Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method supports an IEEE protocol, such as an IEEE 802.11be / WiFi 7 / EHT protocol, an IEEE 802.11bn / WiFi 8 protocol, an IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, or an IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol, or a SparkLink / NearLink standard protocol. The method comprises: a first apparatus detects a first data frame, detects an acknowledgement frame of the first data frame, and sends a second data frame, the first data frame comprising coordination information, and the coordination information being used for instructing the first apparatus and a second apparatus to perform coordination. The coordination information is carried in the first data frame, so that the first apparatus can coordinate with the second apparatus without additionally sending control frames, thereby effectively reducing the overhead of coordinated transmission of different apparatuses.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510083218.6, filed on January 17, 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 communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] With the continuous development of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, WLAN devices are becoming increasingly dense. In network environments with dense access points (APs), interference between basic service sets (BSSs) is quite severe. When an AP in one BSS competes for a channel (or transmission opportunity) and transmits data, an AP or station (STA) in another BSS may be interfered with (e.g., collisions or conflicts occur due to mutual competition for the channel (or transmission opportunity).

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, the industry has proposed a scheme for coordinated transmission among APs within different BSSs. Taking two APs within different BSSs (e.g., AP1 and AP2) as an example: After AP1 wins a transmission opportunity (or transmission time), it can transmit data for a period of time within that opportunity. If AP1 has remaining transmission opportunities to share, it can share these opportunities with AP2. In this case, AP1 sends a Multi-User-Request to Send (MU-RTS) frame. The MU-RTS frame indicates that AP2 can use AP1's remaining transmission opportunities. The MU-RTS frame carries the remaining transmission opportunities (or remaining transmission time) available to AP2. After receiving the MU-RTS frame, AP2 can send a Clear to Send (CTS) frame. The CTS frame indicates that data transmission is about to begin. Finally, after AP2 finishes transmitting data using its remaining transmission opportunities, it can send a Contention Free End (CF-End) frame. The CF-End frame is used to indicate the end of data transmission, the end of the current transmission opportunity, the expiration of the air interface reservation time, or the early exhaustion of the air interface reservation time. However, this scheme requires the additional transmission of some control frames (such as MU-RTS, CTS frames, CF-End frames, etc.) to achieve coordinated transmission, resulting in relatively high coordinated transmission overhead.

[0006] Further research is needed on how to effectively reduce the overhead of collaborative transmission between different APs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can effectively reduce the overhead of collaborative transmission between different devices (or different nodes).

[0008] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a first device. For example, the first device may be a first node (or a first device), or it may be a module or component within the first node (or the first device), such as a communication module, circuits or chips responsible for communication functions (e.g., modem chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores), chip systems, or processors applicable to the first node (or the first device). It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node (or the first device). For example, the first node (or the first device) may be an AP or a STA. The method may include the following steps: the first device detects a first data frame; then, the first device may detect an acknowledgment frame of the first data frame and send a second data frame. The first data frame may include coordination information; the first data frame is a data frame sent by the second device to a device associated with the second device; the coordination information can be used to instruct the first device to coordinate with the second device; and the second data frame is a data frame sent by the first device to a device associated with the first device.

[0009] In this method, by carrying coordination information in the first data frame, the second device enables the first device to promptly know that it can coordinate with the second device. This further facilitates the first device to send the data frame to be sent (such as the second data frame) in a timely and efficient manner when it can utilize or share the transmission opportunity of the second device. This achieves coordinated transmission between the first and second devices (which can be understood as the first and second devices successively sending their respective data frames within the same transmission opportunity) without needing to send additional control frames (such as MU-RTS frames, CTS frames, CF-End frames, etc.) to achieve coordinated data frame transmission (or coordinated sending). This effectively reduces the overhead of coordinated transmission between different devices (or different nodes, such as different APs or different STAs). It should be understood that coordinated transmission between the first and second devices can refer to the first and second devices sharing the transmission opportunity obtained by the second device through competition, and successively sending their respective data frames within the same transmission opportunity.

[0010] Furthermore, since the first device sends the second data frame promptly after detecting the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame (which can be understood as the first device sending the second data frame at a relatively short interval after detecting the acknowledgment frame), other devices cannot preempt the channel or air interface that the second device has competed for (which can be understood as other devices being unable to compete with the first and second devices for the channel or air interface). This helps to ensure that the second device and the first device occupy the channel or air interface successively for data transmission, thereby effectively reducing the probability of collisions or conflicts caused by other devices competing for (or preempting) the channel or air interface, and thus effectively improving air interface efficiency or channel efficiency.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the coordination information included in the first data frame may include at least one of the following: identification information, indication information, or time information;

[0012] The identification information is used to identify the first device, the indication information is used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to send the second data frame, and the time information is used to indicate the duration of data transmission by the first device.

[0013] In the above implementation, by carrying the identification information of the first device in the collaboration information, it is convenient for the first device to detect (or monitor) the first data frame and, based on the identification information of the first device included in the first data frame, to determine in a timely and accurate manner whether the first device can be paired or collaborate with the second device, or to determine whether the first device and the second device have a collaborative relationship or a pairing relationship.

[0014] By carrying indication information in the collaboration information, the first device can promptly and accurately determine whether it can pair or collaborate with the second device, or whether the first device has a collaboration or pairing relationship with the second device, based on the indication information included in the first data frame when detecting the first data frame. This enables the first device to accurately pair or collaborate with the second device.

[0015] By including time information in the coordination information, the first device can accurately and promptly determine the duration of data transmission based on the time information included in the first data frame when detecting it. This allows the first device to clearly know how long it can transmit data frames using the channel or air interface that the second device has competed for, or how many data frames it can transmit using the channel or air interface that the second device has competed for.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the identification information of the first device may include at least one of the following: all or part of the information in the address information, a cooperative identifier, or a numerical value corresponding to the address information.

[0017] In the above implementation, when the identification information of the first device includes all the information in the address information of the first device, the first device can more timely confirm (or clearly or explicitly) that it has a collaborative relationship or pairing relationship with the second device.

[0018] When the identification information of the first device includes part of the address information of the first device, or includes a cooperative identifier, or includes a value corresponding to the address information, it helps to reduce communication overhead. It should be understood that partial information, cooperative identifiers, or values ​​occupy fewer bits than all information in the address information, thus reducing communication overhead.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first device and the second device can be pre-paired cooperative devices.

[0020] In the above implementation, when the first device and the second device are pre-paired cooperative devices, the second device can promptly and accurately share the transmission opportunity with the first device after determining that the transmission opportunity can be shared. This allows the first device to promptly send the data frame to be sent using the transmission opportunity. It can be understood that in this implementation, when the second device determines that the transmission opportunity can be shared, it already knows which device has a cooperative or paired relationship with the second device.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first device sends a second data frame, including:

[0022] The first device can send a second data frame at a first moment, wherein the first moment is equal to the sum of the end time of the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame and the first duration.

[0023] In the above implementation, the first device can send the second data frame as soon as the first duration is reached (or immediately) after the end of the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame. This ensures that the first device sends the data frame in a timely or rapid manner, which helps to ensure that the first device and the second device successively occupy the channel or air interface that the second device has competed for to transmit data. Furthermore, it can prevent other devices from preempting the channel or air interface, thereby effectively reducing the probability of collisions or conflicts caused by other devices competing for (or preempting) the channel or air interface.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first duration can be equal to the short inter-frame interval; or...

[0025] The first duration can be equal to the point coordination function frame interval.

[0026] In the above implementation, since the short inter-frame interval or point coordination function frame interval is relatively short (or relatively small), the first device can send the second data frame immediately after detecting the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame within a short time interval. This ensures that the second device and the first device occupy the channel or the air interface for data transmission in succession, thereby effectively reducing the probability of collisions or conflicts caused by other devices competing for the channel or air interface.

[0027] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a second device. For example, the second device can be a second node (or a second device), or it can be a module or component within the second node (or the second device), such as a communication module, circuitry or chip responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor applicable to the second node (or the second device). It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second node (or the second device). For example, the second node (or the second device) can be an AP or a STA. The method can include the following steps: the second device acquires a transmission opportunity, and then the second device can send a first data frame within the transmission opportunity. The first data frame can include coordination information. The first data frame is a data frame sent by the second device to a device associated with the second device, and the coordination information can be used to instruct the first device and the second device to coordinate.

[0028] The technical effects achievable in the second aspect are similar to those achievable in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0030] The second device determines that the transmission opportunity can be shared.

[0031] In the above implementation, before the second device sends the first data frame within the transmission opportunity it has won through contention, it needs to determine whether the transmission opportunity is shareable. This makes the sharing of transmission opportunities more reasonable, accurate, and in line with the actual needs of the second device. If the transmission opportunity is shareable, the second device can promptly and effectively share the remaining transmission opportunities after transmitting its own data frame with devices that have a cooperative or paired relationship with it, such as the first device. This allows the second device and the first device to successively occupy the channel or air interface won by the second device for data transmission, effectively reducing the probability of collisions or conflicts caused by other devices competing for the channel or air interface. If the transmission opportunity is not shareable, the second device can utilize the transmission opportunity to transmit the data frames it needs to transmit as much as possible, helping to meet the data frame transmission needs of the second device.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0033] The second device determines the first device;

[0034] The first device may satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

[0035] The transmission channel occupancy rate is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the device has the same operating frequency as the second device, or the signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0036] In the above implementation, when a device meets at least one of the above conditions, it can be accurately determined that the device can be paired with the second device, that is, it can be determined that the device can perform cooperative data frame transmission with the second device (which can be understood as the device can share the transmission opportunity obtained by the second device in competition with the second device, and send their respective data frames in succession within the transmission opportunity). This can make the determination of the first device more accurate, more reasonable, and more in line with the actual needs of the scenario.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the coordination information included in the first data frame may include at least one of the following: identification information, indication information, or time information;

[0038] The identification information is used to identify the first device, the indication information is used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to send the second data frame, and the time information is used to indicate the duration of data transmission by the first device.

[0039] The technical effects achievable by the above implementation method can be referred to the technical effects achievable by the corresponding implementation method provided in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the identification information of the first device may include at least one of the following: all or part of the information in the address information, a cooperative identifier, or a numerical value corresponding to the address information.

[0041] The technical effects achievable by the above implementation method can be referred to the technical effects achievable by the corresponding implementation method provided in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first device and the second device can be pre-paired cooperative devices.

[0043] The technical effects achievable by the above implementation method can be referred to the technical effects achievable by the corresponding implementation method provided in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device including units or means for performing the various steps of any of the implementation methods in the first aspect described above.

[0045] For example, the communication device may be a first device. The first device may be a first node or a module within the first node (e.g., a communication module applicable to the first node, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor, etc.). The communication device has the function of implementing the method in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect described above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described function. For example, the first node may be an AP or a STA.

[0046] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device including units or means for performing the various steps of any implementation method in the second aspect described above.

[0047] For example, the communication device can be a second device. The second device may be a second node or a module within the second node (e.g., a communication module applicable to the second node, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor, etc.). The communication device has the functionality to implement the method in any of the possible implementations of the second aspect described above. This functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functionality. For example, the second node can be an AP or a STA.

[0048] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions involved in the first to second aspects described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the first to second aspects described above. The functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver unit (or communication module, used for sending and receiving data) and a processing unit (or processing module). The transceiver unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; for example, it can be used to send data to other communication devices. The processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the transceiver unit and the processing unit may correspond to the operations described in the first and second aspects above.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor, which can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first to second aspects above. The at least one processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects above when the computer programs or instructions are executed.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor and a memory, the memory of which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first to second aspects described above. The at least one processor may execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes at least one processor and a transceiver (or communication interface or interface circuit), wherein the at least one processor is used to communicate with other devices via the transceiver and to perform the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects described above. The transceiver is used to enable the communication device to communicate with other devices, for example, to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the at least one processor, or to send signals from the at least one processor of the communication device to other communication devices, such as the transmission or reception of data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0053] It is understood that, in the fifth aspect mentioned above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there can be one or more processors, and one or more memories. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and processor can be separate. In specific implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or it can be set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0054] Sixthly, this application provides a possible communication system, which may include the first device and the second device mentioned in the first or second aspect above. The functional implementation of the first or second device can be found in the relevant descriptions mentioned in the first or second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] For example, the number of the first device or the second device can be one or more.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0057] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0058] Ninthly, this application provides a chip that may include at least one processor and may also include a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory), wherein the at least one processor executes program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above. Here, "coupling" means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling can refer to an electrical connection between two components.

[0059] Tenthly, this application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing any possible implementation of the methods in any of the first to second aspects described above. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing programs and data necessary for the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0060] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 illustrates a scenario diagram of an infrastructure BSS provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of transmission within a TXOP provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary network architecture diagram of a WLAN provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of a data frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 6 illustrates, exemplarily, a format or structure diagram of an HT control field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 7a illustrates an exemplary timing diagram of a cooperative transmission according to an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 7b illustrates an exemplary timing diagram of another cooperative transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 7c illustrates, exemplarily, another cooperative transmission timing diagram provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 8 illustrates a possible structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of another possible communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Before introducing the technical solutions provided in this application, some of the terms used in this application will be explained in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0073] (1) Basic Service Set (BSS)

[0074] A Base Station Service (BSS) is the basic infrastructure of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 local area network, consisting of several stations (STAs). Different types of BSSs have different topologies formed by their member STAs. Based on differences in topology, function, etc., BSSs can be divided into Infrastructure BSSs (IBSSs), Independent BSSs (IBSSs), etc.

[0075] Figure 1 illustrates a scenario of an Infrastructure BSS. As shown in Figure 1, BSS1, BSS2, and BSS3 are three Infrastructure BSSs for the distribution system (DS). From a site topology perspective, one special site within the Infrastructure BSS acts as the access point to the DS; this site is called the access point (AP), and the other sites are called non-AP STAs. All non-AP STAs access the DS through the AP.

[0076] It should be understood that when referring to "sites in BSS" or similar expressions in this application, the site referred to can be either an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0077] An overlapping basic service set (OBSS) refers to a BSS whose coverage areas overlap and use the same channel. To reduce signal coverage dead zones, APs may be deployed with overlapping coverage areas; due to limited spectrum, the same channel may be reused by multiple BSSs. Thus, it's possible for BSSs with overlapping coverage areas to use the same channel. As shown in Figure 1, AP1 and AP2 are each other's OBSS (or, AP1 is AP2's OBSS, and AP2 is AP1's OBSS). BSSs that are each other's OBSSs can communicate with each other, but mutual interference may occur.

[0078] (2) Transmission opportunity (TXOP)

[0079] In the IEEE 802.11 protocol, information is transmitted in units of physical-layer protocol data units (PPDUs). Typically, a device needs to transmit multiple PPDUs to complete a single service interaction. If backoff is required before each PPDU transmission, transmission efficiency is low. Therefore, the protocol introduces TXOP to allow stations that have completed backoff to efficiently transmit multiple PPDUs.

[0080] Specifically, after an access point completes its backoff, it gains a period of time, known as TXOP, during which the time interval between adjacent PPDUs (referring to the time between a PPDU received and a PPDU sent by the access point, or between two PPDUs sent by the access point) is only the short inter-frame spacing (SIFS), without requiring backoff. The access point declares the length of this TXOP period at the beginning, and other access points parse this length and avoid competing for the channel during this period.

[0081] The access point that acquires a TXOP through contention avoidance is called the TXOP holder (or TXOP holder, i.e., the access point that sends the first frame within the TXOP); the access point that communicates with the TXOP holder within the TXOP is called the TXOP responder (or TXOP responder, i.e., the station other than the TXOP holder that participates in the transmission within the TXOP). For example, as shown in Figure 2, AP1 and AP2 can transmit data within the same TXOP. AP1 sends PPDU0 first, followed by AP2 sending PPDU1. Accordingly, AP1 can reach SIFS to receive the response frame corresponding to PPDU0 (e.g., the block acknowledge (BA) 0 frame shown in Figure 2) after the end of PPDU0, and AP2 can reach SIFS to receive the response frame corresponding to PPDU1 (e.g., the BA1 frame shown in Figure 2) after the end of PPDU1. Within this TXOP, AP3 does not participate in the transmission within this TXOP; that is, AP3 cannot send PPDUs within this TXOP to avoid interfering with the transmission within this TXOP. In other words, it can be understood that while AP1 and AP2 are sending PPDUs, AP3 cannot preempt the air interface (which can be understood as being unable to preempt the TXOP or the channel) to transmit data (such as sending PPDUs).

[0082] For example, the maximum length of a TXOP is approximately 8 milliseconds.

[0083] (3) Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA) Mechanism: When a node (such as an AP or STA) needs to transmit data, it must first compete for the channel (or compete for the transmission opportunity). Before competing for the channel, the node needs to select a random number within the contention window as a random backoff counter value. Afterward, the node continuously checks whether the channel is idle. For example, the node checks whether the channel is idle every time a slot (e.g., a 9µs slot) has elapsed. If the channel is idle, the node decrements the backoff counter value by 1; if the channel is busy, the backoff counter value remains unchanged. The node continues to check whether the channel is idle until the backoff counter value equals 0, at which point the node competes for the channel and uses it to transmit data.

[0084] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0085] The following describes the communication systems to which the communication method provided in this application is applicable. It should be noted that this description is for the convenience of those skilled in the art and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0086] This application's embodiments can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, for example, to IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11bn, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) 7, Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11bf, and next-generation standards of 802.11bn, such as Wi-Fi 9 or even later. Alternatively, this application's embodiments can also be applied to WLAN systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, this application's embodiments can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and future communication systems.

[0087] 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; 802.11be as EHT or Wi-Fi 7; and 802.11bn as UHR or Wi-Fi 8. Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, can be collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT).

[0088] Figure 3 illustrates a network architecture diagram of a WLAN to which this application embodiment can be applied. As shown in Figure 3, the WLAN includes one access point (AP) and several stations (STAs) associated with the AP. AP1 and its associated STAs can constitute a BSS. In this BSS, the STAs associated with the AP (e.g., STA1, STA2, STA3, STA4, STA5, and STA6) can receive radio frames sent by the AP and can also send radio frames to the AP. STAs can also communicate with each other. The method of this application embodiment can be applied to communication between APs and STAs, and also to communication between APs. For example, APs can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS). This application embodiment can also be applied to communication between STAs. It should be understood that the network architecture shown in Figure 3 is only an example. The actual network architecture shown in Figure 3 may include other devices, and the number of APs and STAs shown in Figure 3 is only an example. The actual number of APs and / or STAs may be more or less.

[0089] The embodiments of this application can be applied to communication systems / scenarios within one or more BSSs, and may also be applicable to communication systems / scenarios within OBSSs.

[0090] It should be noted that the network architecture shown in Figure 3 (also referred to as the communication system architecture) does not constitute a limitation on the network architecture to which the embodiments of this application can be applied. The method provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as Wi-Fi systems, 6G communication systems, or various future mobile communication systems, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0091] Access points, which are the points through which terminal devices (such as mobile phones) access wired (or wireless) networks, 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 connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, 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 be devices that support the 802.11bn standard. Access points can also be devices that support various wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, including 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11bn next generation.

[0092] A site can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, a site can be a mobile phone (such as a smartphone) 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 802.11bn standard. The site can also support various wireless local area network (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11bn next-generation.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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 that supports the MAC and 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 are typically terminal products that support the media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) of the 802.11 system standard, such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0095] The communication system architecture or network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication system or network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to similar technical problems.

[0096] This application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW, IEEE 802.15 / UWB, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing; this application may also support Spark Link / NearLink standard protocols.

[0097] Currently, to enable coordinated transmission among APs within different BSSs, an AP (e.g., AP1), after competing for a transmission opportunity, can broadcast a MU-RTS frame 1. MU-RTS frame 1 indicates a reserved air interface (which can be understood as occupying the air interface). MU-RTS frame 1 includes a network allocation vector (NAV), which indicates the duration of the reserved air interface (which can be understood as the duration of the occupied air interface, i.e., the transmission opportunity). After receiving a CTS frame (which can be understood as a response frame to MU-RTS frame 1, such as a CTS frame from a STA associated with AP1), AP1 can transmit data for a period of time within the transmission opportunity. If AP1 has remaining transmission opportunities to share, AP1 can send MU-RTS frame 2 to AP2. MU-RTS frame 2 indicates that AP2 can use AP1's remaining transmission opportunities. MU-RTS frame 2 carries the remaining transmission opportunities (or remaining transmission time) that AP2 can use. After receiving the MU-RTS frame, AP2 can then send a CTS frame. The CTS frame indicates that data transmission is about to begin. Then, after AP2 has finished transmitting data using the remaining transmission opportunities, it can send a CF-End frame. The CF-End frame indicates the end of data transmission, the end of the current transmission opportunity, the expiration of the air interface reservation time, or the early exhaustion of the air interface reservation time.

[0098] However, since the above-mentioned cooperative transmission scheme requires the additional transmission of some control frames (such as MU-RTS frame 1, MU-RTS frame 2, CTS frame, CF-End frame, etc.), the AP cooperative transmission overhead in different BSSs is relatively large.

[0099] In view of this, this application provides a communication method to effectively reduce the overhead of collaborative transmission between different devices (or different nodes).

[0100] The specific implementation of the communication method in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is applicable to the communication system architecture shown in Figure 3. For ease of understanding, Figure 4 is illustrated using a first device and a second device executing the communication method as an example, but this application does not limit the executing entity. For example, the first device may be a first node (or a first device), or it may be a module or component within the first node (or the first device), such as a communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor that can be applied to the first node (or the first device). It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node (or the first device). For example, the first node (or the first device) may be an AP or a STA. The second device can be a second node (or second equipment), or it can be a module or component within the second node (or second equipment), such as a communication module, circuitry or chip responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor that can be applied to the second node (or second equipment). It can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second node (or second equipment). For example, the second node (or second equipment) can be an AP or a STA. Exemplarily, if the first device is an AP, the second device can be an AP or a STA. If the first device is a STA, the second device can be an AP or a STA.

[0102] S401: The second device obtains a transmission opportunity.

[0103] For example, a transmission opportunity can refer to the time a second device occupies the channel after successfully contending for it (also known as a channel contention success). The second device can use the transmission opportunity obtained through contention to transmit data (or communicate), such as sending data frames (or data packets).

[0104] For example, a transmission opportunity may include one or more superframes, or one or more radio frames, or one or more time slots, or one or more symbols (such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). It should be understood that a channel here may refer to one of a pre-divided frequency domain resources. For example, the bandwidth of a channel may be 20 MHz, or it may be 40 MHz or 80 MHz, etc.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the second device may use an existing channel contention mechanism to participate in channel contention (or transmission opportunity contention), such as the CSMA / CA mechanism, or other mechanisms may be used, which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0106] S402: The second device transmits the first data frame during the transmission opportunity. Accordingly, the first device detects (or monitors) the first data frame.

[0107] The first data frame can be a data frame sent by the second device to a device associated with the second device. For example, if the second device is an AP (such as AP1), the second data frame is sent by AP1 to one or more STAs associated with AP1. As another example, if the second device is a STA (such as STA1), the second data frame is sent by STA1 to one or more APs associated with STA1.

[0108] For example, the first data frame can be a PPDU, such as PPDU0.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first data frame may include coordination information. This coordination information instructs the first device and the second device to coordinate (or coordinate transmission or communication). It can be understood that instructing the first device and the second device to coordinate may include: within the same transmission opportunity, after the second device sends a data frame (e.g., the first data frame), the first device then sends a data frame (e.g., the second data frame). That is, the first device and the second device can share the transmission opportunity and successively send their respective data frames within the same transmission opportunity.

[0110] The first device may satisfy at least one of the following conditions: its transmission channel utilization (TXCU) is greater than or equal to a first threshold; it operates at the same frequency as the second device; or its signal quality is greater than or equal to a second threshold. Optionally, the TXCU of a device may refer to the ratio of the duration during which the device occupies the air interface or channel for data transmission (e.g., transmitting data frames) within a set duration to the set duration; or the TXCU may refer to the ratio of the device's corresponding busy time (i.e., the time the device occupies the air interface or channel within the set duration) to the set duration. For example, the set duration may be 1 second (s), 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or other values.

[0111] The following section introduces the coordination information included in the first data frame.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the coordination information can be carried in the high throughput (HT control) field in the first data frame.

[0113] The relevant fields of the first data frame will be introduced next.

[0114] Taking the HT control field carrying coordination information in the first data frame as an example. Referring to Figure 5, the first data frame includes a frame control field and other fields, such as duration, addresses 1 to 4, sequence control, quality of service (QoS) control, frame body, and frame check sequence (FCS). The frame control field indicates whether the HT control field exists in the data frame. If the frame control field indicates the presence of the HT control field, then the data frame shown in Figure 5 also includes the HT control field.

[0115] For example, the length of an HT control field is 4 bytes (byte or octet), and there are three types of HT control fields, indicated or represented by bits B0 and B1. When B0 = 0, it indicates that the HT control field is of type HT; when B0 = 1 and B1 = 0, it indicates that the HT control field is of type VHT; when B0 = 1 and B1 = 1, it indicates that the HT control field is of type HE.

[0116] Referring to Figure 6, the HT control field may include link adaptation control, calibration position, calibration sequence, reserved field 1, channel state information / steering (CSI / steering), HT null data packet announcement (HT NDPA), reserved field 2, drop eligible indicator (DEI), and other fields.

[0117] In this embodiment, the link adjustment control field occupies 15 bits, the calibration position occupies 2 bits, the calibration sequence occupies 2 bits, the reserved field 1 occupies 2 bits, the channel state information / shaping field occupies 2 bits, the HT empty data packet notification field occupies 1 bit, the reserved field 2 occupies 4 bits, and the discard qualification identifier field occupies 1 bit.

[0118] For example, collaborative information may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following information (a) to (c).

[0119] (a) Identification information.

[0120] The identification information can be used to identify the first device. That is to say, the identification information of the first device can be identity information used to indicate the first device.

[0121] The identification information of the first device is illustrated below through several possible examples.

[0122] Example a1: The identification information of the first device includes all the information in the address information of the first device.

[0123] For example, the address information of the first device can refer to the media access control (MAC) address of the first device. Alternatively, the MAC address can also be described as a physical address.

[0124] By carrying all the information in the address information of the first device in the collaboration information, it is convenient for the first device to detect (or monitor) the first data frame and, based on all the information in the address information of the first device included in the first data frame, to determine in a timely and accurate manner whether the first device can be paired or collaborate with the second device, or to determine whether the first device and the second device have a collaborative relationship or a pairing relationship.

[0125] Optionally, the first device can perform data frame detection (or monitoring) operations in real time or periodically. After detecting a data frame, the first device can determine whether the data frame contains (or carries) coordination information. Further, if the data frame contains coordination information, the first device can determine what information or specific details the coordination information includes.

[0126] Example a2: The identification information of the first device includes part of the address information of the first device.

[0127] For example, the partial information in the address information of the first device may refer to the beginning information (or part of the beginning information) of the address information of the first device, or it may refer to the end information (or part of the end information) of the address information of the first device, or it may refer to the middle information (or part of the middle information) of the address information of the first device, or it may refer to the truncated information in the address information of the first device (such as truncating the header information, or truncating the middle information, or truncating the tail information, etc.).

[0128] By carrying a portion of the address information of the first device in the coordination information, overhead (or communication overhead) can be reduced. It is understood that a portion of the address information occupies fewer bits than the entire address information, thus reducing overhead.

[0129] Furthermore, by carrying part of the address information of the first device in the collaboration information, it is also convenient for the first device to detect the first data frame and, based on the part of the address information of the first device included in the first data frame, to determine in a timely and accurate manner whether the first device can be paired or collaborate with the second device, or to determine whether the first device and the second device have a collaborative or paired relationship.

[0130] Example a3: The identification information of the first device includes the numerical value corresponding to the address information of the first device.

[0131] In one example, the identification information of the first device may include a first value corresponding to all the information in the address information of the first device.

[0132] For example, when the identification information of the first device includes the value corresponding to the address information of the first device, the value corresponding to the address information of the first device can be carried in the 4-bit reserved field 2 in the HT control field shown in Figure 6. For example, one or more bits in the 4-bit reserved field 2 can be used to indicate the value corresponding to the address information of the first device.

[0133] For example, the first value can be obtained by performing an XOR operation on the first half and the second half of all the information in the address information of the first device, or the first value can be obtained by performing a certain operation (such as a hash operation) on all the information in the address information of the first device, or the first value can be obtained by performing a certain operation (such as an XOR operation) on the middle part and the two ends of all the information in the address information of the first device, and so on.

[0134] In another example, the identification information of the first device may include a first value corresponding to a portion of the address information of the first device.

[0135] For example, the second value may be obtained by performing some operation (such as number system conversion or hash operation) on the first device's address information, including the first part (or the first part of the information), the middle part (or the middle part of the information), the last part (or the last part of the information), or the last two parts of the information. Alternatively, the second value may be obtained by performing some operation (such as number system conversion or hash operation) on the high-order part or low-order part of the first device's address information, and so on.

[0136] By including the numerical value corresponding to the address information of the first device in the coordination information, overhead can be reduced. It is understood that the numerical value corresponding to the address information occupies fewer bits than all or part of the information in the address information, thus reducing overhead.

[0137] Furthermore, by carrying the numerical value corresponding to the address information of the first device in the collaboration information, it is also convenient for the first device to detect the first data frame and determine in a timely and accurate manner whether the first device can be paired or collaborate with the second device, or to determine whether the first device and the second device have a collaborative relationship or a pairing relationship, based on the numerical value corresponding to the address information of the first device included in the first data frame.

[0138] Example a4: The identification information of the first device includes the collaborative identifier of the first device.

[0139] For example, the collaborative identifier of the first device may be an identifier that the first device and the second device agree to share, or the collaborative identifier of the first device may be an identifier assigned to the first device by the second device.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the identification information of the first device includes a collaborative identification field that can be in the form of an index, a bitmap, or other forms that can represent a collaborative identification; this application does not limit this.

[0141] For example, when the identification information of the first device includes the collaborative identifier of the first device, the collaborative identifier of the first device can be carried in the 4-bit reserved field 2 of the HT control field shown in Figure 6. For example, one or more bits in the 4-bit reserved field 2 can be used to indicate the collaborative identifier of the first device.

[0142] For example, the cooperative identifier of the first device can be an identifier value, such as a number from 1, 2, 3, ..., n.

[0143] It is understandable that carrying the identification information of the first device in the collaborative information can implicitly indicate that the first device is allowed to send the second data frame.

[0144] Overhead can be reduced by including the cooperation identifier of the first device in the cooperation information. It is understood that the cooperation identifier occupies fewer bits than all or part of the information in the address information, thus reducing overhead.

[0145] Furthermore, by carrying the collaboration identifier of the first device in the collaboration information, it is also convenient for the first device to detect the first data frame and determine in a timely and accurate manner whether the first device can be paired or collaborate with the second device, or to determine whether the first device and the second device have a collaboration relationship or a pairing relationship, based on the collaboration identifier of the first device included in the first data frame.

[0146] It is understood that the examples a1 to a4 above can be used individually or in combination, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0147] (b) Instruction information.

[0148] The indication information can be used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to send the second data frame.

[0149] For example, the indication information can be a 1-bit indication. For instance, when the 1-bit indication is 1, it can indicate that the first device is allowed to send the second data frame. When the 1-bit indication is 0, it can indicate that the first device is not allowed to send the second data frame.

[0150] For example, the indication information can be carried in the 2-bit reserved field 1 of the HT control field shown in Figure 6. For instance, 1 bit of the 2-bit reserved field 1 can be used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to send the second data frame.

[0151] For example, the indication information can be carried in the 4-bit reserved field 2 of the HT control field shown in Figure 6. For instance, 1 bit of the 4-bit reserved field 2 can be used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to send the second data frame.

[0152] By carrying indication information in the collaboration information, the first device can promptly and accurately determine whether it can pair or collaborate with the second device, or whether the first device has a collaboration or pairing relationship with the second device, based on the indication information included in the first data frame when detecting the first data frame. This enables the first device to accurately collaborate with the second device.

[0153] (c) Time information.

[0154] The time information can be used to indicate the duration (or maximum duration) of data transmission (or communication) by the first device, or the time information can be used to indicate the remaining transmission opportunities among the transmission opportunities obtained by the second device in the competition.

[0155] For example, the time information may include at least one of the following: time length, start time, or end time. The time length represents the total time (or duration or maximum time) during which the first device can transmit data. The start time represents the start time (or initial time) at which the first device can transmit data. The end time represents the end time (or cutoff time) at which the first device can transmit data. It can be understood that being able to transmit data can mean being able to transmit data using a channel or air interface that the second device has competed for.

[0156] Optionally, the time information can also indicate the start or end time by including a time offset. For example, the time information may include a time offset of 1. This time offset of 1 can be used to indicate the offset between the start time when the first device is capable of data transmission and the end time of the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame, or it can indicate the offset between the start time when the first device is capable of data transmission and the end time of the first data frame, or it can indicate the offset between the start time when the first device is capable of data transmission and the start time of the transmission opportunity of the second device.

[0157] For example, the time information may include a time offset of 2. This time offset of 2 can be used to indicate the offset between the end time of the first device's ability to transmit data and the end time of the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame; or it can indicate the offset between the end time of the first device's ability to transmit data and the end time of the first data frame; or it can indicate the offset between the end time of the first device's ability to transmit data and the start time of the first data frame; or it can indicate the offset between the end time of the first device's ability to transmit data and the start time of the second device's transmission opportunity.

[0158] It should be understood that when the time information includes a time length of 0, it indicates that the second device does not cooperate with the first device, or that the second device is unwilling to cooperate with the first device, or that the first device is not allowed to send the second data, or that the first device cannot take advantage of the second device's transmission opportunity to send the second data.

[0159] It is understandable that carrying time information in the coordination information can implicitly indicate that the first device is allowed to send the second data frame.

[0160] By including time information in the coordination information, the first device can accurately and promptly determine the duration of data transmission based on the time information included in the first data frame when detecting it. Subsequently, the first device can transmit one or more data frames (e.g., PPDUs) within that duration. This allows the first device to clearly know how long it can use the channel or air interface acquired by the second device to transmit data frames, or how many data frames it can use the channel or air interface acquired by the second device to transmit.

[0161] Optionally, before the second device sends the first data frame, the second device needs to determine whether the transmission opportunity is shareable, so that the second device can share (or share) the transmission opportunity obtained through competition with other devices (such as the first device) in a timely and accurate manner.

[0162] In one example, if the second device does not continuously transmit data frames within a transmission opportunity, or the second device has no data frames to transmit, or the second device has completed transmitting its data frames, then the second device determines that the transmission opportunity is shareable (or can be shared, or is capable of being shared). Thus, the second device can select (or determine) one or more devices to cooperate with it. That is, the second device can select one or more devices to share a transmission opportunity with it.

[0163] In another example, if the second device continuously sends data frames within a transmission opportunity, or if the second device needs to occupy a significant number of transmission opportunities for data transmission, or if the second device has a large number of data frames to be sent, then the second device determines that the transmission opportunity is not shareable (or cannot be shared). In this case, the second device does not need to coordinate with other devices. That is, the second device does not need other devices to share transmission opportunities with it.

[0164] The following describes the implementation process of determining the device that cooperates with the second device through several possible implementation methods.

[0165] Method b1: The first device and the second device are pre-paired cooperative devices. That is, the first device and the second device are pre-determined to have a cooperative or paired relationship. Thus, after determining that a transmission opportunity can be shared, the second device can share the transmission opportunity with the first device based on the pre-determined cooperative or paired first device. It can be understood that when the second device determines that a transmission opportunity can be shared, it already knows which device has a cooperative or paired relationship with it. For example, the second device has pre-stored relevant information about the first device with which it has a cooperative or paired relationship, such as address information or identification information.

[0166] In one example, the cooperative or paired relationship between the first and second devices can be predefined. The first and second devices can each store relevant information about the other, making it easy for both to know which device they have a cooperative or paired relationship with.

[0167] In another example, the cooperative or paired relationship between the first and second devices can be determined by a control device. This control device can be used to manage multiple devices and to determine multiple cooperative or paired relationships. One of these cooperative or paired relationships can describe a cooperative or paired relationship between two devices. The multiple devices include the first and second devices. For example, the control device can be a wireless controller (AC).

[0168] In one possible implementation, the control device can receive first information (or a first message) from multiple devices. The first information of one of the devices may include the device's load size (or load status) and the signal quality obtained by the device from measuring signals from one or more other devices. It is understood that the other one or more devices have the same operating frequency band (or operating frequency) as this device. Optionally, the load size of a device may refer to the ratio of the duration for which the device occupies the air interface or channel for data transmission (e.g., sending data frames) within a set duration to the set duration. For example, the set duration may be 1 second (s), 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or other values.

[0169] Subsequently, for any one of the multiple devices, if the load of that device is greater than or equal to a third threshold, the control device can determine at least one device among the other devices that satisfies a first condition to cooperate or pair with that device. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the load is greater than or equal to the third threshold, or the signal quality obtained from mutual signal measurements is greater than or equal to a second threshold. In this way, the control device can determine multiple cooperation or pairing relationships. That is, the control device can determine multiple pairs of devices with cooperation or pairing relationships, such as a first device and a second device having a cooperation or pairing relationship, a third device and a fourth device having a cooperation or pairing relationship, and so on. For example, the third threshold can be 30%, or it can be any other value. The second threshold can be -65dBm, or it can be any other value. Optionally, the signal quality obtained from mutual signal measurements can be described as "mutual signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold." For example, consider two APs (e.g., APi and APj). The signal quality obtained by measuring each other's signals can refer to the signal quality obtained by APi measuring the signal from APj and the signal quality obtained by APj measuring the signal from APi.

[0170] For example, parameters used to represent signal quality may include, but are not limited to: reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), or received signal strength indication (RSSI).

[0171] After determining multiple cooperative or paired relationships, the control device can send second information (or second messages) to each of the devices with cooperative or paired relationships. The second information can be used to indicate that one device in the two devices has a cooperative or paired relationship with the other device, or it can notify the receiving device which device has a cooperative or paired relationship with it.

[0172] For example, the above-mentioned multiple devices constitute 4 APs (e.g., APs). i1 AP i2 AP i3 and AP i4 Taking an AP as an example, with signal quality measured by RSSI and a third threshold of 30%. i1 AP i2 AP i3 and AP i4 Information including load size and RSSI can be sent to the control device separately.

[0173] Among them, AP i1 Send information k1 to the control device. Information k1 includes AP. i1 The load sizes are p1, RSSI1, RSSI2, and RSSI3. RSSI1 represents the AP's load size. i1 Measurements from AP i2 RSSI is obtained from the signal, RSSI2 represents AP i1 Measurements from AP i3 The RSSI obtained from the signal, RSSI3 represents the AP i1 Measurements from AP i4 The RSSI is obtained from the signal.

[0174] AP i2 Send information k2 to the control device. Information k2 includes AP. i2 The load sizes are p2, RSSI4, RSSI5, and RSSI6. RSSI4 represents the AP's load size. i2 Measurements from AP i1 The RSSI obtained from the signal, RSSI5 represents the AP i2 Measurements from AP i3 The RSSI obtained from the signal, RSSI6 represents the AP i2 Measurements from AP i4 The RSSI is obtained from the signal.

[0175] AP i3 Send information k3 to the control device. Information k3 includes AP. i3 The load sizes are p3, RSSI7, RSSI8, and RSSI9. RSSI7 represents the AP's load size. i3Measurements from AP i1 The RSSI obtained from the signal, RSSI8 represents the AP i3 Measurements from AP i2 The RSSI obtained from the signal, RSSI9 represents the AP i3 Measurements from AP i4 The RSSI is obtained from the signal.

[0176] AP i4 Send information k4 to the control device. Information k4 includes AP. i4 The load sizes are p4, RSSI10, RSSI11, and RSSI12. RSSI10 represents the AP's load size. i4 Measurements from AP i1 The RSSI obtained from the signal, RSSI11 represents the AP i4 Measurements from AP i2 The RSSI obtained from the signal, RSSI12 represents the AP i4 Measurements from AP i3 The RSSI is obtained from the signal.

[0177] The control device receives data from AP respectively. i1 AP i2 AP i3 and AP i4 After obtaining information k1, k2, k3, and k4, the four APs can be sorted in descending order of load size, resulting in a sorted set Ω. For example, the sorted set Ω includes the following four APs in the following order: AP i1 AP i2 AP i3 and AP i4 The control device removes (or retrieves) AP, the load with the largest size, from the sorted set Ω. i1 It should be understood that when AP i1 When AP is removed from the sorted set Ω, AP no longer exists in the sorted set Ω. i1 If AP i1 If the load size p1 is greater than or equal to 30%, the control device can determine AP and AP that satisfy the first condition from the sorting set Ω. i1 To coordinate or pair. In other words, it can be understood as, if AP... i1 If the load size p1 is greater than or equal to 30%, the control device can continue to traverse the sorted set Ω. The exit condition for traversal is the first condition mentioned above.

[0178] Optionally, if AP i1If the load size p1 is less than 30%, the control device can end the current operation of determining the paired AP or cooperative AP, or the control device can end the traversal of the sorted set Ω.

[0179] In one possible implementation, there are no APs in the sorted set Ω that satisfy the first condition. i1 In the case of cooperation or pairing, there may not be any APs that can be paired or cooperated in the sorted set Ω. Therefore, the control device can end the operation of determining the paired or cooperative APs, or the control device can end the traversal of the sorted set Ω.

[0180] In another possible implementation, when there is no AP in the sorted set Ω that satisfies the first condition, AP... i1 When coordinating or pairing, the control device can remove AP with the largest load size from the sorting set Ω, i.e., AP i2 It should be understood that when AP i2 When AP is removed from the sorted set Ω, AP no longer exists in the sorted set Ω. i2 If AP i2 If the load size p2 is greater than or equal to 30%, the control device can determine AP and AP that satisfy the first condition from the sorting set Ω. i2 To collaborate or pair up.

[0181] Optionally, if the sorted set Ω contains an AP that satisfies the first condition (e.g., AP... i2 ) and AP i1 If coordination or pairing is performed, the control device can remove the AP with the largest load size from the sorted set Ω. i2 If AP i2 If the load size p2 is greater than or equal to 30%, the control device can determine AP and AP that satisfy the first condition from the sorting set Ω. i2 Perform collaboration or pairing. Optionally, if AP i2 If the load size p2 is less than 30%, the control device can end the current operation of determining the paired AP or cooperative AP, or the control device can end the traversal of the sorted set Ω.

[0182] Optionally, if the sorted set Ω contains an AP that satisfies the first condition (e.g., AP... i2 ) and AP i1 If coordination or pairing is performed, the control device can also remove the AP with the largest load size from the sorted set Ω. i3 If AP i3 If the load size p3 is greater than or equal to 30%, the control device can determine AP and AP that satisfy the first condition from the sorting set Ω. i3 Perform collaboration or pairing. Optionally, if APi3 If the load size p3 is less than 30%, the control device can end the current operation of determining the paired AP or cooperative AP, or the control device can end the traversal of the sorted set Ω.

[0183] In one possible implementation, after the control device finishes its operation of determining paired or cooperative APs, or finishes traversing the sorted set Ω, the control device can obtain one or more pairs of APs with cooperative or paired relationships, for example, obtain APs with paired or cooperative relationships. i1 and AP i2 Alternatively, the control device can also obtain a single AP that does not have a cooperative or paired relationship, such as AP... i3 and AP i4 .

[0184] For example, the control device obtains APs with pairing or cooperative relationships. i1 and AP i2 Afterwards, you can contact AP. i1 and AP i2 Send the second message separately. This second message can be used to instruct the AP. i1 With AP i2 To perform pairing or coordination, or the second information can also be used to instruct APs. i1 With AP i2 They have a collaborative or paired relationship.

[0185] Optionally, AP i1 and AP i2 After receiving the second information from the control device, it can determine whether the transmission opportunity is shareable before competing for a transmission opportunity to send a data frame. For example, with an AP... i1 As a second device, AP i2 Taking the first device as an example. i1 Before competing for a transmission opportunity to send data frames, it can be determined whether the transmission opportunity is shareable. If the transmission opportunity is shareable, the AP... i1 Coordination information can be carried in the data frame to be sent (such as PPDU0). For example, the coordination information may include indication information, which indicates whether the AP is allowed. i1 Sending data frames indicates whether the AP is allowed. i2 Utilize or share AP i1 The transmission opportunity obtained through competition is used for data transmission. Optionally, the coordination information may also include time information and AP information. i2 One or more of the identification information.

[0186] If the transmission opportunity cannot be shared, then the AP i1There is no need to carry coordination information in the data frame to be sent (such as PPDU0).

[0187] Method b2: The second device identifies one or more devices that have a pairing or cooperative relationship with the second device. The first device is included among the one or more devices.

[0188] In one possible implementation, the second device can determine one or more devices that meet a second condition to pair or cooperate with. The second condition includes at least one of the following: having the same operating frequency as the second device, or the signal quality measured by the second device being greater than or equal to a second threshold. Then, before competing for a transmission opportunity to send a data frame, the second device can determine whether the transmission opportunity is shareable. If the transmission opportunity is shareable, the second device can determine the device with the largest TXCU among the one or more devices meeting the second condition as the first device. The second device can then carry cooperation information in the data frame to be sent (e.g., the first data frame). For example, the cooperation information may include identification information of the first device. Optionally, the cooperation information may also include one or more of indication information and timing information.

[0189] If the transmission opportunity is not shareable, the second device does not need to carry coordination information in the data frame to be sent (such as the first data frame).

[0190] For example, the second device is any AP in the WLAN network (e.g., AP). i1 (For example, with signal quality measured in RSSI). AP i1 (AP i1 This can be understood as the cooperating master AP (AP) receiving beacon frames from at least one other AP operating at the same frequency, and measuring these beacon frames to obtain the RSSI (Reference RSSI) of that AP. Afterwards, the AP... i1 Based on the RSSI corresponding to at least one AP, one or more APs with an RSSI greater than a second threshold can be identified among at least one AP. Then, AP i1 It can establish pairing or collaborative relationships with one or more APs (which can be understood as collaborative APs). For example, AP i1 AP can be established i1 The index relationship (or mapping relationship or correspondence relationship) between the AP and one or more APs, that is, establishing the AP i1 The pairing or collaborative relationship between the AP and one or more APs. For example, AP i1 AP can be established i1 The index relationship between the address information (such as MAC address) and the identification information of one or more APs.

[0191] Among them, AP i1 The index relationships between this or more APs can be seen in Table 1. Table 1 is based on the establishment of the collaborative master AP. i1 This will be illustrated using the index relationship between the MAC address and the collaborative identifier of the primary AP as an example. Of course, the primary AP... i1 Other forms of index relationships can also be established, which will not be listed here. It is understood that Table 1 is only a simple example, used to illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application.

[0192] Table 1

[0193] For example, using AP i1 With 3 APs (e.g., AP) i2 AP i3 and AP i4 Taking the establishment of pairing or collaborative relationships as an example. AP i1 You can send an AP i2 AP i3 and AP i4 Send the corresponding information to instruct the AP i1 Which AP it has a cooperative or paired relationship with, or is used to indicate the AP i1 Establish an index relationship with which AP? i1 You can send an AP i2 Send information q1. Information q1 is used to instruct the AP... i1 With AP i2 Having a collaborative or pairing relationship, or used to indicate AP i1 With AP i2 Establish index relationships between them. For example, information q1 may include AP. i1 Address information and AP i2 The mapping relationship between the identification information. Optionally, if information q1 carries AP i1 Address information and AP i2 The mapping relationship between the identification information can enable AP i2 Learn about AP i2 With AP i1 They have a collaborative or pairing relationship.

[0194] AP i1 You can send an AP i3 Send message q2. Message q2 is used to instruct the AP... i1 With AP i3 Having a collaborative or pairing relationship, or used to indicate AP i1 With APi3 Establish index relationships between them. For example, information q2 may include AP. i1 Address information and AP i3 The mapping relationship between the identification information. Optionally, if information q2 carries AP i1 Address information and AP i3 The mapping relationship between the identification information can enable AP i3 Learn about AP i3 With AP i1 They have a collaborative or pairing relationship.

[0195] AP i1 You can send an AP i4 Send message q3. Message q3 is used to instruct the AP... i1 With AP i4 Having a collaborative or pairing relationship, or used to indicate AP i1 With AP i4 Establish index relationships between them. For example, information q3 may include AP. i1 Address information and AP i4 The mapping relationship between the identification information. Optionally, if information q3 carries AP i1 Address information and AP i4 The mapping relationship between the identification information can enable AP i4 Learn about AP i4 With AP i1 They have a collaborative or pairing relationship.

[0196] Optionally, AP i1 In relation to AP i2 AP i3 and AP i4 After establishing a pairing or collaborative relationship, if AP i1 If the AP wins the transmission opportunity through competition, then i1 Before using a transmission opportunity for data transmission, it can be determined whether the transmission opportunity can be shared. If the transmission opportunity can be shared, the AP... i1 It can be used in AP i2 AP i3 and AP i4 The AP with the largest TXCU is determined as the AP for this collaboration, for example, AP i2 TXCU is the largest, AP i2 As AP i1 The AP involved in this collaboration. i1 Coordination information can be carried in the data frame to be sent (such as PPDU0). For example, the coordination information may include AP. i2The identification information. Optionally, the coordination information may also include one or more of the following: indication information and time information.

[0197] If the transmission opportunity cannot be shared, then the AP i1 There is no need to carry coordination information in the data frame to be sent (such as PPDU0).

[0198] S403: The first device detects the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame and sends the second data frame.

[0199] In one possible implementation, after sending the first data frame, the second device can also receive a response frame (e.g., an acknowledgment frame) of the first data frame. For example, a device associated with the second device can send an acknowledgment frame of the first data frame to the second device. The second device is considered as a certain AP (e.g., an access point). i1 Taking the first data frame as PPDU0 as an example, AP i1 The associated STA can send an acknowledgment frame for PPDU0.

[0200] Furthermore, after determining that the first device and the second device are cooperating based on the first data frame, if the first device has a data frame to be sent (such as the second data frame), the first device can detect the response frame (such as an acknowledgment frame) of the first data frame. After detecting the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame, the first device can send the second data frame based on the acknowledgment frame. The second data frame is a data frame sent by the first device to a device associated with it. For example, if the first device is an AP (such as AP2), the second data frame is sent by AP2 to one or more STAs associated with AP2. As another example, if the first device is a STA (such as STA2), the second data frame is sent by STA2 to one or more APs associated with STA2.

[0201] In one possible implementation, the first device may transmit the second data frame at a first moment. The first moment is equal to the sum of the end time of the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame and a first duration. For example, the first duration may be equal to the short inter-frame interval, or it may be equal to the point coordination function inter-frame spacing (PIFS).

[0202] The first device is referred to as AP below. i2 The second device is an AP i1 Taking an example where the first data frame is PPDU0, the second data frame is PPDU1, the acknowledgment frame for the first data frame is BA0, and the acknowledgment frame for the second data frame is BA1, the following possible examples illustrate the implementation process of the first device sending the second data frame at the first moment.

[0203] Example c1: The coordination information carried in PPDU0 includes AP i2 For example, the identification information of AP. i2 After detecting PPDU0, PPDU0 can be further examined to obtain coordination information. If the coordination information in PPDU0 includes AP... i2 The identification information of AP i2 PPDU1 can be sent immediately after BA0 of PPDU0 is detected.

[0204] Referring to Figure 7a, a cooperative transmission timing diagram provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. As shown in Figure 7a, if AP i1 If the transmission opportunities obtained through competition can be shared, then the AP i1 Coordination information can be carried in the data frame to be sent (such as PPDU0), for example, the coordination information carried includes AP. i2 Identification information. AP i1 The AP starts sending (or transmitting) PPDU0 at time t0, continues sending for a period of time (i.e., the sending or transmission duration of PPDU0 is equal to the difference between time t1 and time t0), and ends (or stops) sending PPDU0 at time t1. It should be understood that the AP... i2 It can detect (or monitor) the start of PPDU0 transmission at time t0 and detect the end of PPDU0 transmission at time t1. For example, AP i2 The start and end of PPDU0 transmission can be detected by energy detection, signal detection, or other methods.

[0205] After that, AP i1 The AP can begin receiving BA0 from PPDU0 after time t1, reaching a duration T1, and continue receiving for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of BA0 is equal to the difference between time t3 and time t2), ending the reception of BA0 at time t3. Optionally, the AP... i1 BA0 can be used to receive PPDU0 after time t1 and duration T1, or it can be described as "AP". i1 "BA0" of PPDU0 can be received starting at time t2, where time t2 = time t1 + T1. For example, T1 can be predefined by the protocol, such as T1 = SIFS or T1 = PIFS. It should be understood that AP i2 It can detect the start of BA0 transmission at time t2 and the end of BA0 transmission at time t3. For example, AP i2 The start and end of BA0 transmission can be detected by energy detection, signal detection, or other methods.

[0206] Then, in PPDU0 including APi2 In the case of identification information, AP i2 PPDU1 can be sent after time t3 for a duration T2, and continue sending for a period of time (i.e., the sending or transmission duration of PPDU1 is equal to the difference between time t5 and time t4), ending the transmission of PPDU1 at time t5. Optionally, the AP i2 PPDU1 can be sent after time t3 and duration T2, and the description can be replaced with "AP". i2 PPDU1 can be sent at time t4. Here, time t4 = time t3 + T2. For example, T2 can be predefined by the protocol, such as T2 = SIFS or T2 = PIFS.

[0207] Next, AP i2 The AP can begin receiving BA1 from PPDU1 after time t5, reaching a duration T3, and continue receiving for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of BA1 is equal to the difference between time t7 and time t6), ending the reception of BA0 at time t7. Optionally, the AP... i2 BA1, which can start receiving PPDU1 after time t5 and duration T3, can be replaced with the description "AP". i2 BA1 of PPDU1 can be received starting at time t6. Here, time t6 = time t5 + T3. For example, T3 can be predefined by the protocol, such as T3 = SIFS or T3 = PIFS.

[0208] Example c2: Taking the coordination information carried in PPDU0, including indication information, as an example. The indication information can be used to indicate whether AP is allowed. i2 Sending data frames (which can be understood as whether the AP is allowed or not) i2 Shared AP i1 (The transmission opportunity obtained through competition is used for data transmission), or the indication information can be used to indicate whether the AP is allowed to transmit data. i2 Send data frames at the first moment. AP i2 After detecting PPDU0, PPDU0 can be further examined to obtain coordination information. If the coordination information in PPDU0 includes indication information, then AP... i2 Based on the indication information, it can be determined whether to send PPDU1 after detecting BA0 of PPDU0. Optionally, it can be determined whether AP is allowed. i2 Sending data frames at the first moment can also replace the description "whether AP is allowed". i2 Data frames are sent after BA0 at a certain interval (e.g., a certain interval of SIFS or PIFS).

[0209] Referring to Figure 7b, another cooperative transmission timing diagram provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. In Figure 7b, the indication information included in PPDU0 indicates that the AP is allowed. i2 This will be explained using sending data frames as an example. It should be understood that the AP is allowed... i2 Sending data frames can refer to allowing the AP to... i2 Utilize or share AP i1 The opportunity to transmit data is obtained through competition, or it can refer to allowing the AP to transmit data. i2 A data frame (e.g., PPDU) is sent after a certain interval following BA0. For example, in this example, the bit value indicating the information can be 1. As shown in Figure 7b, if AP i1 If the transmission opportunities obtained through competition can be shared, then the AP i1 Coordination information can be carried in the data frame to be sent (such as PPDU0). For example, the coordination information carried may include instructions to allow the AP to... i2 Instructions for sending data frames. (AP) i1 PPDU0 is started being sent at time t0 and continues for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of PPDU0 is equal to the difference between time t1 and time t0), ending at time t1. It should be understood that the AP... i2 PPDU0 can be detected (or monitored) to start transmitting at time t0, and PPDU0 can be detected to stop transmitting at time t1.

[0210] After that, AP i1 The AP can begin receiving BA0 from PPDU0 after time t1, reaching a duration T1, and continue receiving for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of BA0 is equal to the difference between time t3 and time t2), ending the reception of BA0 at time t3. It should be understood that the AP... i2 It can detect the start of BA0 transmission at time t2 and the end of BA0 transmission at time t3. For example, AP i2 The start and end of BA0 transmission can be detected by energy detection, signal detection, or other methods.

[0211] Then, the indication information included in PPDU0 indicates that AP is allowed. i2 When PPDU is sent after BA0 at a certain interval, AP i2 PPDU1 can be sent after time t3 for a duration T2, and continue sending for a period of time (i.e., the sending or transmission duration of PPDU1 is equal to the difference between time t5 and time t4), ending the transmission of PPDU1 at time t5. In other words, the AP... i2PPDU1 can be sent at time t4. Here, time t4 = time t3 + T2. For example, T2 can be predefined by the protocol, such as T2 = SIFS or T2 = PIFS.

[0212] Next, AP i2 The AP can begin receiving BA1 from PPDU1 after time t5, reaching a duration T3, and continue receiving for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of BA1 is equal to the difference between time t7 and time t6), ending the reception of BA0 at time t7. Optionally, the AP... i2 BA1, which can start receiving PPDU1 after time t5 and duration T3, can be replaced with the description "AP". i2 BA1 of PPDU1 can be received starting at time t6. Here, time t6 = time t5 + T3. For example, T3 can be predefined by the protocol, such as T3 = SIFS or T3 = PIFS.

[0213] Referring to Figure 7c, another cooperative transmission timing diagram provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. In Figure 7c, the indication information included in PPDU0 indicates that AP is not allowed. i2 This will be explained using sending data frames as an example. It should be understood that APs are not allowed to... i2 Sending data frames can mean that the AP is not allowed to... i2 Utilize or share AP i1 The transmission opportunity obtained through competition is used for data transmission, or it can mean that the AP is not allowed to transmit data. i2 A data frame (e.g., PPDU) is sent after a certain interval following BA0. For example, in this example, the bit value indicating the information can be 0. As shown in Figure 7c, if AP i1 If the transmission opportunities obtained through competition can be shared, then the AP i1 Coordination information can be carried in the data frame to be sent (such as PPDU0). For example, the coordination information carried may include instructions to allow the AP to... i2 Instructions for sending data frames. (AP) i1 PPDU0 is started being sent at time t0 and continues for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of PPDU0 is equal to the difference between time t1 and time t0), ending at time t1. It should be understood that the AP... i2 PPDU0 can be detected (or monitored) to start transmitting at time t0, and PPDU0 can be detected to stop transmitting at time t1.

[0214] After that, AP i1 The AP can begin receiving BA0 from PPDU0 after time t1, reaching a duration T1, and continue receiving for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of BA0 is equal to the difference between time t3 and time t2), ending the reception of BA0 at time t3. It should be understood that the AP...i2 It can detect the start of BA0 transmission at time t2 and the end of BA0 transmission at time t3. For example, AP i2 The start and end of BA0 transmission can be detected by energy detection, signal detection, or other methods.

[0215] Then, the indication information included in PPDU0 indicates that AP is not allowed. i2 When PPDU is sent after BA0 at a certain interval, AP i2 After detecting the end of BA0 transmission at time t3, a channel contention mechanism can be used to participate in channel contention (or transmission opportunity contention), such as AP. i2 The CSMA / CA mechanism is used to participate in channel contention (or transmission opportunity contention). For example, AP i2 After acquiring a channel or transmission opportunity through a channel contention mechanism, the AP can send the data frame to be transmitted (e.g., PPDU1) at a certain time (e.g., time t8) within the channel occupancy time (or transmission opportunity). It continues sending for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of PPDU1 is equal to the difference between time t9 and time t8), and ends the transmission of PPDU1 at time t9. Next, the AP... i2 The AP can begin receiving BA1 from PPDU1 after time t9, reaching duration T4, and continue receiving for a period of time (i.e., the transmission duration of BA1 is equal to the difference between time t11 and time t10), ending the reception of BA1 at time t11. Optionally, the AP... i2 BA1, which can start receiving PPDU1 after time t9 and duration T4, can also be described as "AP". i2 BA1 of PPDU1 can be received starting at time t10. Here, time t10 = time t9 + T4. For example, T4 can be predefined by the protocol, such as T4 = SIFS or T4 = PIFS.

[0216] As can be seen from steps 401 to 403 above, by carrying coordination information in the first data frame, the second device enables the first device to promptly know that it can coordinate with the second device. This further facilitates the first device to send the data frame to be sent (such as the second data frame) in a timely and effective manner when it can utilize or share the transmission opportunity of the second device. This allows for coordinated transmission between the first and second devices (which can be understood as the first and second devices sending their respective data frames successively within the same transmission opportunity) without the need to send additional control frames (such as MU-RTS frames, CTS frames, CF-End frames, etc.) to achieve coordinated data frame transmission (or coordinated sending), thereby effectively reducing the overhead of coordinated transmission between different devices (or different nodes). It should be understood that coordinated transmission between the first and second devices can refer to the first and second devices sharing the transmission opportunity obtained by the second device through competition, and sending their respective data frames successively within the same transmission opportunity.

[0217] Furthermore, since the first device sends the second data frame promptly after detecting the acknowledgment frame of the first data frame (which can be understood as the first device sending the second data frame at a relatively short interval after detecting the acknowledgment frame), other devices cannot preempt the channel or air interface that the second device has competed for (which can be understood as other devices being unable to compete with the first and second devices for the channel or air interface). This helps to ensure that the second device and the first device occupy the channel or air interface successively for data transmission, thereby effectively reducing the probability of collisions or conflicts caused by other devices competing for the channel or air interface, and thus effectively improving air interface efficiency or channel efficiency.

[0218] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the first device and the second device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0219] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first or second device in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be either the first or the second device.

[0220] The communication device 800 shown in Figure 8 includes a processing unit 810 (or processing module) and a transceiver unit 820 (or communication module, transceiver module, or communication module for sending and receiving data). The communication device 800 can be used to implement the functions of the first or second device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4. For example, the transceiver unit 820 can perform the receiving and sending actions performed by the first or second device in the method embodiment. The processing unit 810 can perform other actions besides the sending and receiving actions performed by the first or second device in the method embodiment.

[0221] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4 above: the processing unit 810 is used to detect a first data frame. The first data frame may include cooperation information. The first data frame is a data frame sent by the second device to a device associated with the second device. The cooperation information can be used to instruct the first device to cooperate with the second device. The transceiver unit 820 is used to send a second data frame after the processing unit 810 detects an acknowledgment frame of the first data frame. The second data frame is a data frame sent by the first device to a device associated with the first device.

[0222] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4 above: the processing unit 810 is used to acquire a transmission opportunity. The transceiver unit 820 is used to send a first data frame within the transmission opportunity. The first data frame may include coordination information. The first data frame is a data frame sent by the second device to a device associated with the second device. The coordination information can be used to instruct the first device and the second device to coordinate.

[0223] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the transceiver unit 820, please refer to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0224] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 820 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a transceiver (or communication interface or interface circuit) or transceiver-related circuit components, and the processing unit 810 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components.

[0225] It should be noted that the module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, exist as separate physical entities, or have two or more units integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0226] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, or a server, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0227] The communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 includes at least one processor 910. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include at least one of a memory 920, a transceiver 930, and an antenna 940.

[0228] The transceiver 930 can be a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., used to implement transceiver functions. The transceiver 930 can include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver can be a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter can be a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., used to implement the transmitting function.

[0229] The memory 920 may store a computer program, software code, or instructions 950, which may also be referred to as firmware. The processor 910 can control the communication device 900 by running the computer program, software code, or instructions 960 of the processor 910, or by calling the computer program, software code, or instructions 950 stored in the memory 920, to implement the embodiments described above. The processor 910 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the memory 920 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0230] The processor 910 and transceiver 930 described in this application can be disposed on an integrated circuit (IC), analog IC, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), mixed signal IC, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), printed circuit board (PCB), or electronic device.

[0231] The modules included in the communication device 900 are merely illustrative examples, and this application does not impose any limitations on them.

[0232] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the above method embodiment, the processor 910 can implement the function of the processing unit 810, and the transceiver 930 can implement the function of the transceiver unit 820.

[0233] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a possible communication system. This communication system may include a first device and a second device. The first device can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the first device in the above embodiments, and the second device can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the second device in the above embodiments.

[0234] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0235] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0236] The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0237] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip, which may include at least one processor and may also include a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory), wherein the at least one processor executes program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments. Here, "coupling" refers to two components being directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling referring to an electrical connection between two components.

[0238] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions involved in the first or second device or control device in the above embodiments. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0239] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0240] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a communication device. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the communication device.

[0241] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. A computer program is a set of instructions that directs each step of an action of an electronic computer or other device with message processing capabilities. It is typically written in a programming language and runs on a target architecture. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be volatile or non-volatile, or it can include both types of storage media.

[0242] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0243] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects.

[0244] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, the method includes: Detect a first data frame, the first data frame including coordination information, the first data frame is a data frame sent by the second device to a device associated with the second device, the coordination information is used to instruct the first device to coordinate with the second device; The acknowledgment frame of the first data frame is detected, and the second data frame is sent. The second data frame is a data frame sent by the first device to the device associated with the first device.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The collaborative information includes at least one of the following: identification information, indication information, or time information; The identification information is used to identify the first device, the indication information is used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to send the second data frame, and the time information is used to indicate the duration of data transmission by the first device.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The identification information includes at least one of the following: all or part of the information in the address information, a collaborative identifier, or a numerical value corresponding to the address information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first device and the second device are pre-paired cooperative devices.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Sending the second data frame includes: The second data frame is sent at a first moment, where the first moment is equal to the sum of the end moment of the acknowledgment frame and the first duration.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first duration is equal to the short frame interval; or, The first duration is equal to the point coordination function frame interval.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, the method includes: Obtain transmission opportunities; During the transmission opportunity, a first data frame is transmitted. The first data frame includes coordination information. The first data frame is a data frame sent by the second device to a device associated with the second device. The coordination information is used to instruct the first device to coordinate with the second device.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: It was determined that the transmission opportunity could be shared.

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Identify the first device; Wherein, the first device satisfies at least one of the following conditions: The transmission channel occupancy rate is greater than or equal to the first threshold, has the same operating frequency as the second device, or the signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The collaborative information includes at least one of the following: identification information, indication information, or time information; The identification information is used to identify the first device, the indication information is used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to send the second data frame, and the time information is used to indicate the duration of data transmission by the first device.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The identification information includes at least one of the following: all or part of the information in the address information, a collaborative identifier, or a numerical value corresponding to the address information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The first device and the second device are pre-paired cooperative devices.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7-12.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor and transceiver; The transceiver is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices. The at least one processor is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6 or the method as described in any one of claims 7-12 via logic circuitry or by executing code instructions.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes a first device and a second device; The first device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, and the second device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7-12.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-6 or the method as described in any one of claims 7-12 to be implemented.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-6 or the method as described in any one of claims 7-12 to be implemented.

18. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes at least one processor coupled to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute program instructions stored in the memory such that the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 or the method as claimed in any one of claims 7-12 is implemented.

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