Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: a first device determining a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies operation information for the first device to perform a non-primary channel access (NPCA) operation; and sending the first radio frame. This provides a further enhanced channel access mechanism to improve the effective utilization of spectrum resources.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

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

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

[0003] In UHR, the channel access mechanism will be further enhanced to improve the effective utilization of spectrum resources and ensure the latency requirements of low-latency services. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system to further enhance channel access mechanisms and improve the effective utilization of spectrum resources.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0006] A first radio frame is determined; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing a non-main channel access NPCA operation;

[0007] Send the first wireless frame.

[0008] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication method executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0009] The first wireless frame sent by the first device is received; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing non-main channel access NPCA operation.

[0010] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device for performing the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0011] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0012] One or more processors;

[0013] The communication device is used to execute the communication method described in the first or second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0014] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first device and a second device;

[0015] The first device is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the second device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0016] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, or to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0017] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method described in the first aspect or the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0018] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first device determines a first radio frame and carries first identification information in the first radio frame. The first identification information identifies the operation information of the first device performing a non-main channel access NPCA operation, which lays the groundwork for performing subsequent operations (e.g., performing NPCA operation based on the operation information, performing other communications, etc.) to improve the effective utilization of spectrum resources and reduce the latency of low latency services, thereby meeting the needs of UHR.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 is the third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of one scenario of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 is a second scenario diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 is a third scenario diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 is a fourth scenario diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 9 is a fifth scenario diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 10 is a sixth scenario diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 11 is a seventh scenario diagram of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 13 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0039] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0040] A first radio frame is determined; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing a non-main channel access NPCA operation;

[0041] Send the first wireless frame.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the first device determines a first radio frame and carries first identification information in the first radio frame. The first identification information identifies the operation information of the first device performing non-main channel access NPCA operation, which lays the groundwork for performing subsequent operations (e.g., performing NPCA operation based on the operation information, performing other communications, etc.) to improve the effective utilization of spectrum resources and reduce the latency of low latency services, thus meeting the needs of UHR.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first device performing the NPCA operation includes: switching from a first channel to a second channel;

[0044] The first channel includes: a common operation channel for all member devices within the BSS where the first device is located;

[0045] The second channel includes a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel; wherein the first auxiliary channel is adjacent to the first basic channel and together forms the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS; the first basic channel includes the first channel, and the bandwidth of the first basic channel is half of the BSS channel bandwidth.

[0046] In the above embodiments, when the first device performs NPCA operation, it can switch from the common operation channel of all member devices within the BSS where the first device is located to a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel. The first auxiliary channel is adjacent to the first basic channel and together they form the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS, and the first basic channel includes the first channel.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel includes at least one basic bandwidth.

[0048] In the above embodiments, with at least one basic bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel, interference between OBSS Traffic during data transmission before and after NPCA operation can be minimized, thereby improving transmission efficiency and reliability.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel is the same as the first operating bandwidth;

[0050] The first operating bandwidth includes the operating bandwidth for the first device to switch to the second channel for communication.

[0051] In the above embodiments, a certain channel bandwidth is spaced between the second channel and the first basic channel, for example, the operating bandwidth of the first device switching to the second channel for communication. This can minimize the interference between OBSS Traffic during data transmission before and after NPCA operation, thereby improving transmission efficiency and reliability.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the first auxiliary channel includes a punched channel, the second channel does not include the punched channel in the first auxiliary channel.

[0053] In the above embodiments, by setting the second channel to exclude the punched channel in the first auxiliary channel, the transmission efficiency can be further improved.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the operational information includes at least one of the following:

[0055] Channel information of the second channel;

[0056] Threshold information for determining whether to perform the NPCA operation;

[0057] Delay information for switching from the first channel to the second channel;

[0058] Delay information for switching from the second channel to the first channel.

[0059] In the above embodiments, at least one of the following can be carried in the operation information: channel information of the second channel, threshold information for determining whether to perform NPCA operation, delay information for switching from the first channel to the second channel, and delay information for switching from the second channel to the first channel; in this way, it can be determined whether to perform NPCA operation, the corresponding second channel information when performing NPCA operation, and the related delay information.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes any one of the following:

[0061] After performing the NPCA operation, a PPDU is sent to the second device associated with the first device, and / or a response frame or acknowledgment frame is received from the second device;

[0062] After performing the NPCA operation, receive the PPDU sent by the second device, and / or send a response frame or an acknowledgment frame to the second device;

[0063] The second device supports or enables NPCA operation.

[0064] In the above embodiments, after the first device performs the NPCA operation, it can continue to communicate with the second device that supports or enables the NPCA operation.

[0065] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0066] The first wireless frame sent by the first device is received; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing non-main channel access NPCA operation.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the second device receives the first radio frame sent by the first device. Based on the first identification information carried in the first radio frame, it can determine the operation information for the first device to perform a non-main channel access (NPCA) operation. Based on the operation information, it can further determine whether to perform subsequent operations (e.g., perform NPCA operation based on the operation information, perform other communications, etc.) to improve the effective utilization of spectrum resources and reduce the latency of low-latency services, thus meeting the needs of UHR.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first device performing the NPCA operation includes: switching from a first channel to a second channel;

[0069] The first channel includes: a common operation channel for all member devices within the BSS where the first device is located;

[0070] The second channel includes a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel; wherein the first auxiliary channel is adjacent to the first basic channel and together forms the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS; the first basic channel includes the first channel, and the bandwidth of the first basic channel is half of the BSS channel bandwidth.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel includes at least one basic bandwidth.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel is the same as the first operating bandwidth;

[0073] The first operating bandwidth includes the operating bandwidth for communication after the first device switches to the second channel.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the first auxiliary channel includes a punched channel, the second channel does not include the punched channel in the first auxiliary channel.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the operational information includes at least one of the following:

[0076] Channel information of the second channel;

[0077] Threshold information for performing the NPCA operation;

[0078] Delay information for switching from the first channel to the second channel;

[0079] Delay information for switching from the second channel to the first channel.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the second device supports or enables NPCA operation, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0081] Send a PPDU to the first device, and / or receive a response frame or acknowledgment frame sent by the first device;

[0082] Receive PPDU sent by the first device, and / or send a response frame or acknowledgment frame to the first device.

[0083] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is used to perform optional implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0084] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0085] One or more processors;

[0086] The communication device is used to execute either the optional implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0087] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first AP and a second AP; wherein the first AP is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the second AP is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0088] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementation described in the first or second aspect.

[0089] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0090] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0091] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0092] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0093] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, and communication systems. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0094] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0095] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0096] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0097] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0099] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0100] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0101] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0102] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0103] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0104] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0105] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0106] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0107] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0108] In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, uplink channel and downlink channel can be replaced with side channel, and uplink link and downlink link can be replaced with side link.

[0109] In some embodiments, "link" can mean "connection" or "link"; in various embodiments, "connection" and "link" can be used interchangeably.

[0110] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0111] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0112] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0113] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101 and a second device 102.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first device may be a station (STA) or an access point (AP). The second device may be an access point or a station. Optionally, the first device may be associated with the second device.

[0116] Alternatively, the first device may also be referred to as the first communication device, and the second device may also be referred to as the second communication device.

[0117] In some embodiments, the STA can be a standalone STA or an accessory STA to a site device (non-AP MLD, or simply multi-link site device; AP MLD stands for AP Multi-Link Device, an access point device that supports multi-link communication, or simply multi-link access point device), without limitation. The AP can be a standalone AP or an accessory AP to an access point device (AP MLD) that supports multi-link communication, without limitation.

[0118] In some embodiments, the site equipment includes, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports Wi-Fi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an IoT device that supports Wi-Fi communication, a car with Wi-Fi communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0119] Specifically, the site equipment can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the site equipment can support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0120] In some embodiments, the access point device can be an access point for mobile terminals to access a wired network. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the AP can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0121] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0122] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0123] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called an Access Point (AP) device, while other sites in the BSS network that are not APs are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs. APs and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0124] Figure 2 (taking the example of a first device broadcasting a first wireless frame and a second device associated with the first device receiving the first wireless frame; in reality, multiple communication devices may be able to receive the first wireless frame) is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the above method includes:

[0125] Step 201, the first device determines the first radio frame; wherein, the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: the first device performs NPCA operation (NPCA Operation, Non-Main Channel Access Operation).

[0126] Typically, before sending data, each site device on the network needs to listen for other data being transmitted on the channel. This is done, for example, through a carrier sense mechanism, to determine whether the channel is busy or idle. The carrier sense mechanism can include two methods: physical carrier sense and virtual carrier sense. The channel is considered idle only when both physical and virtual carrier sense indicate that the channel is idle.

[0127] Virtual carrier sensing (VCS) determines channel availability by maintaining a Network Allocation Vector (NAV). The NAV can be understood as a timer defining the duration the channel should be occupied. During data communication, devices occupying the channel inform other devices of their channel occupancy time via the duration field in their data packets. Devices not acquiring channel resources maintain or update their NAV values ​​by comparing them to the duration field values ​​in received data packets. When the NAV value is zero, VCS considers the channel to be idle.

[0128] HE STA (HE stands for High efficiency) typically maintains two NAVs: Intra-BSS NAV and Basic NAV. Virtual carrier sensing considers the current channel to be idle if and only if both NAVs are zero; otherwise, it considers the current channel to be busy.

[0129] In WLANs, channels are typically divided into primary channels and non-primary channels (also known as auxiliary channels or secondary channels). To enhance network transmission reliability and increase throughput, the non-primary channel access (NPCA) mechanism was proposed. Channel access refers to the process by which nodes in the network acquire the right to use a channel. A non-primary channel can contain one or more sub-channels. For example, if the basic bandwidth unit is 20MHz, when the channel bandwidth is 20MHz, there is only one primary channel with a bandwidth of 20MHz; when the channel bandwidth is greater than 20MHz, there is one primary channel with a bandwidth of 20MHz, and the remaining one or more 20MHz channels are non-primary channels. The primary 20MHz channel is the common channel of operation for stations that are members of the basic service set (BSS). Stations in the BSS can compete for channel resources on the primary 20MHz channel. During channel contention, if the primary channel is in an OBSS busy state (OBSS interference), for example, when a device detects other devices within a BSS sending physical protocol data units (PPDUs), i.e., inter-BSS PPDUs, on the primary channel, it considers the primary channel busy. If the primary channel is in an OBSS busy state, in order to fully utilize channel resources, it can switch to secondary channel communication to improve the communication system throughput and maximize channel resource utilization.

[0130] Optionally, the first radio frame, such as a management frame, includes, but is not limited to, a beacon frame and a probe response frame.

[0131] Optionally, the operation information for NPCA operations may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: NPCA main channel information, judgment conditions for determining whether to perform NPCA operations, and delay information for performing NPCA operations. The NPCA main channel information may include, for example, at least one of the following: channel identifier, operating bandwidth, center frequency, or operating class information.

[0132] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first device may include an access point (AP). Optionally, if the AP supports NPCA operation, it may be referred to as an "NPCA AP".

[0133] Step 202: The first device sends the first wireless frame.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first device sending the first wireless frame may include: the first device broadcasting the first wireless frame. Accordingly, communication devices already associated with the first device (e.g., the second device shown in FIG2) may receive the first wireless frame sent by the first device, and communication devices not yet associated with the first device may also receive the first wireless frame sent by the first device.

[0135] Optionally, the second device may include a non-AP STA. Optionally, if the non-AP STA supports NPCA operation, it may be referred to as an "NPCA non-AP STA".

[0136] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first device determines a first radio frame and carries first identification information in the first radio frame. The first identification information identifies the operation information of the first device performing a non-main channel access NPCA operation, which lays the groundwork for performing subsequent operations (e.g., performing NPCA operation based on the operation information, performing other communications, etc.) to meet the needs of UHR.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first device performing the NPCA operation may include: switching from a first channel to a second channel;

[0138] The first channel includes: a common operation channel for all member devices within the BSS where the first device is located;

[0139] The second channel includes a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel; wherein the first auxiliary channel is adjacent to the first basic channel and together forms the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS; the first basic channel includes the first channel, and the bandwidth of the first basic channel is half of the BSS channel bandwidth.

[0140] Optionally, the common operating channel of all member devices in the BSS where the first device is located, that is, the primary channel in the BSS channel bandwidth (i.e., BSS operating bandwidth) of the BSS where the first device is located, is the BSS primary channel.

[0141] Optionally, the bandwidth value of the basic bandwidth can be set according to the actual transmission conditions, and this embodiment of the disclosure does not impose any limitations on this. For example, the bandwidth value of a basic bandwidth can be 20MHz.

[0142] Optionally, taking a basic bandwidth of 20MHz as an example, the first channel can be: the 20MHz main channel in the first basic channel for the first device to transmit data.

[0143] Optionally, the first auxiliary channel can be a non-primary channel other than the BSS Primary Channel in the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS where the first device is located, i.e., a BSS secondary channel; wherein, the BSS primary channel and the BSS secondary channel are adjacent.

[0144] Optionally, the first auxiliary channel is one of a secondary 80MHz channel and a secondary 160MHz channel; the first basic channel is one of a corresponding primary 80MHz channel and a primary 160MHz channel.

[0145] As an example, with a BSS operating bandwidth of 320MHz, the first auxiliary channel can be a secondary 160MHz channel and the first basic channel can be a primary 160MHz channel; with a BSS operating bandwidth of 160MHz, the first auxiliary channel can be a secondary 80MHz channel and the first basic channel can be a primary 80MHz channel.

[0146] Optionally, before the first device performs the NPCA operation, the channel through which the first device communicates with its associated second device can be the first channel or a sub-channel of the first channel, and this embodiment of the disclosure does not limit this.

[0147] In some embodiments, during NPCA operation, the NPCA device switches from the BSS primary channel (i.e., the first channel) to the target channel (i.e., the NPCA primary channel, the second channel). For example, all APs in a multiple BSSID set advertise the same NPCA primary channel; an AP supporting NPCA advertises at most one NPCA primary channel, where the NPCA primary channel is within the operating bandwidth of the BSS where the AP is located and not within the punctured 20MHz sub-channel. That is, when an event triggering NPCA Operation occurs, APs and STAs that have enabled NPCA Operation will switch from the BSS primary channel to the NPCA primary channel, and then participate in channel contention and / or frame switching on the NPCA primary channel.

[0148] In some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel may include at least one basic bandwidth.

[0149] Optionally, in the first radio frame, the operation information that the first device can perform NPCA operation can directly or indirectly indicate that the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel includes at least one basic bandwidth.

[0150] Optionally, the bandwidth value of the basic bandwidth can be set according to the actual transmission conditions, and this embodiment of the disclosure does not impose any limitations on this. For example, the bandwidth value of a basic bandwidth can be 20MHz.

[0151] In some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel may be the same as the first operating bandwidth;

[0152] The first operating bandwidth may include the operating bandwidth of the first device switching to the second channel for communication.

[0153] Optionally, after determining the second channel, at least one channel corresponding to the first operating bandwidth can be determined based on the actual communication requirements, the second channel, and the adjacent channels of the second channel.

[0154] Optionally, when the first operating bandwidth is N times the basic bandwidth, the second channel and the first basic channel can be separated by at least N sub-channels of the basic bandwidth. Taking a basic bandwidth of 20MHz as an example, when the first operating bandwidth is N times 20MHz, the second channel and the first basic channel can be separated by at least N 20MHz sub-channels.

[0155] The following examples illustrate how the second channel is determined, taking into account different BSS operating bandwidths:

[0156] Example 1: With a BSS operating bandwidth of 320MHz, the first auxiliary channel can be a secondary 160MHz channel, and the first basic channel can be a primary 160MHz channel.

[0157] (1) If, under NPCA Operation, the first operating bandwidth is greater than or equal to 80MHz, then the second channel is preferentially selected from the sub-channels that are four 20MHz sub-channels apart from the Primary 160MHz channel (as shown in the grid area in Figure 5). For example, the second channel can be any one of the 20MHz sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 5 (for example, the first 20MHz sub-channel, the second 20MHz sub-channel, the third 20MHz sub-channel, or the fourth 20MHz sub-channel in the order from left to right among the four sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 5); the first operating bandwidth can be the bandwidth corresponding to the combined channel formed by the four 20MHz sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 5. Among them, the sub-channel indicated by the horizontal area in Figure 5 is the channel through which the first device communicates with its associated second device, i.e., the first channel; CCFS1 (CCFS is the channel center frequency segment) is the location of the center frequency point of the entire BSS operating bandwidth; CCFS0 is the location of the center frequency point of the Primary 160MHz channel.

[0158] (2) Under NPCA Operation, if the first operating bandwidth is 40MHz, the second channel is preferentially selected from the sub-channels that are two 20MHz sub-channels apart from the Primary 160MHz channel (as shown in the grid area in Figure 6). For example, the second channel can be any 20MHz sub-channel among the sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 6 (for example, among the 6 sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 6, in the order from left to right, the first 20MHz sub-channel, or the second 20MHz sub-channel, or the third 20MHz sub-channel, or the fourth 20MHz sub-channel, or the fifth 20MHz sub-channel, or the sixth 20MHz sub-channel). The first operating bandwidth can be the bandwidth corresponding to the combined channel formed by the second channel and the sub-channel adjacent to the second channel among the 6 20MHz sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 6. In Figure 6, the horizontal line indicates the sub-channels through which the first device communicates with its associated second device, i.e., the first channel or a sub-channel within the first channel; CCFS1 is the location of the center frequency of the entire BSS operating bandwidth; CCFS0 is the location of the center frequency of the Primary 160MHz channel.

[0159] (3) Under NPCA Operation, if the first operating bandwidth is less than 40MHz, the second channel is preferentially selected from the primary 160MHz channel by a sub-channel spaced one 20MHz apart (as shown in the grid area in Figure 7). For example, the second channel can be any one of the 20MHz sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 7 (for example, among the seven sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 7, in order from left to right: the first 20MHz sub-channel, or the second 20MHz sub-channel, or the third 20MHz sub-channel, or the fourth 20MHz sub-channel, or the fifth 20MHz sub-channel, or the sixth 20MHz sub-channel, or the seventh 20MHz sub-channel); the first operating bandwidth can be the bandwidth corresponding to the second channel. Among them, the sub-channels indicated by the horizontal area in Figure 7 are the channels through which the first device communicates with its associated second device, i.e., the first channel or a sub-channel within the first channel; CCFS1 is the location of the center frequency point of the entire BSS operating bandwidth; CCFS0 is the location of the center frequency point of the primary 160MHz channel.

[0160] Example 2: With a BSS operating bandwidth of 160MHz, the first auxiliary channel can be a secondary 80MHz channel, and the first basic channel can be a primary 80MHz channel.

[0161] (1) If, under NPCA Operation, the first operating bandwidth is greater than or equal to 40MHz, then the second channel is preferentially selected from the sub-channels that are two 20MHz sub-channels apart from the Primary 80MHz channel (as shown in the grid areas of Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11). For example, the second channel can be any 20MHz sub-channel among the sub-channels indicated by the diagonal areas in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 (for example, in the two sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 8, either the first or the second 20MHz sub-channel in order from left to right; in the two sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 9, either the first or the second 20MHz sub-channel in order from left to right). The first operating bandwidth can be the bandwidth corresponding to the combined channel formed by the two 20MHz sub-channels indicated by the diagonal areas in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11. Specifically, the sub-channels indicated by the horizontal lines in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 are the channels through which the first device communicates with its associated second device, i.e., the first channel or a sub-channel within the first channel; CCFS1 is the location of the center frequency of the entire BSS operating bandwidth; CCFS0 is the location of the center frequency of the Primary 80MHz channel.

[0162] (2) Under NPCA Operation, the operating bandwidth after the switch (i.e. the first operating bandwidth) is 20MHz. Then the second channel will preferentially select the sub-channel that is separated from the Primary 80MHz channel by one 20MHz sub-channel.

[0163] Optionally, in Figures 5 to 11, the bandwidth of the first channel is illustrated using 20MHz as an example. In actual communication, the bandwidth value of the first channel can be other values, which are not limited here.

[0164] In some embodiments, where the first auxiliary channel includes a punched channel, the second channel does not include the punched channel in the first auxiliary channel.

[0165] Optionally, if the first auxiliary channel includes a punctured channel, the sub-channels in the first auxiliary channel other than the punctured channel can be designated as the second channel. In this case, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel can be set according to the actual situation. The channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel can include at least one basic bandwidth, for example, it can be the same as the first operating bandwidth. If the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel is less than the first operating bandwidth, the widest possible channel bandwidth can be set to minimize interference between OBSS Traffic and improve transmission efficiency and reliability.

[0166] In some embodiments, the operation information may include at least one of the following:

[0167] Channel information of the second channel;

[0168] Threshold information for determining whether to perform the NPCA operation;

[0169] Delay information for switching from the first channel to the second channel;

[0170] Delay information for switching from the second channel to the first channel.

[0171] Optionally, the first identification information can be carried in the UHR Operation element. For example, the UHR Operation element includes an NPCA Operation Information field, and the NPCA Operation Information field (see Table 1 above for the format of the NPCA Operation Information field) carries the first identification information. For example, the first identification information may include NPCA Primary Channel, NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold, NPCA Switching Delay, NPCA Switch Back Delay, ...

[0172] Referring to Table 1, the format of the NPCA Operation Information field may include:

[0173] Referring to Table 1, the NPCA Operation Information field may include the NPCA Primary Channel field, the NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold field, the NPCA Switching Delay field, and the NPCA Switch Back Delay field, etc.

[0174] Optionally, the NPCA Primary Channel can be the channel information of the second channel, specifically including at least one of the following: channel identifier, operating bandwidth, center frequency, or operating class information.

[0175] Optionally, the first device may carry channel information of the second channel in the NPCA Primary Channel field, or it may carry channel information of the target channel corresponding to the first operating bandwidth in the NPCA Primary Channel field. This disclosure does not limit this aspect.

[0176] Optionally, the NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold is the threshold information used to determine whether to perform an NPCA operation. For example, this threshold information can be set based on the length of the PPDU. As an example, if the length of a PPDU that has not been fully transmitted on the first channel exceeds the set threshold, the device determines to perform an NPCA operation and switches to the second channel, where it continues to transmit the PPDU that has not been fully transmitted on the first channel.

[0177] Optionally, NPCA Switching Delay is the switching delay required to switch from the first channel to the second channel when performing an NPCA operation.

[0178] Optionally, the first device may carry the switching delay required for the first device to switch from the first channel to the second channel when performing the NPCA operation in the NPCA Switching Delay field, or the first device may carry the switching delay required for the first device to switch from the first channel to the target channel when performing the NPCA operation in the NPCA Switching Delay field. This disclosure does not limit this aspect.

[0179] Optionally, NPCA Switch Back Delay is the switching delay required to switch back to the first channel after communication is completed on the second channel.

[0180] Optionally, the first device may carry the switching delay required for the first device to switch back from the second channel to the first channel when performing the NPCA operation in the NPCA Switch Back Delay field, or the first device may carry the switching delay required for the first device to switch from the target channel to the first channel when performing the NPCA operation in the NPCA Switch Back Delay field. This disclosure does not limit this aspect.

[0181] In some alternative embodiments, referring to FIG3, after step 202, the above method may further include the following step 301.

[0182] Step 301: The first device and the second device perform NPCA operation; wherein the second device supports or enables NPCA operation.

[0183] Optionally, the first device and the second device perform NPCA operation, that is, the first device and the second device switch from the first channel currently communicating to the second channel.

[0184] Optionally, the first device and the second device can switch from the first channel to the second channel according to the actual communication bandwidth required (e.g., the first operating bandwidth mentioned above). When the second channel senses that it is idle, it can combine with other idle sub-channels within the first operating bandwidth to form a certain channel bandwidth for communication.

[0185] Optionally, if the first device is associated with the third device and the third device does not support or enables NPCA operation, the third device may not perform NPCA operation after receiving the first radio frame broadcast by the first device, that is, it may not perform step 701.

[0186] In some alternative embodiments, after performing step 301, the above method may further include any one of steps 401 and 402.

[0187] Referring to Figure 4, the example is that after executing step 301, step 401 is executed first, and then step 402 is executed.

[0188] Step 401: The first device sends a PPDU to the second device (correspondingly, the second device receives the PPDU sent by the first device), and / or the second device sends a response frame or an acknowledgment frame to the first device (correspondingly, the first device receives the response frame or acknowledgment frame sent by the second device).

[0189] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the PPDU sent by the first device to the second device can be referred to as the "first PPDU".

[0190] Optionally, if the first device is an AP and the second device is a non-AP STA, the first PPDU can be a downlink PPDU; if the first device is a non-AP STA and the second device is an AP, the first PPDU can be an uplink PPDU.

[0191] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the response frame sent by the second device to the first device can be referred to as the "first response frame", and the acknowledgment frame sent by the second device to the first device can be referred to as the "first acknowledgment frame".

[0192] Optionally, the first response frame can be a response frame from the second device to the first PPDU. The first acknowledgment frame can be an acknowledgment frame from the second device to the first PPDU.

[0193] Optionally, the second device may also send a TB PPDU (Trigger-based PPDU) to the first device.

[0194] Optionally, after the first device and the second device perform the NPCA operation, the first device can compete for the channel in the second channel, and after successfully competing for the channel, send the first PPDU to the second device.

[0195] Optionally, when performing step 401, step 401 may only include the first device sending a first PPDU to the second device; step 401 may also include the first device sending a first PPDU to the second device, and the second device sending a response frame for the first PPDU to the first device; step 401 may also include the first device sending a first PPDU to the second device, and the second device sending an acknowledgment frame for the first PPDU to the first device.

[0196] Step 402: The second device sends a PPDU to the first device (correspondingly, the first device receives the PPDU sent by the second device), and / or the first device sends a response frame or an acknowledgment frame to the second device (correspondingly, the second device receives the response frame or acknowledgment frame sent by the first device).

[0197] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the PPDU sent by the second device to the first device can be referred to as the "second PPDU".

[0198] Optionally, if the first device is an AP and the second device is a non-AP STA, the second PPDU can be an uplink PPDU; if the first device is a non-AP STA and the second device is an AP, the second PPDU can be a downlink PPDU.

[0199] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the response frame sent by the first device to the second device can be referred to as the "second response frame", and the confirmation frame sent by the first device to the second device can be referred to as the "second confirmation frame".

[0200] Optionally, the second response frame can be a response frame from the first device to the second PPDU. The second confirmation frame can be a confirmation frame from the first device to the second PPDU.

[0201] Optionally, after the first and second devices perform NPCA operations, the second device can compete for the channel in the second channel, and after successfully competing for the channel, send a second PPDU to the first device.

[0202] Optionally, when performing step 402, step 402 may only include the second device sending the second PPDU to the first device; step 402 may also include the second device sending the second PPDU to the first device, and the first device sending a response frame for the second PPDU to the second device; step 402 may also include the second device sending the second PPDU to the first device, and the first device sending an acknowledgment frame for the second PPDU to the second device.

[0203] Optionally, after step 301, steps 401 and 402 may not be executed; or only step 401 may be executed; or only step 402 may be executed; or both steps 401 and 402 may be executed, but the execution order of steps 401 and 402 is not limited (i.e., step 401 may be executed first, followed by step 402; or step 402 may be executed first, followed by step 401).

[0204] Optionally, this disclosure provides a method for determining a temporary channel under non-primary channel access operation. This method is illustrated using an AP as the first device and a non-AP STA as the second device. Specifically, the AP supporting NPCA Operation broadcasts an NPCA Primary Channel. This NPCA Primary Channel is located within the Secondary 80MHz channel or Secondary 160MHz channel corresponding to the BSS where the AP is located, and is separated from the corresponding Primary 80MHz channel or Primary 160MHz channel containing the Primary Channel by at least one sub-channel of a basic bandwidth (e.g., the basic bandwidth can be 20MHz). For example, when the NPCA Operation bandwidth is N times 20MHz, the NPCA Primary Channel is separated from the Primary 80MHz channel or Primary 160MHz channel corresponding to the BSS Operation bandwidth by at least N 20MHz sub-channels. This scheme effectively avoids mutual interference between the transmission process after the NPCA device switches to the NPCA Primary Channel and the OBSS traffic that triggers the NPCA Operation, improving transmission efficiency and reliability, and further refining the NPCA Operation process. This method can be implemented through the following steps:

[0205] 1. The AP sends a first radio frame, which includes first identification information, indicating that when performing NPCA Operation, the NPCA AP and its associated NPCA non-AP STA within the BSS where the AP is located switch from the BSS Primary Channel to the target temporary Primary Channel (NPCA Primary Channel).

[0206] Optionally, the first identification information can be carried in the UHR Operation element. For example, the UHR Operation element includes an NPCA Operation Information field, and the NPCA Operation Information field (see Table 1 above for the format of the NPCA Operation Information field) carries the first identification information. For example, the first identification information may include NPCA Primary Channel, NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold, NPCA Switching Delay, NPCA Switch Back Delay, ...

[0207] Optionally, taking a basic bandwidth of 20MHz as an example, the NPCA Primary Channel is located in the first auxiliary channel and is separated from the first basic channel of the BSS operating bandwidth by at least one 20MHz sub-channel.

[0208] The first auxiliary channel is either a secondary 80MHz channel or a secondary 160MHz channel; the first basic channel is either a primary 80MHz channel or a primary 160MHz channel.

[0209] For example, with a BSS operating bandwidth of 320MHz, the first auxiliary channel is a secondary 160MHz channel, and the first basic channel is a primary 160MHz channel. With a BSS operating bandwidth of 160MHz, the first auxiliary channel is a secondary 80MHz channel, and the first basic channel is a primary 80MHz channel.

[0210] Optionally, the NPCA Primary Channel can be configured based on the first operating bandwidth (i.e., the channel bandwidth required for communication operations after executing the NPCA Operation) when switching to the NPCA Primary Channel for transmission under the NPCA Operation. Optionally, when the first operating bandwidth is N times 20MHz, the interval between the NPCA Primary Channel and the first basic channel can include the bandwidth corresponding to at least N 20MHz sub-channels. The first operating bandwidth is no greater than half of the BSS operating bandwidth. For example:

[0211] Example 1: When the BSS operating bandwidth is 320MHz,

[0212] (1) If, under NPCA Operation, the operating bandwidth after the switch (i.e., the first operating bandwidth) is greater than or equal to 80MHz, then the NPCA Primary Channel preferentially selects a sub-channel that is four 20MHz sub-channels apart from the Primary 160MHz channel. For example, the NPCA Primary Channel can be any one of the 20MHz sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 5 (e.g., the first 20MHz sub-channel, the second 20MHz sub-channel, the third 20MHz sub-channel, or the fourth 20MHz sub-channel in the order from left to right among the four sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 5). The sub-channel indicated by the horizontal area in Figure 5 is the channel through which the first device communicates with its associated second device, i.e., the first channel or a sub-channel within the first channel.

[0213] (2) Under NPCA Operation, the operating bandwidth after the switch (i.e., the first operating bandwidth) is 40MHz. The NPCA Primary Channel preferentially selects a sub-channel that is two 20MHz sub-channels away from the Primary 160MHz channel. For example, the NPCA Primary Channel can be any 20MHz sub-channel indicated by the diagonal lines in Figure 6 (e.g., the first 20MHz sub-channel, the second 20MHz sub-channel, the third 20MHz sub-channel, the fourth 20MHz sub-channel, the fifth 20MHz sub-channel, or the sixth 20MHz sub-channel, in left-to-right order among the six sub-channels indicated by the diagonal lines in Figure 6). The sub-channels indicated by the horizontal lines in Figure 6 are the channels through which the first device communicates with its associated second device, i.e., the first channel or a sub-channel within the first channel.

[0214] (3) Under NPCA Operation, if the operating bandwidth after the switch (i.e., the first operating bandwidth) is less than 40MHz, the NPCA Primary Channel will preferentially select a sub-channel that is separated from the Primary 160MHz channel by one 20MHz sub-channel. For example, the NPCA Primary Channel can be any one of the 20MHz sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 7 (e.g., among the seven sub-channels indicated by the diagonal area in Figure 7, in order from left to right, the first 20MHz sub-channel, or the second 20MHz sub-channel, or the third 20MHz sub-channel, or the fourth 20MHz sub-channel, or the fifth 20MHz sub-channel, or the sixth 20MHz sub-channel, or the seventh 20MHz sub-channel). Among them, the sub-channels indicated by the horizontal area in Figure 7 are the channels through which the first device communicates with its associated second device, i.e., the first channel or a sub-channel within the first channel.

[0215] Example 2: When the BSS operating bandwidth is 160MHz,

[0216] (1) If, under NPCA Operation, the operating bandwidth after the handover (i.e., the first operating bandwidth) is greater than or equal to 40MHz, then the NPCA Primary Channel preferentially selects a sub-channel that is two 20MHz sub-channels apart from the Primary 80MHz channel. For example, the NPCA Primary Channel can be any 20MHz sub-channel indicated by the diagonal areas in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11. Among them, the sub-channels indicated by the horizontal areas in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 are the channels through which the first device communicates with its associated second device, i.e., the first channel or a sub-channel within the first channel.

[0217] (2) Under NPCA Operation, the operating bandwidth after the switch (i.e. the first operating bandwidth) is 20MHz. Then, the NPCA Primary Channel will preferentially select a sub-channel that is separated from the Primary 80MHz channel by one 20MHz sub-channel.

[0218] Optionally, if a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel that can be used as the NPCA Primary Channel is a punched channel, other sub-channels in the first auxiliary channel besides the punched channel can be selected as the NPCA Primary Channel. In this case, the interval between the NPCA Primary Channel and the first basic channel can be less than the bandwidth corresponding to N 20MHz sub-channels.

[0219] 2. After switching from the NPCA AP to the NPCA Primary Channel, you can perform at least one of the following operations:

[0220] A. After successfully competing for the channel, send a downlink PPDU to its associated non-AP STA that has switched to the NPCA Primary Channel, and / or receive a response frame or acknowledgment frame, and / or receive a TB PPDU.

[0221] B. After successfully competing for the channel, receive uplink PPDUs from its associated non-AP STA that has switched to the NPCA Primary Channel, and / or send response frames or acknowledgment frames, and / or send TB PPDUs.

[0222] 3. After an NPCA-triggered event occurs, the non-AP STA associated with the NPCA AP can perform the following response operations:

[0223] A. Category 1 non-AP STAs switch from the BSS Primary Channel to the NPCA Primary Channel and perform at least one of the following operations:

[0224] After successfully competing for the channel, send an uplink PPDU to its associated AP that has switched to the NPCA Primary Channel, and / or receive a response frame or acknowledgment frame, and / or receive a TB PPDU.

[0225] After successfully competing for the channel, receive downlink PPDUs sent by its associated AP that has switched to the NPCA Primary Channel, and / or send response frames or acknowledgment frames, and / or send TB PPDUs.

[0226] B. Category 2 non-AP STAs do not perform NPCA Operations.

[0227] The first type of non-AP STA is a non-AP STA that supports or enables NPCA Operation; the second type of non-AP STA is a non-AP STA that does not support or does not enable NPCA Operation.

[0228] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0229] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0230] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0231] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0232] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0233] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0234] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step 402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 201 and step 202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 201, step 202 and step 301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 201, step 202, step 301 and step 401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of step 201, step 202, step 301, step 401 and step 402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0235] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG11 may be referred to.

[0236] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0237] As shown in Figure 12, the above method can be applied to the first device, and the method includes:

[0238] Step 1201: Determine the first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing non-main channel access NPCA operation.

[0239] Step 1202: Send the first wireless frame.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first device performing the NPCA operation includes: switching from a first channel to a second channel;

[0241] The first channel includes: a common operation channel for all member devices within the BSS where the first device is located;

[0242] The second channel includes a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel; wherein the first auxiliary channel is adjacent to the first basic channel and together forms the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS; the first basic channel includes the first channel, and the bandwidth of the first basic channel is half of the BSS channel bandwidth.

[0243] In some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel includes at least one basic bandwidth.

[0244] In some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel is the same as the first operating bandwidth;

[0245] The first operating bandwidth includes the operating bandwidth for the first device to switch to the second channel for communication.

[0246] In some embodiments, where the first auxiliary channel includes a punched channel, the second channel does not include the punched channel in the first auxiliary channel.

[0247] In some embodiments, the operational information includes at least one of the following:

[0248] Channel information of the second channel;

[0249] Threshold information for determining whether to perform the NPCA operation;

[0250] Delay information for switching from the first channel to the second channel;

[0251] Delay information for switching from the second channel to the first channel.

[0252] In some embodiments, the method further includes any one of the following:

[0253] After performing the NPCA operation, a PPDU is sent to the second device associated with the first device, and / or a response frame or acknowledgment frame is received from the second device;

[0254] After performing the NPCA operation, receive the PPDU sent by the second device, and / or send a response frame or an acknowledgment frame to the second device;

[0255] The second device supports or enables NPCA operation.

[0256] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0257] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 1201 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 1202 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and the combination of step 1201 and step 1202 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0258] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG12 may be referred to.

[0259] Figure 13 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0260] As shown in Figure 13, the above method can be applied to a second device, and the method includes:

[0261] Step 1301: Receive a first radio frame sent by the first device; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing non-main channel access NPCA operation.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first device performing the NPCA operation includes: switching from a first channel to a second channel;

[0263] The first channel includes: a common operation channel for all member devices within the BSS where the first device is located;

[0264] The second channel includes a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel; wherein the first auxiliary channel is adjacent to the first basic channel and together forms the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS; the first basic channel includes the first channel, and the bandwidth of the first basic channel is half of the BSS channel bandwidth.

[0265] In some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel includes at least one basic bandwidth.

[0266] In some embodiments, the channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel is the same as the first operating bandwidth;

[0267] The first operating bandwidth includes the operating bandwidth for the first device to switch to the second channel for communication.

[0268] In some embodiments, where the first auxiliary channel includes a punched channel, the second channel step includes the punched channel in the first auxiliary channel.

[0269] In some embodiments, the operational information includes at least one of the following:

[0270] Channel information of the second channel;

[0271] Threshold information for performing the NPCA operation;

[0272] Delay information for switching from the first channel to the second channel;

[0273] Delay information for switching from the second channel to the first channel.

[0274] In some embodiments, if the second device supports or enables NPCA operation, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0275] Send a PPDU to the first device, and / or receive a response frame or acknowledgment frame sent by the first device;

[0276] Receive the PPDU sent by the first device, and / or send a response frame or an acknowledgment frame to the first device. In some embodiments, refer to the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0278] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0279] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0280] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0281] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 14, the first device 1400 may include at least one of a processing module 1401, a transceiver module 1402, etc.

[0282] In some embodiments, the processing module 1401 is configured to determine a first radio frame; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing a non-main channel access NPCA operation; and the transceiver module 1402 is configured to transmit the first radio frame.

[0283] Optionally, the determining module 1401 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, and 1201, but not limited thereto) executed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The sending module 1402 is used to execute at least one of the sending and receiving steps (e.g., steps 202, 401, 402, and 1202, but not limited thereto) executed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0284] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor and the determination module, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver, the sending module, and the receiving module.

[0285] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The second device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 15, the second device 1500 may include a transceiver module 1501.

[0286] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1501 is configured to receive a first wireless frame sent by a first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing a non-main channel access (NPCA) operation.

[0287] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps 202, 401, 402, 1301, but not limited thereto) executed by the second device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0288] The second device 1500 may include a determining module, which is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (such as step 301, but not limited thereto) performed by the second device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0289] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor and the determination module, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver, the sending module, and the receiving module.

[0290] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1600 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 1600 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 1600 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0291] As shown in Figure 16, the communication device 1600 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 includes one or more processors 1601. The processor 1601 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 1600 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 1601 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 1600 to execute any of the above methods.

[0292] In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 further includes one or more transceivers 1602. When the communication device 1600 includes one or more transceivers 1602, the transceiver 1602 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 202, 401, 402, 1202, 1301, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1601 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 1201, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0293] In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 further includes one or more memories 1603 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 1601 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 1603 to cause the communication device 1600 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 1603 may also be located outside the communication device 1600. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 1600 may include one or more interface circuits 1604. Optionally, the interface circuit 1604 is connected to the memory 1602 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 1602 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 1602 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1604 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 1602 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 1601.

[0294] The communication device 1600 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 1600 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 1600 may not be limited by FIG16. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0295] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 1700 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 1600 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 1700 shown in Figure 17, but it is not limited thereto.

[0296] Chip 1700 includes one or more processors 1701. Chip 1700 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0297] In some embodiments, chip 1700 further includes one or more interface circuits 1702. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 1700 further includes one or more memories 1703 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1703 may be located outside of chip 1700. Optionally, interface circuit 1702 is connected to memory 1703, and interface circuit 1702 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 1703 or other devices, and interface circuit 1702 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 1703 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 1702 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 1703 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 1701.

[0298] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1702 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps 202, 401, 402, 1202, 1301, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 1702 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 1702 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 1701, chip 1700, memory 1703, or transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 1701 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 201, 301, 1201, but not limited thereto).

[0299] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0300] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0301] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0302] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a first device, the method includes: A first radio frame is determined; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing a non-main channel access NPCA operation; Send the first wireless frame.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first device performing the NPCA operation includes: switching from a first channel to a second channel; The first channel includes: a common operation channel for all member devices within the BSS where the first device is located; The second channel includes a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel; wherein the first auxiliary channel is adjacent to the first basic channel and together forms the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS; the first basic channel includes the first channel, and the bandwidth of the first basic channel is half of the BSS channel bandwidth.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel includes at least one basic bandwidth.

4. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel is the same as the first operating bandwidth; The first operating bandwidth includes the operating bandwidth for the first device to switch to the second channel for communication.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, If the first auxiliary channel includes a punched channel, the second channel does not include the punched channel in the first auxiliary channel.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The operation information includes at least one of the following: Channel information of the second channel; Threshold information for determining whether to perform the NPCA operation; Delay information for switching from the first channel to the second channel; Delay information for switching from the second channel to the first channel.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes any one of the following: After performing the NPCA operation, a PPDU is sent to the second device associated with the first device, and / or a response frame or acknowledgment frame is received from the second device; After performing the NPCA operation, receive the PPDU sent by the second device, and / or send a response frame or an acknowledgment frame to the second device; The second device supports or enables NPCA operation.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a second device, the method includes: The first wireless frame sent by the first device is received; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information; the first identification information identifies: operation information of the first device performing non-main channel access NPCA operation.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first device performing the NPCA operation includes: switching from a first channel to a second channel; The first channel includes: a common operation channel for all member devices within the BSS where the first device is located; The second channel includes a sub-channel in the first auxiliary channel; wherein the first auxiliary channel is adjacent to the first basic channel and together forms the BSS channel bandwidth of the BSS; the first basic channel includes the first channel, and the bandwidth of the first basic channel is half of the BSS channel bandwidth.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel includes at least one basic bandwidth.

11. The communication method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The channel bandwidth between the second channel and the first basic channel is the same as the first operating bandwidth; The first operating bandwidth includes the operating bandwidth for the first device to switch to the second channel for communication.

12. The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, If the first auxiliary channel includes a punched channel, the second channel does not include the punched channel in the first auxiliary channel.

13. The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The operation information includes at least one of the following: Channel information of the second channel; Threshold information for performing the NPCA operation; Delay information for switching from the first channel to the second channel; Delay information for switching from the second channel to the first channel.

14. The communication method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that, If the second device supports or enables NPCA operation, the method further includes at least one of the following: Send a PPDU to the first device, and / or receive a response frame or acknowledgment frame sent by the first device; Receive PPDU sent by the first device, and / or send a response frame or acknowledgment frame to the first device.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or claims 8 to 14.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, Including the first device and the second device; The first device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the second device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

18. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or the communication method of any one of claims 8 to 14.

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