Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus, so as to reduce resource waste. In the method, a first non-AP STA sends a first TWT element to an AP, wherein the first TWT element carries a parameter used for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The first TWT element further includes first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating the second non-AP STA. On the basis of the solution, the first non-AP STA can notify the AP of information of the second non-AP STA, and the AP can determine information of both parties in P2P communication. Therefore, the AP can perform resource scheduling on the basis of the information of the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA, and the AP can use the directional communication characteristics of a millimeter-wave link to perform spatial multiplexing, so as to allocate channel resources more efficiently.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510035266.8, filed on January 8, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; and to Chinese Patent Application No. 202511539104.4, filed on October 25, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] Target wake time (TWT) is an important resource scheduling function supported by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax standard. In Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Fi devices can communicate directly with each other, i.e., peer-to-peer (P2P) communication. In the IEEE 802.11 protocol, based on the tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) mechanism, a non-access point station (non-APSTA) requests the establishment of a P2P TWT by sending a channel usage request frame to its associated access point (AP). The channel usage request frame carries one or more TWT elements, each carrying a parameter for establishing the P2P TWT.

[0005] During the establishment of a P2P TWT, a non-AP STA requests the P2P TWT from the AP. This non-AP STA is referred to as the P2P TWT requesting STA. The P2P TWT is established between the requesting STA and the AP. Such a P2P TWT is a personal or unicast TWT, established through one-to-one negotiation between the requesting STA and the AP. The AP is unaware of the identity of the other end of the P2P TWT (referred to as the P2P peer STA). Therefore, the AP cannot utilize the directional communication characteristics of millimeter-wave links to efficiently use spatial resources, resulting in resource waste. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to improve the utilization rate of space resources and reduce resource waste.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first non-AP STA or by a chip / chip system. In this method, the first non-AP STA sends a first TWT element to the AP. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first time information. The first TWT element also includes first indication information for instructing the second non-AP STA. The first non-AP STA receives a second TWT element from the AP based on the first time information.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the first non-AP STA can inform the AP of the other end in the P2P communication, namely the second non-AP STA, through the first indication information. This allows the AP to determine the information of both parties in the P2P communication. Therefore, the AP can perform resource scheduling based on the information of the first and second non-AP STAs. For example, if the TWT protocol is established on a millimeter-wave link, due to the directionality of millimeter-wave link communication, the AP can utilize the directional communication characteristics of the millimeter-wave link to perform spatial multiplexing, thereby allocating channel resources more efficiently and reducing resource waste.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: an association identifier for the second non-AP STA or a medium access control (MAC) address for the second non-AP STA. Based on this scheme, the purpose of indicating the second non-AP STA to the AP can be achieved through the association identifier or the MAC address.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame. Based on this scheme, if the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame, it indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for both the first and second non-AP STAs. The TWT protocol for the first and second non-AP STAs can be understood as a P2P TWT protocol. In other words, if the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame, it indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a P2P TWT protocol. Therefore, no additional overhead is required to indicate that the requested TWT protocol is a P2P TWT protocol, saving signaling overhead.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame, and the target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0012] Based on this scheme, the first non-AP STA can use additional indication information, namely the second indication information, to indicate that the TWT protocol requested to be established is a P2P TWT protocol. Therefore, the method of establishing a P2P TWT protocol can be applied to more scenarios, not limited to the scenario of establishing a P2P TWT protocol only through the channel using the request frame.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element is carried in the channel usage response frame. Based on this scheme, if the second TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame, it indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for both the first and second non-AP STAs. Therefore, no additional overhead is required to indicate that the requested TWT protocol is a P2P TWT protocol, saving signaling overhead.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element also includes third indication information, which indicates that the TWT agreement is a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, the AP indicates through the third indication information that the established TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. The parameters carried in the second TWT element are the parameters for establishing the TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. Therefore, the method of establishing a P2P TWT protocol can be applied to more scenarios and is not limited to the scenario of establishing a P2P TWT protocol only through the channel using response frames.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA sends a third TWT element, determined based on the second TWT element, to the second non-AP STA. Based on this scheme, the first non-AP STA can inform the second non-AP STA of the parameters for establishing the TWT agreement. Thus, the second non-AP STA knows when to communicate with the first non-AP STA, allowing it to prepare the corresponding antenna configuration and beam, without needing to prepare the antenna configuration and beam before communication begins on the millimeter-wave link, thereby improving the communication efficiency of the millimeter-wave link.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the third TWT element contains fourth indication information, which instructs the first non-AP STA. Based on this scheme, the first non-AP STA can inform the second non-AP STA of the information from the other end of the P2P communication. Then, knowing the information from the other end of the P2P communication, the second non-AP STA can perform beam training with the other end of the P2P communication, preparing the corresponding antenna configuration and beam.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the fourth indication information includes at least one of the following: the association identifier of the first non-AP STA or the MAC address of the first non-AP STA.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element contains the AP's first time synchronization function (TSF) information and second time information, the second time information being determined based on the first TSF information.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, even if the clocks of the first non-AP STA and the AP are not synchronized, the first non-AP STA can still use the first TSF information to unify its understanding of the second time information with the AP, thereby determining the time information that satisfies the first non-AP STA based on the first TSF information and the second time information.

[0021] In one possible implementation, third time information is determined based on second time information and first TSF information. The first non-AP STA sends the third time information to the second non-AP STA.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the first non-AP STA acts as the AP, and the second non-AP STA is connected to the first non-AP STA. The second non-AP STA and the first non-AP STA are clock synchronized. Therefore, the first non-AP STA sends third time information to the second non-AP STA, which enables the AP, the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA to have a unified understanding of the parameters for establishing the TWT protocol.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element also contains second TSF information of the first non-AP STA, and the first time information is determined based on the second TSF information.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, even if the clocks of the first non-AP STA and the AP are not synchronized, the AP can still have a unified understanding of the first time information with the first non-AP STA based on the second TSF information.

[0025] In one possible implementation, before the first non-AP STA sends the first TWT element to the AP, the first non-AP STA receives a fourth TWT element from the second non-AP STA, the fourth TWT element carrying parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, when the second non-AP STA has P2P communication needs, it can send a fourth TWT request to the first non-AP STA. Therefore, in the scenario where the second non-AP STA is not associated with the AP, the second non-AP STA can also initiate the process of requesting to establish a TWT agreement, which can enrich the scenarios of P2P communication.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element further includes fifth indication information, which indicates a first millimeter-wave link, and the first timing information is the timing information for establishing a TWT agreement on the first millimeter-wave link. The first TWT element also includes sixth indication information, which indicates one or more second millimeter-wave links other than the first millimeter-wave link, and the one or more second millimeter-wave links are alternative millimeter-wave links.

[0028] Based on the above scheme, the alternative millimeter-wave links can provide one or more alternative millimeter-wave links. When there is a transmission on the first millimeter-wave link indicated by the fifth indication information that overlaps in time with the TWT agreement to be established, the AP can select at least one second millimeter-wave link from the alternative millimeter-wave links to establish the TWT agreement, thereby reducing the interference of the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA to the communication of other devices during beam training, and also reducing the interference of the communication of other devices to beam training.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element contains second timing information for establishing a TWT agreement on at least one millimeter-wave link in one or more second millimeter-wave links.

[0030] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by an AP or a chip / chip system. In this method, the AP receives a first TWT element from a first non-AP STA. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first timing information. The first TWT element contains first indication information used to instruct the second non-AP STA. The AP then sends a second TWT element to the first non-AP STA based on feedback from the first timing information.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: the associated identifier of the second non-AP STA or the MAC address of the second non-AP STA.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame, and the target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element also includes third indication information, which indicates that the TWT agreement is a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the AP sends a third TWT element based on the first-time information feedback to the second non-AP STA.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the third TWT element contains a fourth indication message that indicates the first non-AP STA.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element contains the first TSF information and the second time information of the AP, the second time information being determined based on the first TSF information.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element also contains second TSF information of the first non-AP STA, and the first time information is determined based on the second TSF information.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element further includes fifth indication information, which indicates a first millimeter-wave link, and the first timing information is the timing information for establishing a TWT agreement on the first millimeter-wave link. The first TWT element also includes sixth indication information, which indicates one or more second millimeter-wave links other than the first millimeter-wave link, and the one or more second millimeter-wave links are alternative millimeter-wave links.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element contains second timing information for establishing a TWT agreement on at least one millimeter-wave link in one or more second millimeter-wave links.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the AP broadcasts a quiet time period response frame, indicating that a first time period is reserved for communication between a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. This first time period is determined based on the TWT protocol. Based on this scheme, by using the quiet time period response frame to prevent devices supporting the quiet time period (QTP) function from competing for channel space within the TWT protocol's time period, the AP can reserve a period of idle channel time for P2P communication on the millimeter-wave link, reducing interference from other devices' communication on beam training and P2P communication.

[0042] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second non-AP STA or by a chip / chip system. In this method, the second non-AP STA receives a third TWT element, which carries parameters for establishing a TWT agreement between the first and second non-AP STAs. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include third time information. The third TWT element contains fourth indication information, which instructs the first non-AP STA. The second non-AP STA communicates with the first non-AP STA based on the TWT agreement.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the fourth indication information includes at least one of the following: the association identifier of the first non-AP STA or the MAC address of the first non-AP STA.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the second non-AP STA receives the third TWT element from the first non-AP STA. Alternatively, the second non-AP STA receives the third TWT element from the AP.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the second non-AP STA sends a fourth TWT element, which carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the fourth TWT element is carried in the channel use request frame.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the fourth TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame, and the target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the third TWT element also includes third indication information indicating that the TWT agreement is a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0049] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0050] The processing unit is configured to determine a first TWT element, which carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first time information. The first TWT element also includes first indication information used to instruct the second non-AP STA. The transceiver unit is configured to send the first TWT element to the AP. The transceiver unit is also configured to receive a second TWT element from the AP based on the first time information.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: the associated identifier of the second non-AP STA or the MAC address of the second non-AP STA.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame, and the target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element also includes third indication information, which indicates that the TWT agreement is a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used to send a third TWT element determined based on the second TWT element to the second non-AP STA.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the third TWT element contains a fourth indication message that indicates the first non-AP STA.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the fourth indication information includes at least one of the following: the association identifier of the first non-AP STA or the MAC address of the first non-AP STA.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element contains the first TSF information and the second time information of the AP, the second time information being determined based on the first TSF information.

[0059] In one possible implementation, third time information is determined based on the second time information and the first TSF information. The transceiver unit is also used to send the third time information to the second non-AP STA.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element also contains second TSF information of the first non-AP STA, and the first time information is determined based on the second TSF information.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit, before sending the first target wake-up time (TWT) element to the AP, is also configured to receive a fourth TWT element from the second non-AP STA, the fourth TWT element carrying parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element further includes fifth indication information, which indicates a first millimeter-wave link, and the first timing information is the timing information for establishing a TWT agreement on the first millimeter-wave link. The first TWT element also includes sixth indication information, which indicates one or more second millimeter-wave links other than the first millimeter-wave link, and the one or more second millimeter-wave links are alternative millimeter-wave links.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element contains second timing information for establishing a TWT agreement on at least one millimeter-wave link in one or more second millimeter-wave links.

[0064] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0065] The transceiver unit is configured to receive a first TWT element from a first non-AP STA. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first time information. The first TWT element contains first indication information used to instruct the second non-AP STA. The processing unit is configured to determine a second TWT element to be fed back based on the first time information. The transceiver unit is also configured to send the second TWT element to the first non-AP STA.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: the associated identifier of the second non-AP STA or the MAC address of the second non-AP STA.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame, and the target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element also includes third indication information, which indicates that the TWT agreement is a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used to send a third TWT element based on the first-time information feedback to the second non-AP STA.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the third TWT element contains a fourth indication message that indicates the first non-AP STA.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element contains the first TSF information and the second time information of the AP, the second time information being determined based on the first TSF information.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element also contains second TSF information of the first non-AP STA, and the first time information is determined based on the second TSF information.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the first TWT element further includes fifth indication information, which indicates a first millimeter-wave link, and the first timing information is the timing information for establishing a TWT agreement on the first millimeter-wave link. The first TWT element also includes sixth indication information, which indicates one or more second millimeter-wave links other than the first millimeter-wave link, and the one or more second millimeter-wave links are alternative millimeter-wave links.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element contains second timing information for establishing a TWT agreement on at least one millimeter-wave link in one or more second millimeter-wave links.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used to broadcast a quiet time period response frame, which indicates that a first time period is used for communication between a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA, and the first time period is determined based on the TWT protocol.

[0077] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0078] The transceiver unit is used to receive a third TWT element, which carries parameters for establishing a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. These parameters include third time information. The third TWT element also contains fourth indication information, which indicates the first non-AP STA. The processing unit is used to determine the TWT agreement. The transceiver unit is also used to communicate with the first non-AP STA based on the TWT agreement.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the fourth indication information includes at least one of the following: the association identifier of the first non-AP STA or the MAC address of the first non-AP STA.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to receive the third TWT element from the first non-AP STA, or to receive the third TWT element from the AP.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also configured to send a fourth TWT element, which carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the fourth TWT element is carried in the channel use request frame.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the fourth TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame, and the target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the third TWT element also includes third indication information indicating that the TWT agreement is a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0085] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device or network device in any of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0086] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods performed by a first non-AP STA, AP, or second non-AP STA as described above.

[0087] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code or instructions, which, when executed, cause the methods executed by a first non-AP STA, AP, or second non-AP STA in the foregoing aspects to be performed.

[0088] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising a unit or module for performing the methods described above.

[0089] Eleventhly, a chip system is provided, including logic circuitry and an input / output interface. The logic circuitry is used to execute the methods performed by the first non-AP STA, AP, or second non-AP STA described above. The input / output interface is used for communication with other devices.

[0090] In a twelfth aspect, a system is provided, comprising at least one first non-APSTA performing any possible implementation of the first aspect, at least one AP performing any possible implementation of the second aspect, and at least one second non-AP STA performing any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0091] The beneficial effects of the second to twelfth aspects and their implementation methods mentioned above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the method and its implementation methods in the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0092] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an omnidirectional transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a directional transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 4 is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating the format of a channel usage request frame according to an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a TWT frame establishment format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of a first TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of another first TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a fifth TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the second TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 10A is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 10B is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 11 is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another first TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 13 is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 14 is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0113] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained and described below.

[0114] 1) Beamforming and beamforming training (BFT).

[0115] Millimeter waves are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 1 to 10 millimeters and frequencies between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. Generally, the shorter the length of an electromagnetic wave, the more limited its propagation range. Since millimeter waves have wavelengths on the millimeter scale, their propagation range is severely limited. Beamforming technology, by adjusting the phase and amplitude of antenna elements, focuses signal energy in a specific direction, forming a directional beam, thereby improving transmission efficiency. Through beamforming, electromagnetic wave signals can be transmitted more precisely to the target receiver, avoiding signal scattering and propagation loss.

[0116] Typical wireless local area networks (WLANs) operate in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, which can also be referred to as the sub-7 GHz frequency bands. They use omnidirectional antennas to enable electromagnetic waves to radiate energy uniformly in space, as shown in Figure 1.

[0117] In millimeter-wave communication systems, directional beams are typically used to transmit and receive signals in a directional manner to achieve high-speed data transmission and reliable communication, as shown in Figure 2. Beamforming training is a process used to determine the optimal beam direction and parameter settings. For example, the transmitter and receiver search for possible beam directions to determine the optimal beam direction.

[0118] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0119] The embodiments of this application can be applied to WLAN scenarios, for example, to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax standards, or their next generations, such as the 802.11be standard, Wi-Fi 7 or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf, and even the next generation of 802.11be, such as Wi-Fi 8 or later standards. Alternatively, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle to X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as 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, 5G communication systems, and future 6G communication systems, etc.

[0120] The following examples illustrate how the embodiments of this application can be applied to WLAN scenarios. It should be understood that WLAN standards, starting with 802.11a / g, have evolved through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and the currently discussed 802.11bn. 802.11n can also be referred to as high throughput (HT); 802.11ac as very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax as high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; and 802.11be as EHT or Wi-Fi 7. Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, can be collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT).

[0121] Referring to Figure 3, a network architecture diagram of a WLAN applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3 illustrates an example of a WLAN including one access point (AP) and two stations (STAs). STA1, associated with the AP, can receive and send wireless frames to the AP. STA1 can also receive and send wireless frames to STA2. It should be understood that the number of APs and STAs in Figure 3 is merely an example, and there may be more or fewer.

[0122] Access points are devices that allow terminal devices (such as mobile phones) to access wired (or wireless) networks. They are primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. They can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge between wired and wireless networks, connecting various wireless network clients and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, access points can be terminal devices (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as routers) with Wi-Fi chips, or wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals with access point functionality. Access points can support the 802.11be standard or 802.11be next-generation. They can also support various WLAN standards within the 802.11 family, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11be next-generation.

[0123] The site can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, the site can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, etc. Optionally, the site can support the 802.11be standard. The site can also support various WLAN standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11be next generation.

[0124] For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0125] The AP and STA involved in the embodiments of this application can be APs and STAs that comply with the IEEE 802.11 system standard. An AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP can serve as the hub of the communication system and is typically a network-side product supporting the MAC and physical layer (PHY) of the 802.11 system standard. Examples include base stations, routers, gateways, repeaters, communication servers, switches, or bridges. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as APs. STAs can include APs and non-AP stations (non-AP STAs), typically terminal products supporting the MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard, such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0126] TWT (Time-Based Wake-Up) is an important resource scheduling function supported by IEEE 802.11ax. Its main function is to reduce the number of devices competing for the channel simultaneously and to help reduce energy consumption. Through the TWT mechanism, non-AP STAs can reach a consensus with the AP for wake-up scheduling. Non-AP STAs are only awakened when necessary, and can remain in a doze state the rest of the time. A TWT agreement, or TWT session, specifies one or more TWT service periods (SPs). Non-AP STAs wake up before the start of a TWT SP to receive or send data. A TWT agreement allows a non-AP STA to participate in multiple periodically awakened TWT SPs. TWT mechanisms are divided into two types: individual or unicast TWTs and broadcast TWTs. The following describes individual or unicast TWTs.

[0127] The process of establishing a personal or unicast TWT is as follows: A non-AP STA, acting as a TWT requesting STA, sends a TWT request message to the AP to request the establishment of a personal or unicast TWT. The TWT request carries a TWT element containing the parameters for establishing the personal TWT. The AP, acting as a TWT responding STA, replies with a TWT response message to the non-AP STA to indicate acceptance or rejection of the TWT request. During this process, the AP and the non-AP STA determine common parameters for establishing the personal or unicast TWT. These parameters include the TWT, TWT wake duration, TWT wake interval, and TWT channel.

[0128] In Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Fi devices can communicate directly with each other, i.e., peer-to-peer (P2P) communication. In the IEEE 802.11 protocol, based on the tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) mechanism, a non-AP STA requests the establishment of a P2P TWT by sending a channel usage request frame to its associated AP. The channel usage request frame carries one or more TWT elements, each carrying parameters for establishing the P2P TWT. For example, each TWT element contains a set of time parameters corresponding to a P2P TWT schedule. The AP can reply to the non-AP STA with a channel usage response frame indicating whether it accepts the non-AP STA's P2P TWT establishment request.

[0129] During the establishment of a P2P TWT, a non-AP STA requests the P2P TWT from the AP. This non-AP STA is referred to as the P2P TWT requesting STA. The P2P TWT is established between the requesting STA and the AP; other non-AP STAs participating in the P2P communication (referred to as P2P peer STAs) are not informed of their assigned P2P TWT arrangements. This has a significant impact on millimeter-wave link communication. Because millimeter-wave link communication is directional, specific beam and antenna configurations are required at both ends to communicate. Therefore, on millimeter-wave links, devices conducting P2P communication need to know in advance when they will communicate in order to prepare the corresponding antennas and beams.

[0130] The aforementioned P2P TWT is a personal or unicast TWT, established through one-to-one negotiation between the P2P TWT requesting STA and AP. The requesting STA only knows its own P2P TWT; the AP does not broadcast P2P TWTs. Therefore, other stations in this WLAN network are unaware that a particular period is used for P2P communication. This can significantly impact millimeter-wave link communication. Millimeter-wave link communication requires beam training, and beam scanning during beam training can interfere with and be interfered with by other stations.

[0131] During the aforementioned P2P TWT establishment process, the AP is unaware of the identity of the P2P peer STA. Due to the directional communication characteristics of millimeter-wave links, the AP can perform spatial multiplexing to allocate channel resources more efficiently. If the AP knows the identities of both parties in the P2P communication, it can better schedule different stations to efficiently utilize spatial resources. Conversely, if the AP does not know the identities of both parties, it cannot utilize the directional communication characteristics of millimeter-wave links to efficiently utilize spatial resources, resulting in resource waste.

[0132] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. In this method, a first non-AP STA sends a first TWT element to an AP. The first TWT element carries parameters for establishing a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The first TWT element includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the second non-AP STA.

[0133] Based on the above scheme, the AP can determine the information of the second non-AP STA based on the first indication information contained in the first TWT element. In other words, the AP can determine the information of both parties in the P2P communication. Therefore, the AP can utilize the directional communication characteristics of the millimeter-wave link to perform spatial multiplexing to allocate channel resources more efficiently, thus reducing resource waste.

[0134] Referring to Figure 4, an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, which may include the following steps. The first non-AP STA shown in Figure 4 can be understood as a TWT request STA, and the second non-AP STA can be understood as a P2P peer STA.

[0135] S401: The first non-AP STA sends the first TWT element to the AP.

[0136] Accordingly, the AP receives the first TWT element from the first non-AP STA.

[0137] In this configuration, the first non-AP STA is associated with the AP. In one possible implementation, the first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. That is, the first TWT element carries parameters for establishing a P2P TWT agreement. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement (or P2P TWT agreement) include first-time information.

[0138] For example, the first time information may include one or more of TWT, TWT wake-up duration, or TWT wake-up interval. The first TWT element also includes first indication information for indicating the second non-AP STA. For example, the first indication information may include at least one of the association identifier (AID) of the second non-AP STA or the MAC address of the second non-AP STA.

[0139] Optionally, the first TWT element may also indicate a TWT channel, and the aforementioned TWT protocol may be a TWT protocol established on the TWT channel indicated by the first TWT element.

[0140] Referring to Figure 5, a schematic diagram of a TWT element is shown. A TWT element may include an element ID field, a length field, a control field, and a TWT parameter information field. The element ID field identifies the element as a TWT element, the length field indicates the element's length, the control field carries control information, and the TWT parameter information field carries parameters for establishing the TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. For example, the TWT parameter information field may include a request type field, a TWT field, a TWT group assignment field, a nominal minimum TWT wake-up time field, a TWT mantissa field, a TWT channel field, a null data packet (NDP) paging field, a link identity (ID) bitmap field, an aligned TWT link bitmap field, and first indication information.

[0141] The request type field carries parameters related to the TWT protocol type; the nominal minimum TWT wake-up time field indicates the minimum TWT wake-up time; the TWT wake-up interval tail number field indicates the TWT wake-up interval; and the TWT channel field indicates the TWT channel on which the TWT protocol was established. The link ID bitmap field indicates the link on which the TWT protocol was established, which can be a millimeter-wave link or a sub-7GHz link. The link ID distinguishes between millimeter-wave and sub-7GHz links. The first indication information may include at least one of a P2P STA AID field or a P2P STA MAC address field. If the first indication information includes a P2P STA AID field, then the P2P STA AID field can indicate the AID of a second non-APSTA. If the first indication information includes a P2P STA MAC address field, then the P2P STA MAC address field can indicate the MAC address of a second non-APSTA.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame. The channel usage request frame is a management frame. Referring to Figure 6A, the channel usage request frame may include a category field, a wireless network management action (WNM action) field, a channel usage elements field, a supported operating classes element field, a TWT element field, and a timeout interval element field. The category field and the wireless network management action field indicate that the frame shown in Figure 6A is for wireless network management; the channel usage elements field identifies the requested channel usage; the supported operating classes element field indicates the supported operating classes; the TWT element field carries the first TWT element; and the timeout interval element field indicates the time interval and timeout. If the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame, it indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for both the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. The TWT protocol for both the first and second non-AP STAs can be understood as a P2P TWT protocol. In other words, if the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame, it indicates that the TWT protocol to be established is a P2P TWT protocol.

[0143] Based on the above scheme, the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame to indicate that the requested TWT protocol is a P2P TWT protocol. Therefore, no additional overhead is required to indicate that the requested TWT protocol is a P2P TWT protocol, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0144] In other embodiments, the first TWT element is carried in the TWT setup frame. The TWT setup frame is a management frame. Referring to Figure 6B, the TWT setup frame may include a category field, an unprotected SD1G action field, a dialog token field, and a TWT element field. SD1G refers to sub-1GHz. The category field and the unprotected SD1G action field indicate the action type of the TWT setup frame, the dialog token field identifies the TWT setup frame, and the TWT element field carries the first TWT element. If the first TWT element is carried in the TWT setup frame, the TWT setup frame includes second indication information indicating that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for both the first and second non-AP STAs.

[0145] In one possible scenario, the second indication information could be a newly added field. For example, referring to Figure 7A, a new field, such as a peer-to-peer indication field, could be added to the request type field in the first TWT element. This field indicates whether the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. For example, the peer-to-peer indication field could be a 1-bit indication. A value of 0 indicates that the requested TWT protocol is not a TWT protocol for the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA; a value of 1 indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. Conversely, a value of 1 indicates that the requested TWT protocol is not a TWT protocol for the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA; a value of 0 indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. For example, if the second indication information exists in the TWT establishment frame, it indicates that the TWT protocol to be established is the TWT protocol of the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. If the second indication information does not exist in the TWT establishment frame, it indicates that the TWT protocol to be established is not the TWT protocol of the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0146] It should be understood that the location of the newly added second indication information in Figure 7A is shown only as an example. Those skilled in the art can add the second indication information at a suitable location in the TWT establishment frame to indicate that the TWT protocol to be established is the TWT protocol of the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA.

[0147] Based on the above scheme, when the first TWT element is carried in the TWT establishment frame, the second indication information is added to indicate that the TWT protocol to be established is a P2P TWT protocol. Therefore, the method of establishing a P2P TWT protocol can be applied to more scenarios and is not limited to the scenario of establishing a P2P TWT protocol only through the channel using the request frame.

[0148] In another possible scenario, the second indication information can reuse an existing field. For example, referring to Figure 7B, the second indication information can reuse the TWT protection field from the request type field. In this case, the TWT protection field can be represented as a TWT protection / peer-to-peer indication field. For instance, if the value of the TWT protection field is 1, it indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA; if the value of the TWT protection field is 0, it indicates that the requested TWT protocol is not a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. Conversely, if the value of the TWT protection field is 0, it indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA; if the value of the TWT protection field is 1, it indicates that the requested TWT protocol is not a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA, i.e., a P2P TWT protocol.

[0149] Optionally, the TWT protection field can be interpreted in conjunction with the Link ID bitmap field. For example, if the Link ID bitmap field indicates that the TWT protocol is established on a millimeter-wave link, then the TWT protection field can indicate whether the requested protocol is a TWT protocol for the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. If the Link ID bitmap field indicates that the TWT protocol is established on a sub-7GHz link, then the meaning of the TWT protection field remains unchanged.

[0150] Based on the above scheme, the purpose of instructing the TWT protocol to be established as a P2P TWT protocol is achieved by reusing existing fields. Therefore, no additional overhead is required to instruct the TWT protocol to be established as a P2P TWT protocol, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0151] In some embodiments, when the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for both a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA, if the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame or in the TWT establishment frame and the second indication information indicates that the requested TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for both a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA, then the first TWT element may carry the first indication information. If the requested TWT protocol is not a TWT protocol for both a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA, the first TWT element may not carry the first indication information.

[0152] S402: The AP sends the second TWT element to the first non-AP STA.

[0153] Correspondingly, the first non-AP STA receives the second TWT element from the AP.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the second TWT element carries parameters, such as second time information, for establishing the TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. This second TWT element is fed back by the AP using the first time information. For example, the second time information may include one or more of the following: TWT, TWT wake-up duration, or TWT wake-up interval. In one possible scenario, the second time information may be the same as the first time information. For example, the first TWT element may include one or more pieces of first time information, and the second time information may be part or all of those pieces of first time information. In another possible scenario, the second time information may be different from the first time information. For example, the first TWT element may include one or more pieces of first time information, and the second time information may be different from all of the one or more pieces of first time information.

[0155] The aforementioned second time information can be determined by the AP based on resource scheduling, and this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second TWT element includes fourth indication information for indicating the first non-AP STA. For example, the fourth indication information may include at least one of the AID or MAC address of the first non-AP STA.

[0157] Optionally, the second TWT element also indicates a TWT channel, and the aforementioned TWT protocol can be a TWT protocol on the TWT channel indicated by the second TWT element. The second TWT element can be referred to the relevant description in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The difference between the second TWT element and the first TWT element shown in FIG. 5 is that the first TWT element contains first indication information, while the second TWT element contains fourth indication information. The fourth indication information may include at least one of a P2P STAAID field or a P2P STA MAC address field. Wherein, if the fourth indication information includes a P2P STA AID field, then the P2P STA AID field can indicate the AID of the first non-APSTA. If the fourth indication information includes a P2P STA MAC address field, then the P2P STA MAC address field can indicate the MAC address of the first non-AP STA.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame, and the second TWT element is carried in the channel usage response frame. The presence of the second TWT element in the channel usage response frame indicates that the established TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA, i.e., a P2P TWT protocol.

[0159] In other embodiments, the first TWT element is carried in the TWT setup frame, and the second TWT element is also carried in the TWT setup frame. The TWT setup frame distinguishes between a request and a response by using the TWT request field in the request type field. When the TWT request field is 1, it indicates that the TWT setup frame is used to request the establishment of a TWT protocol; when the TWT field is 0, it indicates that the TWT setup frame is used to respond to a requested TWT protocol. The second TWT element is carried in the TWT setup frame, which includes third indication information indicating that the established TWT protocol is a TWT protocol for both the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. The third indication information can be a newly added field or a reused existing field; refer to the description of the second indication information for further details.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the AP sends a third TWT element to the second non-AP STA. This third TWT element carries parameters for establishing a TWT agreement between the first and second non-AP STAs. This third TWT element can be determined based on the second TWT element. For example, the parameters for establishing the TWT agreement carried in the third TWT element are the same as those carried in the second TWT element. For instance, the third time information carried in the third TWT element can be the same as the second time information carried in the second TWT element. The third TWT element may also carry fourth indication information, which can be referred to in the relevant description of the fourth indication information carried in the second TWT element, and will not be repeated here.

[0161] In one possible scenario, the AP can unicast the second TWT element to the first non-AP STA and the third TWT element to the second non-AP STA. In this case, the third TWT element is unsolicited.

[0162] In another possible scenario, the AP can broadcast a fifth TWT element. This fifth TWT element carries parameters for establishing the TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA, such as second time information. Both the first and second non-AP STAs can receive the broadcast fifth TWT element. This fifth TWT element carries first and fourth indication information to inform the sender and receiver of information in the P2P communication, as shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the first indication information can be represented by the P2P requesting STAAID / P2P requesting STA MAC address field, which indicates the AID or MAC address of the first non-AP STA. The fourth indication information can be represented by the P2P peer STAAID / P2P peer STA MAC address field, which indicates the AID or MAC address of the second non-AP STA. Other information carried in the fifth TWT element can be referred to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here. The fifth TWT element broadcast by the AP can be carried in the channel usage response frame or the TWT establishment frame, and will not be repeated here. Based on this scheme, the AP broadcasts the fifth TWT element, which reduces the air interface signaling overhead compared to the AP unicasting the TWT element to the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA respectively.

[0163] In this embodiment, if the second non-AP STA is associated with the AP, the AP can send a TWT element, such as a third TWT element or a fifth TWT element, to the second non-AP STA. That is, both the first and second non-AP STAs support the TDLS protocol. If the second non-AP STA is not associated with the AP, the first non-AP STA can send a TWT element, such as a third TWT element, to the second non-AP STA.

[0164] Based on the above scheme, the AP or the first non-AP STA can inform the second non-AP STA of the parameters used to establish the TWT protocol. If the TWT protocol is established on a millimeter-wave link, the second non-AP STA can know when to communicate with the first non-AP STA, thus preparing the corresponding antenna configuration and beam to achieve directional communication on the millimeter-wave link. Furthermore, the AP or the first non-AP STA can indicate the information of the non-AP STA that is conducting P2P communication with the second non-AP STA, such as the first non-AP STA. Therefore, the second non-AP STA can obtain information from the other end of the P2P communication. If the TWT protocol is established on a millimeter-wave link, the second non-AP STA, knowing the information from the other end of the P2P communication, can perform beam training with the other end of the P2P communication, preparing the corresponding antenna configuration and beam.

[0165] If the first non-AP STA sends a third TWT element to the second non-AP STA, meaning the TWT protocol parameters are communicated to the second non-AP STA by the first non-AP STA, then the second non-AP STA can operate independently of the AP. The first and second non-AP STAs communicate via a direct Wi-Fi protocol. In a P2P network, the first non-AP STA acts as the AP, and the second non-AP STA is connected to the first non-AP STA; the AP cannot communicate directly with the second non-AP STA. In a P2P network, the first non-AP STA maintains second TSF information to synchronize the clocks of the second and first non-AP STAs. In a WLAN network, the AP maintains first TSF information to synchronize associated sites within the BSS. Because the TWT mechanism divides channel time intervals, participating devices must maintain time synchronization to ensure the TWT protocol parameters are aligned.

[0166] Therefore, in one possible implementation, the second TWT element can carry the first TSF information of the AP. The second time information in the second TWT element is determined based on the first TSF information. The first non-AP STA can determine third time information based on the second time information and the first TSF information. For example, the first non-AP STA determines third time information that satisfies its second TSF information based on the second time information and the first TSF information. The first non-AP STA can then send the third time information to the second non-AP STA. For example, the first non-AP STA can send the third time information in the third TWT element to the second non-AP STA.

[0167] The aforementioned first TSF information can be carried in the second TWT element. For example, a TSF field can be added to the TWT element shown in Figure 5 to indicate the TSF information of the sending end, as shown in Figure 9. For example, the TSF field in the second TWT element can indicate the TSF information of the AP. For instance, the TSF can be the TSF corresponding to the time when the second TWT element is sent.

[0168] In another possible implementation, the first TWT element can carry the second TSF information of the first non-AP STA. The first time information carried in the first TWT element is determined based on the second TSF information. Then, the AP can determine the fourth time information based on the first time information and the second TSF information, and this fourth time information satisfies the AP's first TSF information. The AP can determine the second time information based on the fourth time information and send the second TWT element carrying the second time information to the first non-AP STA.

[0169] The aforementioned second TSF information can be carried within the first TWT element. For example, a TSF field can be added to the TWT element shown in Figure 5 to indicate the TSF information of the sending end, as shown in Figure 9. For example, the TSF field in the first TWT element can indicate the TSF information of the first non-APSTA.

[0170] Based on the above scheme, the first non-AP STA and AP can synchronize their understanding of the time information in the parameters of the TWT protocol by exchanging TSF information.

[0171] In this embodiment of the application, the first TWT element and the second TWT element may interact on a sub-7GHz link, while the TWT protocol established between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA may be a TWT protocol established on a millimeter-wave link.

[0172] Referring to Figure 10A, the first non-AP STA can send a first TWT element to the AP on the sub-7GHz link. This first TWT element can carry parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first and second non-AP STAs on the millimeter-wave link. The AP can send a second TWT element to the first non-AP STA on the sub-7GHz link. Based on the second TWT element, if the AP accepts the TWT agreement request from the first non-AP STA, or in other words, if the AP agrees to establish the requested TWT agreement with the first non-AP STA, then the AP can send a third TWT element to the second non-AP STA on the sub-7GHz link. The second TWT element can carry parameters for establishing the TWT agreement between the first and second non-AP STAs on the millimeter-wave link, and the third TWT element can carry the TWT agreement between the first and second non-AP STAs on the millimeter-wave link.

[0173] Referring to Figure 10B, the first non-AP STA can send a first TWT element to the AP on the sub-7GHz link. This first TWT element can carry parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement on the millimeter-wave link between the first and second non-AP STAs. If the AP accepts the TWT agreement request from the first non-AP STA, or in other words, if the AP agrees to establish the requested TWT agreement with the first non-AP STA, the AP can broadcast a fifth TWT element on the sub-7GHz link. This fifth TWT element can carry parameters for establishing the TWT agreement on the millimeter-wave link between the first and second non-AP STAs. The first and second non-AP STAs can receive the fifth TWT element broadcast by the AP.

[0174] Figures 10A and 10B above illustrate the flow of the AP sending TWT protocol parameters to the second non-AP STA. Referring to Figure 11, the flow of the first non-AP STA sending TWT protocol parameters to the second non-AP STA is shown. As shown in Figure 11, the first non-AP STA can send a first TWT element to the AP on the sub-7GHz link. This first TWT element can carry parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT protocol on the millimeter-wave link between the first and second non-AP STAs. The AP can then send a second TWT element to the first non-AP STA on the sub-7GHz link. This second TWT element can also carry parameters for establishing a TWT protocol on the millimeter-wave link between the first and second non-AP STAs. Based on the second TWT element, if the AP accepts the TWT agreement request from the first non-AP STA, or in other words, if the AP agrees to establish the requested TWT agreement with the first non-AP STA, the first non-AP STA can send a third TWT element to the second non-AP STA on the sub-7GHz link. The third TWT element can carry the TWT agreement for establishing the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA on the millimeter-wave link.

[0175] In one possible implementation, the established TWT protocol is a TWT protocol over a millimeter-wave link. Therefore, the first, second, third, and fifth TWT elements can carry a seventh indication information, which can instruct the first and second non-AP STAs to perform beam training to determine the antenna configuration and beam for millimeter-wave communication.

[0176] In some embodiments, if there is more than one millimeter-wave link, the first non-AP STA can indicate alternative millimeter-wave links in the first TWT element. For example, referring to FIG12, the first TWT element can carry fifth indication information, such as a link ID bitmap, indicating the first millimeter-wave link. The requested TWT protocol can then be a TWT protocol established on the first millimeter-wave link, and the first time information can be the time information for establishing the TWT protocol on the first millimeter-wave link. The first TWT element also includes sixth indication information, which indicates one or more second millimeter-wave links other than the first millimeter-wave link. These one or more second millimeter-wave links are alternative millimeter-wave links. Alternatively, the sixth indication information can indicate alternative millimeter-wave links, which include one or more second millimeter-wave links other than the first millimeter-wave link.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second TWT element sent by the AP may indicate at least one second millimeter-wave link among the candidate millimeter-wave links, such as by indicating at least one second millimeter-wave link through a link ID bitmap. In this case, the established TWT protocol is the TWT protocol established on that at least one second millimeter-wave link, and the second time information included in the second TWT element is the time information for establishing the TWT protocol on the at least one second millimeter-wave link. For example, assuming that other communication, such as other TWT protocols or transmissions, exists on the first millimeter-wave link during the TWT agreement period, the AP can select at least one second millimeter-wave link from the candidate millimeter-wave links.

[0178] For example, as shown in Figure 12, a new field can be added, such as a candidate millimeter link bitmap field or a candidate millimeter link list field, to indicate one or more second millimeter-wave links.

[0179] Based on the above scheme, by providing one or more alternative millimeter-wave links, when there is already a transmission on the millimeter-wave link indicated by the link ID bit map that overlaps with the time of the requested TWT agreement, the AP can select at least one millimeter-wave link from the alternative millimeter-wave links to establish the TWT agreement, thereby reducing the interference of the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA to the communication of other devices during beam training, and also reducing the interference of the communication of other devices to beam training.

[0180] In this embodiment, the second non-AP STA may also initiate a request to establish a TWT agreement between the first and second non-AP STAs. For example, referring to Figure 13, the second non-AP STA sends a fourth TWT element to the first non-AP STA. This fourth TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first and second non-AP STAs, such as fourth time information. In this embodiment, the first time information may be the same as or different from the fourth time information. The fourth TWT element can be implemented with reference to the description shown in Figure 5. Optionally, the fourth TWT element may not carry first indication information.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the fourth TWT element can be carried in the channel usage request frame or the TWT establishment frame, and can be implemented with reference to the first TWT element, which will not be elaborated here.

[0182] Optionally, the fourth TWT element may carry one or more of the fifth, sixth, and seventh indication information mentioned above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0183] In some embodiments, to further reduce interference from other devices' communication with beam training, or to mitigate interference from beam training with other communication devices, the AP can broadcast a quiet time period response frame. This quiet time period response frame indicates a first time period for communication between a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. This first time period is determined based on the TWT protocol. For example, the first time period can be determined based on second time information, and it should be greater than or equal to the established TWT protocol time period. This quiet time period response frame allows devices within the BSS that support the quiet time period (QTP) function to refrain from channel contention during the first time period. For example, referring to Figure 14, the AP can broadcast the quiet time period response frame on a sub-7GHz link.

[0184] Based on this scheme, by using quiet time period response frames, devices supporting QTP function are not allowed to compete for the channel during the time period of the TWT agreement. The AP can reserve a period of idle channel time for P2P communication on the millimeter wave link, reducing the interference of other devices' communication on beam training and P2P communication.

[0185] Based on the following embodiments, a communication device provided in this application is described. Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device 1500 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the first non-AP STA, AP, or second non-AP STA in the various method embodiments described above. The communication device may include a processing unit 1510 and a transceiver unit 1520. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing unit 1510 and the transceiver unit 1520 can be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 1510 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The above-mentioned units can be set independently, or partially or completely integrated.

[0186] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1520 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit may be used to perform all transmitting operations performed by the communication device 1500, and the receiving unit may be used to perform all receiving operations performed by the communication device 1500.

[0187] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1500 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the first non-AP STA in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1500 can be a transmitter or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the first non-AP STA. The transceiver unit 1520 can be used to perform all the receive or transmit operations performed by the first non-AP STA in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. The processing unit 1510 is used to perform all operations performed by the first non-AP STA in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, except for the receive and transmit operations.

[0188] For example, processing unit 1510 is used to determine a first TWT element. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first time information. The first TWT element also includes first indication information used to indicate the second non-AP STA. Transceiver unit 1520 is used to send the first TWT element to the AP. Transceiver unit 1520 is also used to receive a second TWT element from the AP based on the first time information.

[0189] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1500 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the AP in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1500 can be an AP, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the AP. The transceiver unit 1520 can be used to perform all the receive or transmit operations performed by the AP in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. The processing unit 1510 is used to perform all operations performed by the AP in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, except for the receive and transmit operations.

[0190] For example, transceiver unit 1520 is configured to receive a first TWT element from a first non-AP STA. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first time information. The first TWT element contains first indication information used to instruct the second non-AP STA. Processing unit 1510 is configured to determine a second TWT element based on the first time information. Transceiver unit 1520 is also configured to send the second TWT element to the first non-AP STA.

[0191] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1500 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the second non-AP STA in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1500 can be the second non-AP STA, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the second non-AP STA. The transceiver unit 1520 can be used to perform all the receive or transmit operations performed by the second non-AP STA in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. The processing unit 1510 is used to perform all operations performed by the second non-AP STA in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, except for the receive and transmit operations.

[0192] For example, transceiver unit 1520 is used to receive a third TWT element, which carries parameters for establishing a TWT agreement between a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. These parameters include third time information. The third TWT element also contains fourth indication information, which indicates the first non-AP STA. Processing unit 1510 is used to determine the TWT agreement. Transceiver unit 1520 is also used to communicate with the first non-AP STA based on the TWT agreement.

[0193] For details regarding the operations performed by the processing unit 1510 and the transceiver unit 1520, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0194] It should be understood that the processing unit 1510 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver unit 1520 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components or a communication interface.

[0195] Based on the same concept, as shown in FIG16, this application embodiment provides a communication device 1600. The communication device 1600 includes a processor 1610. Optionally, the communication device 1600 may further include a memory 1620 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1610, or storing input data required by the processor 1610 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1610 executes instructions. The processor 1610 can implement the method shown in the above method embodiment through the instructions stored in the memory 1620.

[0196] Based on the same concept, as shown in FIG17, this application embodiment provides a communication device 1700, which may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in this application embodiment, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0197] The communication device 1700 may include at least one processor 1710 coupled to a memory, which may optionally be located within or outside the device. For example, the communication device 1700 may also include at least one memory 1720. The memory 1720 stores computer programs, configuration information, computer programs or instructions, and / or data necessary for implementing any of the above embodiments; the processor 1710 may execute the computer programs stored in the memory 1720 to perform the methods in any of the above embodiments.

[0198] The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1710 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1720. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1730, processor 1710, and memory 1720.

[0199] The communication device 1700 may also include a transceiver 1730, through which the communication device 1700 can interact with other devices. The transceiver 1730 may be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver, or any other device that can be used for information interaction, or a signal transceiver unit. As shown in Figure 17, the transceiver 1730 includes a transmitter 1731, a receiver 1732, and an antenna 1733. Furthermore, when the communication device 1700 is a chip-type device or circuit, the transceiver in the communication device 1700 may also be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, capable of inputting data (or receiving data) and outputting data (or transmitting data). The processor may be an integrated processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit, and the processor can determine the output data based on the input data.

[0200] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1700 can be applied to a first non-AP STA. Specifically, the communication device 1700 can be the first non-AP STA, or it can be a device capable of supporting the first non-AP STA in implementing the functions of the first non-AP STA in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The memory 1720 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data for implementing the functions of the communication device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The processor 1710 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1720 to complete the method executed by the transmitting end in any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0201] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1700 can be applied to an access point (AP). Specifically, the communication device 1700 can be an AP or a device capable of supporting the AP in implementing the functions of the AP in any of the above embodiments. The memory 1720 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions, and / or data for implementing the functions of the receiving end in any of the above embodiments. The processor 1710 can execute the computer programs stored in the memory 1720 to perform the methods executed by the receiving end in any of the above embodiments.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1700 can be applied to a second non-AP STA. Specifically, the communication device 1700 can be the second non-AP STA, or it can be a device capable of supporting the second non-AP STA in implementing the functions of the second non-AP STA in any of the embodiments described above. The memory 1720 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data for implementing the functions of the receiving end in any of the embodiments described above. The processor 1710 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1720 to complete the method executed by the receiving end in any of the embodiments described above.

[0203] Since the communication device 1700 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a first non-AP STA to complete the method executed by the first non-AP STA, or it can be applied to an AP to complete the method executed by the AP, or it can be applied to a second non-AP STA to complete the method executed by the second non-AP STA, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0204] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0205] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory can also be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store computer programs, computer program or instruction and / or data.

[0206] Based on the above embodiments, referring to FIG18, this application embodiment also provides another communication device 1800, including: an input / output interface 1810 and a logic circuit 1820; the input / output interface 1810 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the logic circuit 1820; the logic circuit 1820 is used to run the code instructions to execute the method executed by the first non-AP STA, AP or the second non-AP STA in any of the above embodiments.

[0207] Optionally, the input / output interface 1810 can be an on-chip interface, and the logic circuit 1820 can be one or more processors. Optionally, the one or more processors can be located within the device or outside the device.

[0208] The following is a detailed description of the operations performed by this communication device on a first non-AP STA, AP, or second non-AP STA.

[0209] In one alternative implementation, the communication device 1800 can be applied to a first non-AP STA to execute the method performed by the first non-AP STA, specifically, for example, the method performed by the first non-AP STA in the embodiment shown in FIG4 above.

[0210] For example, logic circuit 1820 is used to determine a first TWT element. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between a first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first timing information. The first TWT element also includes first indication information used to indicate the second non-AP STA. Input / output interface 1810 is used to send the first TWT element to the AP. Input / output interface 1810 is also used to receive a second TWT element from the AP based on feedback of the first timing information.

[0211] Since the communication device 1800 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a first non-AP STA to complete the method executed by the first non-AP STA described above, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0212] In one alternative implementation, the communication device 1800 can be applied to an AP to execute the methods performed by the AP, specifically, for example, the methods performed by the AP in the embodiment shown in FIG4 above.

[0213] For example, input / output interface 1810 is used to receive a first TWT element from a first non-AP STA. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and a second non-AP STA. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first timing information. The first TWT element contains first indication information used to indicate the second non-AP STA. Logic circuit 1820 is used to determine a second TWT element for feedback based on the first timing information. Input / output interface 1810 is also used to send the second TWT element to the first non-AP STA.

[0214] Since the communication device 1800 provided in this embodiment can be applied to an AP to complete the method executed by the AP described above, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0215] In one alternative implementation, the communication device 1800 can be applied to a second non-AP STA to execute the method performed by the second non-AP STA, specifically, for example, the method performed by the second non-AP STA in the embodiment shown in FIG4 above.

[0216] For example, input / output interface 1810 is used to receive a third TWT element, which carries parameters for establishing a TWT agreement between the first non-AP STA and the second non-AP STA. These parameters include third timing information. The third TWT element also contains fourth indication information, which indicates the first non-AP STA. Logic circuit 1820 is used to determine the TWT agreement. Input / output interface 1810 is also used to communicate with the first non-AP STA based on the TWT agreement.

[0217] Since the communication device 1800 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a second non-AP STA to complete the method executed by the second non-AP STA described above, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0218] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication system. The communication system includes at least one communication device applied to a first non-AP STA, at least one communication device applied to an AP, and at least one communication device applied to a second non-AP STA. The technical effects obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0219] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a system. The communication system includes at least one first non-AP, at least one AP, and at least one second non-AP STA.

[0220] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the instructions are executed, the method executed by the sending end in any of the above embodiments is implemented. The method executed by the first non-AP STA, AP, or second non-AP STA is implemented. The computer-readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, portable hard drive, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0221] To achieve the functions of the communication devices shown in Figures 15-18, this application embodiment also provides a chip, including a processor, for supporting the communication device in implementing the functions involved in the first non-AP STA, AP, or second non-AP STA in the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the chip is connected to a memory or the chip includes a memory for storing the necessary computer programs or instructions and data of the communication device.

[0222] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0223] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer programs or instructions. These computer programs or instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0224] These computer programs or instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0225] These computer programs or instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0226] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, if these modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to the first non-access point site, including: A first target wake-up time (TWT) element is sent to the access point site. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first time information. The first TWT element also includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the second non-access point site. Receive a second TWT element from the access point site based on the first time information feedback.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first indication information includes at least one of the following: The associated identifier of the second non-access point site or the media access control MAC address of the second non-access point site.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame. The target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is the TWT protocol between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second TWT element also includes third indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a third TWT element determined based on the second TWT element to the second non-access point site.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The third TWT element contains fourth indication information, which indicates the first non-access point site.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The fourth indication information includes at least one of the following: The associated identifier of the first non-access point site or the access control address of the first non-access point site.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The second TWT element includes the first time synchronization function (TSF) information and the second time information of the access point site, wherein the second time information is determined based on the first TSF information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, Also includes: The third time information is determined based on the second time information and the first TSF information; The third time information is sent to the second non-access point site.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first TWT element also includes the second TSF information of the first non-access point site, and the first time information is determined based on the second TSF information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Before sending the first target wake-up time (TWT) element to the access point station, the method further includes: Receive a fourth TWT element from the second non-access point site, the fourth TWT element carrying parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The first TWT element also includes fifth indication information, which indicates a first millimeter-wave link. The first time information is the time information for establishing the TWT protocol on the first millimeter-wave link. The first TWT element also includes sixth indication information, which indicates one or more second millimeter-wave links other than the first millimeter-wave link. The one or more second millimeter-wave links are alternative millimeter-wave links.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The second TWT element contains second time information for the time information of establishing the TWT protocol on at least one of the one or more second millimeter-wave links.

15. A method of communication, comprising: Applied to access point sites, including: A first target wake-up time (TWT) element is received from a first non-access point site. The first TWT element carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-access point site and a second non-access point site. The parameters for establishing the TWT agreement include first time information. The first TWT element contains first indication information, which is used to indicate the second non-access point site. Send a second TWT element based on the first time information feedback to the first non-access point site.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first indication information includes at least one of the following: The associated identifier of the second non-access point site or the media access and control MAC address of the second non-access point site.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame.

18. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The first TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame. The target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is the TWT protocol between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site.

19. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein, The second TWT element also includes third indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site.

20. The method of any one of claims 15-19, wherein, Also includes: Send a third TWT element based on the first time information feedback to the second non-access point site.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The third TWT element contains fourth indication information, which indicates the first non-access point site.

22. The method of any one of claims 15-21, wherein, The second TWT element includes the first time synchronization function (TSF) information and the second time information of the access point site, wherein the second time information is determined based on the first TSF information.

23. The method of any one of claims 15-22, wherein, The first TWT element also includes the second TSF information of the first non-access point site, and the first time information is determined based on the second TSF information.

24. The method of any one of claims 15-23, wherein, The first TWT element also includes fifth indication information, which indicates a first millimeter-wave link. The first time information is the time information for establishing the TWT protocol on the first millimeter-wave link. The first TWT element also includes sixth indication information, which indicates one or more second millimeter-wave links other than the first millimeter-wave link. The one or more second millimeter-wave links are alternative millimeter-wave links.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The second TWT element contains second time information for the time information of establishing the TWT protocol on at least one of the one or more second millimeter-wave links.

26. The method of any one of claims 15-25, wherein, Also includes: A quiet time period response frame is broadcast, the quiet time period response frame indicating a first time period for communication between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site, the first time period being determined based on the TWT protocol.

27. A method of communication, comprising: Applied to second non-access point sites, including: A third TWT element is received, the third TWT element carrying parameters for establishing a TWT agreement between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site, the parameters for establishing the TWT agreement including third time information; wherein, the third TWT element contains fourth indication information, the fourth indication information indicating the first non-access point site; Communicates with the first non-access point site based on the TWT protocol.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The fourth indication information includes at least one of the following: The associated identifier of the first non-access point site or the media access and control address of the first non-access point site.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein, The receiving of the third TWT element includes: Receive the third TWT element from the first non-access point station; or... Receive the third TWT element from the access point site.

30. The method of any one of claims 27-29, wherein, Also includes: Send a fourth TWT element, which carries parameters for requesting the establishment of a TWT agreement between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein, The fourth TWT element is carried in the channel usage request frame.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein, The fourth TWT element is carried in the target wake-up time establishment frame. The target wake-up time information frame includes second indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is the TWT protocol between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site.

33. The method of any one of claims 27-32, wherein, The third TWT element also includes third indication information, which indicates that the TWT protocol is a TWT protocol between the first non-access point site and the second non-access point site.

34. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when invoked by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 26, or the method as described in any one of claims 27 to 33.

35. A chip system, characterized by The chip system includes: Communication interface; A processor is configured to invoke and execute instructions via the communication interface, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 26, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 27 to 33.

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