075] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, shopping malls, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, devices that support WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, and speakers), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, self-service checkout machines, and self-service ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0076] Although the embodiments of this application primarily use WLAN as an example, especially networks applied to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards. For example, Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard), and wide area networks (WANs) or other networks now known or to be developed in the future.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented by a communication device in a communication system. For example, the communication device can be an access point (AP) or a station (STA).

[0078] An Access Point (AP) is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication, sensing, or power transmission using WLAN standards. It has the function of communicating or sensing with other devices in a WLAN network (such as non-access point stations (non-AP STAs) or other access points), and can also have the function of communicating, sensing, or transmitting power with other devices. Alternatively, an access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, primarily connecting various wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to an Ethernet network. In a WLAN system, an access point can be called an Access Point Station (AP STA). This wireless communication device can be a complete device or a chip, processing system, or functional module installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments in this application under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. The AP in the embodiments of this application is a device that provides services to non-AP STAs and can support the 802.11 series standards or subsequent standards. For example, an access point can be an access point for a terminal (such as a mobile phone) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. Another example is that an AP can be a communication entity such as a communication server, router, switch, or bridge; APs can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, and repeater stations. Of course, an AP can also be a chip, processing system, or module within the above-mentioned devices, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0079] A Station-Style (STA) is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication, sensing, or power transmission using WLAN standards. It has the ability to communicate, sense, or transmit power with other non-AP STAs or access points in a WLAN network. In a WLAN system, a station can be called a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For example, an STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP (Access Point) or sense or transmit power, and thus communicate with the WLAN. This wireless communication device can be a complete device, or it can be a chip, processing system, or functional module installed in a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. For example, an STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. Furthermore, an STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication. Of course, STA can also be a chip, processing system, or module in the various types of devices described above, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0080] For example, the communication systems to which the methods provided in this application can be applied may include access points and stations. For instance, this application can be applied to scenarios of communication or sensing between APs and STAs, between APs, or between STAs in a WLAN, and this application does not limit this. Optionally, an AP can communicate or sense with a single STA, or an AP can communicate or sense with multiple STAs simultaneously. Specifically, communication or sensing between an AP and multiple STAs can be further divided into downlink transmission where the AP simultaneously sends signals to multiple STAs, and uplink transmission where multiple STAs send signals to the AP. The communication between APs and STAs, between APs, and between STAs can support WLAN communication standards, which may include the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, such as the 802.11bn standard, and of course, standards after 802.11bn.

[0081] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system may include one or more APs and one or more STAs. Figure 1 shows two access points, such as AP1 and AP2, and three stations, such as STA1, STA2, and STA3. As an example, the method provided in this embodiment can be applied to data communication, sensing, or power transmission between an AP and one or more STAs, such as the communication, sensing, or power transmission between AP1 and STA1 as shown in Figure 1, and the communication, sensing, or power transmission between AP1 and STA1 / STA2 as shown in Figure 1. As another example, the method provided in this embodiment can be applied to communication between APs, such as the communication, sensing, or power transmission between AP1 and AP2 as shown in Figure 1. As yet another example, the method provided in this embodiment can be applied to communication, sensing, or power transmission between STAs, such as the communication, sensing, or power transmission between STA2 and STA3 as shown in Figure 1.

[0082] Figure 1 uses STA (Mobile Phone) and AP (Router) as an example, and does not imply a limitation on the types of APs and STAs in this application embodiment. Furthermore, the number of APs and STAs shown in Figure 1 is merely an example; in a specific implementation, the number of APs or STAs may be more or less, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0083] From the perspectives of sending PPDUs (or data packets) and receiving PPDUs, the first communication device described below can be understood as a communication device that sends PPDUs, and the second communication device can be understood as a communication device that receives PPDUs. Alternatively, the first communication device can also be called the sending end or the source end, and the second communication device can also be called the receiving end.

[0084] From the perspective of different devices, as an example, the first communication device and the second communication device can be Wi-Fi chips, functional modules, or processing systems installed in different Wi-Fi devices. As another example, the first communication device can be an access point (AP), and the second communication device can be a non-AP STA. As yet another example, the first communication device can be a non-AP STA, and the second communication device can be an AP. As yet another example, at least one of the first and second communication devices can be a multi-link device (MLD), etc., which will not be listed in detail in this application. For example, an MLD refers to a device that simultaneously has multiple sites (such as APs or non-AP STAs), each operating on different frequency bands or channels. A multi-link device includes multiple affiliated sites, which can be physical sites or logical sites, and each site can operate on a link, a frequency band, or a channel. The aforementioned affiliated sites can be APs or non-AP STAs. A multi-link device (such as a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD) can be a communication device with wireless communication capabilities. The communication device can be a complete device, or it can be a chip, processing system, or module installed in a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or modules installed can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of these chips, processing systems, or modules. Multi-link devices can implement wireless communication by conforming to the 802.11 series of standards, thereby enabling communication with other devices. Other devices shown here may or may not be multi-link devices. The operating frequency bands of multi-link devices may include, but are not limited to, sub-1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc., and will not be listed here.

[0085] This application describes the method provided by the first communication device and the second communication device from both sides. However, during the transmission of signals, the first communication device and the second communication device can also forward the signals through other devices, such as forwarding the signals between the first communication device and the second communication device through a forwarding device. This application does not limit other devices besides the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0086] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, some terms or concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described first.

[0087] 1. Trigger-based transmission process

[0088] Triggered-based transmission procedures are typically used for uplink multi-user transmission, but can also schedule uplink transmission for only one user. Usually, the STA (Stationary Access Provider) wins the transmission right through channel contention before transmitting uplink data, such as through Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA). Starting with the 802.11ax standard, a trigger-based scheduled uplink transmission method was introduced, and the 802.11be standard continues this method. This application's embodiments assume that the next-generation standard will continue this trigger-based scheduled uplink transmission method.

[0089] The 802.11be standard defines two EHT PPDU formats: Extreme High Throughput Multiple User Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (EHT MU PPDU) and Extreme High Throughput Trigger Based Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (EHT TB PPDU). Here, EHT is the standard name for 802.11be, and MU stands for multiple users; however, the EHT MU PPDU can support both single-user (downlink or uplink) and multi-user (downlink) data transmission.

[0090] Figure 2 illustrates the frame format of an EHT MU PPDU. As shown in Figure 2, an EHT MU PPDU includes: a legacy preamble (L-preamble), a high-throughput preamble (EHT-preamble), and a data portion. The L-preamble portion includes a legacy short training field (L-STF), a legacy long training field (L-LTF), and a legacy signal field (legacy signal field A, L-SIG), primarily for forward compatibility. The EHT-preamble portion includes repeated L-SIG (RL-SIG), a universal signal field (U-SIG), and a high-throughput signal field (EHT-SIG). The U-SIG field occupies two orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. The U-SIG field may include version-independent info, version-dependent info, cyclic redundancy code (CRC), and tail fields. The version-independent info field may contain a 3-bit wireless fidelity (WiFi) version field, a 1-bit downlink / uplink field, at least a 6-bit BSS color field, and at least a 7-bit transmit opportunity (TXOP) field. Furthermore, this version-independent info field may also include a bandwidth field. The version-dependent info field may include PPDU format fields, and may also include one or more of the following fields: modulation and coding scheme field, spatial stream field, coding field, etc. The CRC field occupies at least 4 bits, and the tail field occupies at least 6 tail bits. The EHT-SIG field mainly includes resource unit allocation information. The data field includes payload information. It is important to note that the 6-bit BSS color and 1-bit uplink / downlink field included in the U-SIG field are primarily used to filter out non-target packets to conserve energy.

[0091] Please refer to Table 1 for the meaning and function of each field in the EHT MU PPDU shown in Figure 2.

[0092] Table 1. Meaning of each field in EHT MU PPDU

[0093] EHT TB PPDU is another type of EHT PPDU format sent by one or more STAs based on trigger frames sent by the AP. The EHT TB PPDU format is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 illustrates the fields included in an EHT TB PPDU. As shown in Figure 3, an EHT TB PPDU includes: legacy short training field (L-STF), legacy long training field (L-LTF), legacy signaling field (L-SIG), repeated legacy signaling field (RL-SIG), universal signaling field (U-SIG), extreme high throughput short training field (EHT-STF), extreme high throughput long training field (EHT-LTF), data field, and packet extension (PE) field. The legacy short training field can be referred to as the legacy short training field. The legacy long training field can be referred to as the legacy long training field. The repeated legacy field can be referred to as the repeated legacy signaling field. Extremely high throughput short training sequences can be called extremely high throughput short training fields. Extremely high throughput long training sequences can be called extremely high throughput long training fields. For the meaning and function of each field in the EHT TB PPDU shown in Figure 3, please refer to Table 1.

[0094] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a scheduled uplink transmission method based on trigger frames provided in this application. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes the following steps:

[0095] Step 1: The AP first sends a trigger frame, which contains resource unit allocation information for one or more users (sites) to send TB PPDU (e.g., EHT TB PPDU) and other parameters (such as association identifier, encoding and modulation strategy, etc.). Its frame format is shown in Figure 5 below.

[0096] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a trigger frame format provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the trigger frame includes: frame control, duration, receive address (RA), transmit address (TA), common information, user information list, padding, and frame check sequence (FCS). The common information field contains common information that all users need to read, while the user information list field consists of one or more user information fields. The first user information field is a special user information field, with an association identifier of 2007. The association identifier field in the special user information field carries some common information. Although the first user information field is a user information field, it carries common information; therefore, the first user information field is called a special user information field. Each user information field (excluding the special user information field) contains information that each user needs to read. In this document, unless otherwise specified, a user information field refers to a user information field containing information that a user needs to read, not a special user information field.

[0097] As an example, User Information 2 (a user information field) in the User Information List field includes: Association Identification 12 (AID12) field, Resource Unit Allocation (RU) field, Uplink Forward Error Correction Coding Type (UL FEC coding type), Modulation and Coding Strategy (UL UHR-MCS) field (can be abbreviated as MCS field), Reserved field, Spatial Stream Allocation (SS allocation) field, Uplink Target Receive Power (UL target receive power), Primary and Secondary 160 (PS160), and trigger dependent user info. In the user information field, AID12 indicates the association identifier (AID) of a specific STA, usually simply referred to as the association identifier field. The Resource Unit Allocation subfield in the user information field, together with the Primary and Secondary 160 fields, indicates the specific resource unit (RU) or multiple resource unit (MRU) location allocated to this user (the user corresponding to AID12). The meanings in the trigger frame shown in Figure 5 can be found in relevant standards and will not be described here. In the accompanying drawings of this application, the number below each field indicates the length of that field (i.e., the number of bits it contains). If a field is marked "variable length," it means that the length of that field is variable.

[0098] Step 2: After receiving the trigger frame, the STA (e.g., station 1, station 2 and station 3 in Figure 4) reads the common information field and the special user information field, parses out the user information field that matches its own AID, and then sends the TB PPDU on the resource unit (e.g. RU or MRU) indicated by the resource unit allocation subfield in the user information field.

[0099] Step 3: After receiving a TB PPDU from one or more stations, the AP sends an acknowledgment frame to the STA.

[0100] 2. Enhanced long-range (ELR) PPDU

[0101] The 802.11bn standard proposes ELR-PPDU for long-distance transmission. ELR PPDU is a type of PPDU used to enhance transmission range. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an ELR PPDU provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the ELR PPDU may include four parts: legacy preamble (L-preamble), ultra-high reliability preamble (UHR-preamble), enhanced long-range preamble (ELR-preamble), and ELR-data. The L-preamble part includes the L-STF field, L-LTF field, and L-SIG field. The UHR-preamble part includes the RL-SIG field and the U-SIG field. The U-SIG field occupies two OFDM symbols. The ELR-preamble includes the ELR-mark field, ELR-STF, ELR-LTF, and ELR-SIG field. The ELR-mark field can be used for ELR PPDU identification. For example, the ELR-mark field includes two OFDM symbols. ELR-STF is used for power conditioning. ELR-LTF is used for channel estimation. ELR-data is used for bearer data.

[0102] The ELR-SIG field is used to indicate signaling related to the ELR PPDU. For example, the ELR-SIG field includes the signaling related to the ELR PPDU. The ELR-SIG field occupies two OFDM symbols in the time domain, with each OFDM symbol carrying 24 bits of information. Alternatively, in the time domain, two OFDM symbols carry the ELR-SIG field, with each OFDM symbol carrying a portion of the ELR-SIG field. The ELR-SIG field consists of 24 bits. Figure 7 illustrates the signaling within the ELR-SIG field. As shown in Figure 7, ELR-SIG-1 is the first half of the ELR-SIG field, carried in one OFDM symbol, and ELR-SIG-2 is the second half of the ELR-SIG field, carried in another OFDM symbol. The 24 bits carried by an OFDM symbol are numbered B0 to B23 from least significant bit to most significant bit. The meaning of each signaling in Figure 7 can be found in Table 2.

[0103] Table 2

[0104] Here, STA-ID refers to the identifier (ID) of the STA, and the non-target ELR receiver refers to the non-destination receiver of the ELR PPDU. The OFDM symbol carrying ELR-SIG-1 is one ELR-SIG symbol, and the OFDM symbol carrying ELR-SIG-2 is another ELR-SIG symbol.

[0105] The preceding text introduced some terms, concepts, or processes involved in the embodiments of this application. The following text introduces the technical background involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0106] The 802.11bn standard proposes ELR PPDU for long-distance transmission, and one possible frame format is shown in Figure 6. Currently, the frame format design of ELR PPDU is still under research and discussion. When designing the frame format of ELR PPDU, it is necessary to consider how to reduce the power consumption of the receiver in parsing the ELR PPDU. Therefore, this application designs an ELR PPDU frame format. Transmitting ELR PPDU with this frame format can reduce the power consumption of the receiver in parsing the ELR PPDU.

[0107] The ELR PPDU design in this application is as follows: the ELR PPDU carries a sequence for power conditioning, a sequence for channel estimation, and a first sequence. The first sequence indicates the BSS color and transmission direction of the ELR PPDU. This first sequence precedes the power conditioning and channel estimation sequences. Therefore, before performing power conditioning based on the power conditioning sequence and channel estimation based on the channel estimation sequence, the receiver can perform sequence detection on the first sequence in the ELR PPDU. This allows the receiver to decide whether to discard the first PPDU or continue parsing it based on the BSS color and transmission direction, saving power and reducing unnecessary power conditioning and channel estimation. The frame format of the ELR PPDU designed in this application satisfies the following condition: the ELR PPDU carries a first sequence, which indicates the BSS color and transmission direction of the ELR PPDU. This design approach can also be used to design frame structures for other PPDUs. Alternatively, the PPDU protected in this application satisfies the following conditions: the PPDU carries a first sequence, which is used to indicate the BSS color of the PPDU and the transmission direction of the PPDU. The frame format of the PPDU designed in this application is described below using the ELR PPDU as an example.

[0108] The communication method and apparatus provided in this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses a first communication device and a second communication device as examples of the execution entities in the interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities in the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the first communication device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the first communication device, or by a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first communication device. Similarly, the method executed by the second communication device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the second communication device, or by a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0109] The following describes the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0110] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The descriptions of the first and second communication devices involved in Figure 8 can be found above and will not be detailed here. As shown in Figure 8, the method includes:

[0111] 801. The first communication device generates the first PPDU.

[0112] The first communication device is an AP or a STA. The first PPDU can be an ELR PPDU or other types of PPDUs, which is not limited in this application. The first PPDU includes a first field. The first field carries a first sequence. The first sequence is used to indicate the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU. The first sequence used to indicate the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU can be described as follows: the first sequence is used to indicate the transmission direction of the first PPDU and the BSS color to which the transmitting end of the first PPDU belongs (associated); it can also be described as follows: the first sequence is used to indicate the transmission direction of the first PPDU and the BSS color to which the destination receiving end of the first PPDU belongs (associated); it can also be described as follows: the first sequence is used for BSS color identification and to indicate the transmission direction of the first PPDU. Optionally, the first sequence is also used for identifying the type of the first PPDU. For example, if the first PPDU is an ELR PPDU, the first sequence is also used for ELR PPDU identification. The first sequence can be a 96-length sequence, that is, a sequence containing 96 elements, or a sequence of other lengths, which is not limited in this application. This application describes a 96-length sequence as an example. The first field may occupy one or more OFDM symbols, which is not limited in this application.

[0113] As an example, the first PPDU is an ELR PPDU, the first field is the ELR-mark field, and the first sequence is a 96-character sequence. The ELR-mark field occupies two OFDM symbols, each OFDM symbol containing 64 subcarriers with indices [-32:31]. Subcarriers with indices [-32:-27, 27:31] are empty subcarriers, and subcarriers with index 0 are DC subcarriers. Neither empty nor DC subcarriers carry information. Subcarriers with indices [-21, -7, 7, 21] carry pilot signals, with values ​​of -1, -1, -1, 1. The 48 non-pilot subcarriers in the subcarriers with indices [-26:-1, 1:26] carry either the first or second half of the first sequence. The first ELR Mark symbol carries the first half, and the second ELR Mark symbol carries the second half, using quadrature binary phase shift keying (QBPSK) modulation. The first ELR Mark symbol refers to an OFDM symbol occupied by the ELR-mark field, and the second ELR Mark symbol refers to another OFDM symbol occupied by the ELR-mark field.

[0114] In one possible implementation, the first PPDU also includes a short training field (STF) and a long training field (LTF), the STF being used for power conditioning or automatic gain control, and the LTF being used for channel estimation. The first field precedes the STF and the LTF, so that the non-target receiver can determine to discard the first PPDU before performing power conditioning and channel estimation, thereby saving power consumption.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the first PPDU also includes a second field indicating the transmission direction of the first PPDU, following the first field. As an example, the first PPDU is an ELR PPDU, the first field is the ELR-mark field, the first sequence is a 96-bit sequence, and the second field is the ELR-SIG field, which includes ELR-SIG-1 and ELR-SIG-2. B1 in ELR-SIG-1 indicates the transmission direction of the first PPDU (see Figure 7). In this implementation, the destination receiver can verify the correctness of the transmission direction of the first PPDU determined based on the first sequence using the second field, thus improving reliability.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the first sequence is any sequence in the sequence set, which includes multiple second sequences and multiple third sequences. The second sequences indicate uplink transmission and a BSS color, and the third sequences indicate downlink transmission and a BSS color. Therefore, the first PPDU does not need to carry bits indicating uplink / downlink transmission, saving bit overhead. In another possible design, the sequence set includes M second sequences and M third sequences. Each second sequence indicates uplink transmission and a BSS color, and each third sequence indicates downlink transmission and a BSS color. The M second sequences and M third sequences each correspond to M BSS colors, where M is an integer greater than 1. The value of M is not limited. For example, M is 64. For example, the sequence set includes second sequence #1-second sequence #M and third sequence #1-third sequence #M. Second sequence #1 and third sequence #1 both indicate (correspond to) BSS color #1; second sequence #2 and third sequence #2 both indicate BSS color #2; second sequence #3 and third sequence #3 both indicate BSS color #3; ..., second sequence #M and third sequence #M both indicate BSS color #M. Optionally, the elements at the same position in the second and third sequences corresponding to the same BSS color are opposites of each other; or, the elements at the same position in the second and third sequences indicating the same BSS color are opposites of each other. Therefore, the third sequence can be obtained from the second sequence, and the receiving end only needs to store the second sequence, reducing the storage overhead of the sequence set.

[0117] The number of second and third sequences in the sequence set is not limited. As an example, the sequence set includes 64 different second sequences and 64 different third sequences, where one second sequence indicates uplink transmission and a BSS color, and one third sequence indicates downlink transmission and a BSS color. This sequence set can be used... It indicates. Among them, It is a 64-row, 96-column orthogonal matrix. It is a 64-row, 96-column orthogonal matrix. Each row of elements in the array forms a second sequence from left to right. For example, The second sequence formed by the elements in the first row is a1, a2, a3, ..., a64. Each row of elements in the array forms a third sequence from left to right. For example, The third sequence formed by the elements of the first row is -b1, -b2, -b3, ..., -b64. Optional, The second sequence formed by the elements of the i-th row in the array and The elements in the i-th row of the third sequence are the opposites of each other at the same position, and the value of i is in the range [1, 64]. The following formula can be satisfied:

[0118] Where H represents a 32-row, 48-column orthogonal matrix. H is constructed according to formula (1), and HJ is equivalent to reversing the order of each column of H. H can be any 32-row, 48-column orthogonal matrix. An example of H is shown in Figure 10 below.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the first sequence is any sequence from a first sequence set or a second sequence set. The first sequence set includes multiple second sequences, one of which indicates uplink transmission and a BSS color. The second sequence set includes multiple third sequences, one of which indicates downlink transmission and a BSS color. Thus, the first PPDU does not need to carry bits indicating uplink / downlink transmission, saving bit overhead. The number of second sequences in the first sequence set and the number of third sequences in the second sequence set are not limited. As an example, the first sequence set includes 64 second sequences, and the first sequence set can be used as described above. This indicates that the second sequence set includes 64 third sequences, and the second sequence set can be used as described above. Indicates. Optional, The second sequence formed by the elements of the i-th row in the array and The elements in the i-th row of the third sequence are the opposites of each other at the same position, and the value of i is in the range [1, 64].

[0120] 802. The first communication device sends a first PPDU, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first PPDU.

[0121] As one example, the first communication device can be an access point (AP), the second communication device can be a standby point (STA), and the first PPDU transmits in the downlink direction. As another example, the first communication device can be a standby point (STA), the second communication device can be an access point (AP), and the first PPDU transmits in the uplink direction.

[0122] 803. The second communication device performs sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU.

[0123] One possible implementation of step 803 is as follows: The second communication device performs sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU based on the target sequence to determine the subsequent processing method for the received first PPDU, wherein the target sequence is determined by the BSS color and transmission direction (uplink / downlink) of the PPDU that the second communication device (i.e. the receiving end) can receive.

[0124] As an example, the second communication device performs sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU based on the target sequence to determine the subsequent processing method for the received first PPDU. Specifically, the second communication device correlates the target sequence with the first sequence to obtain a correlation value. If the correlation value is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the first PPDU is processed. If the correlation value is less than the threshold value, the first PPDU is discarded, that is, the first PPDU is not processed.

[0125] Compared to performing power conditioning and channel estimation before determining whether to discard or continue processing a received PPDU, this application can determine the subsequent processing method for the received first PPDU after performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU. Therefore, unnecessary power conditioning and channel estimation can be avoided, thus saving power consumption of the receiving device. Furthermore, the first sequence is used to indicate the BSS color and transmission direction of the first PPDU, saving bit overhead compared to carrying one or more bits (i.e., the aforementioned indication information) in the PPDU to indicate the transmission direction.

[0126] In the preceding embodiments, an example of the first PPDU is an ELR PPDU, and the first sequence is carried in the ELR-Mark field of the ELR PPDU. The following analysis examines whether the probability of sequence detection errors changes when the sequence in the ELR-Mark field is used to indicate the BSS color and transmission direction of the ELR PPDU. Sequence detection errors mainly include two situations: first, identifying a non-target sequence as a target sequence, called a false alarm (FA); second, judging a target sequence as a non-target sequence, called a false detection (MD). Both the false alarm and false detection rates are related to the Hamming distance of the sequence set, which represents the number of distinct elements in two sequences. Sequence set The Hamming distance between any two rows is 48. Refer to Table 3; the sequence set is... The Hamming distance between any two distinct rows in the array is 48. The i-th row and The Hamming distance in the i-th row is 96. The i-th row and The Hamming distance in the j-th row is 48.

[0127] Table 3

[0128] As can be seen, the sequence set is At that time, the Hamming distance between any two rows in the sequence set is 48 or 96, and the Hamming distance between any two rows does not decrease. Therefore, when the sequence in the ELR-Mark field is used to indicate the BSS color of the ELR PPDU and the transmission direction of the ELR PPDU, the false alarm and false detection rates of sequence detection will not decrease, as verified by simulation, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a simulation diagram of the false alarm and false detection rates of column detection provided by an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 9, the solid line with a circle indicates the change in false detection probability with the threshold value when the ELR Mark field only carries the BSS color (i.e., the sequence carried by the ELR Mark field only indicates the BSS color of the ELR PPDU); the dashed line with a circle indicates the change in false detection probability with the threshold value when the ELR Mark field carries both the BSS color and uplink / downlink transmission (i.e., the sequence carried by the ELR Mark field indicates the BSS color and transmission direction of the ELR PPDU); as can be seen from Figure 9, the two lines basically overlap, indicating that after the sequence in the ELR-Mark field is used to indicate the BSS color and transmission direction of the ELR PPDU, the false detection probability does not change. Referring to Figure 9, the solid line with diamonds indicates that when the ELR Mark field only carries the BSS color, the false alarm probability of ELR PPDUs with different BSS colors changes with the threshold value; the dashed line with diamonds indicates that when the ELR Mark field carries both BSS color and uplink / downlink indication, the false alarm probability between different BSS colors and ELR PPDUs transmitted uplink / downlink changes with the threshold value; as can be seen from Figure 9, the two lines basically overlap, indicating that after the sequence in the ELR-Mark field is used to indicate the BSS color of the ELR PPDU and the transmission direction of the ELR PPDU, the false alarm probability between different BSS colors and ELR PPDUs transmitted uplink / downlink does not change. Referring to Figure 9, the solid line with squares indicates that when the ELR Mark field only carries the BSS color, the false alarm probability caused by other PPDUs changes with the threshold value; the dashed line with squares indicates that when the ELR Mark field carries the BSS color and uplink / downlink indication, the false alarm probability caused by other PPDUs changes with the threshold value; as can be seen from Figure 9, the two lines basically overlap, indicating that after the sequence in the ELR-Mark field is used to indicate the BSS color of the ELR PPDU and the transmission direction of the ELR PPDU, the false alarm probability caused by other PPDUs does not change.

[0129] Next, we analyze the PAPR of the ELR-Mark field, where PAPR stands for peak-to-average power ratio. Figure 10 shows an example of a 32-row, 48-column orthogonal matrix, which is an example of H mentioned above. Taking H shown in Figure 10 as an example, Figure 11 shows the PAPR of the ELR-Mark field when the sequence in the ELR-Mark field is used to indicate the BSS color of the ELR PPDU and the transmission direction of the ELR PPDU. Referring to Figure 11, when the OFDM symbol contained in the ELR Mark field carries 32 sequences in H, its minimum PAPR is 4.92, median is 5.65, and maximum is 6.46; when the OFDM symbol contained in the ELR Mark field carries 32 sequences in HJ, its minimum PAPR is 4.88, median is 5.73, and maximum is 6.44; when the OFDM symbol contained in the ELR Mark field carries 32 sequences in -HJ, its minimum PAPR is 4.88, median is 5.73, and maximum is 6.44; after the sequences in the ELR-Mark field introduce uplink and downlink transmission indications, or in other words, after the sequences in the ELR-Mark field are used to indicate the BSS color of the ELR PPDU and the transmission direction of the ELR PPDU, when the ELR The OFDM symbols contained in the Mark field may also carry -H, with a minimum PAPR of 4.92, a median of 5.65, and a maximum of 6.46. As shown in Figure 11, introducing uplink and downlink transmission indications into the sequence in the ELR-Mark field does not increase the PAPR of the ELR Mark field. Figure 11 also shows that when the sequence in the ELR-Mark field is used to indicate the BSS color of the ELR PPDU and the transmission direction of the ELR PPDU, it does not change the PAPR of the ELR-Mark field.

[0130] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0131] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0132] It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the examples are mainly based on devices in existing network architectures, and it should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0133] It is understood that, in various method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by devices (such as the first communication device, the second communication device, etc.) can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the devices.

[0134] It is also understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in some scenarios, or may be combined with other features in some scenarios, without limitation.

[0135] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0136] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 12 to 14. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0137] This application embodiment can divide the transmitting or receiving device into functional modules according to the method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0138] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of the apparatus 10 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0139] In one design, the device 10 may be the first communication device in the above method embodiments, or a component of the first communication device (such as a chip). In this design, the device 10 includes a processing module 12 and a transceiver module 11, wherein:

[0140] Processing module 12 is used to generate a first PPDU. The first PPDU includes a first field, which carries a first sequence. The first sequence is used to indicate the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU.

[0141] Transceiver module 11 is used to send the first PPDU.

[0142] For detailed information on this design, please refer to the methods described above; it will not be repeated here.

[0143] In another design, the device 10 may be the second communication device in the above method embodiment, or a component of the second communication device (such as a chip).

[0144] In this design, the device 10 includes a processing module 12 and a transceiver module 11, wherein:

[0145] Transceiver module 11 is used to receive a first PPDU. The first PPDU includes a first field, which carries a first sequence. The first sequence is used to indicate the BSS color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU.

[0146] Processing module 12 is used to perform sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU.

[0147] For detailed information on this design, please refer to the methods described above; it will not be repeated here.

[0148] It should be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of both. For example, the transceiver module can be implemented by a transceiver, and the processing module can be implemented by a processor, as shown in Figure 13. Alternatively, the transceiver module can also be a transceiver circuit, and the processing module can be a processing circuit, as shown in Figure 14.

[0149] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods of the above embodiments.

[0150] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes instructions or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods in the above embodiments to be executed.

[0151] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0152] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0153] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0154] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Generate a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The first PPDU includes a first field, which carries a first sequence. The first sequence is used to indicate the basic service set (BSS) color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU. Send the first PPDU.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sequence is any sequence in the sequence set, which includes multiple second sequences and multiple third sequences, wherein the second sequence indicates uplink transmission and a BSS color, and the third sequence indicates downlink transmission and a BSS color.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elements at the same position in the second sequence and the third sequence are opposites of each other.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first PPDU also includes a second field, which indicates the transmission direction of the first PPDU, and the second field follows the first field.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first PPDU is an enhanced long-distance transmission ELRPPDU.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), the first PPDU including a first field, the first field carrying a first sequence, the first sequence being used to indicate the basic service set (BSS) color of the first PPDU and the transmission direction of the first PPDU; Sequence detection is performed on the first sequence in the first PPDU.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Sequence detection is performed on the first sequence in the first PPDU, including: Based on the target sequence, sequence detection is performed on the first sequence in the first PPDU to determine the subsequent processing method for the first PPDU.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of performing sequence detection on the first sequence in the first PPDU based on the target sequence to determine the subsequent processing method for the first PPDU is as follows: The target sequence is correlated with the first sequence to obtain a correlation value; If the relevant value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, then continue processing the first PPDU; If the relevant value is less than the threshold value, the first PPDU is discarded.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The target sequence is any sequence in the sequence set, which includes multiple second sequences and multiple third sequences. The second sequences indicate uplink transmission and a BSS color, and the third sequences indicate downlink transmission and a BSS color.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The elements at the same position in the second sequence and the third sequence are opposites of each other.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The first PPDU also includes a second field, which indicates the transmission direction of the first PPDU, and the second field follows the first field.

12. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that, The first PPDU is an enhanced long-distance transmission ELR PPDU.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-5, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 6-12.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing computer programs or instructions, the processor for executing the computer programs or instructions in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; or causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 12.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. A chip system, characterized in that, include: A communication interface and a processor, wherein the communication interface is used for signal transmission and reception of the chip system, and the processor is used to call and run a computer program from memory, causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device; wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and the second communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 12.

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