Frame transmission method and apparatus, device, medium, and chip

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and discloses a frame transmission method and apparatus, a device, a medium, and a chip. The method is performed by an access point, and the method comprises: transmitting a first frame that is group-addressed or broadcast, wherein the first frame includes a data frame and / or a management frame.

Description

Frame transmission methods, apparatus, devices, media and chips Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular to a frame transmission method, apparatus, device, medium, and chip. Background Technology

[0002] A Basic Service Set (BSS) is the fundamental structure of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) / Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. The communication devices constituting a BSS include an Access Point (AP) and several non-AP Stations (STAs). After joining the AP's radio domain, each non-AP STA establishes an association with the AP, and associated non-AP STAs and the AP can exchange frames. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a frame transmission method, apparatus, device, medium, and chip, which includes at least the following:

[0004] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a frame transmission method is provided, the method being performed by an access point (AP), the method comprising:

[0005] The first frame of a transport group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0006] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a frame transmission method is provided, the method being performed by a non-AP STA, the method comprising:

[0007] The first frame received by the group addressing or broadcast includes a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a frame transmission apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0009] The transmitting module is used to transmit the first frame of a group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0010] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a frame transmission apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0011] The receiving module is used to receive the first frame of a group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0012] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising: a processor; a transmitter connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame comprising a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0013] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising: a processor; a receiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the receiver is configured to receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame comprising a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores at least one program that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement a first frame of transport group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores at least one program that is loaded and executed by a processor to receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a processor obtaining the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, the processor executing the computer instructions to implement a first frame of transport group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a processor obtaining the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, the processor executing the computer instructions to receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, the chip including a programmable logic circuit and / or at least a program, the chip being configured to implement a first frame of transmission group addressing or broadcasting based on the programmable logic circuit and / or the at least a program, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0019] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, the chip including a programmable logic circuit and / or at least a program, the chip being configured to, based on the programmable logic circuit and / or the at least a program, receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0020] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment may include the following beneficial effects:

[0021] It supports APs to transmit data frames or management frames in multicast or broadcast mode, enabling sites within the BSS to receive data and / or management information from the AP, thus ensuring communication efficiency within the BSS. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of non-master channel access provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a dynamic power-saving method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of coexistence operation provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 illustrates the format diagram of a restricted operation parameter subfield provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 12 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 13 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 14 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 15 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 16 illustrates a transmission schematic of a Delivery Traffic Indication Map (DTIM) beacon frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 17 illustrates a frame switching sequence with a Groupcast with Retries (GCR) block acknowledgment retransmission strategy provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the frame switching sequence of the GCR MU-BAR provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 19 illustrates a schematic diagram of a relay service based on a relationship with a specified destination provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 20 illustrates a frame sequence diagram of an Enhanced Broadcast Services (EBCS) process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 21 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 22 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 23 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail here, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0047] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this application to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein can be interpreted as "in the case of," "when," or "in response to determination." In this specification, when expressing the meaning of Boolean values, "0" is expressed as "first meaning" and "1" as "second meaning." Without loss of generality, those skilled in the art will understand that the meanings they represent can be interchanged, i.e., "1" represents "first meaning" and "0" represents "second meaning."

[0049] It should be understood that the format, name, and value of the frames / elements / fields involved in the various embodiments of this application are merely examples and do not imply any limitation on the format, name, and value of the frames / elements / fields. In different embodiments or designs, it is possible that one or more of the aforementioned element / field names, their positions in the frame, their arrangement order with other elements / fields, the number of bytes occupied, or the number of bits occupied may change. Similarly, in different embodiments or designs, it is possible that one or more of the aforementioned frame names, included elements / fields, the number of bytes occupied, or the number of bits occupied may change.

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The wireless communication system 100 includes a plurality of stations (STAs). In this application, STAs include access point stations (AP STAs) and / or non-access point stations (non-AP STAs), where an AP STA can be simply referred to as an AP. Communication between STAs can be implemented as communication between an AP and a non-AP STA, communication between non-AP STAs, or communication between APs. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100 including AP 110, non-AP STA 120, AP 130, and non-AP STA 140. The number of APs and non-AP STAs can be more or less, and one AP can be associated with one or more non-AP STAs.

[0051] Both AP 110 and AP 130 are devices deployed in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) / Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems to provide wireless communication capabilities to non-AP STAs. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. AP 110 can be a terminal device or network device (such as a router) with a WLAN / Wi-Fi chip. AP 130 can also be a terminal device or network device with a WLAN / Wi-Fi chip.

[0052] In some embodiments, AP 110 can be a device that supports various current and future Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11bp, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. AP 110 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communications.

[0053] In some embodiments, AP 130 can be a device that supports various current and future IEEE 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11bp, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. AP 130 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communication.

[0054] In some embodiments, the AP 110 may be the same as or different from the AP 130.

[0055] The non-AP STA 120 and non-AP STA 140 can be wireless communication devices that support WLAN / Wi-Fi technology, such as wireless communication devices with WLAN / Wi-Fi chips.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA 120 can be a device that supports various current and future IEEE 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11bp, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The non-AP STA 120 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communication.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA 140 can be a device that supports various current and future IEEE 802.11 family of WLAN standards, including 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11bp, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The non-AP STA 140 can also be used in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communication.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA 120 may be the same as or different from the non-AP STA 140.

[0059] In this embodiment, the next-generation WLAN system is an evolution of the 802.11be system and is backward compatible with the 802.11be system. Next-generation Wi-Fi communication refers to any new generation of Wi-Fi communication after Wi-Fi 7 based on the 802.11be specification, such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR) communication.

[0060] In some embodiments, AP 110, non-AP STA 120, AP 130 and non-AP STA 140 all support the IEEE 802.11 protocol, but are not limited to the IEEE 802.11 protocol.

[0061] It's understandable that the role of a STA in wireless communication is not absolute. For example, when phone A is connected to a router, phone A is a non-AP STA, but when phone A acts as a hotspot for phone B, phone A acts as an AP.

[0062] In this application embodiment, the STA can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, such as one that supports the 802.11 series of protocols and can communicate with an AP or other STAs. For example, an STA is any user communication device that allows users to communicate with an AP and thus with a WLAN. STAs can be, for example, User Equipment (UE), Mobile Station (MS), Mobile Terminal (MT), Access Terminal, User Unit, User Station, Mobile Station, Mobile Station, Remote Station, Remote Terminal, Mobile Device, User Terminal, Terminal, Wireless Communication Equipment, User Agent, or User Equipment, etc.

[0063] In this application embodiment, the STA can also be a device that provides voice / data / image connectivity to the user, such as a handheld device, vehicle device, home device, home appliance, gaming device, etc., with wireless connection function or equipped with a wireless communication module. Examples include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, drones or aerial photography equipment, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices with wireless communication capabilities, other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, and Beyond 5G. Terminal devices in 5G (B5G) networks, terminal devices in 6G networks, and terminal devices in future evolved Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) can also be televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, door locks, fish tanks, robot vacuum cleaners, game consoles, cameras / camcorders, sensors, etc. with wireless connectivity. This application embodiment is not limited to these.

[0064] By way of example and not limitation, the STA in the embodiments of this application can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that apply wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Examples include smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on a specific type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0065] Furthermore, the STA in this application embodiment can also be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection. In this application embodiment, IoT technology can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through technologies such as narrowband (NB).

[0066] Furthermore, the STA in this application embodiment can also be an in-vehicle communication device in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system or the vehicle itself. The communication methods in a V2X system are collectively referred to as V2X (where X represents anything). For example, V2X communication includes: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0067] In some embodiments, the frequency bands supported by the wireless communication system 100 include, but are not limited to: millimeter wave (mmWave) bands (such as 45GHz, 60GHz, etc., which belong to the 30-300GHz range) and low-frequency bands. Among them, low-frequency bands include Sub-7GHz bands (such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc., which belong to the 1-7.25GHz range).

[0068] In some embodiments, there are one or more links between AP 110 and non-AP STA 120.

[0069] In some embodiments, multi-band communication is supported between AP 110 and non-AP STA 120. For example, communication can occur simultaneously on one or more frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, and 60 GHz. Alternatively, communication can occur simultaneously on different channels within the same frequency band or on different channels within different frequency bands. Multi-band communication can improve communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. Such a device supporting multi-band communication can be considered to have multi-link operation (MLO) capability and is commonly referred to as a multi-band device or multi-link device (MLD), sometimes also called a multi-band entity or multi-link entity. In other words, an MLD is an entity or device that supports communication with other MLD entities using multiple wireless links.

[0070] In some embodiments, there are one or more links between AP 130 and non-AP STA 140.

[0071] In some embodiments, multi-band communication is supported between AP 130 and non-AP STA 140.

[0072] An AP MLD can include one or more APs; that is, an AP MLD's associated STAs include one or more APs. A non-AP MLD can include one or more non-AP STAs; that is, a non-AP MLD's associated STAs include one or more non-AP STAs. One or more links can be formed between AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs, allowing communication between APs associated with an AP MLD and between non-AP STAs associated with a non-AP MLD. One or more peer-to-peer (P2P) links can also be formed between non-AP MLDs, allowing communication between non-AP STAs associated with two different non-AP MLDs. Similarly, one or more P2P links can be formed between AP MLDs, allowing communication between APs associated with two different AP MLDs.

[0073] A Basic Service Set (BSS) is the fundamental topology in WLAN / Wi-Fi communication. The communication devices constituting a BSS include one Access Point (AP) and several non-AP STAs (Standard Target Units). After joining the AP's radio domain, each non-AP STA establishes an association with the AP. Associated non-AP STAs and the AP can transmit data together, and non-AP STAs within the same BSS can exchange data with each other through the AP.

[0074] In some embodiments, there are one or more links between AP 110 and AP 130. For example, in a multi-AP coordination scenario, the link between AP 110 and AP 130 can meet the requirements of multi-AP coordination to reduce mutual interference between BSS1 to which AP 110 belongs and BSS2 to which AP 130 belongs, improve spectrum utilization efficiency, throughput and transmission reliability, and the number of APs participating in multi-AP coordination can be two or more.

[0075] Below, we will introduce some channel-related concepts:

[0076] Primary Channel: This refers to the channel shared by all member stations in the Basic Service Set (BSS). For example, in a BSS corresponding to 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 80+80MHz, or 320MHz, the primary channel is a primary 20MHz channel.

[0077] Nonprimary channel: refers to any 20MHz channel other than the primary 20MHz channel in a 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 80+80MHz, or 320MHz basic service set (BSS).

[0078] Primary 20MHz Channel: This refers to the 20MHz channel used to transmit 20MHz Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) within a 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 80+80MHz, or 320MHz basic service set (BSS).

[0079] Primary 40MHz Channel: This refers to the 40MHz channel used to transmit 40MHz physical layer (PHY) protocol data units (PPDUs) in an 80MHz, 160MHz, 80+80MHz, or 320MHz basic service set (BSS).

[0080] Primary 80MHz Channel: In a 160MHz, 80+80MHz, or 320MHz basic service set (BSS), the 80MHz channel that is used to transmit 80MHz physical layer (PHY) protocol data units (PPDUs).

[0081] Primary 160MHz Channel: In a 320MHz basic service set (BSS), the 160MHz channel that contains the primary 20MHz channel.

[0082] In some embodiments, the aforementioned main 20MHz channel, main 40MHz channel, main 80MHz channel, and main 160MHz channel are collectively referred to as the main channel.

[0083] A secondary channel is a channel associated with a primary channel used to create a channel wider than the primary channel. In a 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 80+80MHz, or 320MHz basic service set (BSS), the secondary channel is a secondary 20MHz channel.

[0084] Secondary 20MHz Channel: In a 40MHz VHT BSS, the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel together forms the 40MHz channel corresponding to the 40MHz VHT BSS. In an 80MHz VHT BSS, the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel together forms the primary 40MHz channel corresponding to the 80MHz VHT BSS. In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS, the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel together forms the primary 40MHz channel corresponding to the 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS. In a 40MHz VHT basic service set (BSS), the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel that together form the 40MHz channel of the 40MHz VHT BSS. In an 80MHz VHT BSS, the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel that together form the primary40MHz channel of the 80MHz VHT BSS.In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS,the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel that together form the primary 40MHz channel of the 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS.In a 320MHz VHT BSS,the 20MHz channel adjacent to the primary 20MHz channel that together form the primary 40MHz channel of the 320MHz VHT BSS).

[0085] Secondary 40MHz Channel: In an 80MHz VHT BSS, the 40MHz channel adjacent to the primary 40MHz channel together forms the 80MHz channel corresponding to the 80MHz VHT BSS. In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS, the 40MHz channel adjacent to the primary 40MHz channel together forms the primary 80MHz channel. In a 320MHz VHT BSS, the 40MHz channel adjacent to the primary 40MHz channel together forms the primary 80MHz channel. In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS, the 40MHz channel adjacent to the primary 40MHz channel together forms the primary 80MHz channel. In a 320MHz VHT BSS, the 40MHz channel adjacent to the primary 40MHz channel together forms the 80MHz channel.

[0086] Secondary 80MHz Channel: In a 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS, the 80MHz channel excluding the primary 20MHz channel, together with the primary 80MHz channel, forms the 160MHz or 80+80MHz channel corresponding to the 160MHz or 80+80MHz VHT BSS. In a 320MHz VHT BSS, the 80MHz channel adjacent to the primary 80MHz channel, together they form the primary 160MHz channel.

[0087] Secondary 160MHz Channel: In a 320MHz BSS, the 160MHz channel, excluding the primary 20MHz channel, together with the primary 160MHz channel, forms the 320MHz channel of the 320MHz BSS.

[0088] In some embodiments, the aforementioned secondary 20MHz channel, secondary 40MHz channel, secondary 80MHz channel, and secondary 160MHz channel are collectively referred to as secondary channels.

[0089] Subchannel: This can be understood as a narrow-bandwidth channel within a wide-bandwidth channel. For example, assuming a wide-bandwidth channel corresponds to an 80MHz channel, optionally, this 80MHz channel can be divided into four narrow-bandwidth channels corresponding to 20MHz each, then each narrow-bandwidth channel is a 20MHz subchannel; optionally, this 80MHz channel can also be divided into two narrow-bandwidth channels corresponding to 40MHz each, then each narrow-bandwidth channel is a 40MHz subchannel.

[0090] Operating Channel: This refers to the channel used to transmit beacon frames. The operating channel can be a collection of multiple sub-channels used by the STA during operation. Specific examples include 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz operating channels.

[0091] Operating Channel Width: This refers to the channel width in which the STA is currently able to receive signals. Specific examples include 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz.

[0092] Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) Primary Channel: Also known as Anchor Channel, Second Primary Channel, Temporary Primary Channel, Assistant Primary Channel, Auxiliary Primary Channel, or Target Subchannel. The NPCA Primary Channel is a subchannel within the BSS's currently operating channel. It is used as the primary channel when the AP performs NPCA with its associated non-AP STA. For example, assuming the current operating channel bandwidth of the AP is 160MHz, the sub-channels include: primary 80MHz (P80, including primary 20MHz (P20), secondary 20MHz (S20), secondary 40MHz (S40, including S20-1, S20-2)), and secondary 80MHz (S80, including S20-3, S20-4, S20-5, S20-6). When performing NPCA, S20-3 can be used as P20 (i.e., the NPCA primary channel), S20-4 can be used as S20, S20-5 and S20-6 can be used as S40, and P80 can be used as S80.

[0093] NPCA Functionality: When the primary channel is detected to be busy, the AP and non-AP STA can switch to a non-primary channel for transmission, as shown in Figure 2. The AP and non-AP STA do not require multi-channel concurrent packet detection or Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) capabilities. Furthermore, channel access is only permitted on one non-primary channel (indicated by the AP). The AP and non-AP STA indicate their respective channel switching delays. Before initiating a TXOP on a non-primary channel, the non-AP STA must adhere to the Baseline Medium Synchronization Recovery Rules in existing standards. The duration of a TXOP on a non-primary channel is limited to no more than the duration of a TXOP on the primary channel under the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS). Initiating a TXOP on a non-primary channel requires a short control frame. In some embodiments, after switching to a non-primary channel, the AP can query the non-AP STA's availability by interacting with Multi-user Request To Send (MU-RTS) trigger frames and Clear to Send (CTS) frames.

[0094] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is executed by an AP and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0095] Step 320: The first frame of the AP transmission group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0096] The first frame of a group-addressed application can also be called the first frame of a multicast application. The first frame of a broadcast application can also be called the first frame sent to the broadcast address.

[0097] The AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Group-addressed data frames can also be called multicast data frames, group-addressed management frames can also be called multicast management frames, broadcast data frames can also be called data frames sent to a broadcast address, and broadcast management frames can also be called management frames sent to a broadcast address.

[0098] For example, the AP transmits group-addressed data frames and / or group-addressed management frames. Another example is the AP transmitting broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames. Yet another example is the AP transmitting group-addressed data frames and / or broadcast data frames. Yet another example is the AP transmitting group-addressed management frames and / or broadcast management frames. Yet another example is the AP transmitting any three of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Yet another example is the AP transmitting group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames.

[0099] In some embodiments, the number of APs is one or more. The APs can be implemented as AP 110 and / or AP 130 as shown in Figure 1.

[0100] In some embodiments, an AP is one or more APs attached to an AP MLD.

[0101] In summary, the method provided in this application embodiment supports AP to transmit data frames or management frames in a multicast or broadcast manner, enabling stations within the BSS to receive data and / or management information from the AP, thus ensuring communication efficiency within the BSS.

[0102] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a non-AP STA and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0103] Step 420: The non-AP STA receives the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast, which includes a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0104] The first frame of a group-addressed application can also be called the first frame of a multicast application. The first frame of a broadcast application can also be called the first frame sent to the broadcast address.

[0105] A non-AP STA receives one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Group-addressed data frames can also be called multicast data frames, group-addressed management frames can also be called multicast management frames, broadcast data frames can also be called data frames sent to a broadcast address, and broadcast management frames can also be called management frames sent to a broadcast address.

[0106] For example, a non-AP STA receives group-addressed data frames and / or group-addressed management frames. Another example is a non-AP STA receiving broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames. Yet another example is a non-AP STA receiving group-addressed data frames and / or broadcast data frames. Yet another example is a non-AP STA receiving group-addressed management frames and / or broadcast management frames. Yet another example is a non-AP STA receiving any three of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Yet another example is a non-AP STA receiving group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames.

[0107] In some embodiments, the number of non-AP STAs is one or more. The non-AP STAs can be implemented as non-AP STA 120 and / or non-AP STA 140 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0108] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA is one or more non-AP STAs attached to a non-AP MLD.

[0109] In summary, the method provided in this application embodiment supports non-AP STAs in receiving data frames or management frames transmitted in a multicast or broadcast manner, thereby obtaining data and / or management information from the AP.

[0110] Regarding dynamic power saving:

[0111] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a dynamic power-saving method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The AP and / or non-AP STA are mostly in a low-power transceiver state unless requested to switch to a higher-capacity transceiver state. In the low-power transceiver state, the AP and / or non-AP STA can only receive Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) with specific configurations, such as non-high-throughput PPDUs (non-HT PPDUs) and non-high-throughput duplicate PPDUs (non-HT duplicate PPDUs). In the higher-capacity transceiver state, the AP and / or non-AP STA can receive PPDUs that utilize greater available bandwidth and a larger number of spatial streams.

[0112] The AP and / or non-AP STA will only switch to higher capability mode transmission and reception upon receiving a specific Initial Control Frame (ICF). This specific ICF may include one or more of the following: a Request To Send (RTS) frame carried by a non-HT PPDU or a non-HT duplicate PPDU; a Multi-user Request To Send (MU-RTS) trigger frame; or a Block Acknowledgment Request (BAR) frame. Sufficient padding must be included in the initial control frame to provide handover time for the AP and / or non-AP STA.

[0113] A non-AP STA with dot11UHRDPSAssistingSupported equal to 1 is called a DPS Assisting non-AP STA and shall set the DPS Assisting Support subfield to 1 in the UHR Capabilities element that it transmits. An AP with dot11UHRDPSAssistingSupported equal to 1 is called a DPS Assisting AP and shall set the DPS Assisting subfield to 1 in the UHR Capabilities element that it transmits.

[0114] A non-AP STA that has dot11UHRDPSSupported equal to 1 and that has enabled its DPS mode is called a DPS non-AP STA.

[0115] A non-AP STA may enable DPS mode only if its associated AP is a DPS Assisting AP. When a non-AP STA intends to enable DPS mode with its associated AP, then:

[0116] The non-AP STA shall send a UHR Operating Mode Notification frame to the AP, with the DPS Mode subfield of the UHR Control field set to 1, and include a DPS Operation Parameters field carrying the DPS Transition Delay and DPS Padding delay.

[0117] - Once the AP is ready to serve the non-AP STA in the DPS operation, the AP shall send a UHR Operating Mode Notification frame to the non-AP STA as a response to the received UHR Operating Mode Notification frame.

[0118] If a DPS non-AP STA intends to disable the DPS mode, then:

[0119] The non-AP STA shall send a UHR Operating Mode Notification frame with the DPS Mode subfield of the UHR Control field of the frame set to 0 to its associated AP.

[0120] - After the associated AP ceases to serve the non-AP STA in the DPS operation, the associated AP shall send a UHR Operating Mode Notification frame to the non-AP STA in response to the received UHR Operating Mode Notification frame.

[0121] A UHR mobile AP that has dot11UHRDPSSupported equal to 1 and that has enabled its DPS mode is called a DPS mobile AP.

[0122] A mobile AP may enable its DPS mode. A DPS mobile AP shall have a value of 1 in its transmitted DPS Enabled subfield and 0 otherwise.

[0123] A DPS STA can be either a DPS non-AP STA or a DPS mobile AP.

[0124] DPS operation allows a DPS STA to operate in lower capability (LC) mode and to transition to higher capability (HC) mode upon receiving an initial control frame transmitted by its associated DPS Supporting STA and addressed to that STA. The DPS STA remains in HC mode for no longer than the duration of the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) and transitions back to LC mode following agreed conditions.

[0125] A DPS STA in LC mode should be capable of receiving PPDUs (e.g., with non-HT (duplicate) PPDU format at rates of 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, or 24 Mbps). A DPS STA in HC mode (e.g., operating bandwidth, number of spatial streams (NSS), and modulation and coding scheme (MCS)) should be capable of receiving all supported PPDU formats corresponding to the HC mode.

[0126] If a DPS assisting STA intends to request its peer DPS STA to switch to HC mode, then the DPS assisting STA shall initiate frame exchanges with the DPS STA with an initial control frame (ICF) transmitted in non-HT (duplicate) PPDU format at a rate of 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, or 24 Mbps. If the DPS STA has a non-zero DPS padding delay, the initial control frame (ICF) sent to the DPS STA should include an intermediate FCS field and padding to ensure the padding requirement(s). A DPS assisting STA should initiate any frame exchange with a DPS STA by sending an ICF or only some frame exchanges.

[0127] When a DPS STA that is in high capability mode switches back to low capability mode, it must follow the same rules as Enhanced Multi-Link Single-Radio (EMLSR).

[0128] Regarding coexistence operations:

[0129] Coexistence operation refers to the ability of a STA supporting the IEEE 802.11 protocol specification to share its radio resources with other wireless communication technologies (such as Bluetooth (BT), cellular communication, non-terrestrial network (NTN) technology, etc.) or other STAs attached to the same MLD, which may make the STA unavailable at certain times and / or at certain frequencies, or make the STA operate with limited operational capabilities.

[0130] For trigger-based (TB) transmissions, a STA notifies its transmission parameter restrictions per its non-Wi-Fi radio activity (for TB): whether the TB PPDU can be solicited, the frame type allowed, BW, the location of the useful channel, MCS restrictions (maximum MCS, minimum MCS), the transmission power, and the spatial stream number.

[0131] A STA or an AP notifies its Rx parameter restriction per its non-Wi-Fi radio activity to its peer (including P2P): BW and available channel bitmap, MCS restriction (maximum MCS, minimum MCS), the Rx power, the NSS.

[0132] Time / Frequency: The link becomes (partially) unavailable at certain times due to coexistence with Bluetooth, etc.

[0133] Antennae: Due to sharing with other technologies, power consumption, or EMLSR, Enhanced Multi-link Multi-radio (EMLMR) may be disabled, and a subset of antennas (SS) may become unavailable. A STA can dynamically adapt the Maximum Received Spatial Streams (NSS) by sending an OMN frame or an MPDU containing an OM Control field.

[0134] Other resources can be dynamically changed. Examples include: minimum MPDU start spacing, MAC frame processing (BA on / off, fragmentation on / off), maximum PPDU duration, number of MPDUs that can be aggregated within an A-MPDU, maximum number of TIDs in a multi-TID A-MPDU, total number of payload bytes in the PPDU, and maximum values ​​(e.g., MCS, NSS, BW), Low Density Parity Check (LDPC), etc.

[0135] A STA or an AP uses existing management-level (MGMT-level) mechanisms (e.g., Multi-Link (ML) reconfiguration, etc.) to allow their update if needed.

[0136] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of coexistence operation provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. The STA and its peer STA interact using one spatial stream to exchange an ICF and an Initial Control Response (ICR). The ICF indicates a maximum Rx NSS of 4, and the ICR indicates a maximum Rx NSS of 2. The STA and its peer STA then interact using two spatial streams to exchange data and a Control Response Frame (CRF). Afterward, the operation returns to using a single spatial stream.

[0137] The Limited Operation Parameters subfield provides limited operation (LO) parameters. The format of the Limited Operation Parameters subfield is shown in Figure 7, and includes one or more of the following subfields: Maximum PPDU Duration, Maximum MCS, LDPC Mode, High-Throughput Immediate Block Acknowledgment Mode (HT-Immediate BA Mode), Disabled Subchannel Bitmap, and Reserved. The Disabled Subchannel Bitmap and Reserved subfields each occupy 16 bits, while the number of bits for the other subfields is to be determined (TBD).

[0138] The Maximum PPDU Duration subfield indicates the maximum PPDU duration, in microseconds, that is supported by the STA in transmit and / or receive when the non-AP STA is in LO mode.

[0139] The Maximum MCS subfield indicates the maximum MCS supported by the STA when the non-AP STA is in LO mode.

[0140] The LDPC Mode subfield indicates whether the STA supporting LDPC is in transmit and / or receive mode when the non-AP STA is in LO mode.

[0141] The HT-Immediate BA Mode subfield indicates whether all HT-immediate BA agreements are active or suspended when the non-AP STA is in LO mode.

[0142] The Disabled Subchannel Bitmap subfield indicates whether one or more of the 20MHz subchannels within the BSS bandwidth are enabled or disabled when the non-AP STA is in LO mode. The Disabled Subchannel Bitmap subfield is a bitmap where the lowest-numbered bit corresponds to the 20MHz subchannel within the BSS bandwidth and is the lowest in frequency of the set of all 20MHz subchannels within the BSS bandwidth. Each successive bit in the bitmap corresponds to the next higher-frequency 20MHz subchannel.Setting the bit in the bitmap corresponding to the 20MHz subchannel within the BSS bandwidth to 1 indicates that the 20MHz subchannel has been punctured; setting it to 0 indicates that the 20MHz subchannel has not been punctured. Bits outside the BSS bandwidth are reserved.

[0143] LO mode can also be called Reduced Operation Mode (RO Mode).

[0144] non-AP STA parameter update mechanism:

[0145] An MLD that has dot11LOModeImplemented equal to true shall set the Limited Operation Mode Support subfield in the MAC Capabilities subfield of the UHR Capabilities element that is transmitted by its affiliated STA(s) to 1 and to 0 otherwise.

[0146] A non-AP STA affiliated with an MLD in which dot11LOModeImplemented is true is referred to as a LO requesting non-AP STA. An AP affiliated with an MLD in which dot11LOModeImplemented is true is referred to as a LO responding AP.

[0147] If at least one of the LO parameters has changed, a non-AP LO requesting STA may notify a LO responding AP of a change in its LO mode and / or LO parameters by transmitting a Multi-Link Operation Update Request frame including a Reconfiguration Multi-Link element (with the Reconfiguration Operation Type subfield set to 5 is used for illustration) if at least one of the LO parameters have changed.

[0148] The reconfiguration multi-link element of a multi-link operation update request frame, sent by the LO requesting a non-AP STA, with the reconfiguration operation type subfield set to 5:

[0149] —All subfields in the Presence Bitmap subfield of the Multi-Link Control field in the Reconfiguration Multi-Link element shall be set to 0.

[0150] —All subfields of the STA Control field in the Reconfiguration Multi-Link element, except for the Link ID and the Limited Operation Parameters Present subfields, shall be set to 0.

[0151] —The Link ID subfield shall be set to the identifier of the link to which the limited operation parameters apply.

[0152] —The Limited Operation Parameters Present subfield shall be set to 1.

[0153] The Limited Operation Parameters subfield should indicate the updated limited operation parameters for the link identified by the value of the Link ID subfield.

[0154] Note: An AP affiliated with an AP MLD does not transmit a Multi-Link Operation Update Request frame.

[0155] When a LO responding AP receives a Multi-Link Operation Update Request frame containing a Reconfiguration Multi-Link element with a Reconfiguration Operation Type subfield equal to 5, it should respond with a Multi-Link Operation Update Response frame. The Status Code subfield of the Multi-Link Operation Update Response frame should be set to SUCCESS. The LO responding AP may set the Status Code subfield to 141 (DENIED_OPERATION_PARAMETER_UPDATE).

[0156] Before receiving the Multi-Link Operation Update Response frame, the LO requesting non-AP STA shall not apply the updated limited operation parameters indicated in the Reconfiguration Multi-Link element of the corresponding Multi-Link Operation Update Request frame. Before successfully transmitting the Multi-Link Operation Update Response frame, the LO responding AP shall not apply the limited operation parameters indicated in the Reconfiguration Multi-Link element of the corresponding Multi-Link Operation Update Request frame.

[0157] Upon receiving the Multi-Link Operation Update Response frame with the Status Code field indicating SUCCESS, the LO requesting the non-AP STA shall apply the updated limited operation parameters indicated in the Multi-Link Operation Update Request frame. After successfully transmitting the Multi-Link Operation Update Response frame with the Status Code field indicating SUCCESS, the LO requesting the non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD shall apply the limited operation parameters indicated in the Limited Operation Parameters subfield in the Reconfiguration Multi-Link element of the corresponding Multi-Link Operation Update Request frame.

[0158] As can be seen from the above dynamic power saving and coexistence operations, the STA will change its operating parameters due to power saving, changes in operating mode, etc., and the transmission parameters such as the PPDU format, rate, number of spatial streams, and bandwidth that the STA can receive may change accordingly. In cases where the AP needs to transmit data frames and / or management frames, whether the target station within the BSS can receive the data frames and / or management frames will be affected by the operating parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately limit the timing and method of data frame and / or management frame transmission.

[0159] Therefore, based on the embodiments in Figures 3 and 4, this application further proposes a frame transmission method, which restricts the transmission of frames to ensure that target stations within the BSS can receive data frames and / or management frames, thereby improving the transmission reliability of data frames and / or management frames.

[0160] In some embodiments, step 320 can be further implemented as step 820, as shown in FIG8.

[0161] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an AP and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0162] Step 820: Based on the operation mode of the associated site of the AP, the AP may or may not transmit the first frame.

[0163] The AP's associated sites are one or more non-AP STAs associated with the AP. The first frame includes a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0164] Operating mode can also be called working mode. The operating mode of the AP's associated site may be low-capacity mode or high-capacity mode. Low-capacity mode includes any of the following: low-capacity mode of DPS function, LO mode, RO mode. High-capacity mode includes any of the following: high-capacity mode of DPS function; LO mode supporting second transmission parameters; RO mode supporting second transmission parameters.

[0165] In some embodiments, the STAs in high-capability mode and STAs in low-capability mode support different transmission parameters. STAs in low-capability mode support a first transmission parameter, which may include one or more of the following: a first transmission rate, a first NSS, a first MCS, and a first transmission bandwidth (BW). STAs in high-capability mode support a second transmission parameter, which may include one or more of the following: a second transmission rate, a second NSS, a second MCS, and a second transmission bandwidth. The first and second transmission parameters satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the first NSS is less than the second NSS; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

[0166] In some embodiments, the STA in high-capability mode supports different PPDU formats than the STA in low-capability mode. The STA in low-capability mode supports a first PPDU format, which includes, for example, one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU. That is, the STA in low-capability mode supports receiving and / or transmitting the first PPDU, which includes non-HT PPDU and / or non-HT duplicate PPDU. The STA in high-capability mode supports a second PPDU format, which includes, for example, one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, Very High Throughput (VHT) PPDU. That is, the STA in high-capability mode supports receiving and / or transmitting the second PPDU, which includes one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, VHT PPDU.

[0167] In some embodiments, a STA in low-capability mode receives and / or transmits a PPDU using a first transmission parameter, and a STA in high-capability mode receives and / or transmits a PPDU using a second transmission parameter. Alternatively, a STA in low-capability mode receives and / or transmits a first PPDU, and a STA in high-capability mode receives and / or transmits a second PPDU. Alternatively, a STA in low-capability mode receives and / or transmits a first PPDU using the first transmission parameter, and a STA in high-capability mode receives and / or transmits a second PPDU using the second transmission parameter.

[0168] In some embodiments, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode (i.e., operating in low-capability mode), the AP transmits the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting. That is, when the operating mode of at least one target site associated with the AP is low-capability mode, the AP transmits the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting. Here, the target site refers to the member site corresponding to the group address of the first frame of group addressing, or all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the first frame of broadcasting. In this case, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above. For example, the first frame from the AP is transmitted using a first PPDU employing the first transmission parameters.

[0169] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capacity mode of DPS functionality, the AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in low-capacity mode of DPS functionality; in other words, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0170] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in LO mode, the AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports LO mode responsiveness, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode. Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0171] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in RO mode, the AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports RO mode response, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode. Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first frame is addressed or broadcast by the AP transmission group when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode (i.e., operating in low-capability mode) and all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition. That is, the first frame is addressed or broadcast by the AP transmission group when at least one target site associated with the AP is operating in a low-capability mode and all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition.

[0173] The first condition includes one or more of the following: all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel; all target sites associated with the AP are able to (or support) receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Furthermore, the first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

[0174] In this case, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above. For example, the first frame from the AP is transmitted using a first PPDU with the first transmission parameters.

[0175] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS function (i.e., operating in a low-capability mode of DPS function), and all target sites associated with the AP are switched to the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS function, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in low-capability mode of DPS function; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP adopts the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0176] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS function, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits group-addressed data frames and / or group-addressed management frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to a member site corresponding to the group address corresponding to the group address in the group-addressed frame; at least one target site is at least one member site corresponding to that group address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all member sites corresponding to that group address and associated with the AP. When at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS function, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address corresponding to the broadcast frame; at least one target site is at least one site associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all sites corresponding to that broadcast address and associated with the AP. When at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Furthermore, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in low-capability mode of DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Furthermore, the first frame transmitted by the AP adopts the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0177] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality, and all target sites associated with the AP are switched to the NPCA main channel, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in low-capability mode of DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP adopts the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0178] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in LO mode or RO mode (i.e., operating in LO mode or RO mode), and all target sites associated with the AP are switched to the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports responding to LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or responding to RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0179] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group addressing frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits group addressing data frames and / or group addressing management frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to a member site corresponding to the group address of the group addressing frame; at least one target site is at least one member site corresponding to that group address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all member sites corresponding to that group address and associated with the AP. When at least one target site associated with the AP is in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address of the broadcast frame; at least one target site is at least one site associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all sites corresponding to that broadcast address and associated with the AP. When at least one target site associated with the AP is in LO mode or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports responding to LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or responding to RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP adopts the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0180] For example, when at least one target site associated with the AP is in LO mode or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are switched to the NPCA main channel, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP adopts the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0181] In some embodiments, when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode (i.e., operating in high-capacity mode), the AP transmits the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting. That is, when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in high-capacity mode, the AP transmits the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting. Here, target sites refer to the member sites corresponding to the group address of the first frame of group addressing, or all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the first frame of broadcasting. In this case, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above. For example, the first frame from the AP is transmitted using a second PPDU employing the second transmission parameters.

[0182] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode of DPS functionality (i.e., operating in high-capacity mode of DPS functionality), the AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Furthermore, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, meaning the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity mode of DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Furthermore, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0183] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, the AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. That is, when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in LO mode and supporting the second transmission parameters, the AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports responsive LO mode, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode. Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format.

[0184] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in RO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, the AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. That is, when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in RO mode and supporting the second transmission parameters, the AP transmits one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports responsive RO mode, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode. Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first frame is addressed or broadcast by the AP transmission group when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode (i.e., operating in high-capacity mode) and all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition. That is, the first frame is addressed or broadcast by the AP transmission group when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in high-capacity mode and all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition.

[0186] The first condition includes: all target sites associated with the AP switching to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP being able to receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Further, the first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

[0187] In this case, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above. For example, the first frame from the AP is transmitted using a second PPDU with the second transmission parameters.

[0188] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode of DPS function and all target sites associated with the AP are switched to the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Furthermore, the AP supports assisted DPS function, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity mode of DPS function; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Furthermore, the first frame transmitted by the AP adopts the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0189] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode of DPS function, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits group-addressed data frames and / or group-addressed management frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to a member site corresponding to the group address of the group-addressed frame; at least one target site is at least one member site corresponding to that group address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all member sites corresponding to that group address and associated with the AP. When all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode of DPS function, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address of the broadcast frame; at least one target site is at least one site associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all sites corresponding to that broadcast address and associated with the AP. When all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity DPS mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Furthermore, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity DPS mode; in other words, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Furthermore, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or second PPDU format.

[0190] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode of DPS function, and all target sites associated with the AP are switched to the NPCA main channel, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS function, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity mode of DPS function; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP adopts the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0191] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO mode or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports responding to LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or responding to RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0192] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group addressing frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits group addressing data frames and / or group addressing management frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to a member site corresponding to the group address of the group addressing frame; at least one target site is at least one member site corresponding to that group address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all member sites corresponding to that group address and associated with the AP. When all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address of the broadcast frame; at least one target site is at least one site associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all sites corresponding to that broadcast address and associated with the AP. When all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports responding to LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or responding to RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or second PPDU format.

[0193] For example, when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP transmits one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Further, the AP supports responding to LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or responding to RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame transmitted by the AP adopts the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0194] In some embodiments, if none of the target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition, the AP does not send the first group-addressed or broadcast frame. The first condition includes one or more of the following: all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel; all target sites associated with the AP are able to (or can be understood as supporting) receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Further, the first frame is not transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

[0195] In other words, if none of the target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition, the operating mode of the target sites does not need to be considered. Regardless of the operating mode of the target sites, the AP will not send the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting.

[0196] For example, if not all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, that is, if only some of the target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, the AP does not send the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting. Furthermore, the AP does not send the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel.

[0197] For example, if not all target sites associated with the AP can receive group addressing frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, that is, if only some of the target sites associated with the AP can receive group addressing frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP does not send the first group addressing or broadcast frame. Furthermore, the AP does not send the first group addressing or broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first frame includes management frames including one or more of the following: a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a deauthentication frame, a fast initial link establishment discovery frame (FILS Discovery frame), a traffic indication map frame (TIM frame), an FMS response frame, a multicast multi-user block acknowledgment request BAR frame with retries (GCR MU-BAR frame), a DMS response frame, and an EBCS information frame.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first frame includes data frames including one or more of the following: EBCS data frames, STBC group address data frames, and data frames located in the FMS stream.

[0200] Furthermore, other related content can be referred to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7, that is, the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7 can be combined with the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

[0201] In summary, the method provided in this application supports the AP to transmit data frames or management frames via multicast or broadcast, enabling stations within the BSS to receive data and / or management information from the AP, thus ensuring communication efficiency within the BSS. Furthermore, the transmission parameters and PPDU format of the first frame are related to the operating mode of the AP's associated stations, imposing restrictions on whether and how the first frame is transmitted. This ensures that all target stations within the BSS can receive the first frame as much as possible, effectively preventing situations where target stations cannot receive the first frame due to limitations in operating parameters, and guaranteeing the reliability of the first frame's transmission.

[0202] In some embodiments, step 420 can be further implemented as step 920, as shown in FIG9.

[0203] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a non-AP STA and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0204] Step 920: The non-AP STA may or may not receive the first frame. The transmission of the first frame depends on the operating mode of the AP's associated site.

[0205] A non-AP STA is associated with an AP, and there can be one or more non-AP STAs. The first frame includes a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0206] The operating mode of the AP's associated site may be either low-capacity mode or high-capacity mode. Low-capacity mode includes, for example, any of the following: low-capacity mode for DPS function, LO mode, or RO mode. High-capacity mode includes, for example, any of the following: high-capacity mode for DPS function; LO mode supporting a second transmission parameter; or RO mode supporting a second transmission parameter.

[0207] In some embodiments, the STAs in high-capacity mode and STAs in low-capacity mode support different transmission parameters. STAs in low-capacity mode support a first transmission parameter, which may include one or more of the following: a first transmission rate, a first NSS, a first MCS, and a first transmission bandwidth. STAs in high-capacity mode support a second transmission parameter, which may include one or more of the following: a second transmission rate, a second NSS, a second MCS, and a second transmission bandwidth. The first and second transmission parameters satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the first NSS is less than the second NSS; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

[0208] In some embodiments, the STA in high-capability mode supports different PPDU formats than the STA in low-capability mode. The STA in low-capability mode supports a first PPDU format, which includes, for example, one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU. That is, the STA in low-capability mode supports receiving and / or transmitting the first PPDU, which includes non-HT PPDU and / or non-HT duplicate PPDU. The STA in high-capability mode supports a second PPDU format, which includes, for example, one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, VHT PPDU. That is, the STA in high-capability mode supports receiving and / or transmitting the second PPDU, which includes one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, VHT PPDU.

[0209] In some embodiments, a STA in low-capability mode receives and / or transmits a PPDU using a first transmission parameter, and a STA in high-capability mode receives and / or transmits a PPDU using a second transmission parameter. Alternatively, a STA in low-capability mode receives and / or transmits a first PPDU, and a STA in high-capability mode receives and / or transmits a second PPDU. Alternatively, a STA in low-capability mode receives and / or transmits a first PPDU using the first transmission parameter, and a STA in high-capability mode receives and / or transmits a second PPDU using the second transmission parameter.

[0210] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA receives a first frame from a group-addressed or broadcast application, which is transmitted by the AP when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode (i.e., operating in low-capability mode). Specifically, the first frame is transmitted by the AP when the operating mode of at least one target site associated with the AP is low-capability mode. Here, the target site refers to the member site corresponding to the group address of the first group-addressed frame, or all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the first broadcast frame. In this case, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above. For example, the first frame from the AP is transmitted using a first PPDU employing the first transmission parameters.

[0211] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are sent by the AP when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above.

[0212] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames, and the frames received by the non-AP STA are sent by the AP when at least one target site associated with the AP is in LO mode. Further, the AP supports LO mode, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above.

[0213] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames, and the frames received by the non-AP STA are sent by the AP when at least one target site associated with the AP is in RO mode. Further, the AP supports RO mode response, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above.

[0214] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA receives a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, which is transmitted when at least one target site associated with the AP is in low-capability mode (i.e., operating in low-capability mode) and all target sites associated with the AP satisfy a first condition. That is, the first frame is transmitted when at least one target site associated with the AP is operating in low-capability mode and all target sites associated with the AP satisfy the first condition. Here, target sites refer to the member sites corresponding to the group address of the first frame of group addressing, or all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the first frame of broadcasting.

[0215] The first condition includes one or more of the following: all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel; all target sites associated with the AP are able to (or support) receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Furthermore, the first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

[0216] In this case, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above. For example, the first frame from the AP is transmitted using a first PPDU with the first transmission parameters.

[0217] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Furthermore, the frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality (i.e., operating in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality), and all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, meaning the AP supports communication with target sites in low-capability mode of DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format.

[0218] For example, the non-AP STA receives group-addressed data frames and / or group-addressed management frames on the NPCA main channel. The frames received by the non-AP STA occur when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality, and all target sites associated with the AP can be transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel if group-addressed frames are received on the NPCA main channel. Here, a target site refers to a member site corresponding to the group address of the group-addressed frame; at least one target site is at least one member site corresponding to that group address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all member sites corresponding to that group address and associated with the AP. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, meaning the AP supports communication with target sites in low-capability mode of DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0219] For example, the non-AP STA receives broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames on the NPCA main channel. The frames received by the non-AP STA occur when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capacity DPS mode, and all target sites associated with the AP can be transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel if broadcast frames are received. Here, target sites refer to all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address of the broadcast frame; at least one target site is at least one site associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all sites associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, meaning the AP supports communication with target sites in a low-capacity DPS mode; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0220] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA occur when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, which are then transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0221] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA occur when at least one target site associated with the AP is in a low-capability mode of DPS functionality, and all target sites associated with the AP are switched to the NPCA main channel. Furthermore, all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, which are then transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in low-capability mode of DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0222] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when at least one target station associated with the AP is in LO or RO mode (i.e., operating in LO or RO mode) and all target stations associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above.

[0223] For example, the non-AP STA receives group-addressed data frames and / or group-addressed management frames on the NPCA main channel. The frames received by the non-AP STA occur when at least one target station associated with the AP is in LO or RO mode, and all target stations associated with the AP can be transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when receiving group-addressed frames. Here, a target station refers to a member station corresponding to the group address of the group-addressed frame; at least one target station is at least one member station corresponding to that group address; and all target stations associated with the AP are all member stations corresponding to that group address and associated with the AP. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0224] For example, the non-AP STA receives broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames on the NPCA main channel. The frames received by the non-AP STA occur when at least one target station associated with the AP is in LO or RO mode, and all target stations associated with the AP can be transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel if the broadcast frame is received. Here, target stations refer to all stations associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address of the broadcast frame; at least one target station is at least one station associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address; and all target stations associated with the AP are all stations associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned first transmission parameters and / or first PPDU format.

[0225] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when at least one target station associated with the AP is in LO mode or RO mode, and all target stations associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above.

[0226] For example, a non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA occur when at least one target station associated with the AP is in LO or RO mode, and all target stations associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel. Furthermore, all target stations associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, which are then transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target stations in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format described above.

[0227] In some embodiments, the non-AP STA receives the first frame of a group-addressed or broadcast frame, which is transmitted by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode (i.e., operating in high-capacity mode). That is, the first frame is transmitted by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in high-capacity mode. Here, target sites refer to the member sites corresponding to the group address of the first frame in group addressing, or all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the first frame in broadcast. In this case, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above. For example, the first frame from the AP is transmitted using a second PPDU employing the second transmission parameters.

[0228] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are sent by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode of DPS functionality (i.e., operating in high-capacity mode of DPS functionality). Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality; that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity mode of DPS functionality, i.e., the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0229] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are sent by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters. That is, the frames received by the non-AP STA are sent by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in LO mode and supporting the second transmission parameters. Further, the AP supports responsive LO mode, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format.

[0230] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are sent by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are in RO mode supporting the second transmission parameters. That is, the frames received by the non-AP STA are sent by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in RO mode and supporting the second transmission parameters. Further, the AP supports RO mode, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format.

[0231] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA receives the first frame of a group addressing or broadcast, which is transmitted by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode (i.e., operating in high-capacity mode) and when all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition. That is, the first frame is transmitted by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in high-capacity mode and when all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition. Here, target sites refer to the member sites corresponding to the group address of the first frame of group addressing, or all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the first frame of broadcast.

[0232] The first condition includes: all target sites associated with the AP switching to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP being able to receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Further, the first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

[0233] In this case, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above. For example, the first frame from the AP is transmitted using a second PPDU with the second transmission parameters.

[0234] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. Furthermore, the frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode with DPS functionality and all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity mode with DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0235] For example, the non-AP STA receives group-addressed data frames and / or group-addressed management frames on the NPCA main channel. The frames received by the non-AP STA are in high-capacity mode with DPS functionality for all target sites associated with the AP, and all target sites associated with the AP can be transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when receiving group-addressed frames. Here, a target site refers to a member site corresponding to the group address of the group-addressed frame; at least one target site is at least one member site corresponding to that group address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all member sites corresponding to that group address and associated with the AP. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity mode with DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or second PPDU format.

[0236] For example, the non-AP STA receives broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames on the NPCA main channel. The frames received by the non-AP STA are in high-capacity mode with DPS functionality for all target sites associated with the AP, and all target sites associated with the AP can be transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel if broadcast frames are received. Here, target sites refer to all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address of the broadcast frame; at least one target site is at least one site associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all sites associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity mode with DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or second PPDU format.

[0237] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity mode with DPS functionality, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity mode with DPS functionality; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0238] For example, the non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when all target sites associated with the AP are in high-capacity DPS mode, all target sites associated with the AP are switched to the NPCA main channel, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Furthermore, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality, that is, the AP supports communication with target sites in high-capacity DPS mode; that is, the AP is a DPS Assisting AP. Furthermore, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0239] For example, a non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode and all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports LO response mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or RO response mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0240] For example, the non-AP STA receives group-addressed data frames and / or group-addressed management frames on the NPCA main channel. The frames received by the non-AP STA occur when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP can be transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when receiving group-addressed frames. Here, a target site refers to a member site corresponding to the group address of the group-addressed frame; at least one target site is at least one member site corresponding to that group address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all member sites corresponding to that group address and associated with the AP. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the aforementioned second transmission parameters and / or second PPDU format.

[0241] For example, the non-AP STA receives broadcast data frames and / or broadcast management frames on the NPCA main channel. The frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP can receive broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Here, target sites refer to all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address of the broadcast frame; at least one target site is at least one site associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address; and all target sites associated with the AP are all sites associated with the AP corresponding to that broadcast address. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0242] For example, a non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports LO response mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or RO response mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0243] For example, a non-AP STA receives one or more of the following on the NPCA main channel: group-addressed data frames, group-addressed management frames, broadcast data frames, and broadcast management frames. The frames received by the non-AP STA are transmitted by the AP on the NPCA main channel when all target sites associated with the AP are in LO or RO mode, and all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, and all target sites associated with the AP are capable of receiving group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Further, the AP supports LO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in LO mode) or RO mode (i.e., the AP supports communication with target sites in RO mode). Further, the first frame received by the non-AP STA uses the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format described above.

[0244] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA does not receive the first frame of a group-addressed or broadcast frame. For example, if none of the target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition, the non-AP STA will not receive the first frame of a group-addressed or broadcast frame. The first condition includes one or more of the following: all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to (or can be understood as supporting) receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. Further, the first frame is not transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

[0245] In other words, if none of the target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition, the operating mode of the target sites does not need to be considered. Regardless of the operating mode of the target sites, the AP will not send the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, and non-AP STAs will not receive the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting.

[0246] For example, if not all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, that is, if only some of the target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, the AP does not send the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, and non-AP STAs do not receive the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting. Furthermore, non-AP STAs do not receive the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel.

[0247] For example, if not all target sites associated with the AP can receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, that is, if only some of the target sites associated with the AP can receive group-addressed frames and / or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the AP does not send the first group-addressed or broadcast frame, and the non-AP STA does not receive the first group-addressed or broadcast frame. Furthermore, the non-AP STA does not receive the first group-addressed or broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first frame includes management frames including one or more of the following: beacon frames, probe response frames, deauthentication frames, FILS discovery frames, TIM frames, FMS response frames, GCR MU-BAR frames, DMS response frames, and EBCS information frames.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first frame includes data frames including one or more of the following: EBCS data frames, STBC group address data frames, and data frames located in the FMS stream.

[0250] Furthermore, other related content can be referred to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8, that is, the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 can be combined with the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0251] In summary, the method provided in this application supports non-AP STAs in receiving data frames or management frames transmitted via multicast or broadcast, thereby obtaining data and / or management information from the AP. Furthermore, the transmission parameters and PPDU format of the first frame are related to the operating mode of the AP's associated stations, imposing restrictions on whether and how the first frame is transmitted. This ensures that all target stations within the BSS can receive the first frame as much as possible, effectively preventing target stations from failing to receive the first frame due to operational parameter limitations, and guaranteeing the reliability of the first frame's transmission.

[0252] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an AP and a non-AP STA, and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0253] Step 1020: Based on the DPS non-AP STA operating mode, the AP sends the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting.

[0254] Accordingly, the non-AP STA receives the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast sent by the AP.

[0255] The AP is a DPS Assisting AP that supports DPS assistance. Within the BSS, there are one or more DPS non-AP STAs associated with the AP, supporting DPS mode, and having DPS mode enabled (see the previous section on "Dynamic Power Saving"). When operating in low-capacity mode, a DPS non-AP STA can only receive specific versions of PPDUs with lower rates and / or fewer spatial streams and / or lower MCS indexes (which can also be understood as lower MCS order) and / or smaller bandwidth. For example, when operating in low-capacity mode, a DPS non-AP STA can only receive PPDUs using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format.

[0256] For example, when the DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capacity mode, it can only receive PPDUs using a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0257] For example, when the DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capacity mode, it can only receive the first PPDU. The first PPDU includes a non-HT PPDU and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU.

[0258] For example, when the DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capacity mode, it can only receive a first PPDU using a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first PPDU includes a non-HT PPDU and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0259] In some embodiments, to ensure that all target sites within the BSS can receive the first multicast or broadcast frame (including data frames and / or management frames), when one or more DPS non-AP STAs operating in low-capability mode exist within the BSS, the DPS Assisting AP can only transmit the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format. For example, in this case, the DPS Assisting AP transmits the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using a non-HT PPDU with the first transmission rate and / or the first NSS and / or the first MCS and / or the first transmission bandwidth; or, for another example, the DPS Assisting AP transmits the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with the first transmission rate and / or the first NSS and / or the first MCS and / or the first transmission bandwidth.

[0260] For example, in a TXOP acquired by the DPS Assisting AP, DPS non-AP STA 1 and DPS non-AP STA 2 are in high-capacity mode, meaning they have been requested by the DPS Assisting AP to switch to high-capacity mode. DPS non-AP STA 3 is in low-capacity mode, meaning it has not been requested by the DPS Assisting AP to switch to high-capacity mode. Therefore, the DPS Assisting AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format. For instance, the DPS Assisting AP can only send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast using a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS (e.g., 1 NSS) and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth non-HT PPDU. For example, a DPS Assisting AP can only send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of a group-addressed or broadcast using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS (e.g., 1NSS) and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth.

[0261] In some embodiments, the DPS Assisting AP may only transmit the first group-addressed frame (including data frames and / or management frames) using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format, unless the DPS Assisting AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in high-capacity mode. That is, if the DPS Assisting AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in high-capacity mode, the DPS Assisting AP may transmit the first group-addressed frame using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this case, the DPS Assisting AP uses a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame.

[0262] In some embodiments, the DPS Assisting AP may only transmit the first frame of the broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames) using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format, unless the DPS Assisting AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs at all target sites are operating in high-capacity mode. That is, if the DPS Assisting AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs at all target sites are operating in high-capacity mode, the DPS Assisting AP may transmit the first frame of the broadcast using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this case, the DPS Assisting AP uses a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth non-HT PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth non-HT duplicate PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth HT PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth VHT PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast.

[0263] For example, in a TXOP acquired by the DPS Assisting AP, if all DPS non-AP STAs, such as DPS non-AP STA 1, DPS non-AP STA 2, and DPS non-AP STA 3, are in high-capacity mode, then the DPS Assisting AP can use the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of a group addressing or broadcast. For instance, the DPS Assisting AP might use a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth non-HT PPDU to send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames). Or, for another example, the DPS Assisting AP might use a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth non-HT duplicate PPDU to send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames). For example, a DPS Assisting AP may use a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth HT PPDU to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) for group addressing or broadcasting. Alternatively, a DPS Assisting AP may use a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth VHT PPDU to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) for group addressing or broadcasting.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the first NSS is less than the second NSS; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first frame includes management frames including one or more of the following: beacon frames, probe response frames, deauthentication frames, FILS discovery frames, TIM frames, FMS response frames, GCR MU-BAR frames, DMS response frames, and EBCS information frames.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first frame includes data frames including one or more of the following: EBCS data frames, STBC group address data frames, and data frames located in the FMS stream.

[0267] Furthermore, other related content can be referred to in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9, that is, the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9 can be combined with the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[0268] In summary, the method provided in this application embodiment supports DPS Assisting AP to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting based on the DPS non-AP STA working mode, using appropriate transmission parameters and / or PPDU format, so that all target sites within the BSS can receive data frames and / or management frames from the AP, thereby improving the transmission reliability of group addressing frames and / or broadcast frames.

[0269] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an AP and a non-AP STA, and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0270] Step 1120: Based on the DPS non-AP STA operating mode, the AP sends the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel.

[0271] Accordingly, the non-AP STA receives the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast sent by the AP on the NPCA main channel.

[0272] In some embodiments, when an NPCA AP (i.e., an AP that enables NPCA functionality) acquires a TXOP on the NPCA main channel (see the relevant content of the embodiment shown in Figure 2), and the NPCA AP is allowed to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting: if the NPCA AP is a DPS Assisting AP (i.e., the AP enables both NPCA functionality and supports assisted DPS functionality), and there are one or more DPS non-AP STAs in low-capability mode among the non-AP STAs that can receive the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel, then the DPS Assisting AP can only transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting (including data frames and / or management frames) using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format; if the NPCA AP is a DPS Assisting AP, and all DPS non-AP STAs in the non-AP STAs that can receive the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel are in high-capability mode, then the DPS Assisting AP can transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting (including data frames and / or management frames) using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format.

[0273] The first frame that allows NPCA AP to transmit group addressing or broadcast, i.e., the case where the first condition is met in the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, indicates that all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel.

[0274] If an AP enables both NPCA and DPS Assistance, it means that the AP is both a DPS Assisting AP and an NPCA AP. A BSS contains one or more DPS non-AP STAs associated with an AP, supporting DPS mode, and having DPS mode enabled (refer to the relevant content in the embodiment shown in Figure 4). When a DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capability mode, it can only receive specific versions of PPDUs with lower rates and / or fewer spatial streams and / or lower MCS indexes (which can also be understood as lower MCS order) and / or smaller bandwidth. For example, when a DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capability mode, it can only receive PPDUs using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format.

[0275] For example, if one or more DPS non-AP STAs are operating in low-capability mode within the BSS, and all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP transmits the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group-addressed or broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel, and the first frame uses a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0276] For example, if one or more DPS non-AP STAs are operating in low-capability mode within the BSS, and all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP transmits the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group-addressed or broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel, and the first frame is transmitted via a first PPDU. The first PPDU includes a non-HT PPDU and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU.

[0277] For example, if one or more DPS non-AP STAs are operating in low-capability mode within the BSS, and all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP transmits the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group-addressed or broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel, and the first frame is transmitted via a first PPDU employing a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first PPDU includes non-HT PPDUs and / or non-HT duplicate PPDUs. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0278] For example, if the DPS Assisting AP enables the NPCA function and acquires a TXOP on the NPCA main channel, in this TXOP, all DPS non-AP STAs, such as DPS non-AP STA 1, DPS non-AP STA 2, and DPS non-AP STA 3, can receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. DPS non-AP STA 1 and DPS non-AP STA 2 are in high-capability mode, meaning they are requested to switch to high-capability mode by the DPS Assisting AP. DPS non-AP STA 3 is in low-capability mode, meaning it is not requested to switch to high-capability mode by the DPS Assisting AP. Therefore, the DPS Assisting AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format. For example, a DPS Assisting AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of a group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT PPDU with a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS (e.g., 1 NSS) and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. Similarly, a DPS Assisting AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of a group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS (e.g., 1 NSS) and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth.

[0279] In some embodiments, a DPS Assisting AP with NPCA enabled can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of group addressing on the NPCA main channel using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format, unless the DPS Assisting AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs at all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in high-capacity mode. That is, if the DPS Assisting AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs at all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in high-capacity mode, and all target sites corresponding to the group address (i.e., all member sites corresponding to the group address) are capable of receiving group addressing frames on the NPCA main channel, the DPS Assisting AP can transmit the first frame of group addressing on the NPCA main channel using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this case, the DPS Assisting AP addresses the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group using a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP addresses the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP addresses the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group using a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP addresses the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group using a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth.

[0280] In some embodiments, a DPS Assisting AP with NPCA enabled may only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format, unless the DPS Assisting AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs at all target sites are operating in high-capacity mode. That is, if the DPS Assisting AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs at all target sites are operating in high-capacity mode, and all target sites (i.e., all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address) are capable of receiving broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the DPS Assisting AP may transmit the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this case, the DPS Assisting AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the DPS Assisting AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth.

[0281] For example, if the DPS Assisting AP has enabled the NPCA function and acquired a TXOP on the NPCA main channel, and all DPS non-AP STAs, such as DPS non-AP STA 1, DPS non-AP STA 2, and DPS non-AP STA 3, are able to receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel and are all in high-capacity mode, then the DPS Assisting AP can use the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format to transmit the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames). For instance, the DPS Assisting AP can use a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth non-HT PPDU to send the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames) on the NPCA main channel. For example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel. For example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel. For example, the DPS Assisting AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the first NSS is less than the second NSS; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

[0283] In some embodiments, if the DPS Assisting AP determines that not all target sites are able to receive group-addressed or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the DPS Assisting AP will not transmit the first frame of the NPCA main channel group-addressed or broadcast frame.

[0284] For example, if a DPS Assisting AP has enabled the NPCA function and acquired a TXOP on the NPCA main channel, and within this TXOP there exists a DPS non-AP STA that cannot receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel (e.g., DPS non-AP STA 1 and DPS non-AP STA 2 have switched to the NPCA main channel and support receiving group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), but DPS non-AP STA 3 has not switched to the NPCA main channel, then the DPS Assisting AP will not transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group-addressed or broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel. This effectively avoids situations where some target sites cannot receive data frames and / or management frames from the AP.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first frame includes management frames including one or more of the following: beacon frames, probe response frames, deauthentication frames, FILS discovery frames, TIM frames, FMS response frames, GCR MU-BAR frames, DMS response frames, and EBCS information frames.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first frame includes data frames including one or more of the following: EBCS data frames, STBC group address data frames, and data frames located in the FMS stream.

[0287] Furthermore, other related content can be referred to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 10, that is, the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 10 can be combined with the embodiment shown in Figure 11.

[0288] In summary, the method provided in this application supports DPS Assisting APs with NPCA enabled. Based on the working mode of the DPS non-AP STA and whether the DPS non-AP STA can receive the first frame on the NPCA main channel, the method uses appropriate transmission parameters and / or PPDU format to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel, so that all target stations within the BSS can receive data frames and / or management frames from the AP on the NPCA main channel, thereby improving the transmission reliability of group addressing frames and / or broadcast frames.

[0289] Figure 12 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an AP and a non-AP STA, and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0290] Step 1220: When the non-AP STA is operating in LO or RO mode, the AP sends the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting.

[0291] Accordingly, the non-AP STA receives the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast sent by the AP.

[0292] An AP is a LO responding AP that supports LO mode (or RO mode), meaning it supports communication with target sites in LO mode. Within a BSS, there are one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs (or RO requesting non-AP STAs) associated with an AP and supporting LO mode (see the previous section on "Coexistence Operation"). When a LO requesting non-AP STA operates in LO mode, its operating parameters are limited. For example, one or more of the following parameters are changed: the maximum duration of transmit / receive PPDUs is reduced; the maximum modulation and coding order (MCS) of transmit / receive PPDUs is reduced; LDPC coding is not supported; HT-Immediate BA mode is suspended; and one or more 20MHz sub-channels in the BSS operating bandwidth are unavailable.

[0293] In some embodiments, in order to ensure that all target sites can receive the first frame of the multicast or broadcast, if there are one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode within the BSS, the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format.

[0294] For example, when one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs are operating in LO mode, the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame of a group addressing or broadcast using a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first transmission rate may include, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS may be, for example, 1 NSS.

[0295] For example, when one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs are operating in LO mode, the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame of a group addressing or broadcast via a first PPDU. The first PPDU includes a non-HT PPDU and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU.

[0296] For example, when one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs are operating in LO mode, the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame of a group-addressed or broadcast application using a first PPDU employing a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first PPDU includes a non-HT PPDU and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0297] For example, within the BSS, there are LO requesting non-AP STA 1, LO requesting non-AP STA 2, and LO requesting non-AP STA 3. In a TXOP acquired by the LO responding AP, only LO requesting non-AP STA 1 and LO requesting non-AP STA 2 operate in LO mode. Therefore, the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format. For instance, the LO responding AP can only send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast using a non-HT PPDU with a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. Similarly, the DPS Assisting AP can only send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. For example, a DPS Assisting AP can only use the non-HT PPDU and / or non-HT duplicate PPDU of the first MCS to send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of group addressing or broadcasting. The index of the first MCS is lower than the index of the second MCS, which can also be understood as the order of the first MCS being lower than the order of the second MCS.

[0298] In some embodiments, the LO responding AP may only transmit the first group-addressed frame (including data frames and / or management frames) using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format, unless the LO responding AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address support the second transmission parameters. That is, if the LO responding AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address support the second transmission parameters, the LO responding AP may transmit the first group-addressed frame using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this scenario, the LO responding AP uses a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the LO responding AP uses a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the LO responding AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the LO responding AP uses a non-HT PPDU with a second MCS and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU and / or a HT PPDU and / or a VHT PPDU. PPDU is used to send the first frame of group addressing (including data frames and / or management frames). The index of the second MCS is higher than the index of the first MCS, which can also be understood as the order of the second MCS being higher than the order of the first MCS.

[0299] In some embodiments, the LO responding AP may only transmit the first frame of the broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames) using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format, unless the LO responding AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs at all target sites support the second transmission parameters. That is, if the LO responding AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs at all target sites support the second transmission parameters, the LO responding AP may transmit the first frame of the broadcast using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this scenario, the LO responding AP uses a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth non-HT PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the LO responding AP uses a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth non-HT duplicate PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the LO responding AP uses a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth HT PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the LO responding AP uses a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth VHT PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the LO responding AP uses a second MCS non-HT PPDU and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU and / or a HT PPDU and / or VHT PPDU is used to send the first frame of the broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames). The index of the second MCS is higher than that of the first MCS, which can also be understood as the order of the second MCS being higher than that of the first MCS.

[0300] For example, in a TXOP acquired by a LO responding AP, if all LO requesting non-AP STAs, such as LO requesting non-AP STA 1, LO requesting non-AP STA 2, and LO requesting non-AP STA 3, are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, then the LO responding AP can use the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of a group addressing or broadcast. For instance, the LO responding AP might use a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames). Similarly, a DPS Assisting AP might use a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to send the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames). For example, a DPS Assisting AP might use a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth HT PPDU to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of a group addressing or broadcast application. Alternatively, a DPS Assisting AP might use a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth VHT PPDU to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames). Another example is a DPS Assisting AP using a non-HT PPDU of the second MCS and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU and / or an HT PPDU and / or a VHT PPDU to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames). The index of the first MCS is lower than the index of the second MCS, which can also be understood as the order of the first MCS being lower than the order of the second MCS.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the first NSS is less than the second NSS; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first frame includes management frames including one or more of the following: beacon frames, probe response frames, deauthentication frames, FILS discovery frames, TIM frames, FMS response frames, GCR MU-BAR frames, DMS response frames, and EBCS information frames.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first frame includes data frames including one or more of the following: EBCS data frames, STBC group address data frames, and data frames located in the FMS stream.

[0304] Furthermore, other related content can be referred to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11, that is, the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11 can be combined with the embodiment shown in Figure 12.

[0305] In summary, the method provided in this application supports LO responding APs operating in LO requesting non-AP STA mode, using appropriate transmission parameters and / or PPDU formats to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, so that all target stations within the BSS can receive data frames and / or management frames from the AP, thereby improving the transmission reliability of group addressing frames and / or broadcast frames.

[0306] Figure 13 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an AP and a non-AP STA, and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0307] Step 1320: When the non-AP STA is operating in LO mode, the AP sends the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel.

[0308] Accordingly, the non-AP STA receives the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast sent by the AP on the NPCA main channel.

[0309] LO mode, also known as RO mode, means that when a non-AP STA is operating in RO mode, the AP can send the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel.

[0310] In some embodiments, when an NPCA AP (i.e., an AP that enables NPCA functionality) acquires a TXOP on the NPCA main channel (see the relevant content in the embodiment shown in Figure 2), and the NPCA AP is allowed to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting: if the NPCA AP is a LO responding AP (i.e., the AP both enables NPCA functionality and supports LO response mode), and there are one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs in LO mode among the non-AP STAs that can receive the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel, then the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting (including data frames and / or management frames) using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format; if the NPCA AP is a LO responding AP, and all LO requesting non-AP STAs in the non-AP STAs that can receive the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel are in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters (i.e., in LO mode and supporting the second transmission parameters), then the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format. The AP can use the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of group addressing or broadcasting.

[0311] The first frame that allows NPCA AP to transmit group addressing or broadcast, i.e., the case where the first condition is met in the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, indicates that all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel.

[0312] If an AP has both NPCA functionality enabled and supports LO response mode, then the AP is both a LO responding AP and an NPCA AP. A BSS contains one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs associated with an AP, supporting LO mode, and having LO mode enabled (refer to the previous section on "Coexistence Operation"). When a LO requesting non-AP STA operates in LO mode, its operating parameters are restricted. For example, one or more of the following parameters are changed: the maximum duration of transmit / receive PPDUs is reduced; the maximum modulation and coding order (MCS) of transmit / receive PPDUs is reduced; LDPC coding is not supported; HT-Immediate BA mode is suspended; and one or more 20MHz sub-channels in the BSS operating bandwidth are unavailable.

[0313] For example, if there are one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode within the BSS, and all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP transmits the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel, and the first frame uses a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6Mbps, 12Mbps, 24Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1NSS.

[0314] For example, if there are one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode within the BSS, and all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP transmits the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group-addressed or broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel, and the first frame is transmitted via a first PPDU. The first PPDU includes a non-HT PPDU and / or a non-HT duplicate PPDU.

[0315] For example, if one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs are operating in LO mode within the BSS, and all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP transmits the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group-addressed or broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel. This first frame is transmitted via a first PPDU employing a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first PPDU includes non-HT PPDUs and / or non-HT duplicate PPDUs. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0316] For example, if the LO responding AP has enabled the NPCA function and acquired a TXOP on the NPCA main channel, in which all LO requesting non-AP STAs, such as LO requesting non-AP STA 1, LO requesting non-AP STA 2, and LO requesting non-AP STA 3, can receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel. If LO requesting non-AP STA 1 and LO requesting non-AP STA 2 are in LO mode, then the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format. For instance, the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT PPDU with the first transmission rate and / or the first NSS and / or the first MCS and / or the first transmission bandwidth. For example, the LO responding AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with the first transmission rate and / or the first NSS and / or the first MCS and / or the first transmission bandwidth.

[0317] In some embodiments, a LO responding AP with NPCA enabled can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of group addressing on the NPCA main channel using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format, unless the LO responding AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs at all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters. That is, if the LO responding AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs at all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, and all target sites corresponding to the group address (i.e., all member sites corresponding to the group address) are able to receive group addressing frames on the NPCA main channel, the LO responding AP can transmit the first frame of group addressing on the NPCA main channel using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this case, the LO responding AP addresses the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group using a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the LO responding AP addresses the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the LO responding AP addresses the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group using a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the LO responding AP addresses the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group using a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth.

[0318] In some embodiments, a LO responding AP with NPCA enabled can only transmit the first frame of a broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames) on the NPCA main channel using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format, unless the LO responding AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs at all target sites are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters. That is, if the LO responding AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs at all target sites are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, and all target sites (i.e., all sites associated with the AP corresponding to the broadcast address) are able to receive broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the LO responding AP can transmit the first frame of a broadcast using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this case, the LO responding AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the LO responding AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the LO responding AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the LO responding AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth.

[0319] For example, if a LO responding AP enables the NPCA function and acquires a TXOP on the NPCA main channel, in which all LO requesting non-AP STAs, such as LO requesting non-AP STA 1, LO requesting non-AP STA 2, and LO requesting non-AP STA 3, are able to receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel and are all in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, then the LO responding AP can use the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format to transmit the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames). For instance, the LO responding AP might use a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to send the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames) on the NPCA main channel. For example, the LO responding AP uses a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel. For example, the LO responding AP uses a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel. For example, the LO responding AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the first NSS is less than the second NSS; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

[0321] In some embodiments, if the LO responding AP determines that not all target sites are able to receive group-addressed frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel, the LO responding AP will not transmit the first frame of the NPCA main channel group-addressed or broadcast frame.

[0322] For example, if a LO responding AP has enabled the NPCA function and acquired a TXOP on the NPCA main channel, and within this TXOP there exists a LO requesting non-AP STA that cannot receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel—for instance, LO requesting non-AP STA 1 and LO requesting non-AP STA 2 have switched to the NPCA main channel and support receiving group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel—but LO requesting non-AP STA 3 has not switched to the NPCA main channel, then the LO responding AP will not transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the group addressing or broadcast on the NPCA main channel. This effectively prevents some target sites from being unable to receive data frames and / or management frames from the AP.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first frame includes management frames including one or more of the following: beacon frames, probe response frames, deauthentication frames, FILS discovery frames, TIM frames, FMS response frames, GCR MU-BAR frames, DMS response frames, and EBCS information frames.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first frame includes data frames including one or more of the following: EBCS data frames, STBC group address data frames, and data frames located in the FMS stream.

[0325] Furthermore, other related content can be referred to in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 12, that is, the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 12 can be combined with the embodiment shown in Figure 13.

[0326] In summary, the method provided in this application supports LO responding APs with NPCA functionality enabled. Based on the working mode of LO requesting non-AP STAs and whether the LO requesting non-AP STA can receive the first frame on the NPCA main channel, the method uses appropriate transmission parameters and / or PPDU format to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel. This ensures that all target stations within the BSS can receive data frames and / or management frames from the AP on the NPCA main channel, thereby improving the transmission reliability of group addressing frames and / or broadcast frames.

[0327] Figure 14 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an AP and a non-AP STA, and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0328] Step 1420: With at least one non-AP STA operating in LO mode and at least one non-AP STA operating in low-capability mode of DPS function, the AP sends the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting.

[0329] Accordingly, the non-AP STA receives the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast sent by the AP.

[0330] The AP is both a DPS Assisting AP that supports DPS assistance and a LO responding AP that supports LO response mode (or RO mode).

[0331] The BSS contains one or more DPS non-AP STAs that are associated with the AP, support DPS mode, and have DPS mode enabled (see the previous section on "Dynamic Power Saving"). It also contains one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs that are associated with the AP, support LO mode, and have LO mode enabled (see the previous section on "Coexistence Operation").

[0332] When a DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capability mode, it can only receive specific versions of PPDUs with lower rates and / or fewer spatial streams and / or lower MCS indexes (which can also be understood as lower MCS order) and / or smaller bandwidths. For example, when a DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capability mode, it can only receive PPDUs using a first transmission parameter and / or a first PPDU format. For instance, when a DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capability mode, it can only receive first PPDUs using a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first PPDU includes non-HT PPDUs and / or non-HT duplicate PPDUs. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0333] When a non-AP STA operates in LO mode, its operating parameters are limited. For example, one or more of the following parameters are changed: the maximum duration of transmit and receive PPDUs is reduced; the maximum modulation and coding order of transmit and receive PPDUs is reduced; LDPC coding is not supported; HT-Immediate BA mode is suspended; and one or more 20MHz sub-channels in the BSS operating bandwidth are unavailable.

[0334] In some embodiments, when one or more DPS non-AP STAs operating in low-capability mode exist within the BSS, and one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs are also present in LO mode, the AP can only transmit the first group-addressed or broadcast frame (including data frames and / or management frames) using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU. For example, the AP can only transmit the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using the first transmission rate and / or the first NSS and / or the first MCS and / or the first transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the AP can only transmit the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using the first PPDU; or, for example, the AP can only transmit the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using the first PPDU using the first transmission rate and / or the first NSS and / or the first MCS and / or the first transmission bandwidth. The first PPDU includes non-HT PPDUs and / or non-HT duplicate PPDUs. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0335] In some embodiments, if there are one or more DPS non-AP STAs operating in low-capability mode and one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode within the BSS, the AP can only use the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU to transmit the first group-addressed frame (including data frames and / or management frames), unless the AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in high-capability mode of DPS functionality and all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters. That is, if the AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, and all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in high-capability mode of DPS functionality, the AP can use the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format to transmit the first group-addressed frame. For example, in this case, the AP uses a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the AP uses a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first group-addressed frame.

[0336] In some embodiments, if there are one or more DPS non-AP STAs operating in low-capability mode and one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode within the BSS, the AP can only use the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU to transmit the first frame of the broadcast (including data frames and / or management frames), unless the AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites are operating in high-capability mode of DPS functionality and all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters. That is, if the AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, and all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites are operating in high-capability mode of DPS functionality, the AP can use the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format to transmit the first frame of the broadcast. For example, in this case, the AP uses a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the AP uses a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame of the broadcast; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth to transmit the first frame of the broadcast.

[0337] In some embodiments, the aforementioned one or more DPS non-AP STAs can also simultaneously be LO requesting non-AP STAs. That is, when the aforementioned one or more DPS non-AP STAs are operating in the high-capacity mode of the DPS function, they can further operate in LO mode. In this case, when the AP sends an initial control frame to the aforementioned one or more DPS non-AP STAs to request that the DPS non-AP STA switch to the high-capacity mode of the DPS function, the DPS non-AP STA, in the response frame of sending the initial control frame, indicates that it will operate in LO mode and / or indicates its own LO mode operating parameters.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first frame includes management frames including one or more of the following: beacon frames, probe response frames, deauthentication frames, FILS discovery frames, TIM frames, FMS response frames, GCR MU-BAR frames, DMS response frames, and EBCS information frames.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first frame includes data frames including one or more of the following: EBCS data frames, STBC group address data frames, and data frames located in the FMS stream.

[0340] In summary, the method provided in this application supports the AP to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting based on the LO requesting non-AP STA and DPS non-AP STA working modes within the BSS, using appropriate transmission parameters and / or PPDU format, so that all target stations within the BSS can receive data frames and / or management frames from the AP, thereby improving the transmission reliability of group addressing frames and / or broadcast frames.

[0341] Figure 15 shows a flowchart of a frame transmission method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by an AP and a non-AP STA, and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0342] Step 1520: When at least one non-AP STA is operating in LO mode and at least one non-AP STA is operating in low-capability mode of DPS function, the AP transmits the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel.

[0343] Accordingly, the non-AP STA receives the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast sent by the AP on the NPCA main channel.

[0344] An AP is a DPS Assisting AP that supports DPS assistance, a LO responding AP that supports LO mode (or RO mode), and an AP that supports NPCA functionality.

[0345] The BSS contains one or more DPS non-AP STAs that are associated with the AP, support DPS mode, and have DPS mode enabled (see the previous section on "Dynamic Power Saving"). It also contains one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs that are associated with the AP, support LO mode, and have LO mode enabled (see the previous section on "Coexistence Operation").

[0346] When a DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capability mode, it can only receive specific versions of PPDUs with lower rates and / or fewer spatial streams and / or lower MCS indexes (which can also be understood as lower MCS order) and / or smaller bandwidths. For example, when a DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capability mode, it can only receive PPDUs using a first transmission parameter and / or a first PPDU format. For instance, when a DPS non-AP STA operates in low-capability mode, it can only receive first PPDUs using a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first PPDU includes non-HT PPDUs and / or non-HT duplicate PPDUs. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0347] When a non-AP STA operates in LO mode, its operating parameters are limited. For example, one or more of the following parameters are changed: the maximum duration of transmit and receive PPDUs is reduced; the maximum modulation and coding order of transmit and receive PPDUs is reduced; LDPC coding is not supported; HT-Immediate BA mode is suspended; and one or more 20MHz sub-channels in the BSS operating bandwidth are unavailable.

[0348] In some embodiments, if there are one or more DPS non-AP STAs operating in low-capability mode and one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode within the BSS, in the TXOP acquired by the NPCA AP (i.e., the AP that enables NPCA functionality) on the NPCA main channel (see the relevant content of the embodiment shown in FIG2), if the NPCA AP is allowed to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting: if among the non-AP STAs that can receive the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel, there are one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode and one or more DPS non-AP STAs operating in low-capability mode, then the AP can only transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting (including data frames and / or management frames) using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format. For example, the AP can only transmit the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the AP can only transmit the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using a first PPDU; or, for example, the AP can only transmit the first group-addressed or broadcast frame using a first PPDU using a first transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a first MCS and / or a first transmission bandwidth. The first PPDU includes non-HT PPDUs and / or non-HT duplicate PPDUs. The first transmission rate includes, for example, one or more of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 24 Mbps. The first NSS is, for example, 1 NSS.

[0349] The first frame that allows NPCA AP to transmit group addressing or broadcast, i.e., the case where the first condition is met in the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, indicates that all target sites associated with the AP have switched to the NPCA main channel, and / or, all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel.

[0350] In some embodiments, if there are one or more DPS non-AP STAs operating in low-capability mode within the BSS, and one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode, and if all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel and / or all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group-addressed frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP can only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of group addressing on the NPCA main channel using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU, unless the AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in high-capability mode of DPS functionality and all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters. In other words, if all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address determined by the AP are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, and all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites corresponding to the group address are operating in high-capacity mode of DPS function, and all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel and / or all target sites associated with the AP can receive group addressing frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP can transmit the first frame of group addressing on the NPCA main channel using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this case, the AP uses a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth in the first frame addressed by the NPCA main channel transmission group; or, for example, the AP uses a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth in the first frame addressed by the NPCA main channel transmission group; or, for example, the AP uses a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth in the first frame addressed by the NPCA main channel transmission group; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth in the first frame addressed by the NPCA main channel transmission group; or, for example, the AP uses a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth in the first frame addressed by the NPCA main channel transmission group; or, for example, the AP uses a HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth in the first frame addressed by the NPCA main channel transmission group. The PPDU is addressed in the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group; or, for example, the AP uses a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth in the first frame of the NPCA main channel transmission group.

[0351] In some embodiments, if there are one or more DPS non-AP STAs operating in low-capability mode within the BSS, and one or more LO requesting non-AP STAs operating in LO mode, and if all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel and / or all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP may only transmit the first frame (including data frames and / or management frames) of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU, unless the AP determines that all DPS non-AP STAs in all target sites are operating in high-capability mode of DPS functionality and all LO requesting non-AP STAs in all target sites are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters. In other words, if the AP determines that all LO requesting non-AP STAs at all target sites are operating in LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters, and all DPS non-AP STAs at all target sites are operating in high-capacity mode of DPS functionality, and all target sites associated with the AP meet the first condition (all target sites associated with the AP switch to the NPCA main channel and / or all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel), the AP can transmit the first broadcast frame on the NPCA main channel using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. For example, in this scenario, the AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a non-HT duplicate PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using an HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a second NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using an HT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth; or, for example, the AP transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel using a VHT PPDU with a second transmission rate and / or a first NSS and / or a second MCS and / or a second transmission bandwidth. The PPDU transmits the first frame of the broadcast on the NPCA main channel.

[0352] In some embodiments, the aforementioned one or more DPS non-AP STAs can also simultaneously be LO requesting non-AP STAs. That is, when the aforementioned one or more DPS non-AP STAs are operating in the high-capacity mode of the DPS function, they can further operate in LO mode. In this case, when the AP sends an initial control frame to the aforementioned one or more DPS non-AP STAs to request that the DPS non-AP STA switch to the high-capacity mode of the DPS function, the DPS non-AP STA, in the response frame of sending the initial control frame, indicates that it will operate in LO mode and / or indicates its own LO mode operating parameters.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first frame includes management frames including one or more of the following: beacon frames, probe response frames, deauthentication frames, FILS discovery frames, TIM frames, FMS response frames, GCR MU-BAR frames, DMS response frames, and EBCS information frames.

[0354] In some embodiments, the first frame includes data frames including one or more of the following: EBCS data frames, STBC group address data frames, and data frames located in the FMS stream.

[0355] In summary, the method provided in this application supports the AP's working modes of LO requesting non-AP STA and DPS non-AP STA within the BSS, and whether the target station can receive the first frame on the NPCA main channel. It uses appropriate transmission parameters and / or PPDU format to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, so that all target stations within the BSS can receive data frames and / or management frames from the AP, thereby improving the transmission reliability of group addressing frames and / or broadcast frames.

[0356] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 15 above, rate selection rules for group addressed data and management frames are also provided, but excluding the following:

[0357] —Non-Space-Time Block Coding Beacon frames (Non-STBC Beacon frames);

[0358] —Extended Range beacon (ER beacon) and High Efficiency beacon (HE beacon);

[0359] —STBC group addressed Data and Management frames;

[0360] —Data frames located in an FMS stream;

[0361] —Group addressed frames transmitted to the GCR concealment address;

[0362] —Group addressed data and management frames transmitted in an HEER SU PPDU;

[0363] —Group addressed data and management frames transmitted in an HE SU PPDU;

[0364] —Group addressed data and management frames transmitted in an HE MU PPDU;

[0365] —Enhanced Broadcast Services (EBCS) Info frames, EBCS UL frames, and EBCS Data frames.

[0366] If the BSSBasicRateSet parameter is not empty, a Data or Management frame (excluding the frames listed above) with a group address in the Address 1 field shall be transmitted in a non-HT PPDU using one of the rates included in the BSSBasicRateSet parameter or the rate chosen by the AP, if the Data frames are part of an FMS stream.

[0367] If the BSSBasicRateSet parameter is empty, and the Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT operation parameter of the MLME-START.request primitive or the Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT operation parameter of the SelectedBSS parameter of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive is not empty, then the frame shall be transmitted in an HT PPDU using one of the MCSs included in the Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT operation parameter of the MLME-START.request primitive or the Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT operation parameter of the SelectedBSS parameter of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive. Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT Operation parameter of the MLME-START.request primitive or Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT Operation parameter of the SelectedBSS parameter of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive).

[0368] If the BSBasicRateSet parameter is empty, and the Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT operation parameter of the MLME-START.request primitive is empty, or the Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT operation parameter of the SelectedBSS parameter of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive is empty, and the basic VHT-MCS and NSS sets are not empty, then the values ​​contained in the basic VHT-MCS and NSS sets should be used.<VHT-MCS,NSS> The frame shall be transmitted in a VHT PPDU using one of the<VHT-MCS.NSS> tuples included in the basic VHT-MCS and NSS set).

[0369] In a non-Single-carrier 1-Gigabit STA (non-S1G STA), if the BSSBasicRateSet parameter, the Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT Operation parameter of the MLME-START.request primitive, or the Basic HT-MCS Set field of the HT Operation parameter of the SelectedBSS parameter of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive, and the basic VHT-MCS and NSS sets are empty (e.g., a scanned site not yet associated with a BSS), then a frame should be transmitted in non-HT PPDU format at one of the mandatory physical layer rates. empty (eg, a scanning STA that is not yet associated with a BSS), the frame shall be transmitted in a non-HT PPDU using one of the mandatory PHY rates).

[0370] The AP should buffer individually addressed BUs addressed to STAs operating in a power-saving (PS) mode. These buffered BUs should only be transmitted at designated times.

[0371] If any non-General Link STA (non-GLK STA) in its BSS is in PS mode, the AP should buffer all non-Groupcast with Retries Service Period (non-GCR-SP) group-addressed BUs arriving via DS and forward them to all non-GLK STAs immediately after the next Delivery Traffic Indication Map (DTIM) beacon. If the AP is an S1G AP, the AP can additionally forward these BUs using the Association Identifier (AID). If any GLK STA is in PS mode in its BSS, the AP shall not include any such STA as a Synthetic Receiver Address (SYNRA) destination and shall buffer all group-addressed BUs that arrive via the DS and are destined for such STAs, delivering them with individually addressed MPDUs using power-saving delivery methods.

[0372] Note: For GLK type STAs and non-GLK type STAs, group-addressed buffered BUs containing one or more Medium Access Control Layer (MAC) Service Data Units (MSDUs) will not be repeated by the AP to the other types of STAs. Network entities external to the AP, such as the bridged network, may repeat these MSDUs to both types of STAs by other means.

[0373] STAs that currently have buffered BUs (excluding those BUs for a STA associated with ACs that are UAPSD delivery-enabled when not all ACs are delivery-enabled by that STA) within the AP are identified in a TIM, which shall be included as an element within all Beacon frames generated by the AP. A STA shall determine that a BU is buffered for it by receiving and interpreting a TIM.

[0374] Two different TIM types are distinguished: TIM and DTIM. After sending a DTIM beacon, the AP shall transmit buffered non-GCR-SP group addressed BUs to be delivered using MPDUs with an RA (other than a SYNRA), before transmitting any individually addressed frames. The AP may additionally deliver these BUs using group AID.

[0375] Figure 16 illustrates AP and STA activity assuming DTIM beacons are transmitted every 3 TIMs. The top line in Figure 16 represents the timeline, showing the beacon intervals and the DTIM intervals comprising three beacon intervals. The second line describes AP activity. The AP schedules beacon frames for transmission within each beacon interval, but if there is traffic during the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT), beacon frame transmission may be delayed. This is indicated as "Busy Medium" in the second line. An important fact about beacon frames is that they contain TIMs, some of which are DTIM beacon frames (Figure 16) illustrates the AP and STA activity under the assumption that a DTIM beacon is transmitted once every three TIMs. The top line in Figure 16 represents the time axis, with the beacon interval shown together with a DTIM Interval of three beacon intervals. The second line depicts AP activity. be delayed if there is traffic at the TBTT. This is indicated as “busy medium” on the second line. The important fact about Beacon frames is that they contain TIMs,some of which are DTIM beacons).

[0376] Note that the second STA with ReceiveDTIMBeacons equal to false will not power on its receiver for all DTIM beacons. The third and fourth rows in Figure 16 depict the operational states of two STAs with different power management requirements. When both STAs need to listen for a TIM, they power on their receivers. This indicates a rise in receiver power before TBTT. For example, the first STA powers on its receiver and receives the TIM in the first beacon frame; the TIM indicates the presence of the receiving STA's buffer BU. The receiving STA then generates a PS-Poll frame, triggering the AP's transmit buffer BU.Non-GCR-SP group addressing BUs are sent by the AP after sending DTIM beacons (Note that the second STA with ReceiveDTIMBeacons equal to false does not power on its receiver for all DTIM beacons.The third and fourth lines in Figure 11-16(Infrastructure power management operation)depict the activity of two STAs operating with different power management requirements.Both STAs power-on their receivers when they need to listen for aTIM.This is indicated as a rampup of the receiver power prior to the TBTT. The first STA, for example, powers up its receiver and receives a TIM in the first Beacon frame; that TIM indicates the presence of a buffered BU for the receiving STA. The receiving STA then generates a PS-Poll frame, which elicits the transmission of the buffered BU from the AP. Non-GCR-SP group addressed BUs are sent by the AP subsequently to the transmission of a DTIM beacon).

[0377] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 16 above, the AP is a 6GHz AP (i.e., an AP that supports operation in the 6GHz band).

[0378] A 6GHz AP transmits beacon frames, which may be contained in a non-HT PPDU, a non-HT duplicate PPDU, or a HE SU PPDU.

[0379] When a 6GHz AP transmits a beacon frame in a non-HT PPDU, it follows the rate selection rules for non-STBC beacon frames.

[0380] When a 6GHz AP transmits a beacon frame in a non-HT duplicate PPDU, it should follow the rate selection rules for non-STBC beacon frames and set the TXVECTOR parameter CH_BANDWIDTH of the PPDU to a value that is up to the operating channel width of the BSS.

[0381] If a 6GHz AP schedules a Beacon frame for transmission in a non-HT duplicate PPDU, then it shall set the Duplicate Beacon subfield to 1 in the 6GHz Operation Information field of the HE Operation element it transmits; otherwise, the AP shall set the Duplicate Beacon subfield to 0.

[0382] When a 6GHz AP transmits a beacon frame in an HE SU PPDU, it shall follow the rules defined in Additional rules for HE beacons and group addressed frames.

[0383] Note: An AP does not transmit a beacon frame in an HE SU PPDU or non-HT duplicate PPDU in the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands.

[0384] If the BSSBasicRateSet parameter is not empty, a non-STBC beacon frame that is not an ER beacon or HE beacon shall be transmitted in a non-HT PPDU using one of the rates included in the BSSBasicRateSet parameter. An ER beacon is transmitted as defined in Additional rules for ER beacons and group addressed frames, and an HE beacon is transmitted as defined in Additional rules for HE beacons and group addressed frames.

[0385] If the BSSBasicRateSet parameter is empty, the frame will be transmitted in a non-HT PPDU using one of the mandatory PHY rates.

[0386] When an AP transmitting a group-addressed frame in a HE SU PPDU sends a HE SU PPDU, it should use...<HE-MCS,NSS> A tuple, where HE-MCS is a forced HE-MCS and NSS=1 (An AP that transmits group addressed frames in an HE SU PPDU shall transmit the HE SU PPDU with an<HE-MCS,NSS> tuple where the HE-MCS is a mandatory HE-MCS and NSS=1).

[0387] Note: An AP does not send a beacon frame in an HE SU PPDU (a HE beacon) unless it is operating in the 6 GHz band.

[0388] HE beacon or other group-addressed frames transmitted in an HE SU PPDU shall be sent as an S-MPDU, except for group-addressed data frames, which are not required to be sent as an S-MPDU but are required to follow the rules in A-MPDU aggregation of group-addressed data frames.

[0389] A HE AP may include group-addressed frames in an HE MU PPDU, subject to the rules defined in this subclause.

[0390] A HE AP shall not include a beacon frame in a HE MU PPDU.

[0391] A HE AP that includes a group-addressed frame in an HE MU PPDU shall ensure that the frame is included in a broadcast Resource Unit (RU) within the HE MU PPDU. The HE AP shall also ensure that the broadcast RU meets the following conditions:

[0392] —The allocation of RUs shall comply with the rules in RU allocation in an HE MU PPDU and RU restrictions for 20MHz operation.

[0393] —<HE-MCS,NSS> The original should have a forced HE-MCS and NSS=1 (The<HE-MCS,NSS> tuple shall have amandatory HE-MCS and NSS=1).

[0394] —The broadcast RU shall be located within:

[0395] Within the primary 20MHz channel, if the group addressed frame is a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) Discovery or Probe Response frame, unless the primary 20MHz channel does not coincide with a Preferred Scanning Channel (PSC) and the AP is a 6GHz-only AP (i.e., only supports APs operating in the 6GHz band), the broadcast RU may be located in a PSC within the BSS operating channel width. When the MU PPDU bandwidth is greater than 20MHz, the broadcast RU size cannot exceed 10⁶ subcarriers.

[0396] Within the primary 20MHz channel, if the group-addressed frame is addressed to at least one associated non-AP STA that has not yet declared itself to be awake, the broadcast RU size shall not exceed 10⁶ subcarriers if the MU PPDU has a bandwidth greater than 20MHz.

[0397] • Within the reception bandwidth supported by one or more associated non-AP STAs, if the group addressed frame is addressed only to those non-AP STAs and the STAs have declared to be in the awake state. The broadcast RU size shall not exceed the minimum common bandwidth supported by all STAs in the HE Capabilities element they transmit or in the most recently sent OM Control or Operating Mode Notification frames.

[0398] • Subchannel Selective Transmission (SST): Within a subchannel, if the group-addressed frame is addressed to one or more HE SST STAs, the primary 20MHz channel does not coincide with the subchannel assigned to the HE SST STAs, and the frame address does not belong to any STA other than the HE SST STAs in that subchannel. The broadcast RU size shall not exceed 10⁶ subcarriers if the SST subchannel is 20MHz.

[0399] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 16 above, the AP and / or Non-AP STA support the Target Wake Time (TWT) mechanism and the Opportunistic Power Save (OPS) mechanism.

[0400] The AP should maintain a power management state for each currently associated STA, indicating the current power management mode the STA is operating in. APs implementing and supporting Automatic Power Save Delivery (APSD) should maintain an APSD and access policy state for each currently associated STA to indicate whether the STA is currently using APSD, and should maintain the STA's schedule (if any). The AP should temporarily buffer the STA's BU (Power Management Unit) based on the STA's power management mode. If the STA is using APSD and is in PS (Power Management Switch) mode, the AP implementing APSD should temporarily buffer the STA's BU. Due to power management requirements, BUs directly passed to STAs operating in active mode cannot be buffered. As defined in TWT information frame exchange for flexible wake-up times and opportunistic power saving, if a STA may be unavailable, the HE AP should not transmit to the HE STA unless the STA requests to send. An AP shall maintain for each currently associated STA a Power Management status that indicates in which power management mode the STA is currently operating. APs that implement and signal their support of APSD shall maintain for each currently associated STA an APSD and an access policy status that indicates whether the STA is presently using APSD and shall maintain the schedule (if any) for the STA. An AP shall, depending on the power management mode of the STA, temporarily buffer BUs destined to the STA. An AP implementing APSD shall, if a STA is using APSD and is in PS mode, temporarily buffer BUs destined to that STA.No BUs addressed directly to STAs operating in the active mode shall be buffered for power management reasons. An HE AP should not transmit to an HE STA if the STA might be unavailable, as defined in TWT Information frame exchange for flexible wake time and Opportunistic power save, unless the transmission is solicited by the STA). .

[0401] The operating rules are as follows:

[0402] a) BUs destined for PS STAs shall be temporarily buffered in the AP. With the exception that if the AP is QoS-enabled, it shall preserve the order of arrival of individually addressed frames sent to a given STA on a given TID.

[0403] b) Non-bufferable MMPDUs and BUs destined for STAs in the active mode shall be directly transmitted to those STAs.

[0404] f) If any associated non-GLK STAs are in PS mode, the AP shall buffer all non-GCR-SP group-addressed BUs that arrive via the DS. If any GLK STA in its BSS is in PS mode, the AP shall not include any such STAs as a SYNRA destination and shall buffer all group-addressed BUs destined to such STAs, delivering them with individually addressed MPDUs using power-saving delivery methods.

[0405] g) When dot11FMSActivated is false, the AP shall transmit all buffered non-GCR-SP non-SYNRA group addressed BUs immediately after every DTIM beacon or during broadcast TWT SPs within that beacon interval as defined in Rules for TWT scheduling AP.

[0406] When dot11FMSActivated is true and the AP has established an FMS delivery interval for a multicast stream, the AP shall transmit all non-GCR-SP non-SYNRA group addressed BUs belonging to a particular FMS stream immediately after the DTIM beacon (where the Current Count field of the FMS Counter field is set to 0 for that particular FMS stream or during broadcast TWT SPs within that beacon interval as defined in the TWT scheduling AP rules).

[0407] The More Data subfield of each group-addressed frame should be set to indicate the presence of further buffered non-GCR-SP group-addressed BUs, which will be transmitted using MPDUs with RA instead of SYNRA. When dot11FMSActivated is true, if the AP cannot transmit all buffered non-GCR-SP group-addressed BUs along with MPDUs with RA instead of SYNRA before the main TBTT or from the TBTT after the DTIM beacon, the AP should set the Traffic Indicator field in the TIM element to 1 for a single BSSID, or set the corresponding group address bit to 1 for multiple BSSIDs, as defined in the TIM element. Appropriate bits should be set in the FMS descriptor element to indicate which non-GCR-SP non-SYNRA group addresses still have buffered BUs until all buffered non-GCR-SP group-addressed BUs are delivered using MPDUs with an RA instead of a SYNRA.If the AP is unable,before the primary or secondary TBTT following the DTIM beacon,to transmit all of the buffered non-GCR-SP group addressed BUs to be delivered using MPDUs with an RA other than a SYNRA,then the AP shall set the Traffic Indicator field in the TIM element to 1for a single BSSID or set the corresponding group address bit to 1for multiple BSSIDs,as defined in TIM element,and when dot11FMSActivated is true,shall set the appropriate bits in the FMSDescriptor element as described in FMS Descriptor element to indicate for which non-GCR-SP non-SYNRA group addresses there are still buffered BUs,until all buffered non-GCR-SP group addressed BUs to be delivered using MPDUs with an RA other than a SYNRA have been transmitted)。.

[0408] When the AP sends an STBC beacon frame, it should retransmit all non-GCR-SP group-addressed BUs. These BUs will be sent using MPDUs with RA (instead of SYNRA) and transmitted after the non-STBC beacon frame, except for those using basic STBC MCS transmission. It is possible that a whole set of buffered non-GCR-SP non-SYNRA group-addressed BUs will be sent over a period of time, during which non-STBC and STBC transmissions are interleaved.However, before transitioning from non-STBC group-addressed transmissions to STBC group-addressed transmissions, an STBC Beacon frame should be transmitted first. When the AP transmits an STBC Beacon frame, it shall retransmit all non-GCR-SP group-addressed BUs to be delivered using MPDUs with an RA (Relative Access Module) other than a SYNRA (Synchronous Access Module) and that were transmitted following the non-STBC Beacon frame, except that they are transmitted using the basic STBC MCS (Multi-Channel System). It may be the case that a complete set of buffered non-GCRSP non-SYNRA group-addressed BUs is sent over a period of time during which non-STBC and STBC transmissions are interleaved, but the transition from non-STBC group-addressed transmissions to STBC group-addressed transmissions shall be preceded by the transmission of an STBC Beacon frame, and the transition from STBC group-addressed transmissions to non-STBC group-addressed transmissions shall be preceded by the transmission of the STBC Beacon frame. transmission of a non-STBC Beacon frame).

[0409] For a broadcast TWT with a broadcast TWT ID equal to 0, the TWT scheduling AP shall perform the following scheduling:

[0410] —If the TWT parameter set indicates a non-trigger enabled unannounced TWT SP and the Broadcast TWT Recommendation subfield is equal to 0, then the delivery of group-addressed DL BUs during the broadcast TWT SPs located within the beacon interval that follows the DTIM beacon is sent.

[0411] —If the TWT parameter set indicates trigger-enabled announced TWT SP and the Broadcast TWT Recommendation subfield equal to 1, then a trigger frame that does not contain a Random Access RU (RA-RU) is transmitted during the broadcast TWT SP. The trigger frame shall contain at least one User Info field addressed to a TWT scheduled STA whose TIM bit in the Beacon frame is 1 and that is not a member of any nonzero broadcast TWT during this beacon interval.

[0412] —If the TWT parameter set indicates a trigger enabled announced TWT SP and the Broadcast TWT Recommendation subfield is set to 2, then a trigger frame containing at least one RA-RU will be transmitted during the broadcast TWT SP.

[0413] —If the TWT parameter set indicates a non-trigger enabled unannounced TWT SP and the Broadcast TWT Recommendation subfield is set to 3, then a TIM frame or a FILS Discovery frame will be transmitted at the start of a broadcast TWT SP.

[0414] The objective of the opportunistic power save mechanism is to allow OPS non-AP STAs to be unavailable or to be in a doze state so that they can save power for a defined period of time.

[0415] Opportunistic power-saving mechanisms have two modes: aperiodic and periodic.

[0416] In aperiodic mode, an OPS AP can send an OPS frame or a FILS Discovery frame at any time to provide scheduling information for all OPS non-AP STAs during the OPS period following the transmission of the OPS frame or FILS Discovery frame. Therefore, OPS non-AP STAs in active mode may be unavailable during the OPS period, and OPS non-AP STAs in PS mode may be dormant during the OPS period.

[0417] In periodic mode, an OPS AP splits a beacon period into several periodic broadcast TWT SPs and provides, at the beginning of each SP, the scheduling information for all OPS non-AP STAs. Based on this information, OPS non-AP STAs in active mode may become available only after the next TWT service period, and OPS non-AP STAs in PS mode may become dormant only after the next TWT service period.

[0418] To enable aperiodic opportunistic power saving, an OPS AP should schedule the transmission of either an OPS frame or a FILS Discovery frame, with the RA field set to the broadcast address containing both a TIM element and an OPS element. If the target transmission time closely aligns with the transmission time of a FILS Discovery frame, the AP should transmit the FILS Discovery frame instead of the OPS frame.

[0419] To enable periodic opportunistic power saving, an OPS AP should include a TWT element in its beacons to set a periodic broadcast TWT SP with the following information:

[0420] — Set the Broadcast TWT Recommendation field to 3;

[0421] — Set the Broadcast TWT ID subfield to 0.

[0422] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 16 above, the AP and / or Non-AP STA support Flexible Multicast Service (FMS).

[0423] FMS stands for: A service that allows a non-AP STA to request a multicast delivery interval longer than the Delivery Traffic Indication Map (DTIM) interval, in order to extend the period of time a STA can be in a power-saving state.

[0424] The meaning of FMS stream: A series of frames transmitted by the AP that correspond to a single flexible multicast stream identifier (FMSID).

[0425] The meaning of FMS stream set: A collection of FMS streams identified by the value of the FMS Token field, used during the FMS request procedure.

[0426] The meaning of FMS identifier (FMSID): An identifier assigned by the AP to a particular group addressed stream subsequent to a successful FMS request procedure.

[0427] When dot11FMSActivated is true on the AP, the AP should include an FMS descriptor element in every beacon frame. The FMS descriptor represents the FMS group addressing buffer (BU) on the AP. If the FMS stream received by the AP does not have a buffered BU, the AP sets the Length field in the FMS descriptor element to 1. The AP shall include the FMS Descriptor element for a nontransmitted BSSID in the corresponding nontransmitted BSSID Profile subelement carried in the Multiple BSSID element sent in a Beacon frame. (When dot11FMSActivated is true at the AP, the AP shall include the FMSDescriptor element in every Beacon frame. The FMSDescriptor indicates the FMS group addressed buffered BUs at the AP. If there are no buffered BUs for FMS streams accepted by the AP, the AP shall set the Length field in the FMSDescriptor element to 1. The AP shall include the FMSDescriptor element for a nontransmitted BSSID in the corresponding Nontransmitted BSSID Profile subelement carried in the Multiple BSSID element sent in a Beacon frame.)

[0428] When dot11FMSActivated is true at the AP, the AP shall support from one to eight different FMS stream delivery intervals for any number of FMS streams. Corresponding to these eight delivery intervals are eight FMS counters. More than one FMSID may have the same delivery interval and therefore share the same FMS counter. An FMS counter corresponds to each unique delivery interval of one or more FMS streams.

[0429] Each FMS counter decrements once per DTIM beacon, and when the FMS counter reaches 0, buffered group addressed BUs assigned to that particular interval are scheduled for delivery immediately following the next DTIM beacon. After transmission of the buffered group addressed BUs, the AP resets the FMS counter to the delivery interval for the FMS streams associated with that FMS counter.

[0430] A non-AP STA that does not use FMS wakes up every DTIM interval and follows group-addressed BU reception rules as defined in STA receive operation in PS mode.

[0431] A STA that supports FMS shall support a delivery interval of 1 DTIM for any stream.

[0432] If the AP accepts the FMS subelement and the requested delivery interval, the Element Status in the corresponding FMS Status subelement should be set to "Accept" and the FMSID should be assigned a non-zero value. In addition:

[0433] —If the FMS stream identified in the FMS subelement matches a delivery interval already in use at the AP, the AP shall assign the FMS stream to use the FMS counter ID assigned for that delivery interval.

[0434] —When an FMS stream is accepted by the AP, the Current Count value for that FMS stream is decremented by 1 for each DTIM beacon in which the Current Count field appears.

[0435] The AP can reschedule the transmission of the FMS stream identified by an FMSID to align the transmission time of the FMS stream with the transmission time of other FMS streams that the STA is already receiving at the same delivery interval. The AP has the following two options:

[0436] —Notify the STAs using that FMS stream. The AP shall keep the nonzero Current Count value the same across two consecutive Beacon frames in which the Current Count field appears. The algorithm by which the AP chooses to align or offset the different FMS counters is unspecified.

[0437] —With the current count field value at 0, an unsolicited FMS Response frame is sent to the group address included in the original FMS Response frame for the stream, containing the updated Delivery Interval field. Since the AP transmits this FMS Response frame as a group-addressed frame, the frame will be scheduled for delivery at the appropriate DTIM interval when all non-AP STAs are awake to receive the frame.

[0438] —For any FMS stream identified by FMSID, the AP may terminate the use of FMS and resume default (non-FMS) transmission rules for any reason. To terminate the FMS stream, the AP shall send an unsolicited FMS Response frame to the group address included in the original FMS Response frame with Delivery Interval set to 0 and the Element Status in the FMS Status subelement set to one of “Terminate, due to AP policy change”, “Terminate, due to lack of AP resources”, and “Terminate, due to other FMS stream with higher priority”.

[0439] —If the FMS subelement contains a nonzero delivery interval and the non-AP STA specifies a maximum delivery interval as part of the FMS request, the AP shall not modify the delivery interval for the stream greater than the maximum delivery interval specified by the non-AP STA.

[0440] —The order in which the AP transmits MSDUs belonging to the same FMSID should be the same as the order in which they were received at the MAC Data SAP. MSDUs belonging to different FMSIDs are transmitted by the AP at the appropriate DTIM beacon in the order they were received at the MAC Data SAP, based on the interval configured for the FMS stream.

[0441] If a non-AP STA receives an FMS Response element from its associated AP, and the value of Address 1 in the FMS Response element matches its MAC address, or the value of Address 1 matches the group address of the group it belongs to, then the FMS-enabled non-AP STA should use the following procedures, based on the Element Status value in the FMS Status subelement of the received FMS Response element.

[0442] —If the Element Status value in the FMS Status subelement is “Accept”:

[0443] The AP has accepted the FMS subelement contained within the FMS Request element. If the FMS Request element specifies a nonzero delivery interval, the AP will deliver the requested streams at the delivery interval specified by the non-AP STA in the FMS Request element.

[0444] Upon receiving the FMS Response element, the non-AP STA should be awake for the next DTIM beacon so that it can synchronize the FMS Current Count for the requested FMS stream. Once synchronized with the FMS Current Count, the non-AP STA does not need to transition to an awake state at every DTIM interval to receive the group-addressed Bus (BU).

[0445] —If the Element Status value in the FMS Status subelement is one of “Terminate, due to AP policy change”, “Terminate, due to lack of AP resources”, and “Terminate, due to other FMS stream with higher priority”:

[0446] • For any FMS stream identified by FMSID, the AP terminates the use of FMS transmission rules. If the AP terminates the use of FMS for a particular stream, the stream is transmitted at the DTIM interval.

[0447] • Upon receiving the FMS Response element, the non-AP STA shall transition to the awake state at every DTIM interval to receive group-addressed BUs.

[0448] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 16 above, the AP and / or Non-AP STA support Directed Multicast Service (DMS) and Groupcast with Retries (GCR).

[0449] The group-addressed transmission service provides the delivery of group-addressed frames and consists of two services: DMS and GCR. Directional Multi-Gigabit (DMG) STAs do not use GCR.

[0450] In an infrastructure BSS, directed multicast service (DMS) is a service that may be provided by an AP to associated STAs that support DMS, where the AP transmits group-addressed MSDUs as A-MSDUs in individually addressed MPDUs.

[0451] GCR is a flexible service that improves the delivery of group-addressed frames while optimizing for a range of criteria. GCR service can be provided by the AP to associated STAs in an infrastructure BSS or by a mesh STA to its peer mesh STAs in a mesh BSS. GCR uses the setup, modification, and termination procedures defined by DMS procedures. The differences between GCR procedures and DMS procedures are as follows:

[0452] a) The GCR protocol applies to a single group address. If a TCLAS Processing element is present, it sets the Processing field value to 0, whereas a DMS flow is not restricted to a single group address.

[0453] b) DMS only provides group-to-individually addressed conversion, while GCR includes several retransmission policies and delivery methods.

[0454] DMS allows the transmission of group-addressed MSDUs as A-MSDUs in individually addressed MPDUs, making it particularly suitable for situations with a small number of group members. It offers a high level of reliability, but its scalability is lower as the number of group members increases and efficiency decreases.

[0455] GCR uses the DMS Request and DMS Response elements, with the addition of GCR Request and Response subelements, respectively, for administering the announcement, setup, modification, and teardown of GCR services between an AP and non-AP STAs or between peer mesh STAs. The DMS procedures and state machine of DMS procedures shall apply to GCR with the extensions and constraints specific to GCR described below in GCR setup procedures to GCR-SP.

[0456] In addition to the No-Ack / No-Retry or non-GCR (defined in Group-addressed MPDU transfer procedure) and DMS (defined in DMS procedures) retransmission mechanisms, GCR defines two additional retransmission policies for group-addressed frames:

[0457] —GCR unsolicited retry;

[0458] —GCR block ack.

[0459] When using the GCR unsolicited retry retransmission policy for a group address, the STA providing the GCR service retransmits an MSDU one or more times (subject to applicable retry or lifetime limits) to increase the probability of correct reception at STAs listening to this group address. The decision to retransmit these MSDUs is implementation-dependent. GCR unsolicited retry is particularly suitable for use with a large number of group members because it offers moderate latency, efficiency, and reliability, but high scalability.

[0460] The GCR block acknowledgment retransmission strategy extends the block acknowledgment mechanism to group-addressed frames. The STA providing GCR service initiates a block acknowledgment protocol with each STA receiving the GCR frame, supporting GCR block acknowledgments for specific group addresses. Once this block acknowledgment protocol is in place, the STA providing GCR service periodically sends BlockAckReq frames to the STA receiving the frame to determine the reception status of MSDUs associated with that group address, as described in GCR and GLKGCR block acknowledgments. This allows the STA providing GCR service to discover unreceived MSDUs and schedule their retransmission. (GCR block returns are particularly suitable for medium-sized group members due to their moderate latency, high efficiency, moderate scalability, and reliability.)The GCR block ack retransmission policy extends the block acknowledgment mechanism to group addressed frames.The STA providing the GCR service initiates block ack agreements with each STA receiving GCR frames that supports GCR block ack for a particular group address.Once this block ack agreement is in place,the STA providing GCR service regularly sends BlockAckReq frames to the STAs receiving the frames to ascertain the reception status of MSDUs related to this group address,as described in GCR and GLKGCR block ack.This allows the STA providing GCR service to discover MSDUs that have not been received and to schedule their retransmission.GCR block ack is particularly suited to use with moderate numbers of group members as it has moderate delay,high efficiency,and moderate scalability and reliability)。

[0461] An AP or mesh STA accepts a GCR request by sending a DMS Response frame with a DMS Response element that contains a DMS Status field with the Response Type field set to "Accept" (as described in DMS procedures), and with the following modifications:

[0462] —The DMS Status field shall include a GCR Response subelement indicating the retransmission policy, delivery method, and GCR concealment address for the group-addressed stream. The Retransmission Policy field shall not be set to “No Preference.” The Delivery Method field shall not be set to “No Preference.” The GCR Concealment Address field of the GCR Response subelement shall be set to dot11GCRConcealmentAddress. In a mesh BSS, the Delivery Method field shall not be set to “GCR-SP”.

[0463] —If the GCR group addressed stream is subject to the GCR-SP delivery method, then the AP shall also include a Schedule element in the DMS Status field indicating the wakeup schedule for the group addressed stream.

[0464] —If a TSPEC element is included, the TSID subfield should be set to 0.

[0465] In an infrastructure BSS, if a non-AP STA accepts the response to its GCR request, the non-AP STA shall set dot11GCRConcealmentAddress to the value contained in the GCR Concealment Address field of the GCR Response subelement.

[0466] An AP or mesh STA may update its retransmission policy, delivery method, and schedule for any reason, such as changes in group size, changes in the capabilities of group members, receipt of GCR Request subelements for the group, or the need for multicast diagnostics. The AP or mesh STA periodically advertises its current settings upon change using either of the following methods:

[0467] —Send an unsolicited DMS response frame with its current set address being the GCR hidden address. This DMS response frame should be scheduled for transmission during an appropriate DTIM interval or SP, in which all STAs within the group are awake to receive the frame. It contains a TCLAS element with the frame classifier type equal to 0 (Ethernet parameter). Other TCLAS elements may be present, but if present, a TCLAS processing element with the processing field equal to 0 should also be included. Within the DMS response element of the DMS response frame, each DMS descriptor should contain a TSPEC element and a GCR sub-element to identify each GCR flow. The DMSID identifying the GCR flow should be included in the DMS descriptor.Each Status field in the DMS Status field contained in the frame is set to "GCR Advertise" (Transmitting an unsolicited DMS Response frame with the current settings addressed to the GCR concealment address. This DMS Response frame shall be scheduled for delivery at the appropriate DTIM interval or SP in which all STAs within the group are awake to receive the frame. One TCLAS element shall be included with the frame classifier type equal to 0 (Ethernet parameters). Other TCLAS elements may be present, but if present, a TCLAS Processing element with the Processing field equal to 0 shall also be included. One TSPEC element and one GCR subelement shall be included per DMSDescriptor in the DMS Response element of the DMS Response frame to identify each GCR stream. The DMSID that identifies the GCR stream shall be included in the DMSDescriptor. Each Status field in the DMS Status fields included in the frame shall be set to “GCR Advertise”).

[0468] —Send unsolicited DMS response frames with the current settings individually addressed to each GCR group member. Each GCR stream is identified by the DMSID in a DMS Status field in the DMS Response element of the DMS Response frame. These DMS Status fields shall not include a TCLAS element, TSPEC element, or GCR subelement. Each Status field in the DMS Status fields included in the frame shall be set to “GCR Advertise”.

[0469] A STA receiving GCR frames shall recover from missing group-addressed DMS Response frames containing GCR Response subelements that advertise a changed retransmission policy or delivery method according to Table STA recovery procedures for a changed retransmission policy or Table Non-AP STA recovery procedures for a changed delivery method, respectively.

[0470] Concealment prevents group-addressed frames transmitted via the GCR unsolicited retry or GCR block ack retransmission policies from being passed up through the MAC SAPs of GCR-incapable STAs.

[0471] GCR group addressed MSDUs shall be sent in an A-MSDU when retransmitted via the GCR unsolicited retry or GCR block ack retransmission policies, or when transmitted via the GCR-SP delivery method.

[0472] The MPDU containing this A-MSDU shall have the Address 1 field set to dot11GCRConcealmentAddress and the Retry subfield of the Frame Control field set to 1. The DA field in the A-MSDU subframe shall contain the GCR group address that is being concealed (i.e., the same value as the DA field for non-GCR group addressed delivery).

[0473] The Individual / Group Address bit (bit 0) of dot11GCRConcealmentAddress shall be set to 1.

[0474] The purpose of dot11GCRConcealmentAddress is to define the group address used by the GCR procedures (as defined in Concealment of GCR transmissions) to conceal group-addressed frames from STAs that do not support GCR.

[0475] After establishing an immediate block ack agreement following the procedure in Setup and modification of the block ack parameters, and having gained access to the medium and established protection, the originator may transmit an A-MPDU if necessary. The RA field of the frames that are not delivered using the GCR block ack retransmission policy shall be the recipient's individual address. The RA field in GCR frames delivered using the GCR block ack retransmission policy shall be set to the GCR concealment address.

[0476] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of a frame exchange sequence with a GCR block ack retransmission policy.

[0477] The AP uses the GCR (Block Acknowledgment and Retransmission) strategy to send multiple Aggregated Media Access Control Service Data Units (A-MSDUs). The AP first sends a BlockAckReq frame to GCR group member 1, and after receiving the BlockAck frame, it sends a BlockAckReq frame to group member 2. After receiving the BlockAck frame from group member 2 of the GCR group, the AP determines whether any A-MSDUs need to be retransmitted and sends additional A-MSDUs (some of which might be retransmissions of previous A-MSDUs) using the GCR block ack retransmission policy. The AP then sends a BlockAckReq frame to group member 1 of the GCR group, waits for the BlockAck frame, and then sends a BlockAckReq frame to group member 2.

[0478] Figure 18 illustrates an example of a frame exchange sequence with GCR MU-BAR. The HE AP sends multiple A-MSDUs using the GCR block acknowledgment retransmission policy. Then, the HE AP sends a GCR MU-BAR trigger frame to GCR group members 1 and 2, waits for a BlockAck frame, and then sends a GCR MU-BAR trigger frame to group members 3 and 4, waiting for a BlockAck frame. Next, the HE AP sends a BlockAckReq frame to group member 5 (a non-HE STA) and waits for a BlockAck frame. After receiving the BlockAck frame, the HE AP determines whether any A-MSDUs need to be retransmitted and sends additional A-MSDUs (some of which might be retransmissions of previous A-MSDUs) using the GCR block ack retransmission policy. The HE AP then sends a GCR MU-BAR Trigger frame to group members 1 and 2 of the GCR group, waits for the BlockAck frames, then sends a GCR MU-BAR Trigger frame to group members 3 and 4, and waits for the BlockAck frames. The HE AP then sends a BlockAckReq frame to group member 5, which is a non-HE STA, and waits for the BlockAck frame.

[0479] Furthermore, in some embodiments, based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 16 above, the AP and / or Non-AP STA support Enhanced Broadcast Services (EBCS).

[0480] EBCS provides enhanced transmission and reception of broadcast content, both when associated with and without an infrastructure BSS. EBCS offers a service in which an EBCS proxy affiliated with an EBCS relaying STA can relay the contents of a higher-layer protocol (HLP) payload received from an EBCS non-AP STA to a destination typically within an external network. The relaying EBCS proxy can embed additional information.

[0481] The EBCSDL service provides a mechanism for an EBCS AP to broadcast one or more EBCS traffic streams. This service allows the receiver of an EBCS traffic stream to authenticate the transmitter, regardless of whether the receiver and transmitter are associated with the EBCS AP.

[0482] The EBCS relaying service facilitates EBCS UL operation by providing a mechanism for an EBCS non-AP STA to transmit an EBCS UL frame containing an HLP payload that is intended to be relayed by one or more EBCS relaying STAs to a destination specified in the frame.

[0483] Figure 19 illustrates an example of a relaying service based on a relationship with a specified destination.

[0484] The EBCS procedures include the EBCSDL procedure and the EBCS UL procedure. Using the EBCSDL procedure, EBCS data frames are broadcast by an EBCS AP to one or more EBCS receivers. Using the EBCS UL procedure, EBCS data frames are broadcast by an EBCS non-AP STA to one or more EBCS relaying STAs for subsequent delivery to a specified destination.

[0485] EBCS data frames shall use an EBCS content MAC address in the Address 1 field in the MAC header.

[0486] EBCS UL frames shall use an EBCS content MAC address in the Address 3 field in the MAC header. EBCS Info frames shall use an EBCS info MAC address in the Address 3 field in the MAC header. Both the EBCS content MAC address and the EBCS info MAC address are multicast addresses, with the first three bytes set to 01-0F-AC, and the remaining bytes generated depending on the stream type and the content ID.

[0487] The EBCS info MAC address used for EBCS info frames shall be set to 01-0F-AC-xx-yy-00, where xx-yy bytes are set to the EBCS AP group ID or 00-00 when the EBCS AP does not belong to any EBCS AP group.

[0488] The EBCS content MAC address for EBCS UL or EBCS Data frames shall be set to 01-0F-AC-xx-yy-zz.

[0489] The EBCS Downlink (DL) procedure allows an EBCS AP to distribute multicast content to both associated and unassociated EBCS receivers with data origin authenticity.

[0490] The frame sequence of the EBCSDL process is shown in Figure 20. Here, ANQP stands for Access Network Query Protocol.

[0491] EBCS APs that are not S1G APs should advertise their EBCS functionality in the EBCS Support field of the Extended Functionality element in both beacon frames and probe response frames. EBCS APs with EBCSDL enabled should periodically transmit EBCS information frames. The interval between two consecutive EBCS information frames is specified by dot11EBCSInfoInterval. EBCS APs should announce the time of the next EBCS information frame transmission in the EBCS Information Frame TX countdown field of the EBCS parameter element, and should not signal the upcoming EBCS information frame via the TIM element or the EBCS TIM element. If an EBCS AP belongs to an EBCS certificate group, it should advertise the certificate group in the beacon frame using the Compressed Certificate Group ID field of the EBCS parameter element. If an EBCS AP belongs to an EBCS AP group, it will advertise the EBCS AP group via the EBCS Group ID field of the EBCS parameter element in the beacon frame. EBCS information frames should be transmitted between sets of group-addressed frames, immediately following the beacon frame identified by the EBCS information frame TX countdown field (set to 1 in the EBCS parameter element). An EBCS AP (not an S1G AP) shall advertise its EBCS capabilities in the EBCS Support field in the Extended Capabilities element in Beacon frames and Probe Response frames. An EBCS AP with EBCSDL enabled shall transmit EBCS Info frames periodically. The interval between two consecutive EBCS Info frames is specified by dot11EBCSInfoInterval.An EBCS AP shall advertise the timing of the next EBCS Info frame transmission in the EBCS Info Frame TX Countdown field in the EBCS Parameters element and shall not signal an upcoming EBCS Info frame via the TIM element or the EBCS TIM element.An EBCS AP shall advertise the certificate group in Beacon frames using the Compressed Certificate Group ID field in the EBCS parameters element if the EBCS AP belongs to an EBCS certificate group.An EBCS AP shall advertise the EBCS AP group by the EBCS Group ID field in the EBCS Parameters element in Beacon frames if the EBCS AP belongs to an EBCS AP group.The EBCS Info frame shall be transmitted among the set of group addressed frames transmitted immediately after the Beacon frame identified by the EBCS Info Frame TX Countdown field set equal to 1in the EBCS Parameters element)。.

[0492] EBCS traffic streams are carried by EBCS data frames. The EBCS AP sets the RA of the EBCS data frame to the EBCS content MAC address, the TA to its BSSID, and the SA to the group address assigned to the EBCS traffic stream by the EBCSDL content server. If the EBCS data frame contains an IPv4 multicast packet or an IPv6 multicast packet, the SA is mapped according to IETF RFC 1112 or IETF RFC 2464, respectively.

[0493] In the case of PKFA or HCFA, an EBCS receiver shall use the content of received EBCS Info frames to verify the source of an EBCS traffic stream, as described in EBCS public key frame authentication (PKFA) or EBCS hash chain frame authentication (HCFA).

[0494] An EBCS AP that is not in multiple BSSID sets should send an EBCS information frame within each dot11EBCSInfoInterval beacon period, where the address 1 field is set to the broadcast address, the address 2 field is set to the MAC address of the sending AP, and the address 3 field is set to the EBCS information MAC address. In a set of multiple BSSIDs, only the AP corresponding to the transmitting BSSID may have EBCSDL enabled. If enabled, it will transmit an EBCS Info frame every dot11EBCSInfoInterval beacon period. The Address 1 field is set to the broadcast address, the Address 2 field to the transmitting AP's MAC address, and the Address 3 field to the EBCS info MAC address. dot11EBCSInfoInterval beacon periods).

[0495] To request one or more EBCS traffic streams provided by an EBCS AP and associated with an EBCS non-AP STA, the STA should send an EBCS Content Request frame to the EBCS AP. To request one or more EBCS traffic streams that an EBCS AP has indicated require association, an unassociated EBCS non-AP STA should associate with the EBCS AP and subsequently send an EBCS Content Request frame. A request for one or more EBCS traffic streams that does not require association may also be included in the same EBCS Content Request frame.

[0496] An unassociated EBCS STA may send an EBCS Content Request ANQP element to an EBCS AP to register for one or more EBCS traffic streams when that AP has indicated that association is not required for those streams.

[0497] The EBCS termination notice procedure allows a STA that is a broadcaster of EBCS traffic streams to indicate that one or more of the EBCS traffic streams it is broadcasting are to be terminated. In EBCSDL, a broadcaster of one or more EBCS traffic streams is an EBCS AP.

[0498] If one or more EBCSs that are being transmitted will terminate within an interval equal to or shorter than dot11EBCSTerminationNoticeTime, and if the STA does not periodically transmit a schedule for the EBCS traffic stream that is to be terminated, then the EBCS STA shall begin transmitting EBCS Termination Notice frames. If the EBCS STA starts to transmit EBCS Termination Notice frames, it will transmit the EBCS Termination Notice frames with a period that is larger than dot11EBCSTerminationNoticeMinimumInterval and smaller than dot11EBCSTerminationNoticeMaximumInterval.

[0499] The EBCS UL procedure allows a non-AP STA to transmit an EBCS UL frame containing an HLP payload that is intended to be relayed by one or more EBCS relaying STAs to a destination specified in the frame.

[0500] An EBCS non-AP STA may transmit an EBCS UL frame without receiving a Beacon frame, S1G Beacon frame, PV1 Probe Response frame, or a Probe Response frame with the EBCS Relaying Supported field of the Extended Capabilities element set to 1. The address fields are defined in Format of (PV0)Management frames where the Address 1 field of the frame shall be set to a group address.

[0501] Note: The group address value of the Address 1 field can be set to either a broadcast address or a multicast address to differentiate different types of EBCS UL traffic belonging to the same UL traffic stream. For example, an EBCS non-AP STA could transmit different EBCS UL frames, each carrying different EBCS UL traffic, and set the Address 1 field to a different group address value. The Address 3 field is set to the EBCS content MAC address, which is unique to the UL traffic stream.

[0502] Figure 21 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device 2100 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device 2100 can be implemented as an access point as described above, or as part of an access point as described above. The communication device 2100 is a wireless communication device / wireless device that supports WLAN / Wi-Fi protocols (such as the 802.11 protocol). The communication device 2100 includes a transmitting module 2110.

[0503] The sending module 2110 is used to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0504] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting based on the operating mode of the associated site of the device.

[0505] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when at least one target site associated with the device is operating in a low-capacity mode.

[0506] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when at least one target site associated with the device is operating in a low-capacity mode and all target sites associated with the device meet a first condition.

[0507] In some embodiments, the low-capability mode includes any one or more of the following: low-capability mode for DPS function; LO mode; RO mode.

[0508] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame using first transmission parameters, the first transmission parameters including one or more of the following: first transmission rate, first spatial stream number, first MCS, and first BW.

[0509] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame via a first PPDU, the first PPDU including: a non-HT PPDU, and / or, a non-HT duplicate PPDU.

[0510] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when all target sites associated with the device are operating in high-capacity mode.

[0511] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when all target sites associated with the device are operating in high-capacity mode and all target sites meet a first condition.

[0512] In some embodiments, the high-capability mode includes any one or more of the following: a high-capability mode with DPS functionality; a LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters; and a RO mode supporting the second transmission parameters.

[0513] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame using second transmission parameters, the second transmission parameters including one or more of the following: second transmission rate, second spatial stream number, second MCS, and second BW.

[0514] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame via a second PPDU, the second PPDU including any one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, VHT PPDU.

[0515] In some embodiments, the first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the number of first spatial streams is less than the number of second spatial streams; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS (which can also be understood as the order of the first MCS being less than the order of the second MCS); and the first BW is less than the second BW.

[0516] In some embodiments, the first condition includes any one or more of the following: all target stations associated with the device switch to the NPCA main channel, and all target stations associated with the device are able to receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel; wherein the first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

[0517] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame on the NPA main channel.

[0518] In some embodiments, where the first frame includes a management frame, the management frame includes one or more of the following: beacon frame, probe response frame, deauthentication frame, FILS discovery frame, TIM frame, FMS response frame, GCR MU-BAR frame, DMS response frame, and EBCS information frame.

[0519] In some embodiments, the device supports assisted DPS functionality; and / or, the device supports LO response mode; and / or, the device supports RO response mode.

[0520] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to transmit or not transmit the first frame based on the operating mode of the associated site.

[0521] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to send the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting based on the DPS non-AP STA operating mode.

[0522] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel based on the DPS non-AP STA operating mode.

[0523] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when the non-AP STA is operating in LO mode or RO mode.

[0524] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel when the non-AP STA is operating in LO mode or RO mode.

[0525] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when at least one non-AP STA is operating in LO mode and at least one non-AP STA is operating in low-capability mode of DPS function.

[0526] In some embodiments, the transmitting module 2110 is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting on the NPCA main channel when at least one non-AP STA is operating in LO mode and at least one non-AP STA is operating in low-capability mode of DPS function.

[0527] In some embodiments, the sending module 2110 is further configured to send control frames.

[0528] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving module 2130 for receiving frames, such as data frames, and / or management frames, and / or control frames, sent by other APs and / or non-AP STAs.

[0529] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a processing module 2150 for determining whether to transmit the first frame of a group addressing or broadcast. For example, determining whether to transmit the first frame based on the operating mode of the associated site.

[0530] In some embodiments, the processing module 2150 is configured to determine whether the first frame is being transmitted on the NPCA main channel addressing or broadcasting. For example, the determination of whether to transmit the first frame on the NPCA main channel is based on the operating mode of the associated site and whether the system has switched to the NPCA main channel.

[0531] In some embodiments, the processing module 2150 is configured to determine whether to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcast using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format. Alternatively, the processing module 2150 is configured to determine whether to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcast using the first transmission parameters and / or the first PPDU format on the NPCA main channel.

[0532] In some embodiments, the processing module 2150 is configured to determine whether to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcast using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format. Alternatively, the processing module 2150 is configured to determine whether to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcast using the second transmission parameters and / or the second PPDU format on the NPCA main channel.

[0533] The content described in the preceding method embodiments is applicable to the communication device 2100 shown in FIG21. For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0534] Figure 22 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device 2200 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device 2200 can be implemented as a non-AP STA as described above, or as part of a non-AP STA as described above. The communication device 2200 can be a wireless communication device / wireless device that supports WLAN / Wi-Fi protocols (such as the 802.11 protocol). The communication device 2200 includes a receiving module 2210.

[0535] The receiving module 2210 is used to receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0536] In some embodiments, the first frame of a group-addressed or broadcast device is transmitted by the AP based on the operating mode of the associated site, and the device is associated with the AP.

[0537] In some embodiments, the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting is transmitted by the AP when at least one target site associated with the AP is operating in a low-capacity mode; or, the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting is transmitted by the AP when at least one target site associated with the AP is operating in a low-capacity mode and all target sites associated with the AP satisfy a first condition.

[0538] In some embodiments, the low-capability mode includes any one or more of the following: low-capability mode for DPS function; LO mode; RO mode.

[0539] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is configured to receive the first frame using a first transmission parameter, the first transmission parameter including one or more of the following: a first transmission rate, a first spatial stream number, a first MCS, and a first BW.

[0540] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is configured to receive the first frame transmitted via a first PPDU, the first PPDU including any one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU.

[0541] In some embodiments, the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting is transmitted by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in high-capacity mode; or, the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting is transmitted by the AP when all target sites associated with the AP are operating in high-capacity mode and all target sites meet a first condition.

[0542] In some embodiments, the high-capability mode includes any one or more of the following: a high-capability mode with DPS functionality; a LO mode supporting the second transmission parameters; and a RO mode supporting the second transmission parameters.

[0543] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is configured to receive the first frame using second transmission parameters, the second transmission parameters including one or more of the following: second transmission rate, second spatial stream number, second MCS, and second BW.

[0544] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is configured to receive the first frame transmitted via a second PPDU, the second PPDU including any one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, VHT PPDU.

[0545] In some embodiments, the first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the number of first spatial streams is less than the number of second spatial streams; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS (which can also be understood as the order of the first MCS being less than the order of the second MCS); and the first BW is less than the second BW.

[0546] In some embodiments, the first condition includes any one or more of the following: all target sites associated with the AP switch to access the NPCA main channel from a non-main channel, and all target sites associated with the AP are able to receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel; wherein the first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

[0547] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is used to receive the first frame on the NPA main channel.

[0548] In some embodiments, where the first frame includes a management frame, the management frame includes one or more of the following: a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a deauthentication frame, a fast initial link establishment discovery frame, a flow indicator graph (TIM) frame, a flexible multicast service (FMS) response frame, a multicast GCR (multi-user MU block acknowledgment request) frame with retry, a directed multicast service (DMS) response frame, and an enhanced broadcast service (EBCS) information frame.

[0549] In some embodiments, the AP supports assisted DPS functionality; and / or, the AP supports LO response mode; and / or, the AP supports RO response mode.

[0550] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a transmitting module 2230 for transmitting frames to the AP, such as data frames, and / or management frames, and / or control frames.

[0551] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a processing module 2250 for processing operations such as judgment, determination, and processing related to the transmission of the first frame.

[0552] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is used to determine whether to switch to the NPCA main channel.

[0553] The content described in the preceding method embodiments is applicable to the communication device 2200 shown in FIG22. For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0554] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above functional modules. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the communication device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the apparatus and method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept.

[0555] Figure 23 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device 2300 includes at least one of the following: a receiver 2301, a transmitter 2302, a processor 2303, a memory 2304, and a bus (not shown in the figure).

[0556] In this design, receiver 2301 is used to implement the receiving function, and transmitter 2302 is used to implement the transmitting function. Optionally, receiver 2301 and transmitter 2302 can be implemented as a communication component, which can be a communication chip, and can be referred to as a transceiver. Optionally, receiver 2301 and transmitter 2302 can be implemented as a wireless communication component and / or a wired communication component. Optionally, the wireless communication component includes a wireless communication chip and / or a radio frequency antenna. Optionally, the wired communication component includes a wired communication chip and / or a wired interface.

[0557] The processor 2303 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 2303 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0558] In some embodiments, the communication device 2300 is implemented as an access point for performing some or all of the steps performed by the access point. The receiver 2301 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2130, the transmitter 2302 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the sending module 2110, and the processor 2303 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 2150.

[0559] In some embodiments, the communication device 2300 is implemented as a non-AP STA network device, used to perform some or all of the steps performed by the non-AP STA described above. The receiver 2301 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210 described above, the transmitter 2302 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the sending module 2230 described above, and the processor 2303 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 2250 described above.

[0560] The memory 2304 can be used to store a computer program executed by the processor 2303, which executes the computer program to implement the various steps in the above method embodiments.

[0561] Furthermore, the memory 2304 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0562] In some embodiments, the memory 2304 may be connected to the processor 2303, the receiver 2301, and the transmitter 2302.

[0563] In some embodiments, the receiver 2301 independently receives signals / data, or the processor 2303 controls the receiver 2301 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2303 requests the receiver 2301 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2303 cooperates with the receiver 2301 to receive signals / data.

[0564] In some embodiments, the transmitter 2302 independently transmits signals / data, or the processor 2303 controls the transmitter 2302 to transmit signals / data, or the processor 2303 requests the transmitter 2302 to transmit signals / data, or the processor 2303 cooperates with the transmitter 2302 to transmit signals / data.

[0565] For details not described in this embodiment, please refer to the embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0566] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a chip is also provided, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is run on a communication device, is used to implement the frame transmission method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0567] In some embodiments, this application provides a chip including programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions to cause a communication device (such as an AP) on which the chip is mounted to transmit a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0568] Furthermore, the chip can be used to implement the functions and steps of at least one of the above-mentioned transmitting module 2110, receiving module 2130, and processing module 2150. For example, the chip can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned transmitting module 2110 and receiving module 2130. For example, the chip can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned transmitting module 2110 and processing module 2150. For example, the chip can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned transmitting module 2110, receiving module 2130, and processing module 2150. For details, please refer to one or more steps performed by the AP in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 15 above. The relevant content described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 21 above also applies to the chip, and will not be repeated here.

[0569] In some embodiments, this application provides a chip including programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions to cause a communication device (such as a non-AP STA) on which the chip is mounted to receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0570] Furthermore, the chip can be used to implement the functions and steps of at least one of the receiving module 2210, transmitting module 2230, and processing module 2250 described above. For example, the chip can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210 and transmitting module 2230. For example, the chip can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210 and processing module 2250 described above. For example, the chip can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210, transmitting module 2230, and processing module 2250 described above. For details, please refer to one or more steps performed by the non-AP STA in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 15 above. The relevant content described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 22 above also applies to the chip, and will not be repeated here.

[0571] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores at least one program that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the frame transmission method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0572] In some embodiments, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program loaded and executed by a communication device (such as an AP) to enable the communication device to transmit a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0573] Furthermore, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to implement the functions and steps of at least one of the above-described transmitting module 2110, receiving module 2130, and processing module 2150. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-described transmitting module 2110 and receiving module 2130. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-described transmitting module 2110 and processing module 2150. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-described transmitting module 2110, receiving module 2130, and processing module 2150. For details, please refer to one or more steps performed by the AP in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 15 above. The relevant content described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 21 above also applies to the computer-readable storage medium, and will not be repeated here.

[0574] In some embodiments, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program loaded and executed by a communication device (such as a non-AP STA) to enable the communication device to receive a first frame of a group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0575] Furthermore, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to implement the functions and steps of at least one of the receiving module 2210, transmitting module 2230, and processing module 2250 described above. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210 and transmitting module 2230 described above. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210 and processing module 2250 described above. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210, transmitting module 2230, and processing module 2250 described above. For details, please refer to one or more steps performed by the non-AP STA in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 15 above. The relevant content described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 22 above also applies to the computer-readable storage medium, and will not be repeated here.

[0576] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer program product is also provided, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to implement the frame transmission method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0577] In some embodiments, this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a communication device (such as an AP) retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to implement a first frame of a transmission group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0578] Furthermore, the computer program product can be used to implement the functions and steps of at least one of the above-mentioned transmitting module 2110, receiving module 2130, and processing module 2150. For example, the computer program product can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned transmitting module 2110 and receiving module 2130. For example, the computer program product can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned transmitting module 2110 and processing module 2150. For example, the computer program product can be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned transmitting module 2110, receiving module 2130, and processing module 2150. For details, please refer to one or more steps performed by the AP in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 15 above. The relevant content described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 21 above also applies to the computer program product, and will not be repeated here.

[0579] In some embodiments, this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a communication device (such as a non-AP STA) retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to receive a first frame of a group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

[0580] Furthermore, the computer program product can be used to implement the functions and steps of at least one of the receiving module 2210, transmitting module 2230, and processing module 2250. For example, the computer program product can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210 and transmitting module 2230. For example, the computer program product can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210 and processing module 2250. For example, the computer program product can be used to implement the functions and steps of the receiving module 2210, transmitting module 2230, and processing module 2250. For details, please refer to one or more steps performed by the non-AP STA in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 15 above. The relevant content described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 22 above also applies to the computer program product, and will not be repeated here.

[0581] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computer program is also provided, the computer program including computer instructions, the computer instructions being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a processor retrieving the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executing the computer instructions to implement the frame transmission method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0582] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0583] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A frame transmission method, characterized in that, The method is executed by the access point, and the method includes: The first frame of a transport group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame of the transport group addressing or broadcast includes: Based on the working mode of the associated site of the access point, the first frame of the transmission group addressing or broadcast is transmitted.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first frame of the transport group addressing or broadcast includes: When at least one target site associated with the access point is operating in low-capacity mode, the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast is transmitted. Alternatively, the first frame of group addressing or broadcast may be transmitted if at least one target site associated with the access point is operating in low-capability mode and all target sites associated with the access point meet the first condition.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The low-capacity mode includes any one or more of the following: low-capacity mode with dynamic power saving DPS function; restricted operation (LO) mode; reduced operation (RO) mode.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame adopts a first transmission parameter, which includes one or more of the following: a first transmission rate, a first number of spatial streams, a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and a first transmission bandwidth (BW).

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted via a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The first PPDU includes any one or more of the following: non-high-throughput physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT PPDU) and non-high-throughput duplicate physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT duplicate PPDU).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first frame of the transport group addressing or broadcast includes: When all target sites associated with the access point are operating in high-capacity mode, the first frame of group addressing or broadcast is transmitted; Alternatively, if all target sites associated with the access point are operating in high-capacity mode and all target sites meet the first condition, the first frame of the group addressing or broadcast is transmitted.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The high-capability mode includes any one or more of the following: a high-capability mode with dynamic power-saving DPS function; a LO mode that supports the second transmission parameters; and a RO mode that supports the second transmission parameters.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame uses the second transmission parameters, which include one or more of the following: second transmission rate, second number of spatial streams, second MCS, and second transmission bandwidth BW.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted via the second PPDU; The second PPDU includes any one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, and high-throughput physical layer protocol data unit VHT PPDU.

11. The method according to claim 5 or 9, characterized in that, The first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the number of first spatial streams is less than the number of second spatial streams; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

12. The method according to claim 3 or 7, characterized in that, The first condition includes any one or more of the following: All target sites associated with the access point are switched to access the NPCA main channel via a non-main channel. All target sites associated with the access point can receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel; The first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, If the first frame includes a management frame, the management frame includes one or more of the following: beacon frame, probe response frame, deauthentication frame, fast initial link establishment discovery frame, flow indicator graph (TIM) frame, flexible multicast service (FMS) response frame, multicast GCR multi-user MU block acknowledgment request (BAR) frame with retries, directed multicast service (DMS) response frame, and enhanced broadcast service (EBCS) information frame.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The access point supports the auxiliary dynamic power saving DPS function; and / or, the access point supports the response-limited operation LO mode; and / or, the access point supports the response-reduced operation RO mode.

15. A frame transmission method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a non-AP STA (non-access point site), and the method includes: The first frame received by the group addressing or broadcast includes a data frame and / or a management frame.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first frame of a group addressing or broadcast is transmitted by the access point (AP) based on the associated site's operating mode, and the non-AP STA is associated with the AP.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first frame of group addressing or broadcasting is transmitted by the AP when at least one target site associated with the AP is operating in low-capacity mode; Alternatively, the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting may be transmitted by the AP if at least one target site associated with the AP is operating in low-capacity mode and all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The low-capacity mode includes any one or more of the following: low-capacity mode with dynamic power saving DPS function; restricted operation (LO) mode; reduced operation (RO) mode.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame adopts a first transmission parameter, which includes one or more of the following: a first transmission rate, a first number of spatial streams, a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and a first transmission bandwidth (BW).

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted via a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU); wherein the first PPDU includes any one or more of the following: non-high throughput physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT PPDU), and non-high throughput duplicate physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT duplicate PPDU).

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that, The first frame of a group-addressed or broadcast application is transmitted by the AP with all target sites associated with the AP operating in high-capacity mode. Alternatively, the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting may be transmitted by the AP if all target sites associated with the AP are operating in high-capacity mode and all target sites meet a first condition.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The high-capability mode includes any one or more of the following: a high-capability mode with dynamic power-saving DPS function; a LO mode that supports the second transmission parameters; and a RO mode that supports the second transmission parameters.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame uses the second transmission parameters, which include one or more of the following: second transmission rate, second number of spatial streams, second MCS, and second transmission bandwidth BW.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted via the second PPDU; The second PPDU includes any one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, and high-throughput physical layer protocol data unit VHT PPDU.

25. The method according to claim 19 or 23, characterized in that, The first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the number of first spatial streams is less than the number of second spatial streams; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

26. The method according to claim 17 or 21, characterized in that, The first condition includes any one or more of the following: All target sites associated with the AP are switched to access the NPCA main channel via a non-main channel. All target sites associated with the AP can receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel; The first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

27. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that, If the first frame includes a management frame, the management frame includes one or more of the following: beacon frame, probe response frame, deauthentication frame, fast initial link establishment discovery frame, flow indicator graph (TIM) frame, flexible multicast service (FMS) response frame, multicast GCR multi-user MU block acknowledgment request (BAR) frame with retries, directed multicast service (DMS) response frame, and enhanced broadcast service (EBCS) information frame.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 27, characterized in that, The AP supports assisted dynamic power saving DPS function; and / or, the AP supports response-limited operation (LO) mode; and / or, the AP supports response-reduced operation (RO) mode.

29. A frame transmission apparatus, characterized in that, The device includes: The transmitting module is used to transmit the first frame of a group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that, The sending module is also used to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting based on the working mode of the associated site of the device.

31. The apparatus according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The sending module is also configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when at least one target site associated with the device is operating in a low-capacity mode. Alternatively, the sending module is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when at least one target site associated with the device is operating in a low-capacity mode and all target sites associated with the device meet a first condition.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that, The low-capacity mode includes any one or more of the following: low-capacity mode with dynamic power saving DPS function; restricted operation (LO) mode; reduced operation (RO) mode.

33. The apparatus according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame adopts a first transmission parameter, which includes one or more of the following: a first transmission rate, a first number of spatial streams, a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and a first transmission bandwidth (BW).

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted via a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU); wherein the first PPDU includes any one or more of the following: non-high throughput physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT PPDU), and non-high throughput duplicate physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT duplicate PPDU).

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 34, characterized in that, The sending module is also configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when all target sites associated with the device are operating in high-capacity mode. Alternatively, the sending module is further configured to transmit the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting when all target sites associated with the device are operating in high-capacity mode and all target sites meet a first condition.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that, The high-capability mode includes any one or more of the following: a high-capability mode with dynamic power-saving DPS function; a LO mode that supports the second transmission parameters; and a RO mode that supports the second transmission parameters.

37. The apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame uses the second transmission parameters, which include one or more of the following: second transmission rate, second number of spatial streams, second MCS, and second transmission bandwidth BW.

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted via the second PPDU; The second PPDU includes any one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, and high-throughput physical layer protocol data unit VHT PPDU.

39. The apparatus according to claim 33 or 37, characterized in that, The first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the number of first spatial streams is less than the number of second spatial streams; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

40. The apparatus according to claim 31 or 35, characterized in that, The first condition includes any one or more of the following: All target sites associated with the device are switched to access the NPCA main channel via a non-main channel. All target stations associated with the device can receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel; The first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 40, characterized in that, If the first frame includes a management frame, the management frame includes one or more of the following: beacon frame, probe response frame, deauthentication frame, fast initial link establishment discovery frame, flow indicator graph (TIM) frame, flexible multicast service (FMS) response frame, multicast GCR multi-user MU block acknowledgment request (BAR) frame with retries, directed multicast service (DMS) response frame, and enhanced broadcast service (EBCS) information frame.

42. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 41, characterized in that, The device supports an auxiliary dynamic power saving DPS function; and / or, the device supports a response-limited operation LO mode; and / or, the device supports a response-reduced operation RO mode.

43. A frame transmission apparatus, characterized in that, The device includes: The receiving module is used to receive the first frame of a group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

44. The apparatus according to claim 43, characterized in that, The first frame of a group addressing or broadcast is transmitted by the access point (AP) based on the associated site's operating mode, and the device is associated with the AP.

45. The apparatus according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that, The first frame of group addressing or broadcasting is transmitted by the AP when at least one target site associated with the AP is operating in low-capacity mode; Alternatively, the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting may be transmitted by the AP if at least one target site associated with the AP is operating in low-capacity mode and all target sites associated with the AP meet a first condition.

46. ​​The apparatus according to claim 45, characterized in that, The low-capacity mode includes any one or more of the following: low-capacity mode with dynamic power saving DPS function; restricted operation (LO) mode; reduced operation (RO) mode.

47. The apparatus according to claim 45 or 46, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame adopts a first transmission parameter, which includes one or more of the following: a first transmission rate, a first number of spatial streams, a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and a first transmission bandwidth (BW).

48. The apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 47, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted via a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU); wherein the first PPDU includes any one or more of the following: non-high throughput physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT PPDU), and non-high throughput duplicate physical layer protocol data unit (non-HT duplicate PPDU).

49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 43 to 48, characterized in that, The first frame of a group-addressed or broadcast application is transmitted by the AP with all target sites associated with the AP operating in high-capacity mode. Alternatively, the first frame of group addressing or broadcasting may be transmitted by the AP if all target sites associated with the AP are operating in high-capacity mode and all target sites meet a first condition.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that, The high-capability mode includes any one or more of the following: a high-capability mode with dynamic power-saving DPS function; a LO mode that supports the second transmission parameters; and a RO mode that supports the second transmission parameters.

51. The apparatus according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame uses the second transmission parameters, which include one or more of the following: second transmission rate, second number of spatial streams, second MCS, and second transmission bandwidth BW.

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 51, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted via the second PPDU; The second PPDU includes any one or more of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, and high-throughput physical layer protocol data unit VHT PPDU.

53. The apparatus according to claim 47 or 51, characterized in that, The first transmission parameter and the second transmission parameter satisfy one or more of the following: the first transmission rate is less than the second transmission rate; the number of first spatial streams is less than the number of second spatial streams; the index of the first MCS is less than the index of the second MCS; and the first transmission bandwidth is less than the second transmission bandwidth.

54. The apparatus according to claim 45 or 49, characterized in that, The first condition includes any one or more of the following: All target sites associated with the AP are switched to access the NPCA main channel via a non-main channel. All target sites associated with the AP can receive group addressing frames or broadcast frames on the NPCA main channel; The first frame is transmitted on the NPCA main channel.

55. The apparatus according to any one of claims 43 to 54, characterized in that, If the first frame includes a management frame, the management frame includes one or more of the following: beacon frame, probe response frame, deauthentication frame, fast initial link establishment discovery frame, flow indicator graph (TIM) frame, flexible multicast service (FMS) response frame, multicast GCR multi-user MU block acknowledgment request (BAR) frame with retries, directed multicast service (DMS) response frame, and enhanced broadcast service (EBCS) information frame.

56. The apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 55, characterized in that, The AP supports assisted dynamic power saving DPS function; and / or, the AP supports response-limited operation (LO) mode; and / or, the AP supports response-reduced operation (RO) mode.

57. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor; a transmitter connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

58. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor; a receiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the receiver is configured to receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

59. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores at least one program, which is loaded and executed by a processor to implement a first frame of transport group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

60. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores at least one program, which is loaded and executed by a processor to receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

61. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to implement a first frame of a transport group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

62. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to receive a first frame of a group addressing or broadcast, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

63. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes programmable logic circuitry and / or at least a program to enable a communication device equipped with the chip to transmit a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

64. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes programmable logic circuitry and / or at least a program to enable a communication device equipped with the chip to receive a first frame of group addressing or broadcasting, the first frame including a data frame and / or a management frame.

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