Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / WiFi 7 / EHT protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / WiFi 8 protocol, integrated mmWave / integrated millimeter wave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol. Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method comprises: receiving first indication information, which indicates a receiving mode corresponding to first data, wherein the receiving mode comprises a first mode or a second mode, communication parameters of the first mode being different from those of the second mode, and the power consumption of the first mode being greater than power consumption of the second mode; and receiving the first data in the receiving mode. In the technical solution, the flexibility of controlling the operating mode of a receiving end device can be improved.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510020670.8, filed on January 6, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] In Dynamic Power Save (DPS) mode, sites and / or access points can switch between lower capability mode and higher capability mode. Compared to using higher capability mode for data reception and / or transmission, lower capability mode has lower communication efficiency and consumes less power.

[0004] When the transmitting device needs to send data to the receiving device, it sends an initial control frame (ICF). The ICF triggers the receiving device to switch to a high-capacity mode. The receiving device's operating mode control is less flexible. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method to improve the flexibility of controlling the operating mode of the receiving device.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device (e.g., a device where a station or access point is located), or by a component of the first communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as circuits or chips in the first communication device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip)). Alternatively, it can be executed by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by the first communication device as an example.

[0007] The method is applied to a first communication device. The method includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a receiving mode corresponding to first data, the receiving mode including a first mode or a second mode, the communication parameters of the first mode and the second mode being different, and the power consumption of the first mode being greater than the power consumption of the second mode; and receiving the first data according to the receiving mode indicated by the first indication information.

[0008] For example, the first mode is a high-capacity mode and the second mode is a low-capacity mode; the first communication device is a receiving device and the second communication device is a sending device.

[0009] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by receiving first indication information before receiving first data, the first indication information is used to indicate the receiving mode corresponding to the first data. On the one hand, it can realize that the communication parameters of the sending device sending data and the working mode of the receiving device are matched, thereby improving the performance of data sending and / or receiving. On the other hand, compared with the control frame, which always triggers the receiving end to switch the working mode, it can improve the flexibility of the control of the working mode of the receiving device.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is used to indicate the receiving mode corresponding to the first data, including: the first indication information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode.

[0011] For example, the second communication device is aware of the operating mode of the first communication device. Before sending the first data, the second communication device can determine whether the first communication device needs to switch its operating mode based on the known operating mode of the first communication device, and instruct the first communication device to switch its operating mode based on the determination result.

[0012] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, the flexibility of controlling the working mode of the receiving device can be improved by indicating whether to switch the receiving mode through the first indication information.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the first indication information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode, including: the first information in the first indication information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode; or, the first indication information may or may not include the first information indicating whether to switch the receiving mode.

[0014] For example, the value, length, or other attributes of the first information are used to indicate whether to switch the receiving mode; or, the inclusion of the first information in the first indication information means indicating to switch the receiving mode, and the absence of the first information in the first indication information means indicating not to switch the receiving mode; or, the inclusion of the first information in the first indication information means indicating not to switch the receiving mode, and the absence of the first information in the first indication information means indicating to switch the receiving mode.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the first instruction information is carried in a control frame or a data frame.

[0016] For example, some or all of the information carried in a control frame or data frame constitutes the first indication information. A control frame may include a request-to-send (RTS) frame, a multiple user request-to-send (MU-RTS) frame, or a buffer status report poll (BSRP) frame.

[0017] For example, the first indication information is carried in a control frame, which protects the channel used to send and / or receive the first data, or the control frame is used by the first communication device to determine the status information of the second communication device. The control frame may trigger the first communication device to switch its receiving mode, or it may not.

[0018] For example, the first indication information is carried in the data portion of the physical protocol data unit, which includes the first information. The data portion of the physical protocol data unit is one possible implementation of a data frame.

[0019] In some possible implementations, when the first information is carried in a control frame, the first information satisfies at least one of the following: the first information is carried in a public information field in the control frame; the first information is carried in a user information field in the control frame; the first information is carried in a verification field in the control frame; or, the first information is carried in a padding field in the control frame.

[0020] In some possible implementations, where the first information is carried in a data frame, the first information includes bandwidth indication information in the data frame.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the first information in the first indication information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode, including at least one of the following: the value of the first information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode; the verification result of the verification field indicates whether to switch the receiving mode; or, the length of the padding field indicates whether to switch the receiving mode.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the control frame or data frame may also include second information indicating whether the first information is included in the control frame or data frame.

[0023] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by indicating whether the control frame or data frame includes the first information through the second information, the first communication device can quickly determine whether the control frame or data frame includes the first information, saving time delay.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the method further includes sending a first response message, which is used to respond to the first indication message.

[0025] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device (e.g., the device where the access point or station is located), or by a component of the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the first communication device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core)), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by the second communication device as an example.

[0026] The method is applied to a second communication device. The method includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a receiving mode corresponding to first data, the receiving mode including a first mode or a second mode, the communication parameters of the first mode and the second mode being different, and the power consumption of the first mode being greater than the power consumption of the second mode; and sending the first data.

[0027] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by sending a first indication information before sending the first data, the first indication information is used to indicate the receiving mode corresponding to the first data. On the one hand, it can realize that the communication parameters of the sending device sending data and the working mode of the receiving device are matched, thereby improving the performance of data sending and / or receiving. On the other hand, compared with the control frame, which always triggers the receiving end to switch the working mode, it can improve the flexibility of the control of the working mode of the receiving device.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: receiving first response information, which is used to respond to first indication information.

[0029] The technical effects of the methods shown in the second aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the first aspect and its possible designs.

[0030] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device (e.g., the device where the access point or station is located), or by a component of the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the first communication device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core)), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by the second communication device as an example.

[0031] The method is applied to a second communication device. The method includes: determining first data, the length of which is greater than or equal to a first threshold; sending the first data to the first communication device; before sending the first data to the first communication device, not sending a control frame, the control frame including a request to send an RTS frame or a multi-user request to send a MU-RTS frame, the control frame protecting the channel used for sending and / or receiving the first data.

[0032] The first threshold may be a specific threshold specified by the standard / protocol; the length of the first data may include the number of bytes and / or the duration of the first data. Even if the number of bytes of the first data sent by the sending device to the receiving device exceeds a specific threshold, and / or the duration exceeds a specific threshold, the sending device will not send an RTS frame or a MU-RTS frame, but will directly send the first data.

[0033] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by sending first data exceeding a threshold to the first communication device without sending a control frame before sending the first data, compared to always sending a control frame before sending data and always triggering the receiving end to switch working modes, on the one hand, the flexibility of controlling the working mode of the receiving end device can be improved; on the other hand, overhead can be saved (for example, the overhead of interaction between control frames and response frames can be saved, and / or the overhead of adding padding fields / padding bits to the control frame).

[0034] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for performing the method provided in the first aspect. The communication device may be a first communication device, or a component of the first communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the first communication device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip)). Alternatively, it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device.

[0035] Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided by any of the above-described implementations of the first aspect.

[0036] The communication device includes a transceiver unit, which is configured to: receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a receiving mode corresponding to first data, the receiving mode including a first mode or a second mode, the communication parameters of the first mode and the second mode being different, and the power consumption of the first mode being greater than the power consumption of the second mode; the transceiver unit is also configured to: receive the first data according to the receiving mode indicated by the first indication information.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a processing unit for determining whether to switch the receiving mode based on the first indication information.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the processing unit is also used to switch the receive mode.

[0039] In some possible implementations, the processing unit is also used to: generate first response information, which is used to respond to the first indication information.

[0040] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to send the first response information.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the processing unit is also used to process the first data.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0043] In other possible implementations, the communication device may be a chip, chip system, or circuit, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0044] The technical effects of the methods described in the fourth aspect above and its possible designs can be referenced in the technical effects described in the first aspect and its possible designs. Further details will not be provided here.

[0045] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for performing the method provided in the second aspect. The communication device may be a second communication device, or a component of a second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the second communication device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip)). Alternatively, it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0046] Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the methods provided in any of the above-described implementations of the second aspect.

[0047] The communication device includes a transceiver unit, which is used to: send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a receiving mode corresponding to first data, the receiving mode including a first mode or a second mode, the communication parameters of the first mode and the second mode being different, and the power consumption of the first mode being greater than that of the second mode; the transceiver unit is also used to: send the first data.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a processing unit for: determining / generating first indication information.

[0049] In some possible implementations, the processing unit is also used to: determine the first data.

[0050] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive first response information, which is used to respond to first indication information.

[0051] In some possible implementations, the processing unit is also used to: generate control frames or data frames, the control frames or data frames carrying first indication information.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0053] In other possible implementations, the communication device may be a chip, chip system, or circuit, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0054] The technical effects of the methods described in the fifth aspect above and its possible designs can be referred to the technical effects in the second aspect and its possible designs. Further details will not be provided here.

[0055] Sixthly, a communication device is provided for performing the method provided in the third aspect above. The communication device may be a second communication device, or a component of a second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the second communication device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip)). Alternatively, it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0056] Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the methods provided by the third aspect.

[0057] The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is used to: determine first data, the length of which is greater than or equal to a first threshold. The transceiver unit is used to: send the first data to a first communication device. Before sending the first data to the first communication device, no control frame is sent. The control frame includes a request to send an RTS frame or a multi-user request to send a MU-RTS frame. The control frame protects the channel used for sending and / or receiving the first data.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0059] In other possible implementations, the communication device may be a chip, chip system, or circuit, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0060] The technical effects of the methods described in the sixth aspect above and its possible designs can be referenced in the technical effects described in the third aspect and its possible designs. Further details will not be provided here.

[0061] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip system for executing the method provided in any of the implementations of the first, second, or third aspects described above.

[0062] In some possible implementations, the chip system includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from memory, such that the methods provided by any of the first, second, or third aspects described above are executed.

[0063] In some possible implementations, the chip system also includes memory.

[0064] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0065] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a device, the program code including a method for performing any of the implementations of the first, second, or third aspects described above.

[0066] Ninth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any of the implementations of the first, second, or third aspects described above.

[0067] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including one or more processors and a communication interface, wherein the processor reads a computer program or instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any of the implementations of the first, second or third aspects described above.

[0068] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor for executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the method provided by any of the first, second, or third implementations described above.

[0069] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, comprising a first communication device for performing any implementation of the first aspect above and a second communication device for performing any implementation of the second aspect above.

[0070] The specific implementation and beneficial effects of any of the possible implementations in aspects seven through eleven above can be referred to the descriptions in aspects one through six above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of application scenario 100 of an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a trigger frame in the high efficiency (HE) variant format provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the trigger frame in the extremely high throughput (EHT) variant format provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0078] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0079] First, in this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0080] The information indicated by the instruction is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0081] Second, in this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, "at least one item" refers to one or more items, and "more than one" refers to two or more items. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., "#1," "#2," etc.) are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the processes below do not imply an order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "S410" are merely identifiers for descriptive convenience and do not limit the order of execution steps.

[0082] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0083] Fourth, the term "storage" in the embodiments of this application can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others can be integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0084] Fifth, in the implementation of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as New Radio (NR) protocols, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) protocols in the field of communications, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this term.

[0085] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)", "corresponding", and "associate" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0086] Seventh, in the embodiments of this application, "under the circumstances", "when", and "if" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0087] Eighth, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0088] Ninth, in the embodiments of this application, the names of messages and devices are merely examples. This application does not impose any limitations on message names, device names, etc., as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0089] Tenth, in this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. Besides air interface transmission or reception signals implemented at the system level, such as network devices or terminal devices, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. For example, a modem or system-on-a-chip (such as a SoC chip or a SIP chip) transmits or receives signals. "Send" or "receive" can also be performed through device components, for example, using buses, traces, or interfaces to transmit or receive signals through several parts, modules, or chips of a device.

[0090] The "protocol" involved in the embodiments of this application may refer to IEEE protocols in the field of communications, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol, etc.; the "protocol" involved in the embodiments of this application may also refer to "Spark Link / NearLink protocol", etc.; this application does not limit it in this respect.

[0091] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, they support IEEE 802.11 related standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11ad, 802.11ay, or 802.11bf, as well as 802.11be next-generation and Wi-Fi 8. They can also be applied to wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-wideband (UWB), such as the 802.15 series standards, and to sensing systems, such as the 802.11bf series standards. They can also be applied to Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocols. The 802.11n standard is called high throughput (HT), the 802.11ac standard is called very high throughput (VHT), the 802.11ax standard is called high efficient (HE), and the 802.11be standard is called extremely high throughput (EHT). 802.11bf includes two main categories: low-frequency (e.g., sub7GHz) and high-frequency (e.g., 60GHz) standards. Sub7GHz implementations primarily rely on 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and next-generation standards, while 60GHz implementations primarily rely on 802.11ad, 802.11ay, and next-generation standards. Among them, 802.11ad can also be called the directional multi-gigabit (DMG) standard, and 802.11ay can also be called the enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) standard.

[0093] Although the embodiments of this application are mainly illustrated with the deployment of WLAN networks, especially networks using the IEEE 802.11 system standard, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as high performance radio local area networks (HIPERLAN), wireless wide area networks (WWAN), wireless personal area networks (WPAN), or other networks that are now known or will be developed in the future.

[0094] Alternatively, the technical solutions of this application can be applied to Internet of Things (IoT) networks, vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks, and other networks, etc., and this application is not specifically limited. For example, the application scenarios of this application can be IoT networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, or V2X networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, or other networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. The IEEE 802.11 family of standards can be IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11be, the next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard of IEEE 802.11be, etc. The technical solutions of this application can also be applied to other WLAN networks with future standard protocols. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0095] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: WLAN communication systems, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, and 5G (5G) communication systems. thGeneration (5G) systems or new radio (NR), future communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, etc.

[0096] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited to these. They will be uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0097] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the applicable scenario of an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication method provided by this application is applicable to data communication between stations (STAs). A station can be an access point (AP) type station or a non-access point station (non-AP STA), referred to as AP and non-AP stations respectively. An AP can connect to a communication network such as the Internet and can be associated with one or more non-AP stations, which can access the network through the AP.

[0098] Specifically, the scenario shown in Figure 1 applies to data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP sites (e.g., data communication between AP#1 and non-AP STA#1; or data communication between AP#1 and non-AP STA#1 and non-AP STA#2), as well as data communication between APs (e.g., data communication between AP#1 and AP#2), and data communication between non-AP STAs (e.g., data communication between non-AP STA#2 and non-AP STA#3).

[0099] An access point (AP) is a node that allows terminals (such as mobile phones) to access a wired (or wireless) network. It is primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. It can also be deployed outdoors. An access point 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.

[0100] Specifically, an access point (AP) can be a terminal or network device with a Wi-Fi chip, or it can be a terminal or network device including a chip for accessing wired (wireless) networks. This network device can be a server, router, switch, bridge, computer, mobile phone, relay station, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, network equipment in 5G networks, network equipment in future communication networks, or network equipment in public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., without limitation. The access point can be a device that supports Wi-Fi standards. For example, the access point can also support one or more standards from the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0101] Non-AP sites can be wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals, and may also be referred to as users, user equipment (UE), access terminals, user units, user stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication equipment, user agents, or user devices. Non-AP sites can be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, IoT devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, terminal devices in future communication networks, or terminal devices in PLMNs, etc., without limitation. Non-AP sites can be devices that support WLAN standards. For example, non-AP sites can support one or more standards in the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0102] For example, non-AP sites can be mobile phones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs, smart wearable devices, vehicle communication devices, computers, IoT nodes, sensors, smart home devices such as smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities.

[0103] The aforementioned AP or non-AP sites may include transmitters, receivers, memory, processors, etc., wherein the transmitter and receiver are used for transmitting and receiving packet structures, respectively, the memory is used for storing signaling information and pre-agreed preset values, etc., and the processor is used for parsing signaling information and processing related data, etc.

[0104] In the following text, for ease of description, non-AP sites will be referred to as STAs. The method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable to at least one of the following: AP communicating with STA; AP communicating with other APs; or STA communicating with other STAs.

[0105] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, some basic concepts involved in this application will be briefly explained.

[0106] 1. Dynamic Power Save (DPS) mode

[0107] DPS is an energy-saving mode defined by the 802.11bn standard. In DPS mode, an AP or STA can switch between a lower capability mode and a higher capability mode. In lower capability mode, the AP or STA consumes less power. When there is no service demand, the AP or STA uses lower capability mode for channel monitoring. In lower capability mode, the AP or STA has limited signal transmission and reception capabilities, or only limited reception capabilities.

[0108] Low-capability modes typically impose restrictions on the number of spatial streams, bandwidth, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format used for communication between devices to achieve low power consumption. For example, in low-capability mode, the receiving device can only receive frames sent by the sending device using lower communication parameters. This might include the sending device only being able to send data to the receiving device using specific PPDU formats (such as non-high-throughput (non-HT) PPDUs or non-high-throughput duplicate PPDUs), specific bandwidths (such as 20MHz), specific numbers of spatial streams (such as one spatial stream), or limited data rates (such as low-capability mode only supporting rates of 6Mbps, 12Mbps, and 24Mbps). When the sending device has data to send to the receiving device, it generally first sends an initial control frame (ICF). After receiving the initial control frame, the receiving device replies with an initial control response frame to inform the sending device that it has exited low-capability mode (i.e., switched to high-capability mode with full transmission and reception capabilities). This allows the receiving device to communicate with the sending device using more powerful capabilities (such as more spatial streams, greater bandwidth, higher MCS, or more advanced PPDU formats), thereby improving communication efficiency. Once data communication is complete, the receiving device can switch back to low-capability mode to reduce power consumption.

[0109] After the introduction of dynamic power saving mode, the receiving device can be in a low power consumption state and can be promptly notified that there is data to be received through the initial control frame, thus maintaining a smaller transmission latency.

[0110] In one possible scenario, the receiving device is an Access Point (AP) and the transmitting device is a Single Station (STA); in another possible scenario, the receiving device is a STA and the transmitting device is an AP. Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the receiving device and the transmitting device are different STAs; in another possible scenario, the receiving device and the transmitting device are different APs.

[0111] 2. Initial control frame

[0112] As mentioned above, after receiving the initial control frame, the receiving device is instructed to exit low-capability mode or switch to high-capability mode with full transmission and reception capabilities to receive data sent by the sending device at the communication peer. Subsequently, the terminal device typically replies to the sending device with an initial control response (ICR) frame to inform the communication peer that it has exited low-capability mode. The interval between the end of the initial control frame and the start of the initial control response frame can be only a short interframe space (SIFS).

[0113] Initial control frames may include request-to-send (RTS) frames, multiple-user request-to-send (MU-RTS) frames, or buffer status report poll (BSRP) frames. MU-RTS and BSRP frames are both trigger frames (TF).

[0114] Generally, the types of initial control frames and initial control response frames are in one-to-one correspondence; that is, one type of initial control frame corresponds to a fixed type of initial control response frame. For example, when the initial control frame is an RTS frame, the initial control response frame must be a clear to send (CTS) frame. In this case, the initial control frame and / or the initial control response frame can also be used for channel protection. When the initial control frame is a BSRP frame, the initial control response frame must be a buffer state report (BSR) frame. In this case, the initial control response frame can also be used to provide feedback on the buffer size. Furthermore, in some special scenarios, existing frames may be borrowed to function as initial control frames or initial control response frames. That is, the borrowed existing frame loses its original function and instead functions as an initial control frame or initial control response frame. This scenario will not be discussed further in this paper.

[0115] The following describes the possible choices for the initial control frame.

[0116] For example, a trigger frame (MU-RTS frame or BSRP frame) can be used as the initial control frame. Figure 2 or Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a trigger frame provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the trigger frame may include the following fields: frame control, duration, receiving address (RA), transmitting address (TA), common information / common info, user info, padding, and frame check sequence (FCS). The common information field and / or the user info field may include multiple fields.

[0117] The format of the trigger frame can be either a high efficiency (HE) variant or an extremely high throughput (EHT) variant.

[0118] It should be understood that the term "field" in the embodiments of this application can refer to a portion of information in general, and may also be called a "domain" or "field," etc. Furthermore, the name of the field is merely an example; other names may be used in specific implementations, and the embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations on this.

[0119] Additionally, the trigger frame may include one or more "user info" fields, which can also be collectively referred to as a "user info list," and the user info list may include one or more user info fields. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0120] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a high-efficiency (HE) variant trigger frame provided in an embodiment of this application. The HE variant trigger frame is a trigger frame defined by Wi-Fi 6 and can support a maximum bandwidth of 160MHz.

[0121] As shown in Figure 2, the public information field may include the following fields: trigger type, uplink length (UL length), more trigger frames (TF), carrier sensing required (CS), uplink bandwidth (UL BW), guard interval and long training type / triggered TXOP sharing mode (GI and LTF type / triggered TXOP sharing mode), multi-user multiple-input multiple-output efficient long training field mode (MU-MIMO HE-LTF mode), number of HE-LTF symbols and midamble periodicity, uplink space-time block code (UL STBC), low-density parity-check code extra symbol segment (LDPC extra symbol segment), access point transmit power (AP TX power), pre-FEC padding factor, packet extension disambiguation (PE disambiguity), uplink spatial reuse (UL spatial reuse), doppler, and uplink efficient signaling field A2 reservation (UL HE-SIG-A2). The user information field, for example, may include the following fields: association identifier (AID), resource unit (RU) allocation, uplink forward error correction code coding type (UL FEC), uplink high-efficiency modulation and coding scheme (UL HE-MCS), uplink last carrier modulation (UL DCM), synchronization offset allocation / random access RU information (SS allocation / RA-RU information), uplink target received power (UL target receive power), and reserved and trigger-dependent user information.

[0122] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the trigger frame in the extremely high throughput (EHT) variant format provided in an embodiment of this application. The EHT variant format trigger frame is a trigger frame defined by Wi-Fi 7 and can support a maximum bandwidth of 320MHz.

[0123] As shown in Figure 3, the public information field may include the following fields: trigger type, uplink length (UL length), more trigger frames (TF), carrier sensing required (CS), uplink bandwidth (UL BW), guard interval and HE / EHT long training type / triggered TXOP sharing mode (GI and HE / EHT-LTF type / triggered TXOP sharing mode), reserved, number of HE-LTF symbols and midamble periodicity, reserved, LDPC extra symbol segment, access point transmit power (AP TX power), pre-FEC padding factor, packet extension disambiguation (PE disambiguity), uplink spatial reuse (UL spatial reuse), reserved, HE / EHT P160, special user info field flag, EHT reservation (EHT P160). The user information field, for example, can include the following fields: association identifier (AID), resource unit allocation (RU allocation), uplink forward error correction code coding type (UL FEC coding type), uplink ultra-high throughput modulation and coding scheme (UL EHT-MCS), reserved, synchronization offset allocation / random access RU information (SS allocation / RA-RU information), uplink target received signal strength (UL target receive power), reserved, primary and secondary PS160, and trigger dependent user info.

[0124] Among them, the reserved fields in Figure 2 or Figure 3 above are not used for the trigger frame in which they are located.

[0125] Taking the STA as the receiving device and the AP as the transmitting device as an example. As mentioned above, the time interval between the end of the initial control frame and the start of the initial control response frame can be only SIFS time. However, if the STA switches from a low-capability mode to a high-capability mode involving changes in bandwidth or communication frequency, the STA requires a longer transition time. In this case, the SIFS time between the initial control frame and the initial control response frame is insufficient. To allow the STA more transition time, as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, a padding field is usually added to the initial control frame. However, this is not enough to solve the problem because the padding field precedes the frame check sequence (FCS) field. The STA can only adjust the bandwidth or communication channel if the FCS field is correct. This means that the padding field does not effectively provide the STA with transition time.

[0126] To address the aforementioned issues, a new FCS field can be added to the STA's user information field, or between the user information field and the padding field, in the initial control frame. The FCS field is also known as the check field. For ease of explanation, this newly added FCS field will be referred to as the first FCS field (also known as the I-FCS (intermediate FCS) field) in the following description, and the corresponding FCS field at the end of the frame will be referred to as the second FCS field. The air interface duration occupied by the portion following the first FCS field must be greater than or equal to the switching delay required by the receiving device to switch operating modes.

[0127] Before entering DPS mode, the receiving device sends padding duration information to the sending device, allowing the sending device to add a padding field of the corresponding duration in the initial control frame that triggers the capability mode switch. In this embodiment, high capability mode can also be called high capability state; low capability mode can also be called low capability state, and the names are interchangeable and express the same meaning. That is, when the site is operating in dynamic power saving mode, it can switch between high capability state and low capability state.

[0128] As mentioned above, when the sending device needs to send data to the receiving device, it needs to send an ICF (Initial Control Message) to the receiving device. The ICF triggers the station to switch to high-capacity mode. This results in poor flexibility in controlling the station's operating mode. Furthermore, even when the STA is in DPS (Distributed Power Response) mode, if the AP (Access Point) needs to send a small amount of data to the STA, the AP still needs to send an ICF and trigger a mode switch. Moreover, sending an ICF and receiving the initial control response frame in response to that ICF incurs additional overhead (e.g., the overhead of control frame interaction, and / or the overhead of padding in the ICF).

[0129] To address the aforementioned problems in controlling the operating modes of receiving devices, this application provides a communication method to improve the flexibility of controlling the operating modes of receiving devices.

[0130] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this application. As long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this application. For example, the method provided in this application can be executed by a first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, "first communication device" in this application can refer to the first communication device itself (e.g., AP or STA), a component within the first communication device (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. As another example, the method provided in this application can be executed by a second communication device. Unless otherwise specified, "second communication device" in this application can refer to the second communication device itself (e.g., AP or STA), a component within the second communication device (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0131] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0132] It should be understood that Figure 4 illustrates the steps or operations of the communication method, but these steps or operations are merely examples. Other operations or variations of the operations shown in Figure 4 may also be performed in the embodiments of this application.

[0133] Without loss of generality, the communication method provided in this application embodiment will be described in detail below using the interaction between a first communication device and a second communication device as an example. Both the first and second communication devices support short-range wireless access technology. The first communication device acts as a receiving device, and the second communication device acts as a transmitting device.

[0134] Method 400 includes the following steps:

[0135] S410, the second communication device sends first indication information, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the reception mode corresponding to the first data. The reception mode includes a first mode or a second mode. The communication parameters of the first mode and the second mode are different, and the power consumption of the first mode is greater than that of the second mode.

[0136] For example, the first mode is the high-capability mode, and the second mode is the low-capability mode.

[0137] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate the receiving mode corresponding to the first data, including: the first indication information indicates the index or identity of the receiving mode.

[0138] In the embodiments of this application, the working mode and the receiving mode can be interchanged and have the same meaning, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0139] S420, the second communication device sends the first data, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first data according to the receiving mode indicated by the first instruction information.

[0140] The receiving mode is the operating mode that the receiving device needs to be in to receive the first data.

[0141] The receiving device needs to use the receiving mode indicated by the first indication information to receive the first data; correspondingly, the sending device needs to satisfy the receiving mode indicated by the first indication information to send the first data.

[0142] To ensure the reliability of data transmission and / or reception, the communication parameters of the transmitting device need to match the operating mode of the receiving device. The first indication information indicates the appropriate operating mode for the receiving device corresponding to the first data, facilitating the receiving device to receive the first data according to the first indication information.

[0143] For example, when the receiving device is in low-capability mode, the communication parameters used by the sending device to send data to the receiving device need to meet the aforementioned lower communication parameters (the aforementioned lower communication parameters include: a specific PPDU format (non-HT PPDU or non-HT duplicate PPDU), a specific bandwidth (20MHz), a specific number of spatial streams (1 spatial stream) or a limited data rate (6Mbps, 12Mbps, 24Mbps, etc.).

[0144] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is used to indicate the receiving mode corresponding to the first data, including: the first indication information indicates an operating mode that satisfies the aforementioned lower communication parameters, and the communication parameters of the receiving mode corresponding to the first data satisfy the lower communication parameters; the first indication information indicates an operating mode that satisfies higher communication parameters (higher communication parameters can be understood as communication parameters that exceed or do not satisfy the aforementioned lower communication parameters), and the communication parameters of the receiving mode corresponding to the first data satisfy the higher communication parameters.

[0145] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is used to indicate the receiving mode corresponding to the first data, including: the first indication information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode.

[0146] Alternatively, the first indication information is used to indicate the receiving mode corresponding to the first data, including: the first indication information indicates whether the first communication device switches its working mode.

[0147] For example, if the receiving device is in a low-capability mode, the first indication information instructs the receiving device to switch its operating mode to a high-capability mode, and the sending device uses higher communication parameters to send data to the receiving device (higher communication parameters can be understood as communication parameters exceeding or not meeting the aforementioned lower communication parameters); or, if the receiving device is in a low-capability mode, the first indication information instructs the receiving device not to switch its operating mode and to remain in the low-capability mode, and the sending device uses communication parameters to send data to the receiving device that meet the aforementioned lower communication parameters; or, if the receiving device is in a high-capability mode, the first indication information instructs the receiving device to switch its operating mode to a low-capability mode, and the sending device uses communication parameters to send data to the receiving device that meet the aforementioned lower communication parameters; or if the receiving device is in a high-capability mode, the first indication information instructs the receiving device not to switch its operating mode and to remain in the high-capability mode, and the sending device uses higher communication parameters to send data to the receiving device.

[0148] In some possible implementations, the first indication information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode, including: the first information in the first indication information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode; or, the first indication information may or may not include the first information indicating whether to switch the receiving mode.

[0149] For example, the first information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode; or, the first information includes the first information indicating to switch the receiving mode, and the first information does not include the first information indicating not to switch the receiving mode; or, the first information includes the first information indicating not to switch the receiving mode, and the first information does not include the first information indicating to switch the receiving mode.

[0150] Before steps S410 and S420, method 400 may further include the following steps:

[0151] S430, the second communication device determines the first data.

[0152] The second communication device, acting as the transmitting device, determines the data that needs to be sent to the receiving device. For ease of description, this data will be referred to as the first data.

[0153] S440, the second communication device determines the first instruction information.

[0154] After determining the first data, the second communication device also determines first indication information for indicating the receiving mode corresponding to the first data.

[0155] After step S420, method 400 may further include:

[0156] S450, the first communication device processes the first data.

[0157] Before step S410, method 400 may further include:

[0158] S460, the second communication device generates control frames or data frames.

[0159] In some possible implementations, the first instruction information is carried in a control frame or a data frame.

[0160] In some possible cases, some or all of the information carried in the control frame or data frame may be the first indication information; or, the first indication information may be determined based on some or all of the information carried in the control frame or data frame.

[0161] For example, the first information in the first indication information carried in the control frame or data frame indicates whether to switch the reception mode; or, the first indication information carried in the control frame or data frame may or may not include the first information indicating whether to switch the reception mode. Alternatively, the information carried in the control frame or data frame can determine the first indication information, and the first information in the first indication information indicates whether to switch the reception mode; or, the information carried in the control frame or data frame can determine the first indication information, and the first indication information may or may not include the first information indicating whether to switch the reception mode.

[0162] Alternatively, in some other possible implementations, S410 includes: the second communication device sending a control frame or a data frame, and correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the control frame or the data frame, with the first indication information carried in the control frame or the data frame.

[0163] In some possible implementations, the data portion of the PPDU is one possible implementation of a data frame.

[0164] For example, S410 includes: a second communication device sending a PPDU, and correspondingly, a first communication device receiving a PPDU, wherein first indication information is carried in the PPDU and the PPDU includes first information.

[0165] For example, the control frame or data frame includes first information indicating whether to switch the receive mode.

[0166] For example, the inclusion of first information in a control frame or data frame indicates an instruction to switch the reception mode; the absence of first information in a control frame or data frame indicates an instruction not to switch the reception mode. Alternatively, the inclusion of first information in a control frame or data frame indicates an instruction not to switch the reception mode; or the absence of first information in a control frame or data frame indicates an instruction to switch the reception mode.

[0167] After receiving a control frame or data frame carrying the first indication information, the first communication device may determine whether to switch the receiving mode based on whether the control frame or data frame includes the first information; or, it may determine whether to switch the receiving mode based on the value of the first information in the control frame or data frame.

[0168] For example, when the first information is carried in a control frame, after receiving the control frame carrying the first indication information, the first communication device can determine whether to switch the receiving mode based on whether the control frame includes a first FCS field and / or a padding field; or, it can determine whether to switch the receiving mode based on whether the verification result of the first FCS field and / or the length of the padding field of the control frame can provide sufficient switching delay for the first communication device.

[0169] For example, after receiving a control frame, the receiving device determines whether the control frame carries the first FCS field and / or padding bit. If it does, it switches to high capability mode.

[0170] In one possible implementation, when the receiving device receives a control frame, it first receives the first FCS field. After successful verification, if the duration of the padding portion following the first FCS field in the control frame is greater than or equal to the handover time required by the receiving device, then a handover is performed; otherwise, no handover is performed. In another possible implementation, when the receiving device receives a control frame, if it determines that the control frame contains the first FCS field, then a handover is performed after the first FCS field verification is successful; if it determines that the control frame does not contain the first FCS field, then no handover is performed. In yet another possible implementation, when the receiving device receives the first control frame, if it determines that the control frame contains padding bits, then a handover is performed; if it does not contain padding bits, then no handover is performed.

[0171] In some possible implementations, the first information satisfies at least one of the following: the first information is carried in a public information field in a control frame; the first information is carried in a user information field in a control frame; the first information is carried in a verification field in a control frame; or the first information is carried in a padding field in a control frame.

[0172] For example, the first information is carried in a first reserved field within the public information field and / or user information field of the control frame. The first reserved field includes the reserved field shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3.

[0173] Alternatively, the first information is carried in the second reserved field of the MU-RTS frame. The second reserved field includes at least one of the following fields from the common information field: uplink length (UL length), MU-MIMO HE-LTF mode, number of HE-LTF symbols and midamble periodicity, uplink space-time block code (UL STBC), low-density parity-check code extra symbol segment (LDPC), access point transmit power (AP TX power), pre-FEC padding factor, packet disambiguation (PE disambiguity), uplink spatial reuse (UL spatial reuse), or doppler. The second reserved field may also include the uplink high-efficiency signaling field A2 reserved (UL HE-SIG-A2 reserved) from the common information field as shown in Figure 2.

[0174] And / or, the first information is carried in the third reserved field of the MU-RTS frame (the MU-RTS frame does not include the multi-user transmit request transmission opportunity shared MU-RTS TXS trigger frame), the third reserved field includes at least one of the following fields in the user information field shown in Figure 2: uplink FEC coding type (UL FEC coding type), uplink high efficiency modulation and coding strategy (UL HE-MCS), uplink last carrier modulation (UL DCM), synchronization offset allocation / random access RU information (SS allocation / RA-RU information), or uplink target received signal strength (UL target receive power).

[0175] And / or, the first information is carried in the fourth reserved field of the MU-RTS frame (the MU-RTS frame does not include the multi-user transmit request transmission opportunity shared MU-RTS TXS trigger frame), the fourth reserved field including at least one of the following fields in the user information field shown in Figure 3: uplink FEC coding type (UL FEC coding type), uplink ultra-high throughput modulation and coding strategy (UL EHT-MCS), synchronization offset allocation (SS allocation), or uplink target receive power (UL target receive power).

[0176] The first information may be a rewrite of one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth reserved fields mentioned above.

[0177] For example, if the control frame (MU-RTS frame or RSRP frame) includes a padding field, it means that the transmitting device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to high capability mode; if the control frame (MU-RTS frame or RSRP frame) does not include a padding field, it means that the transmitting device instructs the receiving device not to switch the receiving mode and to remain in low capability mode.

[0178] Furthermore, the padding field provides sufficient switching latency for the receiving device, meaning that the sending device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to high-capability mode.

[0179] In some possible implementations, when the first information is carried in a data frame, the first information includes bandwidth indication information in the data frame, and sending the first indication information includes sending a PPDU, wherein the PPDU includes the first information.

[0180] For example, the PPDU includes bandwidth indication information, which indicates the channel bandwidth of the PPDU. The PPDU may also carry an RTS frame. The bandwidth indication information in the PPDU may be carried in the service field of the PPDU, and the type / format of the PPDU may be a non-HT duplicate PPDU. The bandwidth indication information is one possible implementation of the first information.

[0181] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in a checksum field within the control frame, which can be located within the user information field. For example, this checksum field could be the first FCS field within the user information field.

[0182] In some possible implementations, the value of the first information indicates whether to switch the receiving mode.

[0183] For example, when the first information is set to a first value, it means the sending device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to a high-capability mode; when the first information is set to a second value, it means the sending device instructs the receiving device not to switch the receiving mode and to remain in a low-capability mode. Alternatively, when the first information is set to a second value, it means the sending device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to a high-capability mode; when the first information is set to a first value, it means the sending device instructs the receiving device not to switch the receiving mode and to remain in a low-capability mode. The first value and the second value are different. The first value and / or the second value can be predefined, preset, preconfigured, protocol-specified, determined by the first communication device, determined by the second communication device, or negotiated by the first and second communication devices.

[0184] For example, if the transmitting device sends a PPDU with a channel bandwidth of 20MHz, it means that the transmitting device instructs the receiving device not to switch the receiving mode and to remain in the low-capability mode; or, if the channel bandwidth of the PPDU sent by the transmitting device is not 20MHz (such as exceeding 20MHz), and the PPDU carries an RTS frame, the channel bandwidth not being 20MHz means that the transmitting device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to the high-capability mode.

[0185] In some possible implementations, the verification result of the verification field indicates whether to switch the receive mode.

[0186] For example, the verification result of the first FCS field indicates whether the receive mode has been switched.

[0187] For example, if the first FCS field passes the verification, it means that the sending device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to high capability mode; and / or, if the first FCS field fails the verification, it means that the sending device instructs the receiving device not to switch the receiving mode and to remain in low capability mode. Alternatively, if the first FCS field fails the verification, it means that the sending device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to high capability mode; and / or, if the first FCS field passes the verification, it means that the sending device instructs the receiving device not to switch the receiving mode and to remain in low capability mode.

[0188] The verification result of the second FCS field is used to verify whether the control frame carrying the first information is complete and correct.

[0189] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in the padding field of the control frame.

[0190] And / or, in some possible implementations, the length of the padding field indicates whether the receive mode is switched.

[0191] The padding after the first FCS field is used to provide handover latency for the receiving device.

[0192] For example, if the length of the padding after the first FCS field is sufficient to provide enough handover delay for the receiving device, it means that the transmitting device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to a high-capability mode; and / or, if the length of the padding after the first FCS field is insufficient to provide enough handover delay for the receiving device, it means that the transmitting device instructs the receiving device not to switch the receiving mode and to remain in a low-capability mode. Alternatively, if the length of the padding after the first FCS field is sufficient to provide enough handover delay for the receiving device, it means that the receiving device switches the receiving mode to a high-capability mode; and / or, if the length of the padding after the first FCS field is insufficient to provide enough handover delay for the receiving device, it means that the receiving device does not switch the receiving mode and to remain in a low-capability mode.

[0193] For example, if the first FCS field passes the checksum and the length of the padding following the first FCS field is sufficient to provide enough handover latency for the receiving device, it means that the sending device instructs the receiving device to switch the receiving mode to high capability mode. If the first FCS field fails the checksum and / or the length of the padding following the first FCS field is insufficient to provide enough handover latency for the receiving device, it means that the sending device instructs the receiving device not to switch the receiving mode and to remain in low capability mode. Alternatively, if the first FCS field passes the checksum and the length of the padding following the first FCS field is sufficient to provide enough handover latency for the receiving device, it means that the receiving device switches the receiving mode to high capability mode. If the first FCS field fails the checksum and / or the length of the padding following the first FCS field is insufficient to provide enough handover latency for the receiving device, it means that the receiving device does not switch the receiving mode and to remain in low capability mode.

[0194] In some possible implementations, the control frame or data frame may also include second information indicating whether the first information is included in the control frame or data frame.

[0195] For example, the control frame or data frame may also include second information, which indicates whether the control frame or data frame includes first information. The receiving device may determine whether the control frame or data frame includes first information based on the second information.

[0196] For example, the first information includes an I-FCS field, where some or all of the AID 12 field of the control frame is set to "1", and the AID 12 field is used to indicate that the current and / or next user info carries an I-FCS field; or, the first 16 bits of a user information field are all set to "1", and the first 16 bits of the user information field are used to indicate that the current and / or next user info carries an I-FCS field.

[0197] Prior to S420, method 400 may also include:

[0198] S470, the first communication device sends a first response information; correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first response information, which is used to respond to the first indication information.

[0199] The first response information can be a response frame.

[0200] After receiving a control frame carrying first indication information, the first communication device sends a response frame to the second communication device. The response frame is used to respond to the control frame carrying the first indication information.

[0201] The initial control response frame is one possible implementation of the response frame.

[0202] In some possible implementations, the second communication device triggers the first communication device to switch its receiving mode before sending the first indication information; if the first communication device is not triggered to switch its receiving mode, the second communication device does not send the first indication information to the first communication device. The first indication information may be an initial control frame (MU-RTS frame, BSRP frame, or RTS frame) or information carried in the initial control frame. Possible implementations of the first indication information can be found in the description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0203] In some possible implementations, the control frames sent by the transmitting device before sending data to the receiving device may not trigger the receiving device to switch to a high-capability mode. For example, RTS or MU-RTS frames sent before data transmission may be used for channel protection, or BSRP frames may be used to determine / retrieve AP status information, without triggering a receive mode switch. Correspondingly, the receiving device does not switch its receive mode before receiving data.

[0204] Alternatively, in some possible implementations, the sending device does not send a control frame before sending data to the receiving device.

[0205] For example, a second communication device determines first data, the length of which is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the second communication device then sends the first data to the first communication device. Before sending the first data to the first communication device, the second communication device does not send a control frame, which includes an RTS frame or a MU-RTS frame, and this control frame protects the channel used for sending and / or receiving the first data.

[0206] Unlike the method shown in Figure 4, in some possible implementations, the first communication device determines whether to switch the receiving mode based on the type of the received frame.

[0207] For example, if the frame type received by the first communication device is a control frame, the first communication device switches its receiving mode to a high-capability mode; and / or, if the frame type received by the first communication device is a data frame, the first communication device does not switch its receiving mode and remains in a low-capability mode. Alternatively, if the frame type received by the first communication device is a data frame, the first communication device switches its receiving mode to a high-capability mode; and / or, if the frame type received by the first communication device is a control frame, the first communication device does not switch its receiving mode and remains in a low-capability mode.

[0208] Unlike the method shown in Figure 4, in some possible implementations, the first communication device determines whether to switch the receiving mode based on the length of the received frame.

[0209] For example, if the length of a frame received by the first communication device is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the first communication device switches its receiving mode to a high-capability mode; and / or, if the length of a frame received by the first communication device is less than the first threshold, the first communication device does not switch its receiving mode and remains in a low-capability mode. Alternatively, if the length of a frame received by the first communication device is less than the first threshold, the first communication device switches its receiving mode to a high-capability mode; and / or, if the length of a frame received by the first communication device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the first communication device does not switch its receiving mode and remains in a low-capability mode.

[0210] The first threshold can be a specific threshold specified by the standard / protocol; the frame length can include the number of bytes in the frame and / or the duration. Even if the number of bytes of data sent by the sending device to the receiving device exceeds a specific threshold, and / or the duration exceeds a specific threshold, the sending device will not send an RTS frame or a MU-RTS frame, but will send the data directly.

[0211] The above-described solution provided in this application embodiment can flexibly send initial control frames according to the length of the data packet to realize different operations of the receiving device, including: switching to high capability mode, not switching the receiving mode, or only protecting the channel, etc.

[0212] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0213] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0214] It should also be understood that the above embodiments are mainly illustrated using devices in existing network architectures as examples. It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0215] It is understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by devices (such as the first communication device and the second communication device) can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the devices.

[0216] It is also understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in some scenarios, or may be combined with other features in some scenarios, without limitation.

[0217] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figure 4. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device. It can be understood that, in order to realize the above functions, the first communication device and the second communication device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0218] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0219] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0220] This application embodiment can divide the first communication device and the second communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0221] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 10 includes a transceiver module 11, which can implement corresponding communication functions.

[0222] Alternatively, the transceiver module 11 is used to perform receiving and sending related operations. The transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. The transceiver module 11 may include a receiving module and / or a sending module, whereby the receiving module performs receiving-related operations and the sending module performs sending-related operations.

[0223] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a processing module 12 for performing data processing.

[0224] Alternatively, the processing module 12 is used to perform operations other than receiving and sending.

[0225] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage module 13, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device can perform the operation of the device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The above modules may also be referred to as units, such as transceiver unit, processing unit, storage unit, etc.

[0226] In one design, the device 10 may correspond to the first communication device in the above method embodiments, or to a component of the first communication device (such as a chip).

[0227] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0228] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG4, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S410, S420, and S470; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S450.

[0229] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0230] In another design, the device 10 may correspond to the second communication device in the above method embodiment, or to a component of the second communication device (such as a chip).

[0231] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 11 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations of the second communication device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0232] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG4, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S410, S420, and S470; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S430, S440, and S460.

[0233] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0234] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may specifically be a mobility management network element in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management network element in the above method embodiments; or, device 10 may specifically be a terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0235] The apparatus 10 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the devices (such as the first communication device and the second communication device) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0236] In addition, the transceiver module 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing module can be a processing circuit.

[0237] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 20 includes a transceiver 23, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0238] Optionally, as shown in FIG6, the device 20 further includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 22.

[0239] Optionally, as shown in FIG6, the device 20 further includes a processor 21, which is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 22, or to read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, to perform the methods in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0240] For example, processor 21 is used to control transceiver 23 to receive and / or transmit signals. Transceiver 23 may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, the receiver being used for receiving signals and the transmitter for transmitting signals; if communication device 20 is a chip, then transceiver 23 is the chip's input / output interface, where the output corresponds to transmitting and the input corresponds to receiving.

[0241] The memory 22 can be integrated with the processor 21, or it can be set separately.

[0242] As one option, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0243] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0244] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0245] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0246] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0247] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 30 (or processing system) includes logic circuitry 31 and an input / output interface 32.

[0248] The logic circuit 31 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 30. The logic circuit 31 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 30 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 32 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 30, outputting processed information from the chip system 30, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 30 for processing.

[0249] As one option, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0250] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 32 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0251] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0252] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0253] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0254] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0255] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first communication device and second communication device.

[0256] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0257] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0258] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0259] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the working mode corresponding to the first data, the working mode includes a first mode or a second mode, the communication parameters of the first mode and the second mode are different, and the power consumption of the first mode is greater than that of the second mode. The first data is received according to the working mode indicated by the first instruction information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to indicate the working mode corresponding to the first data, including: The first indication information is used to indicate whether to switch to the first mode; or, The first indication information is used to indicate whether to remain in the second mode.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first mode is the high-ability mode, and the second mode is the low-ability mode.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The communication parameters include: PPDU format, bandwidth, number of spatial streams, or data rate.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in a control frame or a data frame.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first information in the first indication information indicates whether to switch the working mode, and the first information satisfies at least one of the following: The first information is carried in the public information field of the control frame; The first information is carried in the user information field of the control frame; The first information is carried in the verification field of the control frame; The first information is carried in the padding field of the control frame; or, The first information includes bandwidth indication information in the data frame.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first information in the first indication information indicates whether to switch the working mode, including at least one of the following: The value of the first information indicates whether the working mode should be switched; The validation result of the validation field indicates whether to switch the working mode; or, The length of the fill field indicates whether the working mode has been switched.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The control frame or the data frame further includes second information, which indicates whether the control frame or the data frame includes the first information.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: Send a first indication message, which is used to indicate the working mode corresponding to the first data. The working mode includes a first mode or a second mode. The communication parameters of the first mode and the second mode are different, and the power consumption of the first mode is greater than that of the second mode. Send the first data.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to indicate the working mode corresponding to the first data, including: The first indication information is used to indicate whether to switch to the first mode; or, The first indication information is used to indicate whether to remain in the second mode.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first mode is the high-ability mode, and the second mode is the low-ability mode.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The communication parameters include: PPDU format, bandwidth, number of spatial streams, or data rate.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in a control frame or a data frame.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first information in the first indication information indicates whether to switch the working mode, and the first information satisfies at least one of the following: The first information is carried in the public information field of the control frame; The first information is carried in the user information field of the control frame; The first information is carried in the verification field of the control frame; The first information is carried in the padding field of the control frame; or, The first information includes bandwidth indication information in the data frame.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first information in the first indication information indicates whether to switch the working mode, including at least one of the following: The value of the first information indicates whether the working mode should be switched; The validation result of the validation field indicates whether to switch the working mode; or, The length of the fill field indicates whether the working mode has been switched.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The control frame or the data frame further includes second information, which indicates whether the control frame or the data frame includes the first information.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: Determine the first data, wherein the length of the first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold; The first data is sent to the first communication device. Before sending the first data to the first communication device, no control frame is sent. The control frame includes a request to send an RTS frame or a multi-user request to send a MU-RTS frame. The control frame protects the channel used for sending and / or receiving the first data.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit or module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 8; or, it includes a unit or module for performing the method of any one of claims 9 to 16; or, it includes a unit or module for performing the method of claim 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to execute computer programs or instructions, The communication device is made to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or the communication device is made to perform the method of any one of claims 9 to 16, or the communication device is made to perform the method of claim 17.

20. The communication device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions; and / or, The communication device further includes a communication interface coupled to the at least one processor, the communication interface being used for inputting and / or outputting information.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 17 to be performed.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 17 to be performed.

23. A chip system, characterized in that, Includes: a processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, such that the method of any one of claims 1 to 17 is executed.

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