Communication methods and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are communication methods and an apparatus. The methods support IEEE protocols, such as 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / Wi-Fi 8 protocols, the IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol, or the IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol. The methods can also support the NearLink protocol. The methods can be applied to energy-saving scenarios. A method comprises: a first station generating an energy-saving constraint frame, the energy-saving constraint frame being used for the coordination between the quality-of-service of a first service and an energy-saving mechanism; and sending the energy-saving constraint frame. Thus, after the station enters an energy-saving mechanism / state, an adverse effect on the QoS of services of the station is reduced.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411938162.X, 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 communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Current Wi-Fi protocols define various power-saving mechanisms / states. When a station (STA) enters a power-saving mechanism / state, the quality of service (QoS) requirements for services provided by that station may be compromised, thus negatively impacting the user experience. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate how to mitigate the adverse effects on the QoS of services provided by a station when it enters a power-saving mechanism / state. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application discloses a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the adverse impact on the QoS of a site's services after the site enters a power-saving mechanism / state.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a site. This method is implemented by the site or a component on the site side, and the following description uses a first site as an example. The method includes: the first site generating an energy-saving constraint frame; the energy-saving constraint frame being used for QoS assurance of a first service and coordination of energy-saving mechanisms; and sending the energy-saving constraint frame; thereby reducing the adverse impact on the QoS of the site's services after the site enters an energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another communication method applied to a site. This method is implemented by the site or a component on the site side, and the following description uses a second site as an example. The method includes: the second site receiving an energy-saving constraint frame, which is used for the coordination of the quality of service guarantee and energy-saving mechanism of the first service; thereby reducing the adverse impact on the QoS of the site's services after the site enters the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the energy-saving constraint frame includes at least one of a first element and a second element. The first element indicates the minimum requirements for satisfying the quality of service (QoS) guarantee of the first service, and the second element indicates the QoS guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state. If the energy-saving constraint frame includes the first element, the first or second site can enter the energy-saving mechanism / mode to save energy when it supports the energy-saving mechanism / mode that satisfies the aforementioned minimum requirements. Alternatively, the first or second site may choose not to enter the energy-saving mechanism / mode to satisfy the QoS guarantee of the first service when it does not support the energy-saving mechanism / mode that satisfies the aforementioned minimum requirements. If the energy-saving constraint frame includes the second element, the first or second site can satisfy the QoS guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / mode.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first element is used to indicate the minimum requirements for satisfying the quality of service assurance of the first service, including: the first element is used to indicate the minimum requirements for satisfying the quality of service assurance of the first service at the first site or the second site, wherein the first service is a service between the first site and the second site.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first element includes one or more of the following: time period, minimum / average sleep time duty cycle, minimum bandwidth, minimum number of spatial streams, minimum check-in rate of the site in the target wake time (TWT) / restricted target wake time (i.e., r-TWT or R-TWT), or minimum check-in rate of the trigger frame responding to the access point AP, or response rate or success rate of the initial control frame (ICF) responding to the AP during dynamic energy saving, or the activation or deactivation of one or more energy saving mechanisms; it can flexibly indicate the minimum requirements for meeting the quality of service assurance of the first service.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first element includes energy-saving requirement level indication information, which indicates a first-level requirement, wherein the minimum requirement for meeting the service quality assurance of the first service is the first-level requirement; thereby saving bit overhead.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first element includes energy-saving requirement type indication information, which indicates a first type of energy-saving requirement, wherein the minimum requirement for meeting the service quality assurance of the first service is the first type of energy-saving requirement.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the second element includes one or more of the following: rate guarantee under unscheduled automatic power-save delivery (U-APSD), delay guarantee under U-APSD, rate guarantee under spatial multiplexing power save (SMPS), rate guarantee under operation mode indication (OMI), and rate guarantee under TWT; it can flexibly indicate the quality of service guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the second element includes service quality level indication information, which indicates a first-level quality, and the service quality of the first service is guaranteed to be at the first-level quality under the power-saving mechanism / state; thereby saving bit overhead.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the second element includes quality of service type indication information, which indicates a first type of quality of service guarantee. Under the power-saving mechanism / state, the quality of service guarantee for the first service is a first type of quality of service guarantee; thereby saving bit overhead.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the energy-saving constraint frame is a stream classification service (SCS) request frame, an SCS response frame, an uplink / downlink QoS coordination request frame, or an uplink / downlink QoS coordination response frame.

[0016] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide another communication method. This method is applied to a site and is implemented by the site or a component on the site side. The following description uses a first site as an example. The method includes: the first site receiving a first frame, the first frame including a third element, the third element being used to indicate the quality of service (QoS) guarantee of the second service at the first site under a power-saving mechanism / state; thereby, the first site can maintain, exit, or enter the power-saving mechanism / state according to the first frame, thus balancing power saving and the QoS guarantee of the second service.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first station sending a second frame, the second frame being used to instruct the first station to request to enter the energy-saving mechanism / state; this can reduce the service quality degradation caused by directly entering the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first station sending a second frame, the second frame being used to indicate the energy-saving mechanism / state that the first station has entered; and other stations being notified that the first station has entered the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first station sending a second frame, the second frame being used to request the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first station under the energy-saving mechanism / state, so as to obtain the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first station under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first station sending a second frame, the second frame being used to inform the first station of the quality of service guarantee under the power-saving mechanism / state.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first station maintaining, exiting or entering an energy-saving mechanism / state based on the first frame; thereby ensuring both energy saving and the quality of service of the second service.

[0022] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide another communication method. This method is applied to a site and is implemented by the site or a component on the site side. The following description uses a second site as an example. The method includes: the second site sending a first frame, the first frame including a third element, the third element being used to indicate the quality of service (QoS) guarantee of the second service at the first site under a power-saving mechanism / state; this allows the first site to obtain the QoS guarantee of the second service at the first site under a power-saving mechanism / state, thereby deciding whether to enter the power-saving mechanism / state, thus balancing power saving and the QoS guarantee of the second service.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the second station receiving a second frame, the second frame indicating that the first station requests to enter the energy-saving mechanism / state. Optionally, in response to the second frame, the second station sends a first frame, so that the first station decides whether to enter the energy-saving mechanism / state based on the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first station under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the second station receiving a second frame, the second frame indicating the energy-saving mechanism / state entered by the first station. Optionally, in response to the second frame, the second station sends a first frame, so that the first station decides whether to enter the energy-saving mechanism / state based on the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first station under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the second station receiving a second frame, the second frame being used to request a quality of service guarantee for the second service at the first station under a power-saving mechanism / state. Optionally, in response to the second frame, the second station sends a first frame, so that the first station, based on the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first station under a power-saving mechanism / state, decides whether to enter a power-saving mechanism / state.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the second station receiving a second frame, the second frame being used to inform the first station of the quality of service assurance under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the third element includes one or more of the following: rate guarantee under U-APSD power saving, latency guarantee under U-APSD power saving, rate guarantee under SMPS, rate guarantee under OMI, and rate guarantee under TWT; which can flexibly indicate the quality of service guarantee of the second service under the power saving mechanism / state.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the second frame includes a fourth element that indicates the minimum service quality assurance requirements for satisfying the second service.

[0029] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the first 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. Taking an AP as an example, the communication device can be implemented through hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the processing module is used to generate energy-saving constraint frames; the energy-saving constraint frames are used for the coordination of service quality assurance and energy-saving mechanisms for the first service; and the transceiver module is used to send the energy-saving constraint frames.

[0030] For possible implementations of the communication device in the fifth aspect, please refer to the various possible implementations in the first aspect.

[0031] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the fifth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0032] Sixthly, 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. Taking the communication device as a second station as an example, the function 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 energy-saving constraint frames, which are used for the coordination of service quality assurance and energy-saving mechanisms for the first service. Optionally, the processing module is used to parse the energy-saving constraint frames.

[0033] For possible implementations of the communication device in the sixth aspect, please refer to the various possible implementations in the second aspect.

[0034] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the sixth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the third aspect of the method embodiments. The communication device may 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. Taking a second station as an example, the communication device's function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned 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 frame, the first frame including a third element, the third element being used to indicate the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first station under energy-saving mechanisms / states.

[0036] In one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the transceiver module is also used to send a second frame, which is used to indicate that the first station requests to enter the power-saving mechanism / state.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the transceiver module is also used to send a second frame, which is used to indicate the energy-saving mechanism / state entered by the first station.

[0038] In one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the transceiver module is also used to send a second frame, which is used to request the second service to guarantee the quality of service at the first site under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, a processing module is used to maintain, exit, or enter a power-saving mechanism / state based on the first frame.

[0040] For possible implementations of the communication device in the seventh aspect, please refer to the various possible implementations in the third aspect.

[0041] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the seventh aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the third aspect.

[0042] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the fourth aspect of the method embodiments. The communication device may 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. Taking a second station as an example, the communication device's function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is used to send a first frame, the first frame including a third element, the third element being used to indicate the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first station under energy-saving mechanisms / states.

[0043] In one possible implementation of the eighth aspect, the transceiver module is also used to receive a second frame, which is used to indicate that the first station requests to enter the power-saving mechanism / state.

[0044] In one possible implementation of the eighth aspect, the transceiver module is also used to receive a second frame, which is used to indicate the energy-saving mechanism / state entered by the first station.

[0045] In one possible implementation of the eighth aspect, the transceiver module is also used to receive a second frame, which is used to request the second service to guarantee the quality of service at the first site under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0046] For possible implementations of the communication device in the eighth aspect, please refer to the various possible implementations in the fourth aspect.

[0047] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the eighth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0048] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide another communication device, the communication device including one or more processors for processing data and / or signaling to cause the communication device to perform the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0049] 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 any of the first to fourth aspects 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 a random access memory or cache within the chip.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, or unless it contradicts its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the sending and / or receiving operations involved by the processor can generally be understood as processor-based computer program or instruction output.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving or transmitting signals, etc.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, this application provides another communication device, which includes a processing circuit and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to acquire data or output data; the processing circuit being used to perform the method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0057] Eleventhly, 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 any of the first to fourth aspects above. The computer may be a website.

[0058] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in any of the first to fourth aspects above. The computer may be a website.

[0059] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a chip including a communication interface and a processor; the communication interface is used for signal transmission and reception of the chip; the processor is used to execute computer programs or instructions, causing a communication device including the chip to perform the method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects above. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an SCS request frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of the SCS descriptor provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an internal access category priority element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of a TCLAS element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a frame classifier field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a frame classifier field of classifier category 1 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the frame format of the frame classifier field of another classifier category 1 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an SCS response frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of the first element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 12A is a schematic diagram of a frame format for the second element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 12B is a schematic diagram of a frame format for the Quality of Service Assurance field under the specified mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a frame format for an energy-saving constraint frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 14 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of the device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0079] 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 process numbers 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.

[0080] 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. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. In this application, the naming of messages / frames is only used to distinguish different messages / frames and should not be construed as limiting. That is, any message / frame name in this application can be replaced with other names, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0081] 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.

[0082] It is understood that in the various 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.

[0083] It should be understood that 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 through direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0084] It should be understood that in this application, information C is used to determine information D, including both situations where information D is determined solely based on information C and situations 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.

[0085] 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 the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between a first node and a second node, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, trace, or interface.

[0086] In the diagrams relating to the message (frame) structure in this application, some examples of the lengths of fields in the message are given. For example, in the frame format shown in the figures, the numbers below each field indicate the length of that field. It should be understood that the field lengths shown in the diagrams of this application are merely examples, and in actual applications, the length of any field may vary. The positions of the fields in the diagrams relating to the message (frame) structure in this application are not limited.

[0087] The diagrams in this application's embodiments involve message structures, and some provide examples of field names within the message. It should be understood that the field names shown in the diagrams of this application's embodiments are merely examples; in actual applications, the name of any field may change.

[0088] In the diagrams of message structures involved in the embodiments of this application, some indicate that a field with a length of 0 or variable is an optional field, meaning that the field's length is 0 when it is not included in the message. A variable length indicates that the field's length is uncertain. In actual design, the specific length of the field can be indicated by other information, or the sender and receiver can negotiate the field's length in advance, or the field's length is predefined, or the receiver can determine the field's length based on other auxiliary information when receiving a message carrying that field, and then parse the message. This application does not impose any limitations on the method for determining the specific length of variable-length fields. The length of variable-length fields involved in the message will not be repeated below.

[0089] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0090] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, they support IEEE 802.11 related standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), 802.11bn (or Wi-Fi 8, also known as ultra-high reliability (UHR)), the next generation of 802.11bn, or standards supporting ambient power (AMP), and also include 802.11ad and 802.11ay standards. The 802.11n standard is also known as a high throughput (HT) standard, and the 802.11ac standard is also known as a very high throughput (VHT) standard. The 802.11ax standard is also known as the high-efficiency (HE) standard. The 802.11be standard is also known as the extremely high throughput (EHT) standard. The 802.11ad standard can also be called the directional multi-gigabit (DMG) standard. The 802.11ay standard can also be called the enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) standard.

[0091] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless personal area network (WLAN) systems based on ultra-wideband (UWB), such as those supporting the 802.15 series standards. They can also be applied to sensing systems, such as those supporting the 802.11bf series standards, WLAN systems supporting Wi-Fi artificial intelligence (AI), and WLAN systems supporting millimeter-wave (mmWave). The 802.11bf standard includes two main categories: low-frequency (e.g., sub7GHz) and high-frequency (e.g., 60GHz) standards. The sub7GHz implementation mainly relies on standards such as 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and next-generation standards. The 60GHz implementation mainly relies on standards such as 802.11ad, 802.11ay, integrated mmWave standards, and next-generation standards.

[0092] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to various communication systems, including: WLAN communication systems, Wi-Fi systems, Starfleet short-range communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, where X can represent anything), device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR) systems, 6th generation (6G) systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in future communication developments.

[0093] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the application is not limited to these. This description is consistent with the previous one and will not be repeated below. Furthermore, the term "system" can be used interchangeably with "network".

[0094] This application supports IEEE standards, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW, IEEE 802.15 / UWB, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing; this application may also support Spark Link / NearLink standards.

[0095] 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.

[0096] This application primarily uses the deployment of a WLAN network, particularly one employing the IEEE 802.11 system standard, as an example for illustration. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards, such as high-performance radio local area networks (HIPERLANs), wireless wide area networks (WWANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), or other networks now known or developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access standard used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0097] 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).

[0098] Sites can be categorized into non-access point stations (non-AP STAs) and access point stations. For ease of description, this document refers to access point stations as access points (APs) and non-access point stations as stations (STAs), non-AP stations, or non-AP STAs. Unless otherwise specified, STA in the following text refers to a non-AP STA. An AP that is in the same basic service set (BSS) as a STA is called the STA's associated AP, and the STA is called the AP's associated STA. Communication between STAs is permitted, known as point-to-point (P2P) communication. In the following text, unless otherwise specified, a station refers to a STA.

[0099] An Access Point (AP) is a node used by terminals (e.g., mobile phones) to access wired (or wireless) networks. For example, APs are mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, APs can also be deployed outdoors. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect clients from various wireless networks together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. An AP is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication using the WLAN standard and having the ability to communicate with other devices (such as STAs or other APs) in the WLAN network. Of course, an AP can also have the ability to communicate with other devices.

[0100] An access point (AP) can be a complete device, or it can be a chip or processing system installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips or processing systems installed (e.g., APs) can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chip or processing system. The AP in the embodiments of this application is a device that provides services to a stand-alone unit (STA), and for example, it can support one or more standards in the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn.

[0101] Specifically, the AP can be a terminal or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. This network device can be a server, router, switch, bridge, computer, mobile phone, relay station, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, network device in a 5G network, network device in a 6G network, or network device in a public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to these. Of course, the AP can also be the chip and processing system within these various forms of network devices, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The AP can be a device that supports the Wi-Fi standard.

[0102] A Standalone Target (STA) is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication using the WLAN standard and has the ability to communicate with other STAs or Access Points (APs) in a WLAN network. For example, an STA is any communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and thus with the WLAN. An STA can be a complete device, or it can be a chip or processing system installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips or processing systems installed (e.g., STAs) can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chip or processing system. 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, user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device.

[0103] STA can include tag devices / smart tag devices, mobile phones, mobile stations (MS), tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities (such as laptops), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, subscriber units, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, tablet computers, laptop computers, machine type communication (MTC) terminals, etc. The STA can include various handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, terminal devices in 5G networks, terminal devices in 6G networks, or terminal devices in PLMNs, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to these. The STA can be a device that supports WLAN standards. For example, the STA can support one or more standards in the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, and 802.11bf.

[0104] The aforementioned AP can be a multi-link device (MLD). STA can be an MLD. MLD is a device that supports (has) multi-link simultaneous transmission. In other words, an MLD has the ability to establish multiple links simultaneously. In this application embodiment, a device that simultaneously supports multiple links and supports the IEEE 802.11 standard is referred to as an MLD. In the IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) standard, an MLD can use multiple links simultaneously. An MLD can be an access point MLD (AP MLD) or a non-AP MLD. It should be noted that the names of the multi-link devices mentioned above are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. For example, an AP MLD can also be called a multi-link AP. A non-AP MLD can also be called a STA MLD. With the development of communication technology, AP MLD or non-AP MLD may have other names, which will not be listed here.

[0105] A Media Access Detector (MLD) can include multiple affiliated sites. Each affiliated site has its own Media Access Control (MAC) address. Each affiliated site's MAC address can be referred to as a low-level MAC address. The MLD has an upper-level MAC address. In an AP MLD, the affiliated sites are called APs (Access Points). In a non-AP MLD, the affiliated sites are called STAs (Standard Stations). The operating frequency band of the MLD can be, for example, all or part of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and the high-frequency 60 GHz band. For instance, different APs in an AP MLD may operate on different frequency bands, and different STAs in a non-AP MLD may operate on different frequency bands.

[0106] AP MLD and non-AP MLD can establish multi-link connections through signaling interaction on any link. In one possible implementation, during multi-link establishment, the non-AP MLD and AP MLD can establish an association through an association process. For example, the association process may include: the non-AP MLD sending an association request frame on link 1, carrying STA-side information for link 1 and STA-side information for link 2. For instance, the association request frame may carry a multi-link element field, which carries information about the non-AP MLD and the stations within it. The AP MLD then sends an association response frame on link 1, carrying AP-side information for link 1 and AP-side information for link 2, thereby enabling STA1 and STA2 of the non-AP MLD to establish (or complete) associations with AP1 and AP2 of the AP MLD, respectively.

[0107] The aforementioned AP or STA may include a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, a processor, etc., wherein the transmitter and receiver are used for transmitting and receiving packet structures, respectively, the memory is used to store signaling information and pre-agreed preset values, etc., and the processor is used to parse signaling information and process related data, etc.

[0108] 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. 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 embodiment of the application does not limit this. 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 of the application can be applied to data communication, sensing, or power transmission between an AP and one or more STAs. For example, the communication, sensing, or power transmission between AP1 and STA1 as shown in Figure 1. Another example is the communication, sensing, or power transmission between AP1 and STA1 / STA2 as shown in Figure 1. As yet another example, the method provided in this embodiment of the application 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 of the application 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.

[0109] For example, this application can also be used in multi-link scenarios, that is, the AP in the embodiments of this application can be an AP MLD, and the STA can be a non-AP MLD. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided by an embodiment of this application. The communication system may include one or more AP MLDs and one or more non-AP MLDs. Optionally, the communication system may also include one or more APs and one or more STAs. The number of AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs shown in Figure 2 are only examples. In specific implementations, the number of AP MLDs or non-AP MLDs may be more or less, and this application embodiment does not limit this. As shown in Figure 2, the AP MLD includes n affiliated stations, namely AP 1, AP 2, ..., AP n; the non-AP MLD also includes n affiliated stations, namely STA 1, STA 2, ..., STA n. n is a positive integer. Communication between MLDs can be multi-link communication or single-link communication. Links 1 to n in Figure 2 constitute a multi-link. In other words, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can communicate in parallel using at least two of the links 1, 2, ..., n. In this application, an AP in an AP MLD can establish an association with a STA in a non-AP MLD. For example, STA 1 in a non-AP MLD can be associated with AP 1 in an AP MLD, STA 2 in a non-AP MLD can be associated with AP 2 in an AP MLD, and STA n in a non-AP MLD can be associated with AP n in an AP MLD, and so on. The method provided in this application can be applied to data communication, sensing, or power transmission between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD.

[0110] The above content briefly introduces the communication system of the embodiments of this application. The following is a brief introduction to the relevant content, terms or nouns involved in this application.

[0111] 1) Stream Classification Service (SCS) Mechanism: STAs can use the SCS mechanism to report one or more low-latency service flows to APs. Low-latency service flows are referred to as low-latency service flows. In this application, low-latency service flows are also called SCS flows. STAs can send an SCS request frame to their associated AP to report a low-latency service flow and indicate the quality of service (QoS) parameters for that service flow. Upon receiving the SCS request frame, the AP replies with an SCS response frame. This SCS response frame can be used to inform the STA whether the AP accepts the low-latency service flow reported by the STA. Optionally, the AP can optimize its scheduling based on the QoS characteristic parameters reported by the STA to reduce the packet latency of the service flow. The SCS mechanism introduces two key QoS parameters characterizing the transmission performance of low-latency services: the delay bound and the medium access control (MAC) service data unit (MSDU) delivery ratio. The latency cap indicates the maximum allowed latency for low-latency packets, or in other words, the maximum allowed latency for low-latency traffic flows. For example, the unit of the latency cap is microseconds. The MSDU delivery rate indicates the required delivery rate of MSDUs under a given latency cap requirement.

[0112] The frame structures of the SCS request frame and the SCS response frame are described below. Refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an SCS request frame provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the SCS request frame includes: a category field, a robust action field, a dialog token field, and an SCS descriptor list. The meaning of each field in the SCS request frame can be found in relevant standards. This document only provides a brief introduction. The meaning of each field in the SCS request frame is as follows:

[0113] 1. The category field indicates the category to which the action frame belongs;

[0114] 2. The Robust Action field indicates which frame in this category the frame belongs to;

[0115] 3. The dialogue token field is used to match the corresponding SCS request frame and SCS response frame;

[0116] 4. The SCS descriptor list field includes one or more SCS descriptor elements, each of which indicates relevant information about an SCS stream.

[0117] As an example, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a frame format of the SCS descriptor provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the SCS descriptor includes: an element identifier (ID) field, a length field, an SCS identifier (SCS ID, SCSID) field, and a request type field. Optionally, the SCS descriptor element may also include one or more of the following: an intra-access category priority element, a traffic classification (TCLAS, or also known as communication classification or service classification) element field, a TCLAS processing element, an optional subelement, a flow specification element (TSPEC element), etc.

[0118] For example, the meanings of each field or element in the SCS descriptor are described as follows:

[0119] The element identifier field is used to identify the SCS descriptor element.

[0120] The length field is used to indicate the length of this SCS descriptor element.

[0121] The SCSID field is used to indicate the identifier assigned to this SCS stream. In other words, the SCSID field is used to identify the SCS stream. For example, the SCSID is 1 byte long.

[0122] The Request Type field is used to indicate the type requested by the SCS request frame. The definition of the request type is shown in Table 1.

[0123] Table 1

[0124] The specific format of the internal access category priority element is shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an internal access category priority element provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the internal access category priority element includes an element ID field, a length field, and an intra-access priority field. The element ID field is used to identify the internal access category priority element. The length field in the internal access category priority element is used to indicate the length of the internal access category priority element. For example, the length of the internal access priority field is 1 byte, and the least significant bit to the most significant bit of the 8 bits in the 1 byte are bit0 to bit7 respectively. The internal access priority field includes a 3-bit (bit0 to bit2) user priority subfield, a 1-bit (bit3) alternate queue subfield, a 1-bit (bit4) drop eligibility subfield, and a reserved field, for example, the reserved field includes bits5 to bit7. The user priority subfield is used to indicate the user's priority. The alternate queue subfield is used to indicate whether a new alternate queue is created for this SCS flow. The Discard Qualification subfield is used to indicate whether packets in the SCS stream can be dropped when there are not enough resources.

[0125] The TCLAS element field includes zero or more TCLAS elements. For example, when the request type field equals "add" or "change", the SCS descriptor element contains one or more TCLAS elements; when the request type field equals "delete", the SCS descriptor element does not contain any TCLAS elements. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a TCLAS element provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the TCLAS element includes the following fields: element ID field, length field, user priority field, and frame classifier field. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a frame classifier field provided in an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 7, the frame classifier field includes the following subfields: classifier type, classifier mask, and classifier parameters. For example, the classifier type value ranges from 0 to 255, with each value representing a classifier type. The classifier parameters corresponding to each classifier type can be found in the same standard and will not be elaborated here.

[0126] As an example, Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a frame classifier field for classifier category 1 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8A, the frame classifier field for classifier category 1 includes: classifier type, classifier mask, version, source IP address, destination IP address, source port, destination port, differentiated service code point (DSCP), protocol, and reserved fields. The format shown in Figure 8A is suitable for Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) traffic flows. As an example, Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the frame format of another frame classifier field for classifier category 1 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8B, the frame classifier fields for classifier category 1 include: classifier type, classifier mask, version, source IP address, destination IP address, source port, destination port, and flow label. The format shown in Figure 8B is suitable for Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) traffic flows.

[0127] The stream classification processing element is used to indicate how to process multiple TCLAS elements when they exist.

[0128] Table 2 shows the identifiers (IDs) of optional subelements in the SCS descriptor element.

[0129] Table 2

[0130] Referring to Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an SCS response frame provided in an embodiment of this application, the SCS response frame includes: a category field, a robust action field, a dialog token field, a count field, an SCS status list field, and an SCS descriptor list field. The indicative function of the fields, bytes, or elements in the SCS response frame is similar to that of the SCS request frame shown in Figure 3. For example, the meanings of each field in the SCS response frame are described as follows:

[0131] The category field is used to indicate the category to which the action frame belongs.

[0132] The Robust Action field is used to indicate which frame in this category.

[0133] The dialog token field in the SCS response frame is consistent with the dialog token field in the responding SCS request frame.

[0134] The quantity field is used to indicate the number of SCS status groups in the SCS status list.

[0135] The SCS status list field includes one or more SCS status groups. Each SCS status group includes an SCS identifier (SCSID) and a status code. The SCSID is used to identify the SCS flow. In other words, the SCSID is the identifier of the SCS flow. The status code is used to indicate whether the SCS flow corresponding to the requested SCSID is accepted. For example, if the status code indicates that an SCS flow is accepted, the field in the QoS feature element indicates the parameter information that the SCS flow should use. That is, the AP agrees to the STA's request, and the STA must operate according to the parameter information carried in the SCS response frame. If the status code indicates rejection with suggested changes, the field in the QoS feature element indicates the parameter information suggested by the AP. The STA can re-initiate the SCS request based on the parameter information suggested by the AP. Figure 9 is only an example of the SCS status list field including one SCS status group, and this application does not limit it.

[0136] The SCS descriptor list contains one or more SCS descriptors.

[0137] 2) Power Saving Mechanisms: IEEE 802.11 defines various power saving mechanisms, such as power saving mode (PSM), spatial multiplexing power save (SMPS) in Wi-Fi systems, operation mode indication (OMI), and target wake time (TWT). When a STA is using a power saving mechanism, it will enter power saving mode.

[0138] The preceding text introduced the relevant content, terms, or nouns involved in the embodiments of this application. The following text introduces the technical background involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0139] IEEE 802.11 defines independent Quality of Service (QoS) assurance mechanisms, such as the SCS mechanism, add traffic stream (ADDTS) / delete traffic stream (DELTS) mechanisms, and power-saving mechanisms. These two types of mechanisms operate independently. When a STA enters a power-saving mode / state, it typically negatively impacts the QoS of the STA's traffic, thus harming the user's service experience. Therefore, it is necessary to study how to reduce the negative impact on the QoS of a site's traffic when it enters a power-saving mode / state.

[0140] This application proposes a new service quality assurance mechanism that sets conditions for the energy-saving status of the STA in relation to the service quality assurance of the business, or in other words, sets the minimum requirements that the energy-saving status of the STA should meet when the service quality assurance of the business is satisfied.

[0141] In this way, when a STA selects a power-saving mechanism / state, it can consider the impact of its behavior on the quality of service (QoS) of the business. For example, if a STA chooses to enter a certain power-saving mode, the AP is notified to reduce the QoS requirements for that STA's business. Correspondingly, when a STA enters that power-saving mode, the AP also correspondingly reduces the QoS requirements for that STA's business.

[0142] The technical solution provided in this application is described below with reference to the figures. This technical solution can reduce the adverse impact on the QoS of the service flow of the site after the site enters the energy-saving mechanism / state, that is, improve the QoS of the service flow.

[0143] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the method includes:

[0144] 1001. The first station generates an energy-saving constraint frame.

[0145] Energy-saving constraint frames are used for quality of service assurance and coordination of energy-saving mechanisms in primary services. Energy-saving constraint frames can be either management frames or control frames; this application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0146] In one possible design, the energy-saving constraint frame includes at least one of a first element and a second element. The first element indicates the minimum requirements for satisfying the Quality of Service (QoS) guarantee of the first service. The second element indicates the QoS guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state. The QoS guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state is lower than the QoS guarantee of the first service under the non-energy-saving mechanism / state. In this document, QoS guarantee can be replaced with QoS. The first element indicating the minimum requirements for satisfying the QoS guarantee of the first service includes: the first element indicating that either the first site or the second site satisfies the minimum requirements for satisfying the QoS guarantee of the first service. The first service is a service between the first site and the second site. Optionally, the first element indicates that either the first site or the second site satisfies the minimum requirements for satisfying the QoS guarantee of the first service under the non-energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0147] As an example, the first element indicates the minimum requirements for the second site to meet the Quality of Service (QoS) guarantee of the first service. When the second site meets these minimum requirements, the QoS guarantee of the first service is satisfied. Conversely, if the second site does not meet these minimum requirements, the QoS guarantee of the first service cannot be satisfied. As another example, the first element indicates the minimum requirements for the first site to meet the QoS guarantee of the first service. Optionally, the second site determines its minimum requirements for meeting the QoS guarantee of the first service based on the first element. For example, the second site uses the minimum requirements indicated by the first element as the minimum requirements it should meet when transmitting the first service with the first site. Optionally, the second site determines its minimum requirements for meeting the QoS guarantee of the first service based on the QoS guarantee of the first service. It is a common practice in the art for a site (e.g., an AP) to determine the minimum requirements for meeting the QoS guarantee of a service based on the QoS guarantee of that service, and this will not be elaborated further. As another example, the first element indicates the minimum requirements for meeting the QoS guarantee of the first service for both the first and second sites. For example, the first element comprises two parts: one part instructs the first site to meet the minimum service quality assurance requirements of the first service, and the other part instructs the second site to meet the minimum service quality assurance requirements of the first service.

[0148] In this application, the naming of elements is used to distinguish different elements and should not be construed as limiting. That is, the name of any element in this application can be replaced with other names, and this application does not impose any limitations. For example, the first element can be named the energy-saving condition element for quality assurance. In this document, element can be replaced with field or domain. The second site is the destination site of the energy-saving constraint frame. The first site can be an AP or a STA. The second site can be an AP or a STA. The second element can be named the quality assurance element under energy-saving conditions.

[0149] In one possible design, the first element includes one or more parameters related to the energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby the second station learns the aforementioned minimum requirements so as to enter the energy-saving mechanism / state that meets the minimum requirements to save energy or to forgo entering the energy-saving mechanism / state in order to meet the service quality assurance of the first business.

[0150] As an example, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a frame format for the first element provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the first element includes one or more of the following: time period, minimum / average sleep time duty cycle, minimum bandwidth, minimum number of spatial streams, minimum check-in rate of stations in TWT / R-TWT, or minimum check-in rate of trigger frames responding to APs, or response rate or success rate of ICFs responding to APs during dynamic power saving, or enabling or disabling one or more power saving mechanisms. The minimum / average sleep time duty cycle can be the minimum / average sleep time duty cycle within the time period. For example, the minimum / average sleep time duty cycle within the time period is greater than 30%. The time period is, for example, the length of time for statistically analyzing the minimum / average sleep time duty cycle, or the time period of STA sleep-wake behavior (such as the TWT sleep cycle or other behavior cycles), or the interval between two wake-up states of the STA. For example, the minimum bandwidth is 40MHz. For example, the minimum number of spatial streams is 2 spatial streams or 2 antennas. For example, the minimum check-in rate of stations in TWT / R-TWT is 90%. For example, the minimum sign-in rate for trigger frames from access points (APs) is 90%. For example, during dynamic energy saving, the response rate or success rate of the ICF (Initial Control Response) from the AP is the ratio of the AP sending an initial control response (ICR) after sending an ICF or the STA (Station) receiving it, or the ratio of the AP successfully receiving an ICR. ICF / ICR frames control station status changes (such as energy saving or operational status).

[0151] As an example, the first element includes energy-saving requirement level indication information, which indicates the first level requirement. The first level requirement is the minimum requirement to meet the service quality assurance of the first service; this saves bit overhead. Referring to Table 3, the value range of the energy-saving requirement level indication information is 0-(m-1), where m is an integer greater than 1. A value of 0 indicates the first level requirement, a value of 1 indicates the second level requirement, a value of 2 indicates the third level requirement, and so on. A value of (m-1) indicates the m-th level requirement. Each level requirement includes one or more parameters such as minimum bandwidth, minimum number of spatial streams, or minimum / average sleep time duty cycle. At least one parameter in each level requirement has a different value. Each level requirement is standard-defined or configured. The first and second sites can be aware of each level requirement.

[0152] Table 3

[0153] As another example, the first element includes energy-saving requirement type indication information, which indicates the first type of energy-saving requirement. The minimum requirement to meet the service quality assurance of the first service is the first type of energy-saving requirement; this saves bit overhead. As an example, referring to Table 4, the value range of the energy-saving requirement type indication information is 0-(n-1), where n is an integer greater than 1. A value of 0 indicates the first type of energy-saving requirement, a value of 1 indicates the second type, a value of 2 indicates the third type, and so on. A value of (n-1) indicates the nth type of energy-saving requirement. Different types of energy-saving requirements can contain different parameters. For example, the first type of energy-saving requirement includes minimum bandwidth, minimum number of spatial streams, or minimum sleep time duty cycle; the second type of energy-saving requirement includes the minimum check-in rate in response to the AP's trigger frame, or the response rate or success rate of the AP's ICF during dynamic energy saving, and the enabling or disabling of one or more energy-saving mechanisms. Each type of energy-saving requirement is standard-defined or configurable. The first and second stations can obtain information on the energy-saving requirements for each type.

[0154] Table 4

[0155] In one possible design, the second element includes service quality assurance for the first service under one or more energy-saving mechanisms and / or service quality assurance for the first service under one or more energy-saving states; thereby ensuring the service quality of the first service after the first site or the second site enters an energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0156] As an example, Figure 12A is a schematic diagram of a frame format for the second element provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12A, the second element includes at least one of a service quality assurance field under a specified mechanism and a service quality assurance field under a specified state. The service quality assurance field under a specified mechanism includes service quality assurance for the first service under one or more energy-saving mechanisms. As an example, Figure 12B is a schematic diagram of a frame format for the service quality assurance field under a specified mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12B, the service quality assurance field under a specified mechanism includes one or more of the following: rate assurance under unscheduled automatic power-save delivery (U-APSD), latency assurance (or delay assurance) under U-APSD, rate assurance under SMPS, rate assurance under OMI, rate assurance under TWT, etc. The service quality assurance field under a specified state includes one or more service quality assurances under energy-saving states.

[0157] As an example, the second element includes a Quality of Service (QoS) level indication, which indicates the first QoS level. Under power-saving mechanisms / states, the QoS of the first service is guaranteed to be at the first QoS level, thereby saving bit overhead. As an example, referring to Table 5, the value range of the QoS level indication is 0-(h-1), where h is an integer greater than 1. A value of 0 indicates the first QoS level, a value of 1 indicates the second QoS level, a value of 2 indicates the third QoS level, and so on. A value of (h-1) indicates the h-th QoS level. Each QoS level includes one or more parameters such as rate guarantee under U-APSD power saving, latency guarantee under U-APSD power saving, rate guarantee under SMPS, rate guarantee under OMI, and rate guarantee under TWT. At least one parameter in each QoS level has a different value. Each QoS level is standard-defined or configured. The first and second sites can obtain information about each QoS level.

[0158] Table 5

[0159] As another example, the second element includes Quality of Service (QoS) type indication information, which indicates a first type of QoS guarantee. Under power-saving mechanisms / states, the QoS guarantee for the first service is of the first type; this saves bit overhead. As an example, referring to Table 6, the value range of the QoS type indication information is 0-(n-1), where n is an integer greater than 1. A value of 0 indicates a first type of QoS guarantee, a value of 1 indicates a second type of QoS guarantee, a value of 2 indicates a third type of QoS guarantee, and so on. A value of (f-1) indicates a f-th type of QoS guarantee. Different types of QoS guarantees can contain different parameters. For example, the first type of QoS guarantee includes rate guarantee under U-APSD power saving and latency guarantee under U-APSD power saving; the second type of QoS guarantee includes rate guarantee under SMPS, rate guarantee under OMI, and rate guarantee under TWT. Each type of QoS guarantee is standard-defined or configured. The first and second sites can be aware of each type of QoS guarantee.

[0160] Table 6

[0161] Energy-saving constraint frames can be service requirement frames. A service requirement frame refers to the traffic requirements (individual or collective) of a service flow or a class of service flows with specified characteristics. Traffic requirements include at least one of several requirements such as rate, latency, packet loss rate, and retransmission count. It may also include the processing method for the corresponding service, such as adding a specific tag, placing it in a specific queue, applying specific processing (e.g., energy-saving mechanism processing), and may also identify the service by number. For example, energy-saving constraint frames can be SCS request frames, SCS response frames, uplink / downlink QoS coordination request frames, or uplink / downlink QoS coordination response frames. Optionally, the second site can distinguish and classify different types of service requirement frames based on the address, field characteristics, or tags in the energy-saving constraint frame. Optionally, the energy-saving constraint frame may also include a service ID, i.e., the ID of the first service. For example, the service ID can be the SCS ID or WAAQoS level corresponding to the first service. For example, the WAAQoS level can be the five-tuple characteristics of the service IP packet, such as the conditions that the source address, destination address, source port number, destination port number, protocol type, etc., of the service packet must meet, and the service priority applied after meeting the conditions, such as levels 0-7. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an energy-saving constraint frame provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a service ID and at least one of a first element and a second element. That is, one of the first element and the second element is optional.

[0162] In one possible design, the energy-saving constraint frame can be an existing frame with the elements and fields shown in Figure 13 added. Several possible examples of energy-saving constraint frames are described below.

[0163] As an example, the energy-saving constraint frame is an SCS request frame. For example, the first site is a STA, and the second site is an AP. Optionally, the energy-saving constraint frame includes an SCS descriptor element, and optional sub-elements in the SCS descriptor element include at least one of the first and second elements; reserved fields can be used to support existing standards. A description of the SCS request frame can be found in the above description and related standards, and will not be repeated here. In this example, the first site can also perform the following operation: receive an SCS response frame from the second site. The SCS response frame is used to inform the first site whether the second site accepts the request of the SCS request frame (i.e., the energy-saving constraint frame). For example, the SCS request frame is used to request the establishment of an SCS flow corresponding to the first service, and the SCS response frame is used to inform the first site that the second site accepts the request to establish the SCS flow corresponding to the first service. As another example, the SCS request frame is used to request the establishment of an SCS flow corresponding to the first service, and the SCS response frame is used to inform the first site that the second site rejects the request to establish the SCS flow corresponding to the first service. When an SCS response frame accepts the request from an SCS request frame (i.e., a power-saving constraint frame), the SCS response frame may contain at least one of a first element and a second element, or it may not contain either the first element or the second element. Optionally, the power-saving constraint frame includes a first element, and when the SCS response frame accepts the request from the SCS request frame (i.e., the power-saving constraint frame), the SCS response frame also instructs the second site to accept the minimum requirement. Optionally, the power-saving constraint frame includes a second element, and when the SCS response frame accepts the request from the SCS request frame (i.e., the power-saving constraint frame), the SCS response frame also instructs the second site to accept the quality of service guarantee for the first service under the power-saving mechanism / state. When the SCS response frame rejects the request from the SCS request frame (i.e., the power-saving constraint frame), the SCS response frame may include a recommended (suggested) second element (different from the second element in the power-saving constraint frame); this allows for faster establishment of the SCS flow corresponding to the first service.

[0164] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame is an SCS response frame. For example, the first site is an AP, and the second site is a STA. Optionally, the energy-saving constraint frame includes an SCS descriptor element, and optional sub-elements in the SCS descriptor element include at least one of the first element and the second element; reserved fields can be used to support existing standards. A description of the SCS response frame can be found in the above description and related standards, and will not be repeated here. Before sending the energy-saving constraint frame, the first site also performs the following operation: receiving an SCS request frame from the second site. The SCS response frame is used to inform the second site whether the first site accepts the request of the SCS request frame (i.e., the energy-saving constraint frame). For example, the SCS request frame is used to request the establishment of an SCS flow corresponding to the first service, and the SCS response frame is used to inform the second site that the first site accepts the request to establish an SCS flow corresponding to the first service. As another example, the SCS request frame is used to request the establishment of an SCS flow corresponding to the first service, and the SCS response frame is used to inform the second site that the first site rejects the request to establish an SCS flow corresponding to the first service. The SCS request frame may contain at least one of the first element and the second element, or it may not contain either the first element or the second element. Optionally, the SCS request frame may include descriptive information about the quality of service (QoS) guarantee of the first service, such as QoS information of the first service.

[0165] In some possible embodiments, in addition to providing the degraded SCS service characteristic guarantee parameters (i.e., the quality of service guarantee of the first service under the power-saving mechanism / state) through the messages / frames provided in this application, new rules can also be agreed upon through the protocol. After the power-saving state changes, the STA must agree on new parameters through the SCS request frame and the SCS response frame (keeping the existing SCS frames unchanged).

[0166] As another example, the power-saving constraint frame is the uplink / downlink QoS coordination request frame defined by the WAA protocol. When a service flows through the uplink / downlink QoS coordination request frame and is classified and identified as meeting (e.g., a five-tuple) conditions, the STA is required not to enter a specific power-saving mode. For example, when the STA has low-latency real-time gaming services, the STA is required not to enter U-APSD mode to prevent the STA from being unable to receive game service packets in a timely manner while in sleep mode.

[0167] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame is the uplink and downlink QoS coordination response frame defined by the WAA protocol.

[0168] It should be understood that only a few possible examples of energy-saving constraint frames are shown here, and energy-saving constraint frames can also be other frames, which are not limited in this application.

[0169] In another possible design, the energy-saving constraint frame can be a newly defined frame. Optionally, the energy-saving constraint frame may also contain information describing the quality of service assurance for the first service under non-energy-saving mechanisms / states.

[0170] 1002. The first station sends an energy-saving constraint frame.

[0171] Correspondingly, the second station receives the energy-saving constraint frame.

[0172] Optionally, after receiving the energy-saving constraint frame, the second station performs the following operation: the second station obtains the minimum requirements or the service quality guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state based on the energy-saving constraint frame.

[0173] As an example, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element, which indicates that the second site meets the minimum service quality assurance requirements of the first service. After obtaining the minimum requirements according to the energy-saving constraint frame, the second site also performs the following operations: the second site determines that it can meet the above minimum requirements in the first energy-saving mechanism / state; the second site enters the first energy-saving mechanism / state, that is, performs the first service in the first energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby saving energy.

[0174] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element, which indicates that the second site meets the minimum requirements for service quality assurance of the first service; after obtaining the minimum requirements according to the energy-saving constraint frame, the second site also performs the following operations: the second site determines that the above minimum requirements cannot be met by entering any energy-saving mechanism / state; the second site abandons entering the energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby satisfying the service quality assurance of the first service.

[0175] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element, which indicates the minimum requirements for the first site to meet the quality of service guarantee of the first service; after the second site obtains the minimum requirements according to the energy-saving constraint frame, it also performs the following operations: the second site determines that it can meet the quality of service guarantee of the first service under the first energy-saving mechanism / state; the second site enters the first energy-saving mechanism / state, that is, it performs the first service under the first energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby saving energy.

[0176] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element, which indicates the minimum requirements for the first site to meet the service quality assurance of the first service; after obtaining the minimum requirements according to the energy-saving constraint frame, the second site also performs the following operations: the second site determines that the service quality assurance of the first service cannot be met by entering any energy-saving mechanism / state; the second site abandons entering the energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby the service quality assurance of the first service can be met.

[0177] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element, which indicates that the first site meets the minimum service quality assurance requirements of the first service. The first site also performs the following operations: the first site determines that it can meet the above minimum requirements in the second energy-saving mechanism / state; the first site enters the second energy-saving mechanism / state, that is, performs the first service in the second energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby saving energy.

[0178] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element that indicates that the first site meets the minimum requirements for service quality assurance of the first service. The first site also performs the following operations: the second site determines that the minimum requirements cannot be met by entering any energy-saving mechanism / state; the second site abandons entering the energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby satisfying the service quality assurance of the first service.

[0179] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element that indicates the minimum requirements for the service quality assurance of the first service to be met by the second site. The first site also performs the following operations: the first site determines that the service quality assurance of the first service can be met under the second energy-saving mechanism / state; the first site enters the second energy-saving mechanism / state, that is, performs the first service under the second energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby saving energy.

[0180] As another example, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element that indicates the second site to meet the minimum requirements for the quality of service (QoS) assurance of the first service. The first site also performs the following operations: the second site determines that the QoS assurance of the first service cannot be met by entering any energy-saving mechanism / state; the second site abandons entering the energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby the QoS assurance of the first service can be met.

[0181] Optionally, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a second element, which indicates that the quality of service guarantee for the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state includes: the quality of service guarantee for the first service under the third energy-saving mechanism / state; after obtaining the quality of service guarantee for the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state according to the energy-saving constraint frame, the second station further performs the following operation: under the third energy-saving mechanism / state, the second station transmits the first service according to: the quality of service guarantee for the first service under the third energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0182] Optionally, the energy-saving constraint frame includes a second element, which indicates that the quality of service (QoS) guarantee for the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state includes: QoS guarantee for the first service under the fourth energy-saving mechanism / state; the first site also performs the following operation: the first site provides QoS guarantee for the first service under the fourth energy-saving mechanism / state; thereby satisfying the QoS guarantee for the first service under the fourth energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0183] Optionally, the method in Figure 10 can be applied to the business flow negotiation phase.

[0184] The communication method in Figure 10 can achieve coordination between the energy-saving mechanism and the quality of service (QoS) assurance mechanism. Optionally, the QoS assurance mechanism and the energy-saving mechanism of a site are mutually constrained. The coordination of the energy-saving mechanism and the QoS assurance mechanism in the communication method in Figure 10 is manifested as follows: If the energy-saving constraint frame includes a first element, the first site or the second site can access the energy-saving mechanism / mode that meets the minimum requirements mentioned above to save energy. Alternatively, if the first site or the second site does not support the energy-saving mechanism / mode that meets the minimum requirements mentioned above, it will forgo entering the energy-saving mechanism / mode to ensure the QoS assurance of the first service. If the energy-saving constraint frame includes a second element, the first site or the second site can satisfy the QoS assurance of the first service while in the energy-saving mechanism / mode state.

[0185] In this embodiment, the first station sends an energy-saving constraint frame. The energy-saving constraint frame is used for the coordination of the quality of service (QoS) guarantee for the first service and the energy-saving mechanism, thereby reducing the adverse impact on the QoS of the station's services after the station enters the energy-saving mechanism / state, or in other words, improving the QoS guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0186] Figure 14 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method in Figure 14 can be applied after the service flow negotiation phase. As shown in Figure 14, the method includes:

[0187] 1401. The first station sends the second frame to the second station.

[0188] Accordingly, the second station receives a second frame from the first station. Step 1401 is optional. The first station is an AP or a STA. The second station is an AP or a STA. The second frame is used to indicate that the first station requests to enter a power-saving mechanism / state. For example, the second frame is a TWT request frame. Alternatively, the second frame is used to indicate the power-saving mechanism / state that the first station has entered. For example, the second frame is used to indicate the power-saving mechanism / state that the first station will enter. Another example is used to indicate that the first station has already entered a power-saving mechanism / state. Alternatively, the second frame is used to request the second service to guarantee QoS under the power-saving mechanism / state at the first station. Alternatively, the second frame is used to inform the first station of QoS guarantees under the power-saving mechanism / state. The second frame is a management frame or a control frame.

[0189] Optionally, the second frame includes a fourth element, which indicates the minimum service quality assurance requirements for the second service; thus, the second site can meet the minimum service quality assurance requirements for the second service earlier when exiting the energy-saving mechanism / state. The second service is the service between the first and second sites.

[0190] 1402. The second station sends the first frame.

[0191] Accordingly, the first station receives the first frame. The second station sending the first frame can be in response to the first frame. For example, the second frame is a TWT request frame, and the first frame is a TWT response frame. The first frame can be a management frame or a control frame.

[0192] The first frame includes a third element, which indicates the Quality of Service (QoS) guarantee for the second service at the first site under power-saving mechanisms / states. In one possible design, the third element includes the QoS guarantee for the first service under one or more power-saving mechanisms / states; this ensures the QoS of the second service after either the first or second site enters a power-saving mechanism / state. Optionally, the third element includes one or more of the following: rate guarantee under U-APSD power saving, latency guarantee under U-APSD power saving, rate guarantee under SMPS, rate guarantee under OMI, and rate guarantee under TWT. As an example, the frame format of the third element is the same as the frame format of the second element described above. Reusing Figure 12A, a possible frame format of the third element is shown in Figure 12A.

[0193] 1403. The first station maintains, exits, or enters the energy-saving mechanism / state based on the first frame.

[0194] An example of the method flow in Figure 14 is as follows: The first station sends a second frame to the second station, the second frame indicating that the first station requests to enter the energy-saving mechanism / state; in response to the second frame, the second station sends a first frame, the first frame including the aforementioned third element; the first station enters or abandons entering the energy-saving mechanism / state based on the first frame. For example, if the first station accepts the second service while the first station is in the energy-saving mechanism / state and its quality of service is guaranteed, it enters or abandons entering the energy-saving mechanism / state. As another example, if the first station does not accept (rejects) the second service while the first station is in the energy-saving mechanism / state and its quality of service is guaranteed, it abandons entering the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0195] Another example of the method flow in Figure 14 is as follows: The first station sends a second frame to the second station, the second frame being used to indicate the energy-saving mechanism / state that the first station will enter; in response to the second frame, the second station sends a first frame, the first frame including the third element mentioned above; the first station enters or abandons entering the energy-saving mechanism / state according to the first frame.

[0196] Another example of the method flow in Figure 14 is as follows: The first station sends a second frame to the second station, the second frame indicating the energy-saving mechanism / state that the first station has entered; in response to the second frame, the second station sends a first frame, the first frame including the aforementioned third element; the first station maintains or exits the energy-saving mechanism / state based on the first frame. For example, if the first station accepts the second service while the first station is in a quality of service guarantee under the energy-saving mechanism / state, it maintains the entered energy-saving mechanism / state. Alternatively, if the first station does not accept (rejects) the second service while the first station is in a quality of service guarantee under the energy-saving mechanism / state, it exits the entered energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0197] Another example of the method flow in Figure 14 is as follows: The second frame is used to request the second service to ensure the quality of service of the first site under the energy-saving mechanism / state; in response to the second frame, the second site sends the first frame, which includes the third element mentioned above; the first site maintains, exits, or enters the energy-saving mechanism / state according to the first frame.

[0198] The communication method in Figure 14 can achieve coordination between the energy-saving mechanism and the quality of service (QoS) assurance mechanism. Optionally, the QoS assurance mechanism and the energy-saving mechanism of a site are mutually constrained. The coordination of the energy-saving mechanism and the QoS assurance mechanism achieved by the communication method in Figure 14 is as follows: The first frame includes a third element, which is used to indicate the QoS assurance of the second service at the first site under the energy-saving mechanism / state. The first site or the second site can satisfy the QoS assurance of the second service under the energy-saving mechanism / state. Alternatively, the first site or the second site can choose not to enter the energy-saving mechanism / state in order to satisfy the QoS assurance of the second service under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0199] In this embodiment, the second station sends a first frame, which includes a third element. The third element is used to indicate the quality of service (QoS) guarantee of the second service at the first station under the energy-saving mechanism / state. Thus, the first station can maintain, exit, or enter the energy-saving mechanism / state based on the first frame, thereby balancing energy saving and the QoS guarantee of the second service.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] It is understood that, in the various method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the device (such as the first station, the second station, etc.) can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the device.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 14 to 16. 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.

[0207] This application embodiment can divide the sending or receiving station 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.

[0208] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of the apparatus 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The apparatus 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12. The transceiver module 11 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 12 is used for data processing. In other words, the transceiver module 11 is used to perform operations related to receiving and sending, and the processing module 12 is used to perform other operations besides receiving and sending. The transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0209] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage module 13, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module to enable the device to perform the actions of the stations in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0210] In one design, the device 10 may correspond to the first station in the above method embodiments, or to a component of the first station (such as a chip).

[0211] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first station in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first station in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the first station in the above method embodiment.

[0212] In some possible embodiments, the processing module 12 generates an energy-saving constraint frame; the energy-saving constraint frame is used for the coordination of the quality of service guarantee and energy-saving mechanism of the first service.

[0213] The transceiver module 11 is used to send the energy-saving constraint frame.

[0214] In some possible embodiments, transceiver module 11 is configured to receive a first frame, the first frame including a third element, the third element being used to indicate the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first site under energy-saving mechanism / state.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send a second frame, which is configured to indicate that the first site requests to enter a power-saving mechanism / state, or, the second frame is configured to indicate that the first site has entered a power-saving mechanism / state, or, the second frame is configured to request the second service to have quality of service guaranteed at the first site under the power-saving mechanism / state.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the processing module 12 is configured to maintain, exit, or enter a power-saving mechanism / state based on the first frame.

[0217] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the second station in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second station in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the second station in the above method embodiment.

[0218] In some possible embodiments, the transceiver module 11 is used to receive energy-saving constraint frames, which are used for the coordination of quality of service assurance and energy-saving mechanisms for the first service.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the processing module 12 is used to obtain the minimum requirements or the quality of service guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state, based on the energy-saving constraint frame.

[0220] In some other possible embodiments, the transceiver module 11 is configured to send a first frame, the first frame including a third element, the third element being used to indicate the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first site under the power-saving mechanism / state.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive a second frame, which is configured to indicate that the first site requests to enter a power-saving mechanism / state, or, the second frame is configured to indicate that the first site has entered a power-saving mechanism / state, or, the second frame is configured to request the second service to have quality of service guaranteed at the first site under the power-saving mechanism / state.

[0222] In one possible implementation, processing module 12 is used to generate the first frame. Optionally, processing module 12 is also used to parse the second frame.

[0223] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the corresponding steps has been described in detail in the method embodiment, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0224] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions.

[0225] The apparatus 10 of each embodiment has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the station (such as the first station) in the method. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the function; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0226] In addition, the transceiver module 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing module can be a processing circuit.

[0227] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another apparatus 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The apparatus 20 includes a processor 21, which is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 22, or to read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, so that a site including the apparatus 20 performs the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0228] Optionally, as shown in FIG16, the device 20 further includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21 or may be disposed separately. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 22.

[0229] Optionally, as shown in FIG16, the device 20 further includes a transceiver 23 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0230] As one option, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the first station in the various method embodiments described above.

[0231] As one option, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the second station in the various method embodiments described above.

[0232] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0233] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0234] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0235] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0236] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 30 (or may also be called a processing system) includes logic circuitry 31 and an input / output interface 32.

[0237] The logic circuit 31 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 30. The logic circuit 31 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the site including the chip system 30 to implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 32 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 30, outputting processed information from the chip system 30, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 30 for processing.

[0238] As one approach, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the second station in the various method embodiments described above.

[0239] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first station in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the AP in the above method embodiment.

[0240] As one approach, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the second station in the various method embodiments described above.

[0241] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the second station in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the second station in the above method embodiment.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] This application also provides a chip, which includes: a communication interface and a processor; the communication interface is used for signal transmission and reception of the chip; the processor is used to execute computer program instructions, causing a communication device including the chip to perform the methods as described in the above embodiments.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A 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 flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is 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. Computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, 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.

[0248] 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 by comprising: The method is applied to a first site, and the method includes: Generate an energy-saving constraint frame; the energy-saving constraint frame is used for the coordination of service quality assurance and energy-saving mechanism of the first service; Send the energy-saving constraint frame.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The energy-saving constraint frame includes at least one of a first element and a second element, wherein the first element is used to indicate the minimum requirements for meeting the quality of service guarantee of the first service, and the second element is used to indicate the quality of service guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first element indicates the minimum requirements for meeting the service quality assurance of the first service, including: The minimum service quality assurance requirements for the first service at the first site or the second site, wherein the first service is the service between the first site and the second site.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first element includes one or more of the following: time period, minimum / average sleep time duty cycle, minimum bandwidth, minimum number of spatial streams, minimum check-in rate of the site in the target wake-up time TWT / limited target wake-up time R-TWT, or minimum check-in rate of the trigger frame in response to the access point AP, or response rate or success rate of the initial control frame ICF in response to the AP during dynamic energy saving, or the enabling or disabling of one or more energy saving mechanisms.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The second element includes one or more of the following: rate guarantee under U-APSD power saving, delay guarantee under U-APSD power saving, rate guarantee under Spatial Multiplexing Power Saving (SMPS), rate guarantee under Operation Mode Indication (OMI), and rate guarantee under TWT.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The energy-saving constraint frame is a Flow Classification Service (SCS) request frame, an SCS response frame, an uplink / downlink Quality of Service (QoS) coordination request frame, or an uplink / downlink QoS coordination response frame.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second site, and the method includes: Receive energy-saving constraint frames, which are used for the coordination of service quality assurance and energy-saving mechanisms for the first service.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The energy-saving constraint frame includes at least one of a first element and a second element, wherein the first element is used to indicate the minimum requirements for meeting the quality of service guarantee of the first service, and the second element is used to indicate the quality of service guarantee of the first service under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first element indicates the minimum requirements for meeting the service quality assurance of the first service, including: The first site or the second site meets the minimum service quality assurance requirements of the first service, whereby the first service is a service between the first site and the second site.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first element includes one or more of the following: time period, minimum / average sleep time duty cycle, minimum bandwidth, minimum number of spatial streams, minimum check-in rate of the site in the target wake-up time TWT / limited target wake-up time R-TWT, or minimum check-in rate of the trigger frame in response to the access point AP, or response rate or success rate of the initial control frame ICF in response to the AP during dynamic energy saving, or the enabling or disabling of one or more energy saving mechanisms.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The second element includes one or more of the following: rate guarantee under U-APSD power saving, delay guarantee under U-APSD power saving, rate guarantee under Spatial Multiplexing Power Saving (SMPS), rate guarantee under Operation Mode Indication (OMI), and rate guarantee under TWT.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The energy-saving constraint frame is a Flow Classification Service (SCS) request frame, an SCS response frame, an uplink / downlink QoS coordination request frame, or an uplink / downlink QoS coordination response frame.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first site, and the method includes: Receive a first frame, the first frame including a third element, the third element being used to indicate the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first site under the energy-saving mechanism / state.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The third element includes one or more of the following: rate guarantee under non-scheduled automatic energy-saving transmission U-APSD, delay guarantee under U-APSD, rate guarantee under spatial multiplexing energy-saving SMPS, rate guarantee under operation mode indication OMI, and rate guarantee under target wake-up time TWT.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second frame, which is used to instruct the first site to request to enter the energy-saving mechanism / state, or, the second frame is used to indicate the energy-saving mechanism / state that the first site has entered, or, the second frame is used to request the service quality guarantee of the second service at the first site in the energy-saving mechanism / state, or, the second frame is used to inform the first site of the service quality guarantee in the energy-saving mechanism / state.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second frame includes a fourth element, which indicates the minimum service quality assurance requirements for the second service.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first frame, maintain, exit, or enter the power-saving mechanism / state.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second site, and the method includes: Send a first frame, which includes a third element that indicates the quality of service guarantee of the second service at the first site under the power-saving mechanism / state.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The third element includes one or more of the following: rate guarantee under non-scheduled automatic energy-saving transmission U-APSD, delay guarantee under U-APSD, rate guarantee under spatial multiplexing energy-saving SMPS, rate guarantee under operation mode indication OMI, and rate guarantee under target wake-up time TWT.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second frame, which is used to indicate that the first site requests to enter a power-saving mechanism / state, or, the second frame is used to indicate the power-saving mechanism / state that the first site has entered, or, the second frame is used to request the service quality guarantee of the second service at the first site in the power-saving mechanism / state, or, the second frame is used to inform the first site of the service quality guarantee in the power-saving mechanism / state.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The second frame includes a fourth element, which indicates the minimum service quality assurance requirements for the second service.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing computer programs or instructions, and the at least one 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 21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

25. A chip, characterized in that, include: Communication interface and at least one processor; The communication interface is used for signal transmission and reception of the chip; the at least one processor is used to execute a computer program or instructions, causing the communication device including the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

26. 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 21.

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