Communication method, apparatus, medium, and chip

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, an apparatus, a medium, and a chip. A first AP carries transmission parameters of at least one second AP in a first control frame, and the second AP transmits a first control response frame to the first AP on the basis of the transmission parameters; thus, in a scenario where bandwidths of the first AP and the second AP are not aligned, the first AP can receive the first control response frame transmitted by the second AP, thereby achieving TXOP sharing.

Description

Communication methods, devices, media and chips

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510206458.0, filed on February 24, 2025, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus, Medium and Chip", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application belongs to the field of wireless communication technology, specifically relating to a communication method, device, medium, and chip. Background Technology

[0004] With the continuous development of network technology, dense wireless network environments have become mainstream. In dense wireless network environments, multiple access points (APs) are usually deployed. In multi-AP scenarios, related technologies allocate service time periods through coordinated time division multiple access (C-TDMA) technology, enabling multiple APs to use channel resources in a time-sharing manner based on shared transmission opportunity (TXS) to reduce interference. Before multiple APs perform TXS, the AP that initiates the TXS process initiates TXOP sharing through an initial control frame. The APs that are coordinated to participate in TXS reply with an initial response frame to indicate whether they participate in TXOP sharing.

[0005] However, using related technologies, in scenarios where bandwidth is misaligned among multiple APs, the AP initiating the TXS process cannot receive the initial response frame sent by the APs coordinating to participate in TXS. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, medium, and chip. The technical solution provided by this application addresses the problem in related technologies where, in scenarios of bandwidth misalignment among multiple APs, the AP initiating the TXS process cannot receive the initial response frame sent by the APs coordinating the TXS process.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0008] A first access point (AP) sends a first control frame to at least one second AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths, which are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different.

[0009] The first AP receives at least one first control response frame sent by the second AP based on the transmission parameters. The first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

[0010] Optionally, before the first AP sends the first control frame to at least one second AP, the method further includes:

[0011] The first AP receives a second control frame sent by a neighboring AP. The second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the neighboring AP supports trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes channel information and bandwidth information of the neighboring AP. The second AP is a neighboring AP that supports TB PPDU transmission and has overlapping sub-bandwidth with the first AP.

[0012] Optionally, before the first AP receives the second control frame sent by a neighboring AP, the method further includes:

[0013] The first AP sends a second request frame to the neighboring AP. The second request frame is used to request the transmission capability of the neighboring AP, and the transmission capability is used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

[0014] Optionally, the overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following cases:

[0015] Main 20M bandwidth;

[0016] Main 40M bandwidth;

[0017] Main 80M bandwidth;

[0018] Main bandwidth 160M;

[0019] Main bandwidth 320M.

[0020] Optionally, the transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of the at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

[0021] Optionally, the target bandwidth is carried in the public information field of the first control frame, and the identification information of the at least one second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

[0022] Optionally, the first control response frame is sent based on the TB PPDU format.

[0023] Optionally, the second control frame is a beacon frame.

[0024] Optionally, the first control frame further includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0026] The second access point (AP) receives a first control frame sent by the first AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of the at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and the at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different.

[0027] The second AP sends a first control response frame to the first AP based on the transmission parameters. The first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

[0028] Optionally, before the second AP receives the first control frame sent by the first AP, it further includes:

[0029] The second AP sends a second control frame to the first AP. The second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the second AP supports trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes the channel information and bandwidth information of the second AP.

[0030] Optionally, before the second control frame is sent by the second AP to the first AP, the following further steps are included:

[0031] The second AP receives a second request frame sent by the first AP. The second request frame is used to request the transmission capability of a neighboring AP. The transmission capability is used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

[0032] Optionally, the overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following cases:

[0033] Main 20M bandwidth;

[0034] Main 40M bandwidth;

[0035] Main 80M bandwidth;

[0036] Main bandwidth 160M;

[0037] Main bandwidth 320M.

[0038] Optionally, the transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of the at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

[0039] Optionally, the target bandwidth is carried in the public information field of the first control frame, and the identification information of the at least one second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

[0040] Optionally, the second AP sends a first control response frame to the first AP based on the transmission parameters, including:

[0041] The second AP sends the first control response frame in TB PPDU format based on the transmission parameters.

[0042] Optionally, the second control frame is a beacon frame.

[0043] Optionally, the first control frame further includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

[0044] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the device comprising:

[0045] A sending module is configured to send a first control frame, the first control frame including a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that a first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes: sending parameters of at least one second AP, wherein the bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of at least one second AP include: overlapping sub-bandwidth, the overlapping sub-bandwidth being sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range, the overlapping sub-bandwidth being part or all of the bandwidth of the first AP and at least one second AP, the overlapping sub-bandwidth including: the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP, the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP being the same or different;

[0046] The receiving module is configured to receive at least one first control response frame sent by the second AP based on the transmission parameters, wherein the first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

[0047] Optionally, the receiving module is further configured to receive a second control frame sent by a neighboring AP. The second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the neighboring AP supports trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes channel information and bandwidth information of the neighboring AP. The second AP is a neighboring AP that supports TB PPDU transmission and has overlapping sub-bandwidth with the first AP.

[0048] Optionally, the sending module is further configured to send a second request frame to the neighboring AP, the second request frame being used to request the sending capability of the neighboring AP, the sending capability being used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

[0049] Optionally, the overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following: primary 20M bandwidth; primary 40M bandwidth; primary 80M bandwidth; primary 160M bandwidth; primary 320M bandwidth.

[0050] Optionally, the transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of the at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

[0051] Optionally, the target bandwidth is carried in the public information field of the first control frame, and the identification information of the at least one second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

[0052] Optionally, the first control response frame is sent based on the TB PPDU format.

[0053] Optionally, the second control frame is a beacon frame.

[0054] Optionally, the first control frame further includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

[0055] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the device comprising:

[0056] A receiving module is configured to receive a first control frame sent by a first AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of the at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and the at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different.

[0057] The sending module is used to send a first control response frame to the first AP based on the sending parameters. The first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

[0058] Optionally, the sending module is further configured to send a second control frame to the first AP. The second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the second AP supports trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes the channel information and bandwidth information of the second AP.

[0059] Optionally, the receiving module is further configured to receive a second request frame sent by the first AP, the second request frame being used to request the transmission capability of a neighboring AP, the transmission capability being used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

[0060] Optionally, the overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following: primary 20M bandwidth; primary 40M bandwidth; primary 80M bandwidth; primary 160M bandwidth; primary 320M bandwidth.

[0061] Optionally, the transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of the at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

[0062] Optionally, the target bandwidth is carried in the public information field of the first control frame, and the identification information of the at least one second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

[0063] Optionally, the sending module is specifically used to send the first control response frame in TB PPDU format based on the sending parameters.

[0064] Optionally, the second control frame is a beacon frame.

[0065] Optionally, the first control frame further includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

[0066] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the first aspects, or implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0067] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0068] The communication method, apparatus, medium, and chip provided in this application embodiment enable the first AP to receive the first control response frame sent by the second AP in a scenario where the bandwidths of the first AP and the second AP are not aligned, thereby achieving TXOP sharing. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a multi-AP application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 1B is a flowchart illustrating a TXOP sharing operation within a BSS of an AP according to an embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 1C is a flowchart illustrating a multi-AP shared TXOP provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a multi-AP scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of another multi-AP scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a shared execution phase scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a Trigger frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in the shared establishment phase provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a management frame format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0084] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0085] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0086] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, without limiting the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, "or" in this application indicates at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three scenarios: Scenario 1: including A but not B; Scenario 2: including B but not A; Scenario 3: including both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0087] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as one in which the sender explicitly informs the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc., in the instruction sent. An indirect instruction can be understood as one in which the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc., based on the judgment result.

[0088] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and specifically to any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series protocols used in WLANs, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and future 802.11 protocols. The methods provided in this application can be implemented by communication devices in a wireless communication system or by chips or processors within those devices. Accordingly, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series protocols. Although the embodiments of this application are primarily illustrated using a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), wide area network (WAN), WLAN, personal area network (PAN), ultra-wideband (UWB) based wireless PAN systems, sensing systems, or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0089] In the WiFi protocol, a station (abbreviated as STA) includes access point stations (abbreviated as AP STA) and non-access point stations (abbreviated as non-AP station). Usually, for the sake of simplicity, access point stations are called access points (abbreviated as AP), and non-access point stations are called stations (abbreviated as STA).

[0090] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0091] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0092] The communication in this communication system can be between access points and stations, or between stations, or between access points.

[0093] An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0094] In some scenarios, access points and sites can be devices used in vehicle networking, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0095] In some scenarios, the access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) with a WiFi chip or a network device (such as a router).

[0096] In the embodiments of this application, the site may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical care, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or smart home, wireless device, wireless communication chip, etc. that support WLAN or WiFi technology.

[0097] In a multi-AP scenario, interference may occur between adjacent APs, as shown in Figure 1A. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a multi-AP application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. In Figure 1A, two APs are used as an example, namely AP1 and AP2. AP1 manages the Basic Service Set (BSS) as BSS1, and AP2 manages the BSS as BSS2. BSS1 and BSS2 have overlapping coverage areas. STA11 is within the coverage area of ​​BSS1 and is associated with AP1. STA21 is associated with AP2. Since STA21 is simultaneously within the overlapping coverage area of ​​BSS1 and BSS2, AP1 may interfere with the communication between AP2 and STA21.

[0098] To avoid interference between APs in a multi-AP scenario, different Transmission Opportunities (TXOPs) can be assigned to different APs. This prevents different APs from transmitting data at the same time, ensuring that each AP transmits data only within its own TXOP and remains silent during the TXOPs of other APs, thereby reducing or avoiding mutual interference. For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 1A, to reduce interference between AP1 and AP2, different TXOPs can be assigned to AP1 and AP2. During the TXOP assigned to AP1, AP2 remains silent, and during the TXOP assigned to AP2, AP1 remains silent. Through precise time synchronization and TXOP allocation, interference between APs is avoided.

[0099] In this scenario, the AP can share the TXOP (Turn-Only Request) within its BSS (Block Separation Server) during the allocated TXOP time, effectively reducing the time STAs wait to send data and thus optimizing service latency or throughput. For example, Figure 1B is a flowchart illustrating the TXOP sharing operation within the BSS of an AP according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1B, the AP sends a Multi-User Request to Send (MU-RTS) trigger frame to the STAs during the allocated TXOP time to synchronize multiple STAs and prepare for data transmission. The AP may also send a Clear to Send (CTS) frame to itself. This step is optional and is used to manage hidden node issues, ensuring that other nodes know that the channel has been reserved for upcoming transmissions. As shown in Figure 1B, during the time allocated by the MU-RTS trigger frame, STA1 responds to the AP with a CTS frame to confirm receipt of the MU-RTS frame and readiness to participate in TXOP sharing. Then, STA1 sends data to the AP using a non-trigger-based physical protocol data unit (non-TB PPDU). The AP performs a block acknowledgment (Bck Ack) on the received data to confirm that the data has been successfully received. Within the same TXOP, the AP may also send data to other STAs.

[0100] Furthermore, in the multi-AP collaboration process based on TXOP, multiple APs can also share the time resources during the TXOP, as shown in Figure 1C. Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a multi-AP sharing TXOP process provided by an embodiment of this application. In this diagram, AP1 is the AP that initiates the sharing process (the sharing AP), and AP2 is the AP that is coordinated to participate in the sharing (the shared AP). AP1 obtains the TXOP through air interface contention, and AP2 uses a segment of the TXOP in a time-sharing manner. Specifically, AP1 initiates this multi-AP transmission opportunity sharing process through an initial control frame, which includes negotiation parameters; the second AP responds to the participation in this transmission opportunity sharing process through a response feedback frame; AP1 triggers AP2 to start using the shared TXOP through a shared transmission opportunity allocation frame and indicates the sharing parameters.

[0101] It is understandable that in scenarios where multiple APs use channel resources based on shared TXOP time-sharing, including the AP initiating the TXOP sharing process and the APs being coordinated to participate in the sharing (i.e., sharing APs and shared APs), there may be a misalignment of the main channels and / or bandwidths of the sharing APs and shared APs. This can cause the sharing AP to fail to receive the initial control response frame from the shared AP after broadcasting the initial control frame, thus preventing frame interaction between the sharing AP and shared APs. By establishing a frame interaction mechanism between APs, the initial control frame of the sharing AP can poll multiple shared APs and instruct the sharing APs on the transmission parameters of their initial control response frames. This allows the shared APs to provide feedback on shared parameters even in scenarios with bandwidth misalignment.

[0102] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the AP initiating TXOP sharing is described as the first AP, and the APs participating in TXOP sharing are described as the second AP. This embodiment describes TXOP sharing among multiple APs in two phases: a sharing establishment phase and a sharing execution phase. In the sharing establishment phase, the first AP needs to determine the channel and bandwidth information of surrounding APs with Trigger-Based Physical Protocol Data Unit (TBPPDU) transmission capabilities. In the sharing execution phase, the first AP and the second AP interact with each other using initial frames. Specifically, the first AP sends an initial control frame to the second AP, and the second AP sends an initial control response frame to the first AP. The initial control frame contains transmission parameters for the second AP to send back the initial control response frame, ensuring that even when the bandwidths of the first AP and the second AP are misaligned, the first AP can receive the TBPPDU format initial control response frame sent by the second AP.

[0103] The following describes the initial frame interaction between the first AP and the second AP during the shared execution phase. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the method of this embodiment is as follows:

[0104] S21: The first AP sends a first control frame to at least one second AP.

[0105] Optionally, the first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters for at least one second AP, wherein the bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of the at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths. These overlapping sub-bandwidths are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range, and are part or all of the bandwidth of the first AP and the at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP, and the main channels of the first AP and the at least one second AP may be the same or different. It is understood that the transmission parameters of the at least one second AP include the transmission parameters corresponding to any one of the at least one second AP.

[0106] The first control frame is an Initial Control Frame (ICF). The first indication message is used to announce the intention of the first AP to share a portion of the TXOP. The first control frame also includes transmission parameters for each of the at least one second AP. The transmission parameters of each second AP may be different due to different bandwidths. The transmission parameters include resource units (RU) resources on the TB PPDU bandwidth (TB PPDU BW) allocated by the first AP to the second AP for sending the first control response frame.

[0107] Optionally, the transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

[0108] The target bandwidth is the TB PPDU BW allocated by the first AP to the second AP, obtained based on the overlapping sub-bandwidth of the first AP and the second AP. The identification information of the second AP is an identifier used to uniquely identify the second AP, and the frequency domain resource corresponding to the second AP is the RU resource in the target bandwidth.

[0109] Optionally, the overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following: primary 20M bandwidth; primary 40M bandwidth; primary 80M bandwidth; primary 160M bandwidth; primary 320M bandwidth.

[0110] In some scenarios, the first AP and the second AP may have bandwidth misalignment. Therefore, when allocating RU resources to the second AP, the first AP needs to consider the channel information and bandwidth information of the second AP. That is, the first AP and the second AP must have at least one overlapping sub-bandwidth among {primary 20M, primary 40M, primary 80M, primary 160M, primary 320M}. The target bandwidth is determined based on the overlapping sub-bandwidth, which is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths. Then, the first AP can allocate corresponding RU resources to at least one second AP based on the target bandwidth. The following are some examples to illustrate this:

[0111] One scenario is shown in Figure 3A, which includes six access points (APs): AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4, AP5, and AP6. AP1, AP3, AP4, AP5, and AP6 each have a bandwidth of 80 Mbps, while AP2 has a bandwidth of 40 Mbps. Assuming AP1 is the first AP, based on the channel and bandwidth information of the other five APs, it can be determined whether they have overlapping sub-bandwidths with AP1. This determines which APs can serve as second APs. Then, based on the overlapping sub-bandwidths of the first AP and at least one second AP, a target bandwidth is determined. Finally, corresponding RU resources are allocated to each of the at least one second AP based on the target bandwidth.

[0112] Referring to Figure 3A, one scenario is as follows: the first AP is AP1, and the bandwidths of AP2, AP3, and AP4 are not aligned with AP1, but the overlapping sub-bandwidth is the main 40M. Therefore, it can be determined that AP2, AP3, and AP4 are at least one second AP, and the target bandwidth is determined to be the main 40M. AP1 can allocate corresponding RU resources to AP2, AP3, and AP4 on the main 40M.

[0113] Referring to Figure 3A, another scenario is as follows: the first AP is AP1, and the bandwidth between AP4 and AP5 and AP1 is aligned and the overlapping sub-bandwidth is the main 80M. Therefore, it can be determined that AP4 and AP5 are at least one second AP, with the target bandwidth being the main 80M. AP1 can allocate corresponding RU resources to AP4 and AP5 on the main 80M respectively.

[0114] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3A, another scenario is: the first AP is AP1, the bandwidth between AP6 and AP1 is not aligned and there is no overlapping sub-bandwidth, therefore, it cannot be determined that AP6 is the second AP, then AP1 cannot allocate the target bandwidth to AP6, and AP1 also cannot allocate the corresponding RU resources to AP6 on the target bandwidth.

[0115] Referring to Figure 3A, another scenario is as follows: the first AP is AP1, and the bandwidths of AP2 and AP5 are aligned with AP1 but there is no overlapping sub-bandwidth. Therefore, it cannot be determined that AP2 and AP5 are at least one second AP. In this case, AP1 cannot allocate target bandwidth to AP2 and AP6, nor can AP1 allocate corresponding RU resources to AP2 and AP5 on the target bandwidth.

[0116] Another scenario is shown in Figure 3B, which also includes six APs: AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4, AP5, and AP6. AP1, AP3, AP4, AP5, and AP6 have a bandwidth of 80 Mbps, while AP2 has a bandwidth of 40 Mbps. Assuming AP1 is the first AP, based on the channel and bandwidth information of the other five APs, it can be determined whether they have overlapping sub-bandwidths with AP1. This allows us to determine which APs can serve as second APs. Then, based on the overlapping sub-bandwidths of the first AP and at least one second AP, the target bandwidth is determined. Finally, corresponding RU resources are allocated to each of the at least one second AP based on the target bandwidth.

[0117] Referring to Figure 3B, one scenario is as follows: the first AP is AP1, and the bandwidths of AP4 and AP5 are aligned with AP1 and overlap with the main sub-bandwidths of 40M and 80M. Therefore, it can be determined that AP4 and AP5 are at least one second AP, with the target bandwidth being either 40M or 80M. Taking the target bandwidth as 80M as an example, AP1 can allocate corresponding RU resources to AP4 and AP5 on the main 80M bandwidth.

[0118] The above is an example of a method for determining the target bandwidth and allocating corresponding RU resources to at least one second AP based on the target bandwidth. This application does not limit this method.

[0119] Optionally, the first control frame further includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

[0120] The shared time refers to the period during which the second AP is allowed to use a portion of the shared TXOP time for data transmission; the shared service priority defines which types of services or which AP should be given higher priority for data transmission.

[0121] S22: The first AP receives at least one first control response frame sent by the second AP based on the transmission parameters, the first control response frame being used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

[0122] Optionally, the first control response frame is sent based on the TB PPDU format.

[0123] The first control response frame is an Initial Control Response (ICR) frame in TB PPDU format. The at least one second AP sends the first control response frame to the RU resources on the TB PPDU BW allocated by the first AP to inform the first AP whether it participates in the TXOP sharing.

[0124] In this embodiment, by having the first AP carry transmission parameters of at least one second AP in the first control frame, and the second AP sending a first control response frame to the first AP based on the transmission parameters, it is possible to achieve TXOP sharing in the scenario where the bandwidths of the first AP and the second AP are not aligned.

[0125] In the above embodiments, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a shared execution phase scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the first AP sends a first control frame to at least one second AP during the time period of its own TXOP to declare its willingness to share the TXOP; at least one second AP replies with a first control response frame on the RU resource of the TB PPDU BW during the time period of the first AP's TXOP to indicate its willingness to participate in TXOP sharing; then the first AP performs data transmission during the time period of the first AP's TXOP, and the first AP sends a trigger frame for multi-AP sharing of TXOP to the second AP during the time period of the second AP's TXOP to trigger TXOP sharing; the second AP replies with a feedback response frame during the time period of the second AP's TXOP to indicate receipt of the trigger frame, and performs data transmission during the time period of its own TXOP.

[0126] In the above embodiments, optionally, the target bandwidth is carried in the common information field of the first control frame. The identification information of the second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

[0127] The first control frame can be a variant of an existing trigger frame, such as an extended MU-RTS frame or a Basic Service Region Poll (BSRP) frame, or a newly added trigger frame type. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a trigger frame provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the fields of the first control frame include a frame control field (2 bytes), a duration field (2 bytes), a receiver address field (RA, 6 bytes), a transmitter address field (TA, 6 bytes), a common information field (8 bytes or more), a user information list field (random bytes), a padding field (random bytes), and a frame check sequence field (FCS, 4 bytes).

[0128] Furthermore, the public information field also includes subfields such as Trigger Type (4 bits) and Uplink Bandwidth (UL BW, 2 bits), with the target bandwidth carried in the Uplink Bandwidth subfield of the public information field; the user information list field contains multiple user information subfields, the number of which is equal to the number of second APs polled by the first AP, including subfields such as Access Point Identifier (APID12) and Resource Unit Allocation (RU Allocation), with the identification information of the second AP carried in the Second AP Identifier subfield of the user information list field, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP carried in the Resource Unit Allocation subfield of the user information list field.

[0129] Furthermore, the second AP checks whether it is among at least one second AP announced in the first control frame. If it is not, it indicates that it cannot participate in TXOP sharing. If it is, it needs to decide whether to participate in this TXOP sharing and feed back the first control response frame in the form of TB PPDU on the RU resource indicated by the first control frame.

[0130] The first control response frame can be implemented by adding an auxiliary control (A-control) field or adding an action frame.

[0131] The following describes the sharing establishment phase, where the first AP needs to determine the channel and bandwidth information of surrounding APs with TB PPDU transmission capabilities. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application embodiment. Figure 6, based on the embodiment shown in Figure 2, further includes the following step before S21:

[0132] S201: At least one second AP sends a second control frame to the first AP.

[0133] Optionally, the second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the neighboring AP supports triggered physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes channel information and bandwidth information of the neighboring AP. The second AP is a neighboring AP that supports TB PPDU transmission and has overlapping sub-bandwidth with the first AP.

[0134] In this process, at least one second AP indicates whether it supports TB PPDU transmission through the second indication message. For example, if a neighboring AP has the capability to support TB PPDU transmission, it sends a second control frame carrying the second indication message that supports TB PPDU transmission capability to the first AP. The second control frame carries its own channel information and bandwidth information, so that the first AP can determine whether the neighboring AP is a second AP based on the channel information and bandwidth information of the neighboring AP and its own channel information and bandwidth information, and decide on the RU resources for at least one second AP to perform TB PPDU transmission during TXOP sharing.

[0135] In this embodiment, at least one second AP sends a second control frame to the first AP to inform the first AP whether the at least one second AP supports TB PPDU transmission. Thus, it can be determined whether at least one second AP has the ability to send the first control response frame in TB PPDU format. The second control frame also includes the channel information and bandwidth information of the second AP, which helps the first AP allocate RU resources on the TB PPDU bandwidth to the second AP.

[0136] In the above embodiments, at least one second AP can actively send a second control frame to the first AP, or it can passively send a second control frame to the first AP after receiving a second request frame from the first AP, as shown in Figure 7.

[0137] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7, based on the embodiment shown in Figure 6, further includes the following step before S201:

[0138] S2001: The first AP sends a second request frame to the neighboring AP.

[0139] Optionally, the second request frame is used to request the transmission capability of the neighboring AP, and the transmission capability is used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

[0140] Specifically, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a shared establishment phase scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, AP1 sends a broadcast message to its neighboring APs (AP2 and AP3) to request whether the neighboring APs support the transmission capability of TB PPDU, thus completing the negotiation of TB PPDU capability and the exchange of sharing parameters. That is, AP1 sends a management frame carrying its own channel information, bandwidth information, and TB PPDU transmission capability to determine whether it has TB PPDU transmission capability and to request the TB PPDU transmission capability of its neighboring APs. The neighboring APs then interact with the management frame to inform the first AP of its own channel information, bandwidth information, and whether it has TB PPDU transmission capability. This application does not limit the implementation of the management frame to whether it is a newly added MAP management frame or an extension of the existing management frame.

[0141] In this embodiment, the first AP sends a second request frame to the neighboring AP to request whether the neighboring AP supports the transmission capability of TB PPDU transmission, thereby helping to determine whether the second AP has the ability to send the first control response frame in TB PPDU format.

[0142] In the above embodiments, optionally, the second control frame and the second request frame can be implemented using a management frame. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the frame format of a management frame provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the management frame includes a primary channel indication field (8 bits), a transmission bandwidth field (3 bits), a center frequency indication field, a disabled subchannel bitmap field (16 bits), and a TB PPDU transmission indication field (1 bit). The primary channel indication field indicates the location of the primary channel of the second AP; the transmission bandwidth field indicates the bandwidth of the second AP; and the center frequency indication field indicates the location of the center frequency of the bandwidth of the second AP, including a first center frequency indication field (CCFS0, 8 bits) and a second center frequency indication field (CCFS1, 8 bits). The first center frequency indication field is used to indicate the location of the center frequency point with a bandwidth of 20 to 80 MHz, the second center frequency indication field is used to indicate the location of the center frequency point with a bandwidth of 160 MHz and / or 320 MHz; the disabled channel indication field is used to indicate the sub-channels that are prohibited from use in the bandwidth of the second AP, and the TB PPDU transmission indication field is used to indicate whether the second AP supports sending TB PPDUs.

[0143] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the device in this embodiment includes: a transmitting module 1001 and a receiving module 1002, wherein...

[0144] The sending module 1001 is configured to send a first control frame to at least one second AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of the at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and the at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different.

[0145] The receiving module 1002 is configured to receive at least one first control response frame sent by the second AP based on the transmission parameters, wherein the first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

[0146] Optionally, the receiving module 1002 is further configured to receive a second control frame sent by a neighboring AP. The second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the neighboring AP supports trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes channel information and bandwidth information of the neighboring AP. The second AP is a neighboring AP that supports TB PPDU transmission and has overlapping sub-bandwidth with the first AP.

[0147] Optionally, the sending module 1001 is further configured to send a second request frame to the neighboring AP, the second request frame being used to request the sending capability of the neighboring AP, the sending capability being used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

[0148] Optionally, the overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following: primary 20M bandwidth; primary 40M bandwidth; primary 80M bandwidth; primary 160M bandwidth; primary 320M bandwidth.

[0149] Optionally, the transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of the at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

[0150] Optionally, the target bandwidth is carried in the public information field of the first control frame, and the identification information of the at least one second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

[0151] Optionally, the first control response frame is sent based on the TB PPDU format.

[0152] Optionally, the second control frame is a beacon frame.

[0153] Optionally, the first control frame further includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

[0154] In this embodiment, a processing module 1003 is also included. The processing module is used to parse the received frame or generate the sent frame, for example, to parse the first control response frame and / or the second control frame, and to generate the first control frame and / or the second request frame, etc.

[0155] In this embodiment, the transmitting module 1001 and the receiving module 1002 can be implemented by two independent modules, or the functions of the transmitting module 1001 and the receiving module 1002 can be implemented by a single transceiver module. This application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0156] The device in this embodiment can be used to execute the steps of the first AP in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0157] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the device in this embodiment includes: a receiving module 1101 and a transmitting module 1102, wherein...

[0158] The receiving module 1101 is configured to receive a first control frame sent by a first AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of the at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and the at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different.

[0159] The sending module 1102 is used to send a first control response frame to the first AP based on the sending parameters. The first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

[0160] Optionally, the sending module 1102 is further configured to send a second control frame to the first AP. The second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the second AP supports trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes the channel information and bandwidth information of the second AP.

[0161] Optionally, the receiving module 1101 is further configured to receive a second request frame sent by the first AP, the second request frame being used to request the transmission capability of a neighboring AP, the transmission capability being used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

[0162] Optionally, the overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following: primary 20M bandwidth; primary 40M bandwidth; primary 80M bandwidth; primary 160M bandwidth; primary 320M bandwidth.

[0163] Optionally, the transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of the at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

[0164] Optionally, the target bandwidth is carried in the public information field of the first control frame, and the identification information of the at least one second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

[0165] Optionally, the sending module 1102 is specifically used to send the first control response frame in TB PPDU format based on the sending parameters.

[0166] Optionally, the second control frame is a beacon frame.

[0167] Optionally, the first control frame further includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

[0168] In this embodiment, a processing module 1103 is also included, wherein the processing module is used to parse the received frame or generate the sent frame, for example, to parse the first control frame and / or the second request frame, and generate the first control response frame and / or the second control frame, etc.

[0169] The receiving module 1101 and the transmitting module 1102 in the device of this embodiment can be implemented by two independent modules, or the functions of the receiving module 1101 and the transmitting module 1102 can be implemented by a single transceiver module. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0170] The device in this embodiment can be used to execute the steps of the second AP in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0171] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps described in the above method embodiments.

[0172] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0173] This application also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0174] Referring specifically to Figure 12, which illustrates a structural schematic suitable for implementing the electronic device 700 in the embodiments of this application, the electronic device 700 in the embodiments of this application may include, but is not limited to, mobile terminals such as mobile phones, laptops, digital broadcast receivers, PDAs (personal digital assistants), PADs (tablet computers), PMPs (portable multimedia players), in-vehicle terminals (e.g., in-vehicle navigation terminals), and fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers. The illustrated electronic device is merely an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0175] As shown in Figure 12, the electronic device 700 may include a processing unit (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processor, etc.) 710, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 720 or a program loaded from a storage device 780 into a random access memory (RAM) 730. The RAM 730 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the electronic device. The processing unit 710, ROM 720, and RAM 730 are interconnected via a bus 740. An input / output (I / O) interface 750 is also connected to the bus 740.

[0176] Typically, the following devices can be connected to the I / O interface 750: input devices 760 including, for example, a touchscreen, touchpad, keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.; output devices 770 including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), speaker, vibrator, etc.; storage devices 780 including, for example, magnetic tape, hard disk, etc.; and communication devices 790. The communication device 790 allows the electronic device 700 to communicate wirelessly or wiredly with other devices to exchange data. Although an electronic device 700 with various devices is shown, it should be understood that it is not required to implement or possess all of the devices shown. More or fewer devices may be implemented or possessed alternatively.

[0177] Specifically, according to embodiments of this application, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this application include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via a communication device 790, or installed from a storage device 780, or installed from a ROM 720. When the computer program is executed by the processing device 710, it performs the functions defined in the communication method of the embodiments of this application.

[0178] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium described above in this application can be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this application, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this application, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium can be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wires, optical fibers, RF (radio frequency), etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0179] In some implementations, the user and management terminals can communicate using any currently known or future-developed network protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and can interconnect with digital data communication (e.g., communication networks) of any form or medium. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LANs”), wide area networks (“WANs”), the Internet (e.g., the Internet of Things), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks), as well as any currently known or future-developed networks.

[0180] The aforementioned computer-readable medium may be included in the aforementioned electronic device; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the electronic device.

[0181] The aforementioned computer-readable medium carries one or more programs that, when executed by the electronic device, cause the electronic device to:

[0182] A first access point (AP) sends a first control frame to at least one second AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths, which are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different.

[0183] The first AP receives at least one first control response frame sent by the second AP based on the transmission parameters. The first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

[0184] Computer program code for performing the operations of this application can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof. These programming languages ​​include, but are not limited to, object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0185] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0186] The units described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in software or hardware. The names of the units are not, in some cases, limiting the scope of the unit itself.

[0187] The functions described above in this document can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, exemplary types of hardware logic components that can be used, without limitation, include: Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-Chip (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and so on.

[0188] In the context of this application, a machine-readable medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A machine-readable medium can be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. Machine-readable media can be, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0189] According to one or more embodiments of this application, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing any of the communication methods described in the embodiments of this application.

[0190] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of disclosure in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

[0191] Furthermore, while the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order. Multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous in certain environments. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0192] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, wherein, The method includes: A first access point (AP) sends a first control frame to at least one second AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths, which are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different. The first AP receives at least one first control response frame sent by the second AP based on the transmission parameters. The first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Before the first AP sends the first control frame to at least one second AP, the method further includes: The first AP receives a second control frame sent by a neighboring AP. The second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the neighboring AP supports trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes channel information and bandwidth information of the neighboring AP. The second AP is a neighboring AP that supports TB PPDU transmission and has overlapping sub-bandwidth with the first AP.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, Before the first AP receives the second control frame sent by the neighboring AP, the following steps are also included: The first AP sends a second request frame to the neighboring AP. The second request frame is used to request the transmission capability of the neighboring AP, and the transmission capability is used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following cases: Main 20M bandwidth; Main 40M bandwidth; Main 80M bandwidth; Main bandwidth 160M; Main bandwidth 320M.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of the at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The target bandwidth is carried in the public information field of the first control frame, and the identification information of the at least one second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first control response frame is sent in TB PPDU format.

8. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The second control frame is a beacon frame.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first control frame also includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

10. A communication method, wherein, The method includes: The second access point (AP) receives a first control frame sent by the first AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of the at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and the at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different. The second AP sends a first control response frame to the first AP based on the transmission parameters. The first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Before the second AP receives the first control frame sent by the first AP, it also includes: The second AP sends a second control frame to the first AP. The second control frame includes a second indication message, which indicates whether the second AP supports trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) transmission. The second control frame also includes the channel information and bandwidth information of the second AP.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Before the second control frame is sent from the second AP to the first AP, the following is also included: The second AP receives a second request frame sent by the first AP. The second request frame is used to request the transmission capability of a neighboring AP. The transmission capability is used to indicate whether the neighboring AP supports TB PPDU transmission.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The overlapping sub-bandwidth includes at least one of the following cases: Main 20M bandwidth; Main 40M bandwidth; Main 80M bandwidth; Main bandwidth 160M; Main bandwidth 320M.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The transmission parameters include: target bandwidth, identification information of the at least one second AP, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP; wherein, the target bandwidth is one of the overlapping sub-bandwidths, and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the second AP are a portion of the target bandwidth.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The target bandwidth is carried in the public information field of the first control frame, and the identification information of the at least one second AP and the frequency domain resources corresponding to the at least one second AP are carried in the user information list field of the first control frame.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein, The second AP sends a first control response frame to the first AP based on the transmission parameters, including: The second AP sends the first control response frame in TB PPDU format based on the transmission parameters.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The second control frame is a beacon frame.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The first control frame also includes: TXOP sharing parameters, which include: sharing time and / or sharing service priority; the TXOP sharing parameters are used by the second AP to decide whether to participate in the TXOP sharing.

19. A communication device, wherein, The device includes: A sending module is configured to send a first control frame, the first control frame including a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that a first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes: sending parameters of at least one second AP, wherein the bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of at least one second AP include: overlapping sub-bandwidth, the overlapping sub-bandwidth being sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range, the overlapping sub-bandwidth being part or all of the bandwidth of the first AP and at least one second AP, the overlapping sub-bandwidth including: the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP, the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP being the same or different; The receiving module is configured to receive at least one first control response frame sent by the second AP based on the transmission parameters, wherein the first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

20. A communication device, wherein, The device includes: A receiving module is configured to receive a first control frame sent by a first AP. The first control frame includes a first indication message, which indicates that the first AP is willing to share a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The first control frame also includes transmission parameters of at least one second AP. The bandwidth of the first AP and the bandwidth of the at least one second AP include overlapping sub-bandwidths. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are sub-bandwidths with the same frequency domain range. The overlapping sub-bandwidths are part or all of the bandwidths of the first AP and the at least one second AP. The overlapping sub-bandwidths include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP. The main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the at least one second AP may be the same or different. The sending module is used to send a first control response frame to the first AP based on the sending parameters. The first control response frame is used to indicate whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

22. A chip, wherein, The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

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