Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: on the basis of interference information, and scheduling information of a second AP when scheduling a second station (STA), a first AP scheduling at least one first STA associated with the first AP, wherein the interference information is used for indicating at least one of the following types of information: air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP, air interface interference between the at least one first STA associated with the first AP and the second AP, and air interface interference between the second STA associated with the second AP and the at least one first STA. Thus, a first AP can schedule an associated STA by means of interference information sensed in advance, so as to prevent local scheduling from interfering with the scheduling of a second STA by a second AP, thereby improving the system throughput.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411956300.7, filed on December 25, 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 a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of networking technology, its application scenarios are becoming more and more extensive, which can meet the needs of various new services for network throughput and low latency.

[0004] Currently, to meet the high coverage requirements of application scenarios, existing technologies typically employ the deployment of multiple access points (APs) to achieve full network coverage of the application scenario. However, this deployment method may lead to network interference issues, causing collisions and affecting signal quality during concurrent signal transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus. In this method, the AP can effectively reduce intra-network interference, avoid collisions, and improve the overall system throughput by performing interference analysis on the AP-scheduled STA.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method. The method is applied to a first access point (AP) and includes: acquiring interference information, which indicates at least one of the following: air interface interference between the first AP and a second AP, air interface interference between at least one first station (STA) associated with the first AP and the second AP, and air interface interference between a second STA associated with the second AP and at least one first STA; receiving a cooperative scheduling frame sent by the second AP, and scheduling at least one first STA according to the interference information; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA. In this way, by pre-sensing air interface interference with other APs and STAs in the system, and combining this with the scheduling information of other APs when scheduling STAs, the AP can schedule STAs associated with it, thereby reducing interference collisions, improving signal quality in concurrent scenarios, and increasing the overall throughput of the system.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first AP and the second AP operate in the target frequency band. Thus, the communication method provided in this application can effectively reduce communication interference between APs operating in the same frequency band and their associated STAs that may interfere with each other.

[0008] For example, the entire operating frequency band of the first AP and the second AP can be the target frequency band. The target frequency band can also be an overlapping frequency band between the operating frequency bands of the first AP and the second AP.

[0009] In one possible implementation, before receiving the cooperative scheduling frame sent by the second AP, the method further includes: negotiating with at least one second AP to compete for a target frequency band; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame is sent by the second AP based on the negotiation result. In this way, through the negotiation frame, APs can negotiate which AP will have priority access to the target frequency band. The AP that gains priority access, i.e., the one that successfully competes for the band, can send a negotiation frame to indicate that the target frequency band is already occupied for scheduling the third STA. This forces other APs (including the first AP) to determine, based on interference conditions, whether they can continue to schedule STAs on the target frequency band to avoid mutual interference. Mutual interference includes interference from local scheduling on the third AP's scheduling of the third STA, and interference from the third AP's scheduling of the third STA on the local scheduling.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the coordinated scheduling frame includes priority information, where the priority of a first AP scheduling at least one first STA is lower than the priority of a second AP scheduling a second STA. In this way, the AP can determine the scheduling priority based on scheduling requirements and send priority information to other APs to compete for the target frequency band according to the priority information.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the second STA, its operating frequency band, scheduling duration, and scheduling power. Thus, by sending scheduling information, the AP in the system can, when scheduling STAs and determining that interference may occur, avoid operating frequency bands and / or scheduling time periods that are already occupied by the target frequency band, thereby preventing concurrent interference.

[0012] In one possible implementation, scheduling at least one first STA based on interference information includes: determining, based on the interference information, whether communication with at least one first STA will cause air interface interference to communication when the second AP schedules the second STA; if air interface interference is determined to occur, scheduling at least one first STA after the second AP finishes scheduling the second STA; if air interface interference is determined not to occur, scheduling at least one first STA during the second AP's scheduling of the second STA. In this way, by avoiding scheduling on the target frequency band when potential air interface interference is detected, concurrent interference can be effectively reduced, and system throughput can be improved. Furthermore, performing concurrent operations when no air interface interference is detected can further improve system throughput.

[0013] In one possible implementation, at least one first STA includes a third STA. The first AP communicates with the third STA via multiple links. Scheduling at least one first STA based on interference information includes: determining, based on the interference information, whether the communication with the third STA causes air interface interference with the communication when the second AP schedules the second STA; if at least one link does not experience air interface interference, scheduling the third STA on one of those links. Thus, in a multi-link scenario, the AP can sense the interference situation of a single link and select other links that will not experience air interface interference for scheduling, thereby improving system throughput and avoiding concurrent interference.

[0014] In one possible implementation, acquiring interference information includes: acquiring AP interference information, which indicates air interface interference between a first AP and a second AP; or acquiring AP and STA interference information, which indicates air interface interference between at least one first STA and a second AP; or acquiring STA interference information, which indicates air interface interference between at least one first STA and a second STA. In this way, the AP in this application can acquire air interface interference information from different dimensions and aggregate an interference matrix representing the interference situation of the local AP and its associated STAs in the system. Therefore, by pre-sensing the interference situation, scheduling can be performed based on the interference situation before scheduling, avoiding concurrent interference and improving system throughput.

[0015] In one possible implementation, obtaining AP interference information includes: determining air interface interference with the second AP in response to a measurement frame sent by the second AP. For example, the measurement frame may be a Beacon frame.

[0016] In one possible implementation, obtaining AP and STA interference information includes: sending a second measurement request frame to at least one first STA, the second measurement request frame indicating that the first STA measures air interface interference with the second AP; and obtaining measurement results sent by at least one first STA, the measurement results indicating air interface interference between the first STA and the second AP. For example, the measurement request frame may be a Beacon frame.

[0017] In one possible implementation, obtaining STA interference information includes: sending a first measurement request frame to at least one first STA, the first measurement request frame indicating that the first STA measures air interface interference with a second STA; and obtaining measurement results sent by at least one first STA, the measurement results indicating air interface interference between the first STA and the second STA. For example, the measurement request frame can be a frame in a Frame measurement mechanism or a custom frame used to instruct the STA to scan surrounding STAs.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a second access point (AP). The method includes: determining a first scheduling priority for the second AP to schedule a second STA based on the scheduling requirements of the second AP; competing with the first AP for a target frequency band based on the first scheduling priority; if the second AP successfully competes, sending a cooperative scheduling frame to the first AP; and scheduling the second STA in the target frequency band by the second AP; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA. In this way, through air interface competition, APs can compete for priority access to the target frequency band based on priority. The AP that successfully competes can schedule the STA in the target frequency band, while other APs need to schedule the STA according to interference information to avoid interference with STAs and APs already scheduled in the target frequency band, thereby reducing concurrent conflicts and improving system throughput.

[0019] In one possible implementation, before determining the scheduling priority of the second AP based on its scheduling requirements, the method further includes: acquiring interference information, which includes at least one of the following: air interface interference between the second AP and the first AP, air interface interference between at least one second site STA associated with the second AP and the first AP, and air interface interference between the first STA associated with the first AP and at least one second STA.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the second AP scheduling requirements include at least one of the following: service requirements, device buffer status, and air interface interference.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first scheduling priority is higher than the second scheduling priority of the first AP scheduling the first STA.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first AP and the second AP operate in the target frequency band.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the second STA, the operating frequency band, the scheduling duration, and the scheduling power.

[0024] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, comprising: an interference analysis module for acquiring interference information, the interference information indicating at least one of the following: air interface interference between a first AP and a second AP, air interface interference between at least one first station STA associated with the first AP and the second AP, and air interface interference between a second STA associated with the second AP and at least one first STA; and a scheduling module for receiving a cooperative scheduling frame sent by the second AP and scheduling at least one first STA according to the interference information; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first AP and the second AP operate in the target frequency band.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a cooperative decision-making module for negotiating with at least one second AP to compete for a target frequency band; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame is sent by the second AP based on the negotiation result.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first AP schedules at least one first STA with a lower priority than the second AP schedules a second STA.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the second STA, the operating frequency band, the scheduling duration, and the scheduling power.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the scheduling module is specifically configured to: determine, based on interference information, whether communication with at least one first STA will cause air interface interference with communication when the second AP schedules the second STA; if it is determined that air interface interference will occur, schedule at least one first STA after the second AP finishes scheduling the second STA; if it is determined that no air interface interference will occur, schedule at least one first STA during the second AP's scheduling of the second STA.

[0030] In one possible implementation, at least one first STA includes a third STA, and the first AP communicates with the third STA through multiple links. The scheduling module is specifically used to: determine, based on interference information, whether the communication with the third STA causes air interface interference with the communication when the second AP schedules the second STA; if there is at least one link that does not cause air interface interference, schedule the third STA on one of the links of the at least one link.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the interference analysis module is specifically used to: acquire AP interference information, which is used to indicate air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP; or, acquire AP and STA interference information, which is used to indicate air interface interference between at least one first STA and the second AP; or, acquire STA interference information, which is used to indicate air interface interference between at least one first STA and the second STA.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the interference analysis module is specifically used to: determine the air interface interference between the first AP and each of the second APs in response to a measurement frame from at least one second AP.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the interference analysis module is specifically configured to: send a second measurement request frame to at least one first STA, the second measurement request frame indicating that the first STA measures air interface interference with the second AP; and acquire measurement results sent by at least one first STA, the measurement results indicating air interface interference between the first STA and the second AP. For example, the measurement request frame may be a Beacon frame.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the interference analysis module is specifically configured to: send a first measurement request frame to at least one first STA, the first measurement request frame being used to indicate that the first STA measures the air interface interference with the second STA; and acquire measurement results sent by at least one first STA, the measurement results being used to indicate the air interface interference between the first STA and the second STA.

[0035] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device applied to a second access point (AP). The device includes: a collaborative decision-making module, configured to determine a first scheduling priority for the second AP to schedule a second STA based on the scheduling requirements of the second AP; the collaborative decision-making module is further configured to compete with a first AP for a target frequency band based on the first scheduling priority; the collaborative decision-making module is further configured to send a collaborative scheduling frame to the first AP if the second AP successfully competes for the target frequency band; and a scheduling module, configured for the second AP to schedule the second STA in the target frequency band; wherein the collaborative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: an interference analysis module for acquiring interference information, the interference information including at least one of the following: air interface interference between the second AP and the first AP, air interface interference between at least one second station STA associated with the second AP and the first AP, and air interface interference between the first STA associated with the first AP and the at least one second STA.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the second AP scheduling requirement includes at least one of the following: service requirements, device buffer status, and air interface interference.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first scheduling priority is higher than the second scheduling priority of the first AP scheduling the first STA.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first AP and the second AP operate in the target frequency band.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the second STA, the operating frequency band, the scheduling duration, and the scheduling power.

[0041] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, characterized in that it is applied to a short-range wireless communication system, the device comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories; and one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored in the one or more memories, and when the computer programs are executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to execute instructions of the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or instructions of the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0042] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable medium for storing a computer program, the computer program including instructions for performing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or instructions for performing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program including instructions for performing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or instructions for performing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0044] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processing circuit and transceiver pins. The transceiver pins and the processing circuit communicate with each other via an internal connection path. The processing circuit executes the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, to control the receiving pin to receive signals and to control the transmitting pin to transmit signals.

[0045] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a short-range wireless communication system, the system including the first AP, the second AP, at least one first STA, and the second STA mentioned in the first aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary communication system structure;

[0047] Figure 2 is an exemplary scheduling diagram;

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary communication method flow;

[0049] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary frame format;

[0050] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary frame format;

[0051] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary frame format;

[0052] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary application scenario;

[0053] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary communication device;

[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary communication device. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Before describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the communication system of the embodiments of this application will be described first with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary communication system structure. Referring to Figure 1, the communication system includes, but is not limited to, network devices and terminal devices.

[0058] Network devices serve as access points for terminal devices to connect to wired (or wireless) networks. They are primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. They can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge between wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0059] Specifically, an access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) equipped with a wireless-fidelity (WiFi) chip. The access point can be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. Alternatively, it can be a device that supports various wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards from the 802.11 family, including 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0060] Terminal devices can be wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals, and can also be referred to as users, sites, or terminals. For example, a site can be a mobile phone supporting WiFi communication, a tablet computer supporting WiFi communication, a set-top box supporting WiFi communication, a smart TV supporting WiFi communication, a smart wearable device supporting WiFi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting WiFi communication, and a computer supporting WiFi communication, etc. Optionally, the site can support the 802.11be standard. The site can also support various WLAN standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0061] Optionally, the terminal devices in this application embodiment are typically terminal products supporting the 802.11 series of standards. During the evolution from 802.11a through 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac to 802.11ax, the available frequency bands include 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. As more frequency bands are opened, the maximum channel bandwidth supported by 802.11 has expanded from 20 MHz to 40 MHz and then to 160 MHz. In 2017, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened a new free frequency band, 6 GHz (5925-7125 MHz). In their 802.11ax project authorization requests (PARs), 802.11ax standard workers extended the operating range of 802.11ax devices from 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

[0062] For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0063] In this embodiment, the network device and the terminal device can also be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission across multiple links, such as a multi-link device or a multi-band device. Compared to devices that only support single-link transmission, multi-link devices have higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput.

[0064] Although the embodiments in this application are primarily illustrated using an IEEE 802.11-based network as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), and wide area networks (WANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment of the application uses an Access Point (AP) as an example for illustration. The communication system may include one or more APs, such as AP1 and AP2. The number and type of APs in Figure 1 are merely illustrative examples and are not limited in this application. For example, terminal devices can access the network through APs. For instance, STA21 to STA23 access AP2, and STA11 to STA13 access AP1. The network coverage of AP1 and AP2 shown in Figure 1, as well as the location of each STA, are merely illustrative examples and are not limited in this application.

[0066] In this embodiment, AP1 and AP2 operating in the same target frequency band are used as an example for illustration. In other embodiments, the system may also include APs operating in different frequency bands, which is not limited in this application. Optionally, in this embodiment, AP1 and AP2 operating in the same target frequency band can mean that AP1 and AP2 operate in completely identical frequency bands. The target frequency band can also refer to the overlapping frequency band between the operating frequency bands of AP1 and AP2. It can be understood that air interface interference may occur between APs operating in the same frequency band or with overlapping operating frequency bands and their associated STAs.

[0067] Optionally, APs that may cause air interface interference to each other can operate on the same operating frequency band of the same Wi-Fi network, that is, APs using the same Basic Service Set Identity (BSSID).

[0068] Currently, to achieve full coverage of application scenarios, multiple access points (APs) are typically deployed, allowing STAs (Stations) to connect to the corresponding AP from any location within the application scenario. However, interference may exist between multiple networks, especially in concurrent scenarios with high-throughput and / or highly interactive services, leading to strong network interference and collisions. High-throughput applications could include entertainment services such as 8K video-on-demand. Highly interactive services could include entertainment services such as cloud gaming, etc., and this application does not limit the scope.

[0069] Specifically, Wi-Fi 6 defines spatial multiplexing, aiming to achieve air interface multiplexing by reducing power consumption. However, when multiple hotspots exist in the system, and multiple hotspots simultaneously have STAs at both near and far distances, collisions between STAs at different distances will lead to a decrease in communication quality.

[0070] For example, taking Figure 1 as a home application scenario, AP1 is deployed in room A, and AP2 is deployed in room B. STA11 is the edge STA of AP1, and STA23 is the edge STA of AP2. STA13 is the center STA of AP1, and STA21 is the center STA of AP1. An edge STA can be understood as a STA located at the edge of the AP's coverage area, with a relatively long communication distance from the AP. A center STA can be understood as a STA with a relatively short communication distance from the AP.

[0071] In existing technologies, for STAs (Stations) with long communication distances, such as edge devices, APs typically increase scheduling power (including transmit and receive power) to improve signal quality and enable normal communication with the STA. However, as mentioned above, in Wi-Fi 6, to achieve spatial multiplexing, power is typically reduced for STAs at close range.

[0072] For example, as shown in Figure 2, in one example, when AP1 schedules STA13, if AP2 is not scheduled, then the communication between AP1 and STA13 will not be interfered with.

[0073] In another example, if AP2 schedules STA23 while AP1 schedules STA13, the communication between AP2 and STA23 may cause air interface interference to the communication between AP1 and STA13, resulting in packet loss for STA13. Conversely, if AP2 schedules STA21 while AP1 schedules STA11, the communication between AP1 and STA11 may cause air interface interference to the communication between AP2 and STA21, resulting in packet loss for STA21.

[0074] In another example, if AP2 schedules STA21 while AP1 schedules STA13, they will not affect each other under normal circumstances because they are both central STAs with low scheduling power.

[0075] In another example, when AP2 schedules STA11, if AP2 schedules STA23, since both are edge STAs with higher scheduling power, they may interfere with each other, causing packet loss in both STA11 and STA23.

[0076] When AP1 schedules STA13, STA13 is a nearby STA, and AP1 can optionally reduce the scheduling power with STA13. When AP2 schedules STA23, STA23 is a long-distance STA for AP2. AP2 can optionally increase the scheduling power with STA23. Consequently, in this scenario, communication between AP2 and STA23 will interfere with communication between AP1 and STA13, leading to increased interference between AP1 and STA13. For example, due to the high interference, STA13 may be unable to parse the data packets correctly, resulting in packet loss and impacting the overall system throughput.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the scheduling between the AP and the STA includes, but is not limited to: the AP sending data to the STA, and / or the STA sending data to the AP. This can be understood as the AP scheduling the STA, and the STA responding to the AP's scheduling by receiving or transmitting signals on a specified channel at a specified frequency.

[0078] Optionally, the distance described in the embodiments of this application may be the communication distance. In some instances, scenarios that affect the communication distance between the AP and STA, requiring the AP to increase its scheduling power, may also include other scenarios with poor signal quality, such as when the actual distance between the AP and STA is relatively short, but there is a partition wall in between. This can also be considered as a long communication distance, requiring an increase in scheduling power. Correspondingly, this will also affect the communication of other STAs with lower power on the same frequency band.

[0079] Although the embodiments in this application are primarily illustrated using an IEEE 802.11-based network as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), and wide area networks (WANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0080] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 3, the specific steps include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0081] S301, Obtain interference information, the interference information being used to indicate at least one of the following: air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP, air interface interference between at least one first site STA associated with the first AP and the second AP, and air interface interference between the second STA associated with the second AP and at least one first STA.

[0082] In this embodiment of the application, each AP in the system acquires interference information. Optionally, the interference information may be an interference matrix, used to indicate at least one of the following: air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP, air interface interference between at least one first site STA associated with the first AP and the second AP, and air interface interference between the second STA associated with the second AP and at least one first STA.

[0083] The first AP can be any AP in the system, meaning that each AP in the system can execute the process executed by the first AP.

[0084] The second AP can be any AP other than the first AP, operating in the same target frequency band as the first AP. Operating in the same target frequency band means that the first and second APs operate in the exact same frequency band. The target frequency band can also refer to an overlapping frequency band between the first and second APs. This can be understood as the possibility of air interface interference between APs operating in the same frequency band or with overlapping frequency bands and their associated STAs.

[0085] Specifically, the AP acquires AP interference information, AP-STA interference information, and STA interference information. The AP interference information indicates air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP. The AP-STA interference information indicates air interface interference between at least one first STA associated with the first AP and the second AP. The STA interference information indicates air interface interference between at least one first STA and at least one second STA associated with the second AP.

[0086] The first STA associated with the first AP can refer to any STA connected to the first AP. There can be one or more first STAs connected to the first AP, such as STA11 to STA13 connected to AP1 in Figure 1.

[0087] For example, the second STA associated with the second AP can refer to any STA connected to the second AP. There can be one or more second STAs connected to the second AP, such as STA21 to STA23 connected to AP2 in Figure 1.

[0088] Specifically, each STA connects to its corresponding AP; for example, the first STA connects to the first AP, and the second STA connects to the second AP. The specific connection method can refer to existing technologies, and this application does not limit it.

[0089] For example, after a STA accesses an AP, each AP can interact with the associated STA (i.e., the STA that accesses this AP) to exchange capability information in order to determine whether the AP and / or the STA support the communication methods in this application embodiment, such as whether they can receive the signal frames involved in this application embodiment.

[0090] Furthermore, each AP can also exchange capability information to determine whether the peer AP supports the communication method in the embodiments of this application. The interaction between APs and between APs and STAs can be wired or wireless, and this application does not limit this.

[0091] For example, during the interaction, each AP can obtain device information of APs operating in the same target frequency band as it, as well as the device information of their associated STAs. Device information includes, but is not limited to, device identification information and operating frequency band information, which can be set according to actual needs and are not limited in this application. For instance, AP1 can obtain device information of AP2 and the device information of STAs associated with AP2 (i.e., all STAs connected to AP2).

[0092] Optionally, when APs exchange capability information, information exchange frames can be used. These information exchange frames can be Beacon frames, but other frames can also be used; this application does not impose any limitations.

[0093] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating the format of an exemplary information exchange frame. Referring to Figure 4A, the information exchange frame is a management frame in the 802.11 standard. Its frame body fields include, but are not limited to: a type field, a length field, an associated STA information field, and an AP air interface configuration information field. The associated STA information field includes, but is not limited to, the device information of the associated STA. The AP air interface configuration information field includes, but is not limited to, the device information of the AP.

[0094] The following sections explain the three methods for obtaining the aforementioned interference information.

[0095] 1. Obtain AP interference information.

[0096] For example, taking the first AP (e.g., AP1 in Figure 1) as an example, the other APs in the system all perform the same process, and will not be described one by one here. Specifically, during the measurement phase of the 802.11 protocol, the first AP scans for at least one second AP (e.g., including AP2 in Figure 1) that operates in the same target frequency band as the first AP.

[0097] Specifically, during the measurement phase, the first AP sends a measurement request frame to each of the second APs. Each second AP responds to the received measurement request frame by sending a measurement response frame to the first AP. Based on the measurement response frame, the first AP can obtain the air interface interference between itself and the second AP that sent the measurement response frame. In this embodiment, the air interface interference between APs can be represented by communication quality parameters. Communication quality parameters include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: SNR (Signal Noise Ratio), RSRP (Reference Signal Receiving Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Receiving Quality), RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication), etc. The specific acquisition method can refer to existing technologies, and this application does not limit it.

[0098] For example, the first AP can obtain communication quality parameters with each second AP, which constitute AP interference information. That is, the AP interference information is a set (or matrix) of communication quality parameters between the first AP and each AP.

[0099] 2. Obtain AP and STA interference information.

[0100] For example, as described above, each AP in the system can obtain device information of APs operating in the same frequency band as it and the device information of their associated STAs. Taking the first AP as an example again, the first AP sends a second measurement request frame to its associated STA (for example, at least one first STA in the embodiments of this application, i.e., at least one STA accessing the first AP, or also referred to as the associated STA of the first AP), to instruct the associated STA of the first AP to scan the surrounding neighboring APs.

[0101] Optionally, the second measurement request frame may be a beacon request frame or a custom frame; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0102] Optionally, the AP may periodically send a first measurement request frame to instruct the STA to scan surrounding neighboring APs.

[0103] For example, the second measurement request frame may include, but is not limited to: measurement indication, device information (or operating frequency band) of neighboring APs (such as the second AP in this embodiment), etc. Optionally, there may be one or more neighboring APs, which is not limited in this application.

[0104] In response to the received first measurement request frame, the STA scans the specified frequency band. For example, the scanning method could be to listen for Beacon frames transmitted by neighboring APs (e.g., at least one second AP) on the specified frequency band. Based on the received Beacon frames, the STA can obtain interference information, such as communication quality parameters, between itself and the AP that sent the Beacon frames. A detailed description can be found in the AP interference information section, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] Optionally, the above measurement method is only an illustrative example. In some instances, the first AP may indicate the device information (such as device address) of the neighboring AP to the STA. The STA may send a first frame to the neighboring AP. In response to the received first frame, the neighboring AP sends a second frame to the STA. The STA may obtain the corresponding communication quality parameters based on the received second frame.

[0106] For example, after each associated STA of the first AP obtains the interference information (e.g., a set of communication quality parameters) with each of the second APs, it sends a first measurement response frame to the first AP. The first measurement response frame includes the interference information between the STA and each neighboring AP (i.e., the second AP).

[0107] For example, the AP and STA interference information obtained by the first AP can be a set (or a matrix) of communication quality parameters between each associated STA of the first AP and each AP of at least one second AP.

[0108] 3. Obtain STA interference information.

[0109] Specifically, the first AP sends a first measurement request frame to its associated STA, instructing the first STA to scan associated STAs (e.g., the second STA in this embodiment) under neighboring APs (e.g., the second AP in this embodiment) to obtain interference information with the second STA.

[0110] For example, the first measurement request frame may be a frame in the Frame measurement mechanism, or it may be a custom frame, which is not limited in this application.

[0111] In response to a received first measurement request frame, the STA scans for neighboring APs. Optionally, the first measurement request may include, but is not limited to, measurement instructions, device information of the neighboring APs, and device information of STAs associated with the neighboring APs (e.g., operating frequency band, device address, etc.). The STA can scan for associated STAs under the neighboring APs on a specified frequency band. For example, the first STA can listen to scan frames sent by the second STA (e.g., beacon frames, etc., not limited in this application), and in response to the received scan frames, the first STA determines the communication quality parameters with the second STA.

[0112] Each of at least one first STA can send the acquired communication quality parameters (i.e., interference information with the second STA) to the first AP. Specifically, the first STA sends a first measurement response frame to the first AP, which may include the acquired interference information.

[0113] Accordingly, the first AP acquires STA interference information, which may include interference information (i.e., communication quality parameters) between each STA in at least one first STA and the second STA. That is, the STA interference information is a set (or matrix) of communication quality parameters between STAs.

[0114] Optionally, the format of the first measurement request frame can be seen with reference to Figure 4A, which will not be described again here.

[0115] For example, the first AP obtains AP interference information, AP-STA interference information, and STA-STA interference information, and can establish an interference matrix (i.e., the interference information described in the embodiments of this application). The construction method of the interference matrix can be shown in Table 1:

[0116] Table 1

[0117] As shown in Table 1, the values ​​in the table can optionally be communication quality parameters between devices, such as RSSI. For example, A1 is the communication quality parameter between the first AP and the first STA.

[0118] Optionally, since the STA is mobile, the interference information between the AP and the STA, and between the STAs themselves, changes with the communication status of the STA. Each AP can update the acquired interference information in real time based on the communication status of the STA (e.g., switching access or moving).

[0119] S301, receive a cooperative scheduling frame sent by the second AP, and schedule at least one first STA according to the interference information; wherein, the cooperative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA.

[0120] For example, after each AP obtains interference information, they can negotiate to compete for the target frequency band. In this embodiment, the first AP and the second AP negotiate to compete for scheduling rights of the target frequency band.

[0121] In one example, the AP that wins the competition can acquire scheduling rights and schedule the associated STA on the target frequency band. In the embodiments of this application, scheduling STA may include, but is not limited to: uplink transmission (i.e., STA sending signals to AP) and / or downlink transmission (i.e., AP sending signals to STA).

[0122] In another example, the AP that fails to compete needs to determine the scheduling method for the STA based on the interference information, and then schedule the STA.

[0123] Specifically, each AP (including the first AP and the second AP) can determine its scheduling priority based on the scheduling requirements of the scheduling STA. Scheduling requirements include, but are not limited to, service requirements, air interface interference, and device buffering. Specific requirements can be set according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0124] For example, each AP can set scheduling priority selection conditions, which can include priorities corresponding to different scheduling needs. Specific conditions can be set according to actual needs, and this application does not limit them.

[0125] For example, each AP determines its scheduling priority. The scheduling priority can be understood as the priority corresponding to the STA that the AP will schedule.

[0126] Each AP can send its scheduling priority to other APs via broadcast or unicast. In this embodiment, the first AP can interact with the second AP to negotiate frames to compete for a target frequency band. Specifically, the negotiation frame can be a single frame or a two-way interactive frame. For example, the first AP sends a negotiation request frame to the second AP to request the second AP's scheduling priority; the negotiation request frame may optionally include the first AP's scheduling priority. The second AP sends a negotiation response frame to the first AP, which includes the second AP's scheduling priority. In another example, the first AP sends a negotiation indication frame to the second AP, which includes the first AP's scheduling priority. Correspondingly, the second AP also sends a negotiation indication frame to the first AP, carrying the second AP's scheduling priority. The negotiation response frame, negotiation request frame, and negotiation indication frame described above are all types of negotiation frames.

[0127] Optionally, the negotiation frame can be any frame in an existing protocol or a custom frame; this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0128] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the format of an exemplary negotiation frame. Referring to Figure 4B, the negotiation frame can be a type of management frame. Its Frame Body fields include, but are not limited to, a type field, a length field, a priority field, and a service type field. The priority field includes, but is not limited to, scheduling priority. The service type field includes, but is not limited to, the type of service interacting with the STA.

[0129] For example, after each AP obtains the scheduling priority of other APs in the same frequency band, it can compete for the target frequency band based on the scheduling priority. Specifically, taking the first AP as an example (the second AP executes the same process), the first AP competes for the target frequency band with the second AP based on the scheduling priority of the first AP and the scheduling priority of the second AP.

[0130] In one example, if the scheduling priority of the first AP is higher than that of the second AP, the first AP wins the competition.

[0131] In another example, if the scheduling priority of the second AP is lower than that of the second AP, the second AP wins the competition.

[0132] In this embodiment of the application, the AP that wins the competition can schedule the associated STA on the target frequency band and send a negotiation scheduling frame to the AP that loses the competition. The negotiation scheduling frame is used to indicate the scheduling status when the AP that wins the competition schedules the STA. The negotiation scheduling frame includes, but is not limited to, the scheduling information of the AP scheduling the STA.

[0133] Specifically, taking the example of the first AP failing to compete and the second AP succeeding, the competition mechanisms set by the first and second APs are the same, that is, the scheduling priority conditions mentioned above are the same. Therefore, the competition results obtained by the first and second APs are the same, both indicating that the first AP failed to compete and the second AP succeeded. After determining that it has succeeded in competing, the second AP can schedule the second STA on the target frequency band. Furthermore, the second AP sends a negotiation scheduling frame to the first AP, including scheduling information for scheduling the second STA. The scheduling information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the identification information of the second AP, its operating frequency, scheduling power, scheduling duration, etc.

[0134] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the format of an exemplary scheduling frame. Referring to Figure 5, it can also be a management frame. The frame body includes, but is not limited to, the following fields: type field, length field, STA identification information field, scheduling power field, and operating frequency field.

[0135] The scheduling power field includes, but is not limited to, scheduling power. Scheduling power may include, but is not limited to, transmission power and attenuation power. The operating frequency field includes, but is not limited to, operating frequency. The scheduling duration field includes, but is not limited to, scheduling duration.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the first AP and / or the second AP can be a single-link device or a multi-link device. In the scenario where the first AP or the second AP is a multi-link device, the operating frequency in the scheduling information sent by the second AP is used to indicate the frequency band it uses when scheduling the STA, thereby enabling the first AP to avoid interfering with the second AP's scheduling of the second STA on that frequency band.

[0137] In another possible implementation, the competition between the first AP and the second AP can be periodic, with each competition yielding the same or different results. In another example, the competition between the first AP and the second AP can also be executed according to a scheduling cycle, meaning that a competition is performed each time the first AP or the second AP needs to be scheduled. Of course, in other embodiments, other triggering conditions can be set to trigger competition between the first AP and the second AP; this application does not limit this. Correspondingly, after each competition, the AP that succeeds in winning the competition sends a negotiation scheduling frame.

[0138] In this embodiment, the first AP receives a negotiation scheduling frame and obtains scheduling information. Based on the scheduling information and interference information, the first AP can schedule at least one first STA. Specifically, the first AP can determine, based on the interference information, whether scheduling at least one first STA will interfere with the second AP's scheduling of a second STA, and / or whether scheduling at least one first STA will be interfered with by the second AP's scheduling of a second STA.

[0139] In one example, if interference occurs, the first AP will schedule at least one first STA after the second AP has finished scheduling the second STA. That is, the first AP can determine the time range for scheduling the second AP to schedule the second STA based on the scheduling duration in the scheduling information, and schedule at least one first STA after the scheduling duration has ended.

[0140] In another example, if no interference occurs, the first AP can schedule at least one first STA while the second AP is scheduling the second STA.

[0141] In another example, as described above, the AP can be a multi-link device, communicating with the STA via two or more links. In this example, the first AP can perform interference detection on each link to detect whether scheduling the first STA on each link will interfere with the second AP's scheduling of the second STA. If there is at least one link that will not cause interference, then one of the non-interference links can be selected to schedule the first STA. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the first AP communicates with the first STA (which can be any one of at least one first STA) via a first link (i.e., Link1) and a second link (denoted as Link2), with Link1 and Link2 operating in different frequency bands. The first AP communicates with another first STA via a fourth link (denoted as Link4), with Link4 operating in the same frequency band as Link1. The second AP communicates with the second STA via a third link (i.e., Link3). Optionally, the second AP can also be a multi-link device, which is not limited in this application. Link1 and Link3 operate in the same frequency band.

[0142] The first AP and another first STA are connected via a single link. Before scheduling, the first AP can determine, based on interference information, whether it will interfere with the second AP's scheduling of the second STA, and / or whether the second AP's scheduling of the second STA will interfere with the first AP's scheduling of the other first STA. Based on the detected interference results, it can then determine whether the other first STA can be scheduled.

[0143] Referring again to Figure 6, the second AP schedules the second STA on Link3. If the first AP detects that scheduling STA1 on Link1 may interfere with the second AP's scheduling of the second STA, but will not cause interference on Link2, then the first AP can choose the frequency band to which Link2 belongs to schedule the first STA.

[0144] In this embodiment of the application, the first AP can determine, based on interference information, whether scheduling at least one first STA will interfere with the second AP scheduling the second STA, and / or, the method of determining whether scheduling at least one first STA will be interfered with by the second AP scheduling the second STA may include:

[0145] Based on interference information, the first AP can obtain the interference value that might be caused by the second AP scheduling the second STA if the first AP schedules the first STA. The magnitude of the interference value can be represented by the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR). And / or, the first AP can also obtain the interference value that might be caused by the second AP scheduling the second STA if the first AP schedules the first STA. This interference value can also be represented by SINR.

[0146] For example, please refer to Table 1. As mentioned above, the scheduling of a STA by an AP can include uplink and / or downlink transmissions. During the scheduling process, the AP and STA typically exchange data, including both uplink and downlink transmissions. Therefore, when the second AP schedules the second STA, the first AP needs to determine whether the uplink and / or downlink transmissions between the first AP and the first STA will interfere with the second AP's scheduling of the second STA.

[0147] For example, the first AP can calculate the SINR based on the communication quality parameters between the first STA and the second AP (e.g., B2), the communication quality parameters between the first AP and the first STA (e.g., B1), and the communication quality parameters between the first STA and the second STA (e.g., B3). Specific calculation methods can refer to existing technologies, and this application does not limit them.

[0148] Optionally, the first AP is configured with an interference threshold (which can be set according to actual needs, and is not limited in this application). If the calculated SINR is greater than the interference threshold, it can be determined that the downlink transmission between the first AP and the first STA will interfere with the scheduling of the second STA by the second AP.

[0149] The computational interference methods illustrated in the embodiments of this application are merely illustrative examples. The actual computational method can be set according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it.

[0150] The above mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by 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.

[0151] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, 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.

[0152] When each functional module is divided according to its corresponding function, Figure 7 shows a possible structural diagram of the communication device 700 involved in the above embodiments. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device may include: an interference analysis module 701, a collaborative decision-making module 702, and a scheduling module 703. The interference analysis module 701 can be used to perform steps related to acquiring interference information. The collaborative decision-making module 702 can be used to perform steps related to negotiation. The scheduling module 703 can be used to perform steps related to scheduling STAs based on interference information, and can also be used to perform steps related to scheduling STAs based on competition results.

[0153] The communication device 700 may be the first AP described in the above embodiments or the second AP; this application does not limit it.

[0154] In another example, FIG8 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may include a processor 801 and a transceiver / transceiver pin 802, and optionally, a memory 803. The processor 801 can be used to execute the steps performed by the AP in the methods of the foregoing embodiments, and control the receive pin to receive signals, and control the transmit pin to transmit signals.

[0155] The various components of the communication device 800 are coupled together via a bus 804, which includes a data bus, a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, all buses are labeled as bus system 804 in the figure.

[0156] Optionally, the memory 803 can be used for storage instructions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0157] It should be understood that the communication device 800 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the first AP or the second AP in the methods of the foregoing embodiments, and the above and other management operations and / or functions of each element in the communication device 800 are respectively for implementing the corresponding steps of the foregoing methods. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0158] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0159] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program containing at least one piece of code that can be executed by a communication device to control the communication device to implement the above-described method embodiments.

[0160] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, is used to implement the above-described method embodiments.

[0161] The program may be stored, in whole or in part, on a storage medium packaged with the processor, or in part or in whole on a memory not packaged with the processor.

[0162] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a processor for implementing the above-described method embodiments. The processor can be a chip.

[0163] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a network device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the network device.

[0164] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions described in the embodiments of this application in one or more of the above examples can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0165] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0166] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first target object" and "second target object," etc., are used to distinguish different target objects, not to describe a specific order of target objects.

[0167] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0168] In the description of the embodiments in this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units; multiple systems means two or more systems.

[0169] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first access point (AP), the method includes: Obtain interference information, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP, air interface interference between at least one first site STA associated with the first AP and the second AP, and air interface interference between the second STA associated with the second AP and the at least one first STA. The system receives a cooperative scheduling frame sent by the second AP and schedules the at least one first STA according to the interference information; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first AP and the second AP operate in the target frequency band.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before receiving the cooperative scheduling frame sent by the second AP, the method further includes: Negotiate with the at least one second AP, the negotiation being used to compete for the target frequency band; The coordinated scheduling frame is sent by the second AP based on the negotiation result.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The priority of the first AP scheduling at least one first STA is lower than the priority of the second AP scheduling the second STA.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scheduling information includes at least one of the following: The second STA's identification information, operating frequency band, scheduling duration, and scheduling power.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of scheduling the at least one first STA based on the interference information includes: Based on the interference information, determine whether the communication with at least one first STA is subject to air interface interference when the second AP schedules the second STA. If air interface interference is determined to occur, after the second AP finishes scheduling the second STA, at least one first STA will be scheduled. If it is determined that no air interface interference will occur, at least one first STA is scheduled during the second AP's scheduling of the second STA.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one first STA includes a third STA, and the first AP communicates with the third STA via multiple links. The step of scheduling the at least one first STA based on the interference information includes: Based on the interference information, determine whether the communication with the third STA is subject to air interface interference when the second AP schedules the second STA; If at least one link is free from air interface interference, the third STA is scheduled on one of those links.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition of interference information includes: Obtain AP interference information, which indicates air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP; or, Obtain AP and STA interference information, which is used to indicate air interface interference between the at least one first STA and the second AP; or, Acquire STA interference information, which is used to indicate air interface interference between the at least one first STA and the second STA.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The acquisition of STA interference information includes: Send a first measurement request frame to the at least one first STA, the first measurement request frame being used to instruct the first STA to measure the air interface interference with the second STA; Acquire measurement results transmitted by at least one first STA, the measurement results being used to indicate air interface interference between the first STA and the second STA.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The acquisition of AP interference information includes: In response to the measurement frame sent by the second AP, air interface interference between the two APs is determined.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The acquisition of AP and STA interference information includes: Send a second measurement request frame to the at least one first STA, the second measurement request frame being used to instruct the first STA to measure the air interface interference with the second AP; Acquire measurement results transmitted by at least one first STA, the measurement results being used to indicate air interface interference between the first STA and the second AP.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second AP, the method includes: Based on the scheduling requirements of the second AP, determine the first scheduling priority of the second AP for scheduling the second STA; Based on the first scheduling priority, it competes with the first AP for the target frequency band; If the second AP succeeds in the contention, it sends a cooperative scheduling frame to the first AP, and the second AP schedules the second STA in the target frequency band; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Before determining the scheduling priority of the second AP based on its scheduling requirements, the method further includes: Obtain interference information, which includes at least one of the following: air interface interference between the second AP and the first AP, air interface interference between at least one second station STA associated with the second AP and the first AP, and air interface interference between the first STA associated with the first AP and the at least one second STA.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second AP scheduling requirement includes at least one of the following: Business requirements, device cache status, and air interface interference.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first scheduling priority is higher than the second scheduling priority of the first AP scheduling the first STA.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first AP and the second AP operate in the target frequency band.

17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The scheduling information includes at least one of the following: The second STA's identification information, operating frequency band, scheduling duration, and scheduling power.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to the first AP, including: An interference analysis module is used to acquire interference information, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP, air interface interference between at least one first site STA associated with the first AP and the second AP, and air interface interference between the second STA associated with the second AP and the at least one first STA. The scheduling module is used to receive a cooperative scheduling frame sent by the second AP and schedule the at least one first STA according to the interference information; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first AP and the second AP operate in the target frequency band.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The device further includes: A collaborative decision-making module is used to negotiate with the at least one second AP, the negotiation being used to compete for the target frequency band; The coordinated scheduling frame is sent by the second AP based on the negotiation result.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The priority of the first AP scheduling at least one first STA is lower than the priority of the second AP scheduling the second STA.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The scheduling information includes at least one of the following: The second STA's identification information, operating frequency band, scheduling duration, and scheduling power.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The scheduling module is specifically used for: Based on the interference information, determine whether the communication with at least one first STA is subject to air interface interference when the second AP schedules the second STA. If air interface interference is determined to occur, after the second AP finishes scheduling the second STA, at least one first STA will be scheduled. If it is determined that no air interface interference will occur, at least one first STA is scheduled during the second AP's scheduling of the second STA.

24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The at least one first STA includes a third STA, and the first AP communicates with the third STA through multiple links. The scheduling module is specifically used for: Based on the interference information, determine whether the communication with the third STA is subject to air interface interference when the second AP schedules the second STA; If at least one link is free from air interface interference, the third STA is scheduled on one of those links.

25. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The interference analysis module is specifically used for: Obtain AP interference information, which indicates air interface interference between the first AP and the second AP; or, Acquire AP and STA interference information, which is used to indicate air interface interference between the at least one first STA and the second AP; or, Acquire STA interference information, which is used to indicate air interface interference between the at least one first STA and the second STA.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein, The interference analysis module is specifically used for: Send a first measurement request frame to the at least one first STA, the first measurement request frame being used to instruct the first STA to measure the air interface interference with the second STA; Acquire measurement results transmitted by at least one first STA, the measurement results being used to indicate air interface interference between the first STA and the second STA.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein, The interference analysis module is specifically used for: In response to the measurement frame sent by the second AP, air interface interference between the two APs is determined.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein, The interference analysis module is specifically used for: Send a second measurement request frame to the at least one first STA, the second measurement request frame being used to instruct the first STA to measure the air interface interference with the second AP; Acquire measurement results transmitted by at least one first STA, the measurement results being used to indicate air interface interference between the first STA and the second AP.

29. A communications device, characterized by Applied to a second AP, the device includes: The collaborative decision-making module is used to determine the first scheduling priority of the second AP for scheduling the second STA based on the scheduling requirements of the second AP. The collaborative decision-making module is also used to compete with the first AP for the target frequency band based on the first scheduling priority; The collaborative decision-making module is also used to send a collaborative scheduling frame to the first AP if the second AP successfully competes for the data. The scheduling module is used by the second AP to schedule the second STA in the target frequency band; wherein the cooperative scheduling frame includes scheduling information when the second AP schedules the second STA.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein, The device further includes: An interference analysis module is used to acquire interference information, which includes at least one of the following: air interface interference between the second AP and the first AP, air interface interference between at least one second station STA associated with the second AP and the first AP, and air interface interference between the first STA associated with the first AP and the at least one second STA.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein, The second AP scheduling requirement includes at least one of the following: Business requirements, device cache status, and air interface interference.

32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein, The first scheduling priority is higher than the second scheduling priority of the first AP scheduling the first STA.

33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein, The first AP and the second AP operate in the target frequency band.

34. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein, The scheduling information includes at least one of the following: The second STA's identification information, operating frequency band, scheduling duration, and scheduling power.

35. A communications device, characterized by The device, used in short-range wireless communication systems, includes: One or more processors; One or more memory units; And one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored on the one or more memories, and when the computer programs are executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17.

36. A computer storage medium, comprising, Includes computer instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17.

37. A computer program product, characterised 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 11, or the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 17.

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