Inter-AP communication method, apparatus, device, medium, and program product

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and discloses an inter-AP communication method, an apparatus, a device, a medium, and a program product. The method is executed by a first AP. The method comprises: sending a first frame on one or more channels, the first frame being used for indicating first MAPC information related to a first AP, wherein the first MAPC information is used for indicating information required for MAPC data transmission. The method is not limited to transmitting first MAPC information on a single channel, and enables other APs to acquire the first MAPC information, thereby facilitating coordinated data transmission among a plurality of APs.

Description

Communication methods, devices, equipment, media, and software products between APs Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, device, medium and program product between access points (APs). Background Technology

[0002] During communication between APs, it is necessary to discover APs that support AP collaborative data transmission from among multiple APs.

[0003] In related technologies, APs that support AP cooperative data transmission can be discovered by using passive methods (e.g., using beacon frames) or active methods (e.g., using dedicated management frames). Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, device, medium, and program product between access points (APs), and the technical solution includes at least the following:

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method between APs is provided, the method being executed by a first AP, the method comprising:

[0006] A first frame is transmitted on one or more channels. The first frame is used to indicate first multi-AP coordination (MAPC) information associated with the first AP. The multiple channels include the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP. The first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission.

[0007] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method between APs is provided, the method being performed by a second AP, the method comprising: receiving a first frame, the first frame being used to indicate first MAPC information associated with a first AP; wherein the first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, the multiple channels including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP, and the first MAPC information being used to indicate information required for MAPC data transmission.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method between APs is provided, the method being executed by a first AP, the method comprising:

[0009] Receive and / or send at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC discovery process and the MAPC data transmission process.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method between APs is provided, the method being executed by a first AP, the method comprising:

[0011] Receive and / or send at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC negotiation process and the MAPC data transmission process.

[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a first wireless device is provided, the first wireless device comprising:

[0013] A transmitting module is used to transmit a first frame on one or more channels, the first frame indicating first MAPC information associated with a first wireless device; wherein the multiple channels include the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device, and the first MAPC information indicates information required for MAPC data transmission.

[0014] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a second wireless device is provided, the second wireless device comprising:

[0015] A receiving module is used to receive a first frame, which indicates first MAPC information related to a first wireless device; wherein the first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate information required for MAPC data transmission.

[0016] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a first wireless device is provided, the first wireless device comprising:

[0017] The transceiver module is used to receive and / or send at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC discovery process and the MAPC data transmission process.

[0018] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a first wireless device is provided, the first wireless device comprising:

[0019] The transceiver module is used to receive and / or send at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC negotiation process and the MAPC data transmission process.

[0020] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a first AP is provided, the first AP comprising:

[0021] Processor; transceiver connected to the processor; memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute executable instructions to implement the inter-AP communication methods as described above.

[0022] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a second AP is provided, the second AP comprising:

[0023] Processor; transceiver connected to the processor; memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute executable instructions to implement the inter-AP communication methods as described above.

[0024] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores at least one program that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the inter-AP communication method as described in the various aspects above.

[0025] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which, when running on a first AP, are used to implement the inter-AP communication methods of the above aspects; and when running on a second AP, are used to implement the inter-AP communication methods of the above aspects.

[0026] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product or computer program is provided, which includes computer instructions 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 communication method between APs as described in the various aspects above.

[0027] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment may include the following beneficial effects:

[0028] By sending a first frame on one or more channels, the first frame is used to indicate first MAPC information associated with the first AP; wherein the first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission, thereby not being limited to transmitting the first MAPC information on a single channel, and enabling other APs to obtain the first MAPC information, thus helping multiple APs to cooperate in transmitting data.

[0029] By receiving and / or sending at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC discovery process and the MAPC data transmission process, a communication link can be established between MAPCs with different master channels, thereby helping multiple APs to cooperate in transmitting data.

[0030] By receiving and / or sending at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC negotiation process and the MAPC data transmission process, MAPCs with different master channels can negotiate MAPC parameters, thereby helping multiple APs to cooperate in transmitting data. Attached Figure Description

[0031] 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.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC discovery process provided by the relevant technologies;

[0034] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the framework for the MAPC coordination pair / group coordination setup provided by the relevant technology;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of Method 1 provided by the related technology;

[0036] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of Method 2 provided by the related technology;

[0037] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of Mode A provided by the related technology;

[0038] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of Mode B provided by the relevant technology;

[0039] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC discovery process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC discovery process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the format of an aggregation control field provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a first or second frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 14 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC discovery process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 15 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a basic service set notification frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the third frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 17 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 19 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 21 shows a schematic diagram of the format of a switching request frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 22 shows a schematic diagram of the format of a switching indication frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 23 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a switched notification frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 24 shows a schematic diagram of a BSS operation channel provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 25 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 26 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 27 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 28 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 29 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 30 shows a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 31 shows a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 32 shows a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 33 shows a block diagram of a first wireless device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 34 shows a block diagram of a second wireless device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 35 shows a block diagram of a first wireless device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 36 shows a block diagram of a first wireless device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 37 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a first AP or a second AP provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] 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.

[0070] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure 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 and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0071] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, 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 may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0072] The technical solutions described in some embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) systems, New Radio (NR) systems, evolution systems of NR systems, LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) systems, NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) systems, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), 5th-Generation (5G) systems, cellular IoT systems, cellular passive IoT systems, and can also be applied to subsequent evolution systems of 5G NR systems, as well as 6G and subsequent evolution systems.

[0073] It should be understood that in some embodiments of this application, "5G" may also be referred to as "5G NR" or "NR".

[0074] It should be understood that in the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "correspondence" may indicate that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or that there is an association between the two, or that there is a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0075] In this embodiment of the application, "predefined" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to what is defined in the protocol.

[0076] In this application embodiment, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as IEEE 802.11ax protocol, IEEE 802.11be protocol, IEEE 802.11bn protocol, and related protocols applied in future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0077] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 10 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication system 10 includes multiple access points (APs) and non-AP stations (non-AP stations, non-AP STAs, abbreviated as STAs). In this application, the communication system 10 is described as including: a first AP 110, a second AP 120, a first STA 130, and a second STA 140.

[0078] In some embodiments, the communication system 10 may also include more second APs, such as two second APs 120. This application embodiment does not limit this, and usually one second AP 120 is used as an example for illustration.

[0079] Both AP110 and AP120 are devices deployed in a WLAN / Wi-Fi system to provide wireless communication capabilities for 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. AP110 and AP120 can be terminal devices or network devices (such as routers) equipped with WLAN / Wi-Fi chips.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first AP110 and the second AP120 can be devices supporting the 802.11be standard. The first AP110 and the second AP120 can also be devices supporting various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11bn, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The first AP110 and the second AP120 can also be applied in network environments supporting next-generation WLAN systems / next-generation Wi-Fi communication.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first AP110 may have the same or different format as the second AP120.

[0082] 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, and non-AP STAs within the same BSS can exchange data through the AP.

[0083] In some embodiments, there are one or more links between the first AP110 and the second AP120. For example, in a multi-AP coordination scenario, the link between the first AP110 and the second AP120 can meet the requirements of multi-AP coordination, thereby reducing mutual interference between BSS1 to which the first AP110 belongs and BSS2 to which the second AP120 belongs, improving spectrum utilization efficiency, throughput and transmission reliability, and the number of APs participating in multi-AP coordination can be two or more.

[0084] In this application embodiment, Multi-AP cooperation includes one or more of the following schemes: Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF), Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR), Coordinated Time Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA), Coordinated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (Co-OFDMA), Coordinated Nulling, and Seamless Roaming.

[0085] In some embodiments, communication in the communication system can be between the first AP110 and the second AP120, between the first AP110 and the first STA130, or between the first STA130 and other terminal devices. Both the first STA130 and the second STA140 are non-AP STAs associated with the AP. In this embodiment, only the first STA130 is described as an example; the second STA140 will not be described further.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first STA130 can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, such as a device supporting the 802.11 series of protocols, or a device capable of communicating with the first AP110 or other terminal devices. For example, the first STA130 is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with the first AP110 and thus with the WLAN. The first STA130 can be, for example, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device, etc.

[0087] The first STA130 in this embodiment can also be a device that provides voice / data / image connectivity to a user. For example, it can be a handheld device, in-vehicle device, home appliance, gaming device, etc., that has wireless connectivity or is 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 or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future evolved Public Land Mobile networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN) can also be televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, door locks, fish tanks, robot vacuum cleaners, game consoles, cameras / camcorders, etc. with wireless connectivity, but this application embodiment is not limited to these.

[0088] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the first STA130 can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize 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 require cooperation with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0089] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first STA130 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 characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection. In the embodiments of this application, IoT technology can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through technologies such as narrowband (NB).

[0090] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first STA130 may also be an in-vehicle communication device in the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system or the vehicle itself. The communication methods in the 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.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first STA130 may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality device, augmented reality device, communication device in industrial control, set-top box, communication device in autonomous driving, vehicle communication device, communication device in telemedicine, communication device in smart grid, communication device in transportation safety, communication device in smart city, or communication device in smart home, or wireless communication chip, etc., that supports WLAN / Wi-Fi technology. WLAN technology may support frequency bands including but not limited to: low frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) and high frequency bands (45GHz, 60GHz).

[0092] The following section describes the relevant technologies involved in the embodiments of this application:

[0093] • MAPC Discovery process:

[0094] A framework for MAPC transmission has been proposed in related technologies, which is applicable to MAPC transmission under any coordination scheme. MAPC transmission includes the following stages: MAPC discovery, MAPC protocol setup, an additional stage based on the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) protocol, and MAPC transmission initiation. In the embodiments of this application, the terms coordination, collaboration, and cooperation have the same meaning and are used to describe coordination or related meanings.

[0095] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC discovery process provided by related technologies. In Figure 2(a), APs supporting MAPC transmission are discovered passively, for example, by using beacon frames.

[0096] In Figure 2(b), APs that support MAPC transmission are discovered actively, for example by sending request and response frames (MAPC Probe Request and MAPC Probe Response frames) between APs.

[0097] For example, AP1 sends a request frame (MAPC Probe Request frame) to AP2, and AP2 replies with a response frame (MAPC Probe Response frame) to AP1; or, AP1 sends a request frame to AP3, and AP3 replies with a response frame to AP1. Other cases will not be described in detail.

[0098] However, this MAPC discovery process is designed based on the assumption that all APs have the same main channel, and does not take into account the case that the main channels of each AP are different.

[0099] • MAPC Setup Scheme (Multi-AP Coordination Setup Scheme):

[0100] A framework for setting up MAP coordination pairs / groups has been proposed in related technologies. This framework consists of three parts: a capability declaration / discovery process, a distributed coordination pair / group setup process, and a shared-AP AID assignment / allocation process.

[0101] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the framework for MAP coordination pair / group coordination setup provided by related technologies. The capability declaration / discovery process uses management frames (e.g., beacon frames) to declare its ability to support multi-AP coordination functionality (also known as MAPC functionality). APs with MAPC functionality can identify neighboring APs that also have MAPC functionality and initiate a request or response request to establish a MAP coordination pair with those neighboring APs. For example, in Figure 3(a), AP1 sends a request or response frame to at least one of APs, AP2, AP3, and AP4.

[0102] The distributed coordination pair / group setup process involves the following steps after a MAP coordination pair is successfully established: The two APs associated with the pair will add each other to their respective MAPC lists. Each MAPC list may contain one or more coordination peer APs associated with that AP. In other words, an AP and its MAPC list members constitute a MAPC group, which is maintained locally by the AP to act as a sharing AP during coordination transmissions. The MAPC list can be updated when an AP joins or leaves a MAPC group. For example, in Figure 3(a), the MAPC group established by AP1 includes AP2, AP3, and AP4.

[0103] The process of assigning / allocating shared AP identifiers is as follows: Two APs in a MAP coordination pair can mutually assign an Access Point Identifier (AID) during the distributed coordination pair / group setup process. Each AP associated with one or more MAP coordination pairs should ensure that it assigns a locally unique AID to different coordination peer APs. For example, in Figure 3(b), AP1 can assign an AID to AP2, and AP2 can also assign an AID to AP1; or, AP1 can assign an AID to AP3, and AP3 can also assign an AID to AP1. Other cases will not be elaborated further.

[0104] However, this MAPC discovery process is designed based on the assumption that all APs have the same main channel, and does not take into account the case that the main channels of each AP are different.

[0105] • MAPC follow-up:

[0106] Management frames and control frames have 20MHz bandwidth (BW) Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). When the primary 20MHz channel of the receiving AP is different from that of the sending AP, the PPDU sent by the sending AP on its primary channel cannot be received. Two solutions to this problem are proposed.

[0107] Method 1 follows the baseline rules, and Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of Method 1 provided by the relevant technology. The sending AP (AP1) sends control frames and management frames (i.e., sends P20 requests and duplicate requests) on all idle channels in a non-high-throughput duplicate (non-HT duplicate) PPDU manner, and the receiving AP (AP2) replies on all idle channels in a non-HT duplicate PPDU manner (i.e. replies with P20 responses and duplicate responses).

[0108] Method 2 is a temporary switching method for the primary 20MHz channel. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of Method 2 provided by the relevant technology. During the time transition from T1 to T2, the transmitting AP temporarily switches its primary 20MHz channel (AP1 primary channel) to the primary 20MHz channel (AP2 primary channel) of the receiving AP to perform frame exchange.

[0109] However, these two solutions have the following problems: (1) As shown in Figure 4, AP1's main 20MHz channel is the 8th sub-channel (160MHz channel), and AP2's main channel is the 3rd sub-channel (60MHz channel). When AP2 is transmitting on its main 20MHz channel (60MHz channel), AP1's 3rd 20MHz sub-channel (60MHz channel in Figure 4) is in a busy state. Even if control frames are sent through non-HT repeated PPDU, AP2 cannot reply to AP1 because its main 20MHz channel is occupied. (2) The premise of the second method is that the information such as the receiving AP's main 20MHz channel must be known; otherwise, the temporary switching of the main 20MHz channel cannot be achieved.

[0110] • Coordinated Restricted Target Wake Time (Co-RTWT) scheduling protocol:

[0111] Related technologies propose using Co-RTWT to divide communication between APs and between APs and non-AP STAs in the time domain. Communication between APs can be transmitted in a contention-based or trigger-based manner within a Service Period (SP). The process includes: establishing an R-TWT scheduling protocol among multiple APs for communication between them. Within the Service Period, communication between APs can be either contention-based or trigger-based. To ensure that latency-sensitive services between APs and non-AP STAs are processed in a timely manner, while accommodating the R-TWT scheduling protocol required for communication between APs, this proposal suggests two coordination modes for R-TWT schedules: Mode A and Mode B.

[0112] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of Mode A provided by the related technology. APs can negotiate separate R-TWT service cycles for inter-AP communication and data transmission between APs and non-AP STAs. For example, data transmission (uplink / downlink) between AP1 and STA1 is performed within R-TWT SP1; parameter exchange for Co-SR between AP1 and AP2 based on trigger frames is performed within R-TWT SP2.

[0113] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of Mode B provided by the related technology. APs can negotiate a common R-TWT service period (Common R-TWT SP) for inter-AP communication and data transmission between APs and non-AP STAs. For example, Co-SR parameter exchange based on trigger frames and R-TWT data transmission (uplink / downlink) based on trigger frames are performed within Common R-TWT SP1; Coordinated Time Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA) parameter exchange and R-TWT data transmission (uplink / downlink) are performed within Common R-TWT SP2.

[0114] However, this method does not solve the initial configuration problem of the Co-RTWT service cycle, namely the lack of a MAPC discovery process and a process for negotiating and setting up MAPC. Only by solving these problems can a Co-RTWT scheduling protocol be established between APs.

[0115] Seamless Roaming:

[0116] A mechanism is defined in related technologies to enable a non-AP multi-link device (non-AP MLD) to roam from one multi-link device (AP MLD) to another AP MLD, maintaining connectivity with both the original AP MLD and the target AP MLD during and after the roaming process. During the roaming process, the context associated with the non-AP MLD is transferred to the target AP MLD. After exchanging a handover request frame or handover response frame, a distributed system (DS) mapping change notification from the current AP MLD to the target AP MLD is initiated. It is assumed that after the DS mapping change, the target AP MLD can transmit data frames to the non-AP MLD. The current AP MLD can forward downlink (DL) data to the target AP MLD. Seamless roaming requires coordination and information sharing between multiple APs. For example, when a STA moves from its original BSS to a target BSS, the original associated AP and the target AP will exchange frames (such as the STA's ID and other information), and data frames will be transmitted between the APs.

[0117] During inter-AP communication, it is necessary to discover APs that support AP cooperative data transmission from among multiple APs. In related technologies, APs supporting AP cooperative data transmission can be discovered using passive methods (e.g., using beacon frames) or active methods (e.g., using dedicated management frames). However, this discovery process only considers the case of sending frames on a single channel and does not consider the case of sending frames on multiple channels. To solve the above problems, embodiments of this application provide an inter-AP communication method. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the inter-AP communication method provided by this application. The method is executed by a first AP 110 and a second AP 120. The method mainly includes a MAPC discovery process and a MAPC negotiation process, including at least one of the following steps.

[0118] Step 810: The first AP110 sends the first frame to the second AP120 on one or more channels.

[0119] The first frame is used to indicate the first MAPC information associated with the first AP110, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission.

[0120] In some embodiments, the device initiating the MAPC discovery process is referred to as the MAPC Initiator AP, and the device responding to the MAPC discovery process is referred to as the MAPC Responder AP. Both the MAPC Initiator AP and the MAPC Responder AP support MAPC transmission. The following explanation uses the example of the first AP110 as the MAPC Initiator AP and the second AP120 as the MAPC Responder AP.

[0121] By way of example and not limitation, the first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the primary channel of the first AP110; the primary operating channel of the first AP110; the operating bandwidth of the first AP110; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the first AP110; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the first AP110; and the disabled sub-channels of the first AP110.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first frame is also used to request the second AP120 to provide feedback on the second MAPC information related to the second AP120.

[0123] By broadcasting first MAPC information related to the first AP110 itself, and requesting second MAPC information from the second AP120, a MAPC group can be established.

[0124] For example, the first frame is a MAPC Discovery Notification frame.

[0125] Step 815: The first AP110 receives the first reservation frame sent by the second AP120.

[0126] The first reservation frame is used to indicate that a TXOP is reserved on at least two channels, including the main channel of the first AP110 and the main channel of the second AP120.

[0127] After receiving the first frame, the second AP120 reserves a TXOP by sending a first reservation frame on at least two channels. During this TXOP, the first AP110 can be temporarily switched to its main channel to reply to the first AP.

[0128] By way of example and not limitation, the first reservation frame includes at least one of a Request to Send (RTS) frame, a Multi-User RTS (MU-RTS) frame, and a CTS-to-Self (CTS-to-Self) frame. Embodiments in this application are typically illustrated using the MU-RTS frame as an example.

[0129] Optionally, after receiving the first frame, the first AP110 sends a MU-RTS frame to the second AP120 in a non-HT repetition manner on at least two channels, including the main channel of the first AP110 and the main channel of the second AP120.

[0130] In some embodiments, after receiving the first reservation frame, the first AP110 sends a CTS frame to the second AP120.

[0131] Step 815 is not a mandatory step. Step 815 is executed if the second AP120 needs to switch to the main channel of the first AP110; step 815 is not executed if the first AP110 needs to switch to the main channel of the second AP120.

[0132] Step 820: The first AP110 receives the second frame sent by the second AP120.

[0133] The second frame is used to indicate the second MAPC information associated with the second AP120. The second frame is sent by the second AP120 when it has a different main channel or the same main channel as the first AP110.

[0134] By way of example and not limitation, the second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the second AP120; the operating main channel of the second AP120; the operating bandwidth of the second AP120; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the second AP120; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second AP120; the disabled sub-channels of the second AP120; and whether the second AP120 agrees to join the MAPC group.

[0135] The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes the first AP110. If the second AP120 agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first AP110 and the second AP120.

[0136] The second AP120 feeds back the second MAPC information through the second frame, thereby helping the first AP110 establish a MAPC group, which facilitates subsequent MAPC data transmission.

[0137] For example, the second frame is a MAPC discovery information (MAPC-Discovery Info) frame.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second frame is transmitted by the second AP120 in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the main channel of the first AP110 and the main channel of the second AP120; or, the second frame is transmitted by the second AP120 switched to the main channel of the first AP110; or, the second frame is transmitted by the second AP120 on the same main channel.

[0139] Step 830: The first AP110 sends the third frame to the second AP120.

[0140] The third frame is used to indicate MAPC group information related to the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

[0141] After the first AP110 establishes a MAPC group with one or more second APs120, the first AP110 sends MAPC group information to the member APs of the MAPC group through the third frame.

[0142] By way of example and not limitation, MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: the primary channel of each AP in the MAPC group; the operating primary channel of each AP in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of each AP in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policies supported by each AP in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and MAPC Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (MAPC EDCA) parameters.

[0143] For example, the third frame is a MAPC Group Info frame.

[0144] Steps 810 to 830 constitute the MAPC discovery process, which may also include other steps, but this embodiment does not limit these steps. The purpose of the MAPC discovery process is to establish a MAPC group, thereby obtaining information such as the main channel, operating main channel, and supported MAPC transmission strategies of the member APs in the MAPC group.

[0145] Step 840: The first AP110 sends the fourth frame to the second AP120.

[0146] The fourth frame is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

[0147] Since the sending AP (first AP110) and the receiving AP (second AP120) use different main channels, both sides use a non-HT repetition method to send relevant frames in order to enable communication. For example, they use the non-HT repetition method to send and receive the fourth and fifth frames to reserve a TXOP, within which inter-AP communication takes place.

[0148] In some embodiments, the fourth frame includes at least one of a Request to Send (RTS) frame and a Multi-User RTS (MU-RTS) frame. The following description uses an MU-RTS frame as an example.

[0149] Step 850: The first AP110 receives the fifth frame sent by the second AP120.

[0150] The fifth frame is used in response to the fourth frame; for example, the fifth frame is a Clear To Send (CTS) frame.

[0151] Step 855: The first AP110 receives the handover notification frame sent by the second AP120.

[0152] The switch notification frame is used to indicate that the second AP120 has switched to the main channel of the first AP110.

[0153] The AP that needs to switch the main channel is determined by the TXOP holder (first AP110). It can be either the first AP110 switching to the main channel of the second AP120, or the second AP120 switching to the main channel of the first AP110.

[0154] If the MU-RTS frame sent by the first AP110 carries a handover indication field, the second AP120 is instructed to switch to the primary channel of the first AP110. After completing the handover, the second AP120 sends a handover notification frame to the first AP110.

[0155] If multiple receiving APs (e.g., the second AP120 and the third AP) need to switch to the main channel of the first AP110, based on considerations of overhead and latency, the method of each receiving AP switching to the main channel of the first AP110 separately is adopted. For example, the second AP120 switches to the main channel of the first AP110 first, and then the third AP switches to the main channel of the first AP110.

[0156] Step 855 is not a mandatory step. Step 855 is executed when the second AP120 switches to the main channel of the first AP110; step 855 is not executed when the first AP110 switches to the main channel of the second AP120.

[0157] Step 860: The first AP110 sends a first request frame to the second AP120.

[0158] The first request frame is used to negotiate the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission, and the MAPC parameters are used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy.

[0159] In some embodiments, the transmitting AP and the receiving AP perform a parameter negotiation process in a non-HT repetitive manner. This parameter negotiation process serves the subsequent MAPC transmission strategy, which includes, but is not limited to: Co-TDMA, Co-RTWT, Co-BF, Co-SR, and Seamless Roaming.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first request frame is a parameter request frame, used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first AP110.

[0161] By way of example and not limitation, the MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of candidate subchannels for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; modulation and coding scheme (MCS); number of spatial streams (NSS); and configuration validity period, wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

[0162] Step 870: The first AP110 receives the first response frame sent by the second AP120.

[0163] The first response frame is used to respond to the first request frame.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters proposed by the second AP120. The second AP120 sends the first response frame, such as a parameter response frame, to the first AP110 to negotiate the MAPC parameters.

[0165] The first response frame includes a different set of MAPC parameters than the MAPC parameters recommended by the first AP110.

[0166] Steps 840 to 870 constitute the MAPC agreement negotiation process, which may also include other steps, but this embodiment does not limit the scope of the application.

[0167] Step 880: The first AP110 and the second AP120 perform MAPC data transmission.

[0168] After the MAPC discovery process and the MAPC negotiation process, the first AP110 and the second AP120 can stably transmit MAPC data by executing the MAPC transmission strategy.

[0169] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is executed by a first AP and includes:

[0170] Step 910: Transmit the first frame on one or more channels.

[0171] Among them, multiple channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP. The first frame is used to indicate the first MAPC information associated with the first AP. The first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC to transmit data.

[0172] Since APs only exchange at least one of the control frames and management frames on the primary 20MHz channel, the primary 20MHz channel is referred to as the primary channel for ease of description. In this application embodiment, a primary channel bandwidth of 20MHz is typically used as an example. In other practical application scenarios, the primary channel can also be other bandwidths, such as 40MHz, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first frame used to indicate the first MAPC information related to the first AP can be equivalently understood as at least one of the following expressions: the first frame is used to publish the first MAPC information related to the first AP; the first frame is used to discover the first MAPC information related to the first AP; the first frame is used to announce the first MAPC information related to the first AP; the first frame is used to broadcast the first MAPC information related to the first AP, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0174] In the embodiments of this application, the terms coordination, collaboration, and cooperation have the same meaning and are all used to describe coordination.

[0175] In this embodiment, it is assumed that all devices are single-link devices, each link consists of four 20MHz sub-channels, and the total operating bandwidth is 80MHz, including one main channel with a bandwidth of 20MHz. In practical applications, different numbers of channels can also be used to form channels with a total bandwidth of 160MHz, 320MHz, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput duplicate manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; or, the first frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput duplicate manner on at least two channels within the operating bandwidth of the first AP.

[0177] The operating bandwidth is used to indicate the frequency band width used by the first AP during communication, and the at least two channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

[0178] For example, the main channel of the first AP is channel 1, and the main channel of the second AP is channel 2. The operating bandwidth is the frequency band width corresponding to the four channels from channel 1 to channel 4. The first frame is transmitted on these four channels in a non-high throughput repetitive manner; or, the first frame is transmitted on channel 1 and channel 2 in a non-high throughput repetitive manner; or, the first frame is transmitted on channel 1, channel 2 and channel 3 in a non-high throughput repetitive manner. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0179] In some embodiments, step 910 is one of the steps included in the MAPC discovery process.

[0180] The device initiating the MAPC discovery process is called the MAPC Initiator AP, and the device responding to the MAPC discovery process is called the MAPC Responder AP. Both the MAPC Initiator AP and the MAPC Responder AP support MAPC transmission. In this embodiment, MAPC includes a first AP and a second AP. The following description uses the first AP as the MAPC Initiator AP and the second AP as the MAPC Responder AP as an example.

[0181] In some embodiments, if it is determined that there are second APs with different master channels, the first frame is transmitted on multiple channels.

[0182] In some embodiments, the existence of a second AP is determined based on neighbor information, which is sent by a third AP that has the same main channel as the first AP.

[0183] 1.1 First MAPC information;

[0184] The MAPC discovery process includes: the AP that initiates MAPC broadcasts its first frame (e.g., a MAPC discovery notification frame) across the BSS in a non-HT duplicate manner within its operating bandwidth, announcing information such as its primary channel, operating primary channel, operating bandwidth, total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel, and supported MAPC transmission strategies.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the primary channel of the first AP; the operating primary channel of the first AP; the operating bandwidth of the first AP; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the first AP; the MAPC Transmission Scheme supported by the first AP; and the disabled sub-channels of the first AP.

[0186] By way of example and not limitation, the MAPC transmission strategy includes at least one of the following: Co-TDMA; Co-RTWT; Co-BF; Co-SR; and seamless roaming. In the embodiments of this application, the MAPC transmission strategy may also be referred to as MAP transmission strategy (MAP Transmission Scheme), MAPC strategy, etc.

[0187] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC discovery process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0188] In Figure 10, AP1 (the first AP) is the initiating AP, which broadcasts the first frame (e.g., a MAPC discovery notification frame) on channels 1 (Ch_1) to 4 (Ch_4) in a non-HT repetition manner. AP1's main channel (BSS1 P20) is channel 1 (Ch_1). AP2 (the second AP) is the responding AP, and AP2's main channel (BSS2 P20) is channel 3 (Ch_3), which is different from AP1's main channel.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first frame is also used to request the second AP to provide feedback on second MAPC information related to the second AP.

[0190] For example, the Channel-Info Req field in the first frame requests information such as the primary channel, operating primary channel, and supported MAPC transmission strategies of the second AP.

[0191] 1.2 Second MAPC information;

[0192] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a second frame, the second frame being used to indicate second MAPC information associated with a second AP;

[0193] The second frame is sent by the second AP when it has a different main channel or the same main channel as the first AP.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the second AP; the operating main channel of the second AP; the operating bandwidth of the second AP; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the second AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second AP; the disabled sub-channels of the second AP; and whether the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group.

[0195] The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes the first AP. If the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second APs.

[0196] After receiving the first frame, the second AP sends a second frame to indicate whether it agrees to join the MAPC group, thus facilitating the first AP to determine which AP will perform subsequent data transmission.

[0197] As shown in Figure 10, after receiving the first frame, AP2 sends a second frame (e.g., a MAPC discovery frame) to the first AP in a non-HT repetition manner on at least two channels, thereby informing AP2 of its primary channel, operating primary channel, supported MAPC transmission strategy, and whether it agrees to join the MAPC group. AP1 replies with an acknowledgment frame (ACK) in a non-HT repetition manner on at least two channels, including the primary channels of the first AP and the primary channels of the second AP.

[0198] Optionally, the second frame includes at least one of a MAPC Discovery Info frame and a MAPC Discovery Notification frame.

[0199] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC discovery process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0200] In Figure 11, AP2 broadcasts a second frame (MAPC discovery notification frame), which includes information such as AP2's primary channel, operating primary channel, supported MAPC transmission policies, and whether it agrees to join the MAPC group. AP1 receives the second frame broadcast by AP2.

[0201] In some embodiments, the second frame is transmitted by the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP; or, the second frame is switched by the second AP to be transmitted on the primary channel of the first AP; or, the second frame is transmitted by the second AP on the same primary channel.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second frame is temporarily switched from the second AP to the main channel of the first AP during a scheduled TXOP.

[0203] The second AP can transmit the second frame in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the second AP. At least two channels refer to all channels within the operating bandwidth of the second AP. For example, if the second AP transmits the second frame on four channels, at least two channels means four channels.

[0204] Alternatively, the second AP can temporarily switch to the main channel of the first AP to send the second frame, for example, switching from the main channel (channel 2) of the second AP to the main channel (channel 1) of the first AP to send the second frame.

[0205] Alternatively, the second AP can send the second frame on the same main channel. For example, if the main channel of the second AP and the main channel of the first AP are both channel 1, then the second AP can send the second frame on channel 1.

[0206] 1.3 Fields carried in the first or second frame;

[0207] In some embodiments, the first or second frame carries one or more of the following fields:

[0208] Aggregate control field; Common action field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; Channel information request field; Accept or reject field;

[0209] The aggregation control field indicates the functions supported by the sending AP; the common action field indicates the frame type; the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policy; the channel information request field indicates the channel information requester or responder; and the accept or reject field indicates whether to agree to join the MAPC group. A MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission, and includes the first AP. If the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the group includes both the first and second APs. The segment 0 center frequency field includes the center frequency information of segment 0, indicating the center frequency of segment 0, i.e., the index value corresponding to the center frequency of segment 0. The segment 1 center frequency field includes the center frequency information of segment 1, indicating the center frequency of segment 1, i.e., the index value corresponding to the center frequency of segment 1. The BSS's main operating channel is obtained based on the BSS operating bandwidth and the BSS operating center frequency.

[0210] A High Throughput Control (HT Control) field is added to the control fields of (MU-)RTS frames, MAPC discovery notification frames, and MAPC discovery information frames. This HT Control field is of type High Efficiency variant (HE variant) and has a length of 4 bytes (32 bits), with the first two bits both being 1 to indicate that the HT Control field is of the High Efficiency variant type. The HT Control field also includes an Aggregate Control (A-Control) field. Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the format of the Aggregate Control field provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The numbers below each field indicate the number of bits it may occupy. In this embodiment, subfields may be simply referred to as fields.

[0211] The aggregated control field occupies 30 bits and includes at least one of the following fields: Control ID field and Control Information field.

[0212] The control ID field occupies 4 bits, and the control information field occupies 26 bits.

[0213] In some embodiments, the aggregated control field includes a control ID field and a control information field;

[0214] The control ID field takes a first value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the MAPC group field, and the MAPC group field indicates whether MAPC is supported; the control ID field takes a second value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the silence indicator field, and the silence indicator field indicates whether silence operation is supported; the control ID field takes a third value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the handover indicator field, and the handover indicator field indicates whether temporary primary channel handover operation is supported.

[0215] The control ID field uses the current reserved bits 10 to 14, as shown in Table 1.

[0216] Table 1

[0217] When the control ID field is 10, the control information field includes a MAPC group field, which is 1 bit long and used to indicate whether MAPC is supported. For example, a value of 1 in the MAPC group field indicates that MAPC is supported, and a value of 0 indicates that MAPC is not supported; or a value of 0 indicates that MAPC is supported, and a value of 1 indicates that MAPC is not supported. This embodiment of the application does not limit this. The remaining bits are padded to meet the requirement that the HT control field occupies 4 bytes.

[0218] When the control ID field is 11, the control information field includes a silence indicator field, which is 1 bit long and indicates whether silent operation is supported. For example, a silence indicator field value of 1 indicates that silent operation is supported, and a value of 0 indicates that silent operation is not supported; or a value of 0 indicates that silent operation is supported, and a value of 1 indicates that silent operation is not supported. This embodiment of the application does not limit this. The remaining bits are padded to meet the requirement that the HT control field occupies 4 bytes.

[0219] When the control ID field is 11, the control information field includes a switching indicator field with a length of 1 bit, used to indicate whether temporary primary channel switching is supported. For example, a value of 1 in the switching indicator field indicates support for temporary primary channel switching, and a value of 0 indicates no support for temporary primary channel switching; or a value of 0 indicates support for temporary primary channel switching, and a value of 1 indicates no support for temporary primary channel switching. This embodiment does not limit this. The remaining bits are padded to meet the requirement that the HT control field occupies 4 bytes.

[0220] The format of the above-mentioned aggregation control field is an exemplary possibility. In different embodiments or different designs, it is possible that at least one of the following designs may change: the position of the above field in the frame, its arrangement order with other fields, the number of bytes occupied, the number of bits occupied, the element name, and the field name. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0221] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a first or second frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The numbers below each field indicate the number of bytes or bits it may occupy. In this embodiment, subfields may be simply referred to as fields. The first or second frame is based on a common action frame design, which supports cross-BSS communication.

[0222] The first or second frame includes at least one of the following fields: Frame Control field, Duration field, Destination Address (DA) field, Source Address (SA) field, Basic Service Set ID (BSSID) field, Sequence Control field, Frame Body field, and Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field.

[0223] The frame control field occupies 2 bytes, the duration field occupies 2 bytes, the DA field occupies 6 bytes, the SA field occupies 6 bytes, the BSSID field occupies 6 bytes, the sequence control field occupies 2 bytes, the frame body field occupies 13 or 15 bytes, and the FCS field occupies 4 bytes.

[0224] In the MAPC discovery notification frame, DA is set to the broadcast address; in the MAPC discovery information frame, DA is set to the address of the first AP (initiating AP). The BSSID field is set to the wildcard BSSID value, that is, all bits of the BSSID are set to 1.

[0225] The frame body fields include at least one of the following fields: Category field, Public Action field, Element ID field, Length field, Element ID Extension field, Subchannel-Info field, and BSS Notification field.

[0226] The category field occupies 1 byte, the public action field occupies 1 byte, the element ID field occupies 1 byte, the length field occupies 1 byte, the element ID extension field occupies 1 byte, the sub-channel information field occupies 5 or 7 bytes, and the BSS notification field occupies 3 bytes.

[0227] The category field is set to 4 to indicate that the frame belongs to the common action frame category. The reserved bits for the common action field are 46–255; a value of 46 indicates that the frame is a MAPC discovery notification frame or a MAPC discovery information frame. The element ID field is set to 255, and the element ID extension field is set to 136 (or another reserved value) to indicate that the frame body field includes a sub-channel information field, which indicates relevant information about the sub-channel.

[0228] The subchannel information field includes at least one of the following fields: MAPC Transmission Scheme, Operating Channel Width, Primary Channel Center Frequency (Pch CCFS0), BSS Channel Width, Segment 0 Center Frequency (BSS CCFS0), Segment 1 Center Frequency (BSS CCFS1), Disabled Subchannel Bitmap, Channel-Info Req, MAPC Accept / Reject, and Reserved.

[0229] The MAPC transmission policy field occupies 4 bits, the operating channel bandwidth field occupies 3 bits, the main channel center frequency field occupies 8 bits, the BSS operating bandwidth field occupies 3 bits, the segment 0 center frequency field occupies 8 bits, the segment 1 center frequency field occupies 8 bits, the disabled sub-channel bitmap field occupies 0 or 16 bits, the channel information request field occupies 1 bit, the MAPC accept or reject field occupies 1 bit, and the reserved field occupies 4 bits.

[0230] The MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policies. Examples are shown in Table 2. A bit value of 1 indicates support for the corresponding MAPC transmission policy. For example, a MAPC transmission policy field value of 1001 indicates support for Co-SR and Co-RTWT.

[0231] Table 2

[0232] Table 2 is only used as an example to indicate the MAPC transmission strategy. Other indication methods may also exist, such as B0 corresponding to Co-RTWT, B1 corresponding to Co-SR, etc.; or, the MAPC transmission strategy field occupies fewer or more bits to indicate the supported MAPC transmission strategy. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0233] The Operational Channel Bandwidth field indicates the bandwidth of the entire operational channel, with a value ranging from 0 to 7. The Pch CCFS0 field indicates the center frequency of the main channel. The BSS Operating Bandwidth field indicates the operating bandwidth of the BSS. The Segment 0 Center Frequency field includes the center frequency information for Segment 0, indicating the center frequency of Segment 0, i.e., the index value corresponding to the center frequency of Segment 0; the Segment 1 Center Frequency field includes the center frequency information for Segment 1, indicating the center frequency of Segment 1, i.e., the index value corresponding to the center frequency of Segment 1. The Disabled Subchannel Bitmap field indicates that the subchannel bitmap is disabled.

[0234] The channel information request field is used to indicate whether the party requesting or responding to channel information is doing so. In a MAPC discovery notification frame, this field has a value of 1, indicating a party requesting channel information; in a MAPC discovery information frame, this field has a value of 0, indicating a party responding to channel information. Alternatively, in a MAPC discovery notification frame, this field has a value of 0, indicating a party requesting channel information; in a MAPC discovery information frame, this field has a value of 1, indicating a party responding to channel information. This embodiment of the application does not limit this specific approach.

[0235] The MAPC Accept or Reject field is used to indicate whether to agree to join the MAPC group. This field is valid when the Channel Information Request field is 0. A value of 1 indicates agreement to join the MAPC group, and a value of 0 indicates rejection. Alternatively, a value of 0 indicates agreement to join the MAPC group, and a value of 1 indicates rejection. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0236] The format of the first or second frame described above is an exemplary possibility. In different embodiments or designs, it is possible that at least one of the following designs may change: the position of the field in the frame, the order of arrangement with other fields, the number of bytes occupied, the number of bits occupied, the element name, and the field name. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0237] 1.4 First reservation frame;

[0238] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first reservation frame, the first reservation frame indicating that a TXOP is reserved on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the master channel of a first AP and the master channel of a second AP, and a second frame being sent during the TXOP.

[0239] By way of example and not limitation, the first reservation frame includes at least one of the following: RTS frame, MU-RTS frame, and CTS-to-Self frame.

[0240] After receiving the first frame, the second AP reserves a TXOP by sending a first reservation frame on at least two channels. During this TXOP, it replies to the first AP by temporarily switching to the first AP's main channel.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

[0242] To protect the channels used by MAPC from interference during transmission, the MU-RTS frame carries a silence duration field, which is included in the BSS notification field. The silence duration field is used to indicate to the site associated with the MAPC that it must remain silent during the silence duration.

[0243] Figure 14 illustrates a schematic diagram of the MAPC discovery process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0244] Taking a MU-RTS frame as the first reservation frame as an example, after receiving the first frame, the second AP sends a MU-RTS frame to the first AP in a non-HT repetition manner on channels 1 to 4, and the first AP sends a CTS frame in response. Then, the second AP switches to the first AP's primary channel (channel 1) to send the second frame. This switch can be triggered by the second AP actively requesting it, or it can be passively triggered, such as switching to the first AP's primary channel when overlapping BSS interference is detected.

[0245] When the second AP switches to channel 1, it can directly send the second frame on channel 1. After receiving the second frame, the first AP replies with an acknowledgment frame. The switch time in Figure 14 represents the time required for the second AP to switch from its original primary channel (channel 3) to the primary channel (channel 1) of the first AP.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a first duration field. The first duration field is used to indicate at least one of the following: the transmission time of the clear transmission CTS frame sent by the first AP; the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a CTS-to-Self frame, which carries a second duration field. The second duration field includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; and the inter-frame interval.

[0248] The first or second duration field is used to indicate the duration of a TXOP, within which the aforementioned frame must be transmitted, taking into account the primary channel handover delay of the second AP and the inter-frame interval. If the MU-RTS frame carries a silence duration field, the silence duration field has the same duration indicated by the first duration field.

[0249] The site associated with AP1 (STA1) or the site associated with AP2 (STA2) sets the local network allocation vector (NAV) based on the duration field in the MU-RTS frame or CTS frame to remain silent.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP.

[0251] To avoid invalid transmissions caused by APs being unable to receive data transmitted by stations within the BSS after switching primary channels, and to avoid hidden terminal issues, a BSS notification field needs to be sent to the AP's BSS to announce a period of channel unavailability before data transmission between APs. The BSS notification field is carried in the MU-RTS frame, or it can exist as a separate frame (BSS notification frame). Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the format of a BSS notification frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The numbers below each field indicate the number of bytes or bits it may occupy. In this embodiment, subfields may be simply referred to as fields. The BSS notification frame is designed based on an action frame structure.

[0252] The BSS notification frame includes at least one of the following fields: frame control field, duration field, DA field, SA field, BSSID field, sequence control field, frame body field, and FCS field.

[0253] The frame control field occupies 2 bytes, the duration field occupies 2 bytes, the DA field occupies 6 bytes, the SA field occupies 6 bytes, the BSSID field occupies 6 bytes, the sequence control field occupies 2 bytes, the frame body field occupies 8 bytes, and the FCS field occupies 4 bytes.

[0254] In the BSS notification frame, the DA field is set to the broadcast address.

[0255] The frame body fields include at least one of the following fields: category field, action field, element ID field, length field, element ID extension field, and BSS notification field.

[0256] The category field occupies 1 byte, the action field occupies 1 byte, the element ID field occupies 1 byte, the length field occupies 1 byte, the element ID extension field occupies 1 byte, and the BSS notification field occupies 3 bytes.

[0257] The category field is set to 4, and can take any reserved value between 30 and 125, indicating that the action frame is a BSS notification frame. Alternatively, it can be selected from existing categories, such as action frames in the Quality of Service (QoS) category, where the QoS category value is 1.

[0258] When the category field is between 30 and 125, the action frame belongs to a newly defined category, and the value of the action field is 0, indicating that the action frame is a BSS notification frame. When the category field is a predefined category, such as a QoS category, the value of the action field is a reserved value in the QoS action field, i.e., 7 to 255. Here, the value is 7, indicating that the action frame is a BSS notification frame.

[0259] BSS notification fields include at least one of the following fields: Silence Indication, Silence Start Time, Silence Duration, and Reserved.

[0260] The silence indicator field occupies 1 bit, the silence start time field occupies 9 bits, the silence duration field occupies 9 bits, and the reserved field occupies 5 bits.

[0261] The element ID has a value of 255, and the element ID extension has a value of 138 (or other reserved values). This indicates that the field contains BSS silence notification information, including relevant information about BSS silence. The silence indicator field has a value of 1, indicating that silence is active. The silence start time field indicates the start time of silence, with a granularity of 64 microseconds; the silence duration subfield indicates the total duration of silence, also with a granularity of 64 microseconds; the remaining bits are reserved.

[0262] The format of the BSS notification frame described above is an exemplary possibility. In different embodiments or designs, it is possible that at least one of the following designs may change: the position of the above fields in the frame, the order of arrangement with other fields, the number of bytes occupied, the number of bits occupied, the element name, and the field name. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0263] 1.5 Third frame;

[0264] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a third frame, the third frame being used to indicate MAPC group information associated with the MAPC group;

[0265] The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes the first AP. If the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second APs.

[0266] In some embodiments, the MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: the primary channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating primary channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP included in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policies supported by each AP included in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP included in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP included in the MAPC group; and the MAPC EDCA parameters.

[0267] As shown in Figure 10, after AP1 and AP2 establish a MAPC group, AP1 announces the group information by sending a third frame (MAPC Group Info frame) to AP2, a member AP that has joined the MAPC group.

[0268] In some embodiments, sending a third frame includes sending the third frame in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP, wherein the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first AP includes the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

[0269] As shown in Figure 10, AP1 broadcasts the third frame in a non-HT repetition manner in channels 1 (Ch_1) to 4 (Ch_4).

[0270] In some embodiments, the third frame carries one or more of the following fields: Common Action field; AP ID field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; MAPC EDCA field;

[0271] The common action field indicates the frame type; the AP ID field indicates the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policies.

[0272] Figure 16 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a third frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The numbers below each field indicate the number of bytes or bits it may occupy. In this embodiment, subfields may be simply referred to as fields. The third frame is based on a common action frame design, which supports cross-BSS communication.

[0273] The third frame includes at least one of the following fields: frame control field, duration field, DA field, SA field, BSSID field, sequence control field, frame body field, and FCS field.

[0274] The frame control field occupies 2 bytes, the duration field occupies 2 bytes, the DA field occupies 6 bytes, the SA field occupies 6 bytes, the BSSID field occupies 6 bytes, the sequence control field occupies 2 bytes, the frame body field occupies a variable number of bytes, and the FCS field occupies 4 bytes.

[0275] In the third frame, the DA field is set to the broadcast address, and the BSSID field is set to the wildcard BSSID value, that is, all bits of the BSSID are set to 1.

[0276] The frame body fields include at least one of the following fields: category field, common action field, element ID field, length field, element ID extension field, and MAPC list information field.

[0277] The category field occupies 1 byte, the common action field occupies 1 byte, the element ID field occupies 1 byte, the length field occupies 1 byte, the element ID extension field occupies 1 byte, and the MAPC list information field occupies 8*n ​​or 10*n bytes, where n is a positive integer.

[0278] The category field is set to 4 to indicate that the frame belongs to the common action frame category. The reserved bits for the common action field are 46–255; a value of 47 indicates that the frame is a MAPC group information frame. The element ID field is set to 255, and the element ID extension field is set to 137 (or another reserved value) to indicate that the frame body field includes a MAPC list information field. The MAPC list information field is used to indicate relevant information about one or more AP sub-channels.

[0279] The MAPC list information fields include n MAPC information (MAPC Info) fields (from MAPC Information 1 field to MAPC Information n field).

[0280] Each MAPC information field occupies 8 or 10 bytes.

[0281] Taking the MAPC Info 1 field as an example, the MAPC Info 1 field includes at least one of the following fields: BSSID field, MAC Address field, AP ID field, MAPC Transmission Scheme field, Operating Channel Width field, Main Channel Center Frequency (Pch CCFS0) field, BSS Channel Width field, Segment 0 Center Frequency (BSS CCFS0) field, Segment 1 Center Frequency (BSS CCFS1) field, Disabled Subchannel Bitmap field, MAPC EDCA field, and Reserved field.

[0282] The BSSID and MAC address fields are optional. The AP ID field occupies 16 bits, the MAPC transmission policy field occupies 4 bits, the operating channel bandwidth field occupies 3 bits, the main channel center frequency field occupies 8 bits, the BSS operating bandwidth field occupies 3 bits, the segment 0 center frequency field occupies 8 bits, the segment 1 center frequency field occupies 8 bits, the disabled sub-channel bitmap field occupies 0 or 16 bits, the MAPC EDCA field occupies 8 bits, and the reserved field occupies 6 bits.

[0283] The AP ID field contains the AP identifier (AP ID), the BSSID of the BSS where the AP is located, and the AP's MAC address, assigned by the first AP (initiating AP) after collecting sub-channel information from each responding AP. The AP ID references the first 12 valid bits of the AID. The Operational Channel Bandwidth field indicates the bandwidth of the entire operational channel, with a value ranging from 0 to 7. The Pch CCFS0 field indicates the center frequency of the main channel. The BSS Operating Bandwidth field indicates the operating bandwidth of the BSS. The Segment 0 Center Frequency field includes the center frequency information of Segment 0, indicating the center frequency of Segment 0, i.e., the index value corresponding to the center frequency of Segment 0; the Segment 1 Center Frequency field includes the center frequency information of Segment 1, indicating the center frequency of Segment 1, i.e., the index value corresponding to the center frequency of Segment 1. The Disabled Sub-Channel Bitmap field indicates the disabled sub-channel bitmap. The MAPC EDCA field contains the EDCA parameters reconfigured by the first AP for MAPC.

[0284] The format of the third frame described above is an exemplary possibility. In different embodiments or designs, it is possible that at least one of the following designs may change: the position of the field in the frame, the order of arrangement with other fields, the number of bytes occupied, the number of bits occupied, the element name, and the field name. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0285] By sending a third frame, which indicates MAPC group information related to the MAPC group, all APs in the MAPC group are made aware of the MAPC group information, facilitating subsequent data transmission between APs.

[0286] 1.6 Fourth frame;

[0287] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a fourth frame, the fourth frame being used to instruct the execution of MAPC negotiation.

[0288] Since the sending AP (first AP) and the receiving AP (second AP) use different main channels, both sides use a non-HT repetition method to send relevant frames in order to enable communication. For example, they reserve a TXOP by sending and receiving the fourth and fifth frames in a non-HT repetition method, and communication between the APs takes place within this TXOP.

[0289] In some embodiments, the transmitting AP and the receiving AP perform the MAPC negotiation process in a non-HT repetitive manner. This MAPC negotiation process serves the subsequent MAPC transmission strategy, which includes, but is not limited to: Co-TDMA, Co-RTWT, Co-BF, Co-SR, and seamless roaming.

[0290] In some embodiments, the fourth frame carries a MAPC group identifier field, which is used to indicate the performance of MAPC negotiation.

[0291] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

[0292] In some embodiments, the fourth frame includes at least one of an RTS frame and a MU-RTS frame. If the fourth frame carries a BSS notification field, then an MU-RTS frame is used; otherwise, an RTS frame is used.

[0293] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0294] In Figure 17, AP1 is the transmitting AP, and AP2 is the receiving AP. The transmitting AP sends RTS frames to the receiving AP in a non-HT repetitive manner on at least two channels. This frame includes a MAPC group identifier field to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation. Upon receiving this frame, the receiving AP replies with CTS frames in a non-HT repetitive manner on at least two channels, including the primary channels of the first AP and the second AP. If multiple APs need to participate in communication, a polling operation is used. The transmitting AP sends RTS frames one-to-one to the APs that need to be polled in a non-HT repetitive manner, and the polled APs reply with CTS frames in a non-HT repetitive manner. The station associated with AP1 (STA1) or the station associated with AP2 (STA2) sets the local network allocation vector according to the Duration field in the MU-RTS frame or CTS frame to remain silent.

[0295] To address the issue of inability to communicate directly due to different primary channels between the first and second access points (APs), a temporary primary channel switching method is employed. The AP requiring primary channel switching is determined by the TXOP holder (the first AP); either the first AP switches to the primary channel of the second AP, or the second AP switches to the primary channel of the first AP.

[0296] Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0297] In Figure 18, the fourth frame is an MU-RTS frame, which is used as an example for illustration. The fourth frame does not carry a handover indication field, that is, it does not indicate that the second AP is switching. Instead, the first AP (AP1) switches to the main channel (channel 3) of the second AP (AP2). After the handover is completed, AP1 sends a first request frame to AP2 on channel 3, and AP2 sends a first response frame to AP1 on channel 3.

[0298] In some embodiments, the fourth frame carries a field for indicating the performance of a temporary master channel handover, such as a handover indication field.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first AP is a TXOP holder, and the field for indicating the execution of a temporary primary channel handover includes a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP switches to the primary channel of the first AP.

[0300] Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0301] In Figure 19, the fourth frame is an MU-RTS frame as an example. The fourth frame carries a handover indication field, indicating that the second AP (AP2) switches to the primary channel (channel 1) of the first AP (AP1). AP2 replies with a CTS frame, switching to channel 1 after the handover time has elapsed.

[0302] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a switched notification frame, the switched notification frame being used to indicate that the second AP has switched to the main channel of the first AP.

[0303] As shown in Figure 19, after AP2 switches to channel 1, it sends a switch notification frame to AP1 to inform AP1 that AP2 has completed the switch.

[0304] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a fifth frame, the fifth frame being used in response to the fourth frame.

[0305] For example, in Figure 18 or Figure 19, the fifth frame is a CTS frame.

[0306] Optionally, the fourth frame carries a third duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the time when the second AP responds to the fifth frame; the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time; wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame.

[0307] Optionally, the fifth frame carries a fourth duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0308] In some embodiments, subsequent frame exchange includes parameter negotiation for MAPC communication and / or frame exchange for MAPC transmission.

[0309] The embodiments of this application do not limit subsequent frame switching. Subsequent frame switching may include parameter negotiation for MAPC communication, or frame switching for MAPC transmission.

[0310] 1.7 MAPC parameter negotiation;

[0311] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first request frame, the first request frame being used to negotiate MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission, the MAPC parameters being used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy.

[0312] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first response frame, the first response frame being used to respond to a first request frame.

[0313] In some embodiments, the transmitting AP and the receiving AP perform a parameter negotiation procedure in a non-HT repetitive manner. This parameter negotiation procedure serves the subsequent MAPC transmission strategy, which includes, but is not limited to: Co-TDMA, Co-RTWT, Co-BF, Co-SR, and seamless roaming. The MAPC negotiation procedure includes MAPC parameter negotiation.

[0314] The first AP sends a first request frame, and the second AP sends a first response frame, thereby negotiating the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission. To address the issues of insufficient MAPC link bandwidth and different interference sub-channels perceived by APs in different BSSs, the first and second APs negotiate a proposed set of candidate sub-channels for binding.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first request frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first AP.

[0316] Optionally, sending the first request frame includes at least one of the following: sending the first request frame in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; sending the first request frame on the main channel of the first AP; or sending the first request frame on the main channel of the second AP.

[0317] The operating bandwidth of the first AP corresponds to the channel including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

[0318] In some embodiments, the first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the second AP.

[0319] Optionally, the first response frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the master channel of the first AP; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the master channel of the second AP.

[0320] As shown in Figure 17, the first AP (AP1) sends a first request frame (e.g., a parameter request frame) in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner. The first request frame indicates the MAPC parameters suggested by AP1. AP2 replies with a first response frame (e.g., a parameter response frame) in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner. The first response frame indicates the MAPC parameters suggested by AP2, which are different from those suggested by AP1.

[0321] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 18, AP1 sends a first request frame on the main channel (channel 3) of the second AP, and AP2 replies with a first response frame on channel 3.

[0322] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19, AP1 sends a first request frame on the main channel (channel 1) of the first AP, and AP2 replies with a first response frame on channel 1.

[0323] In some embodiments, sending a first request frame and receiving a first response frame by the first AP are optional steps.

[0324] In some embodiments, in seamless roaming scenarios, the MAPC parameter negotiation process is mandatory because user data needs to be forwarded between APs.

[0325] In some embodiments, the MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of subchannel candidates for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; MCS; NSS; configuration validity period; wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

[0326] Since a link using only the 20MHz main channel cannot meet data transmission requirements, channel binding is performed using a set of candidate sub-channels for transmission proposal binding, thereby widening the inter-AP transmission link. If the MAPC parameter includes a configuration validity period, it indicates that the MAPC parameter can be used for one or more TXOPs in inter-AP communication, and the configuration validity period is used to indicate the applicable one or more TXOPs.

[0327] 1.8 Handover Request and Handover Instruction Process;

[0328] In some embodiments, the first AP is the initiating AP, and the second and third APs are the responding APs. The primary channel of the second AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the primary channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second AP. The method further includes:

[0329] A first handover indication frame is sent to the second AP. The first handover indication frame is used to instruct the second AP to switch to the first capability channel. The first capability channel is a channel with communication capability between the second AP and the third AP.

[0330] In some embodiments, the first handover indication frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP is switching to the first capability channel.

[0331] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a handover request frame sent by a second AP, the handover request frame being used to request a first AP to switch the second AP and the third AP to a first capability channel.

[0332] In the MAPC negotiation process, when the MAPC responding APs need to communicate and their main channels are not within each other's BSS operating bandwidth, the MAPC initiating AP (first AP) needs to instruct the MAPC responding APs (second AP and third AP) to use another communicable sub-channel within the working channel bandwidth as the temporary main channel, and the two parties switch to the temporary main channel through the handover request and handover instruction process.

[0333] Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0334] The second AP (AP2) sends a switch request frame to the first AP (AP1) in a non-HT repeat manner to request a switch of the primary channel, or switches to the primary channel of AP1 and sends a switch request frame to AP1 to request a switch of the primary channel. In this embodiment, the non-HT repeat manner is used as an example for explanation.

[0335] In some embodiments, the handover request frame carries a target AP identifier field for indicating information about a third AP (AP3).

[0336] AP1 replies with an acknowledgment frame either in a non-HT repetition manner or by switching to the main channel of AP2. In this embodiment, the non-HT repetition manner is used as an example for illustration.

[0337] In this embodiment, the handover request frame is sent by AP2. In other embodiments, the handover request frame may also be sent by AP1 to AP2 to actively request AP2 to switch to another primary channel. This application supports bidirectional handover requests.

[0338] The temporary switching of the primary channel is determined by the TXOP holder (i.e., AP1). AP1 sends a MU-RTS frame (first handover indication frame) to AP2 in a non-HT repeating manner. The MU-RTS frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that AP2 switches to another channel within the working channel bandwidth that can communicate with the target AP (AP3).

[0339] In some embodiments, the handover request frame is transmitted on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second AP on the master channel of the first AP; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second AP on the same master channel.

[0340] In some embodiments, the handover request frame carries a target AP identifier field for indicating third AP information.

[0341] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a second handover indication frame to a third AP (AP3) based on a target AP identification field, the second handover indication frame being used to instruct the third AP to handover to a first capability channel.

[0342] AP2 sends a CTS frame to AP1 in a non-HT repeating manner. Then, AP1 sends a MU-RTS frame (second handover indication frame) to AP3 in a non-HT repeating manner based on the Target AP ID field in the handover request frame. The MU-RTS frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that AP3 will hand over to another channel within the working channel bandwidth that can communicate with AP2. AP3 sends a CTS frame to AP1 in a non-HT repeating manner.

[0343] In some embodiments, after completing the handover, the third AP sends a handover notification frame to the second AP, which indicates that the third AP has switched to the first capability channel.

[0344] In some embodiments, the handover request frame carries at least one of the following fields: MAPC channel bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field;

[0345] Among them, the MAPC channel bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; and the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

[0346] Figure 21 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a handover request frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The numbers below each field indicate the number of bytes or bits it may occupy. In this embodiment, subfields may be simply referred to as fields. The handover request frame is based on a common action frame design, which supports cross-BSS communication.

[0347] A switch request frame includes at least one of the following fields: category field, common action field, dialog token field, and switch request element field.

[0348] The category field occupies 1 byte, the common action field occupies 1 byte, the dialogue tag field occupies 1 byte, and the switch request element field occupies 7 bytes.

[0349] The category field is set to 4 to indicate that the frame belongs to the common action frame category. The reserved bits for the common action field are 46 to 255; a value of 48 indicates that the frame is a parameter request frame or a parameter response frame.

[0350] The switch request element fields include at least one of the following fields: element ID field, length field, element ID extension field, and switch request information field.

[0351] The element ID field occupies 1 byte, the length field occupies 1 byte, the element ID extension field occupies 1 byte, and the switch request information field occupies 4 bytes.

[0352] The element ID field is set to 255, and the element ID extension field is set to 139 (or other reserved value) to indicate that the field is a switching request element, including relevant information about the switching request.

[0353] The switch request information fields include at least one of the following fields: Switch Request field, Target AP ID field, MAPC Channel Width field, Segment 0 Center Frequency (MAPC CCFS0) field, and Segment 1 Center Frequency (MAPC CCFS1) field.

[0354] The switching request field occupies 1 bit, the target AP ID field occupies 12 bits, the MAPC working bandwidth field occupies 3 bits, the segment 0 center frequency field occupies 8 bits, and the segment 1 center frequency field occupies 8 bits.

[0355] The target AP ID field is used to represent the AP ID of the target AP, i.e., the receiving AP (Rx AP, the third AP); the handover request field is used to indicate whether a handover request is requested. For example, a value of 1 indicates a handover request, and a value of 0 indicates no handover request; or, a value of 0 indicates a handover request, and a value of 1 indicates no handover request. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0356] The format of the above-mentioned switching request frame is an exemplary possibility. In different embodiments or different designs, it is possible that at least one of the following designs may change: the position of the above-mentioned fields in the frame, the order of arrangement with other fields, the number of bytes occupied, the number of bits occupied, the element name, and the field name. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0357] Figure 22 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a handover indication frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The numbers below each field indicate the number of bytes or bits it may occupy. In this embodiment, subfields may be simply referred to as fields. The handover indication frame is based on a common action frame design, which supports cross-BSS communication.

[0358] The switch indication frame includes at least one of the following fields: category field, common action field, dialog tag field, and switch indication element field.

[0359] The category field occupies 1 byte, the common action field occupies 1 byte, the dialogue marker field occupies 1 byte, and the toggle indicator element field occupies 6 or 8 bytes.

[0360] The category field is set to 4 to indicate that the frame belongs to the common action frame category. The reserved bits for the common action field are 46 to 255; a value of 48 indicates that the frame is a parameter request frame or a parameter response frame.

[0361] The switch indication element field includes at least one of the following fields: element ID field, length field, element ID extension field, and switch indication information field.

[0362] The element ID field occupies 1 byte, the length field occupies 1 byte, the element ID extension field occupies 1 byte, and the switching indication information field occupies 3 or 5 bytes.

[0363] The element ID field is set to 255, and the element ID extension field is set to 141 (or other reserved value) to indicate that the field is a MAPC parameter element, including relevant information about MAPC transmission parameters.

[0364] The switching indication information field includes at least one of the following fields: Switch Indication field, MAPC working bandwidth field, segment 0 center frequency field, segment 1 center frequency field, disabled sub-channel bitmap field, and reserved field.

[0365] The switching indication field occupies 1 bit, the MAPC working bandwidth field occupies 3 bits, the MAPC center frequency field occupies 8 bits, the MAPC working main channel field occupies 8 bits, the disabled sub-channel bitmap field occupies 0 or 16 bits, and the reserved field occupies 4 bits.

[0366] The switching indication field is used to indicate whether the main channel is switched. For example, a value of 1 indicates switching the main channel, and a value of 0 indicates not switching the main channel; or, a value of 0 indicates switching the main channel, and a value of 1 indicates not switching the main channel. This application embodiment does not limit this. The MAPC operating bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

[0367] The format of the above-mentioned switching instruction frame is an exemplary possibility. In different embodiments or different designs, it is possible that at least one of the following designs may change: the position of the above-mentioned field in the frame, the order of arrangement with other fields, the number of bytes occupied, the number of bits occupied, the element name, and the field name. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0368] If both the sending AP (second AP) and the receiving AP (third AP) need to switch primary channels, the sending AP switches first, followed by the receiving AP. Once both the sending and receiving APs have switched to the same primary channel, the receiving AP, which completed the primary channel switch later, sends a switch notification frame to inform the sending AP that the switch is complete. This switch notification frame adds a new "Switch Notification" field to the existing trigger frame's user information list field, used to indicate that the primary channel switch is complete. If the value of the "Switch Notification" field is 1, it indicates that the primary channel switch is complete.

[0369] Figure 23 illustrates a schematic diagram of the format of a switched notification frame provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The numbers below each field indicate the number of bytes or bits it may occupy. In this embodiment, subfields may be simply referred to as fields.

[0370] The switched notification frame includes at least one of the following fields: frame control field, duration field, receiver address (RA) field, transmitter address (TA) field, common information field, user information list field, padding field, and FCS field.

[0371] The frame control field occupies 2 bytes, the duration field occupies 2 bytes, the RA field occupies 6 bytes, the TA field occupies 6 bytes, the public information field occupies 8 bytes, the user information list field occupies 2 bytes, the padding field occupies 4 bytes, and the FCS field occupies 4 bytes.

[0372] The user information list fields include at least one of the following fields: Association ID12 (AID 12) field, Resource Unit Allocation (RU Allocation) field, Uplink Forward Error Correction Coding Type (UL FEC Coding Type) field, Uplink High Efficiency Modulation and Coding Scheme (UL HE-MCS) field, Uplink Dual Carrier Modulation (UL DCM) field, Spatial Stream (SS) Allocation or Random Access Resource Unit Information (SS Allocation / RA-RU Information) field, Uplink Target Receive Power (UL Target Receive Power) field, Switched Notification field, Reserved field, and Trigger Dependent User Info field.

[0373] The AID 12 field occupies 12 bits, the RU allocation field occupies 8 bits, the UL FEC encoding type field occupies 1 bit, the UL HE-MCS field occupies 4 bits, the UL DCM field occupies 1 bit, the SS allocation or RA-RU information field occupies 6 bits, the UL target received power field occupies 7 bits, the switched notification field occupies 1 bit, the reserved field occupies 1 bit, and the number of bits for the trigger-dependent user information field is variable.

[0374] The above-described format of the switched notification frame is an exemplary possibility. In different embodiments or designs, it is possible that at least one of the following designs may change: the position of the above fields in the frame, the order of arrangement with other fields, the number of bytes occupied, the number of bits occupied, the element name, and the field name. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0375] 1.9 Exemplary embodiment of the MAPC negotiation process;

[0376] To illustrate the MAPC negotiation process, this application provides the following five embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0377] Figure 24 illustrates a schematic diagram of a BSS operation channel provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. In Figures 24(a) to 24(d), the BSS operation bandwidth of each AP is 80MHz, and the main channel of each AP is different.

[0378] For example, in Figure 24(a), AP1 and AP2 have the same BSS operation channel but different primary channels, and their primary channels are within each other's BSS operation bandwidth; in Figure 24(b), AP1 and AP2 have different BSS operation channels and different primary channels, and their primary channels are within each other's BSS operation bandwidth; in Figure 24(c), AP2 and AP3 have different BSS operation channels and different primary channels, and their primary channels are within each other's BSS operation bandwidth; in Figure 24(d), AP1, AP2, and AP3 all have different BSS operation channels and different primary channels. AP1's primary channel is within the BSS operation bandwidth of AP2 and AP3; AP2's primary channel is within AP1's BSS operation bandwidth but not within AP3's BSS operation bandwidth; AP3's primary channel is within AP1's BSS operation bandwidth but not within AP2's BSS operation bandwidth. Inter-AP communication is not limited to communication between a MAPC-initiating AP and a MAPC-responding AP, but also applies to communication between MAPC-responding APs.

[0379] In the four embodiments corresponding to 1.9.1 to 1.9.4, the primary channels of each AP are different, but their primary channels are within each other's BSS operating bandwidth, as shown in Figures 24(a) to (c). In the embodiment corresponding to 1.9.5, AP1 is the initiating AP, and AP2 and AP3 are the responding APs. The primary channel of AP2 is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of AP3, and the primary channel of AP3 is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of AP2, as shown in Figure 24(d).

[0380] 1.9.1 Co-TDMA is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0381] Figure 25 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0382] AP1 is the transmitting AP, and AP2 is the receiving AP. Co-TDMA is required between AP1 and AP2. STA1 is associated with AP1, and STA2 is associated with AP2. AP1 and AP2 have different primary channels, but their primary channels are within each other's BSS operating bandwidth, as shown in Figure 24(a), (b), or (c). The same applies to the case where AP2 is the transmitting AP and AP1 is the transmitting AP, and will not be elaborated here.

[0383] Co-TDMA can be implemented using either a non-HT repetition method or by switching temporary primary channels. To avoid frequent switching of the primary channel within a single TXOP of Co-TDMA, the non-HT repetition method will be used as an example here.

[0384] AP1 sends RTS frames to AP2 on channels 1 to 4 in a non-HT repetition manner. After receiving the RTS frames, AP2 replies with CTS frames on channels 1 to 4 in a non-HT repetition manner.

[0385] The stations associated with AP1 and AP2 (STA1 and STA2) set their local NAV based on the duration field in the RTS or CTS frame. The duration field in the RTS frame includes the time it took for AP2 to reply to the CTS frame, the Co-TDMA frame exchange time, and the inter-frame interval time. The duration field in the CTS frame includes the Co-TDMA frame exchange time and the inter-frame interval time.

[0386] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first Initial Control Frame (ICF), the first ICF being used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA; wherein the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes a first AP. If a second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second APs.

[0387] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first Initial Control Response (ICR) frame, the first ICR frame being used to determine the AP participating in Co-TDMA.

[0388] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first MU-RTS frame to the target AP;

[0389] The target AP is the AP participating in Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame, and the first MU-RTS frame is used to indicate that the target AP will transmit data during the Transmission Opportunity Sharing (TXS) period.

[0390] AP1 sends ICF frames in a non-HT repetitive manner to poll the APs in the MAPC group participating in Co-TDMA to determine which APs will participate in Co-TDMA. AP2 is a member AP in the MAPC group and sends ICR frames in a non-HT repetitive manner to confirm its participation in Co-TDMA. After completing the transmission within BSS1, AP1 sends a MU-RTS frame (the first MU-RTS frame) to AP2 in a non-HT repetitive manner to share the TXOP with AP2, and performs the transmission within BSS2 during the TXS period.

[0391] 1.9.2 Co-RTWT is performed when the primary channels of APs are inconsistent;

[0392] Figure 26 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0393] AP1 is a transmitting AP, and AP2 is a receiving AP. Co-RTWT is required between AP1 and AP2. STA1 is associated with AP1, and STA2 is associated with AP2. AP1 and AP2 have different primary channels, but their primary channels are within each other's BSS operating bandwidth. Their BSS operating channels are shown in Figure 24(a), (b), or (c). The same applies to the case where AP2 is a transmitting AP and AP1 is a transmitting AP, which will not be elaborated here.

[0394] Co-RTWT can be implemented using either a non-HT repetition method or by switching a temporary primary channel. Here, we will take the non-HT repetition method as an example for explanation.

[0395] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a TWT request frame, the TWT request frame being used to negotiate with a second AP the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) RTWT time, the OBSS RTWT time being used for the first AP to transmit data.

[0396] The OBSS RTWT time is used to negotiate and ensure that each AP can carry out its own BSS transmission without interference.

[0397] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a TWT response frame, the TWT response frame being used to respond to a TWT request frame.

[0398] AP1 sends RTS frames to AP2 on channels 1 to 2 in a non-HT repetition manner. After receiving the RTS frames, AP2 replies with CTS frames on channels 1 to 2 in a non-HT repetition manner.

[0399] The sites associated with AP1 and AP2 (STA1 and STA2) set their local NAV based on the duration field in the RTS or CTS frame. The duration field in the RTS frame includes the time it took for AP2 to reply to the CTS frame, the Co-RTWT negotiation frame exchange time, and the inter-frame interval time. The duration field in the CTS frame includes the Co-RTWT negotiation frame exchange time and the inter-frame interval time.

[0400] AP1 sends a TWT request frame to AP2 in a non-HT repeating manner. The TWT request frame is used to negotiate the OBSS RTWT time (Service Period, SP) with AP2. AP2 replies with a TWT response frame in a non-HT repeating manner. AP1 and AP2 perform their respective BSS transmissions within the OBSS RTWT SP according to the negotiated content.

[0401] 1.9.3 Co-BF is performed when the primary channels of APs are inconsistent;

[0402] Figure 27 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0403] AP1 is the transmitting AP, and AP2 is the receiving AP. Co-BF is required between AP1 and AP2. STA1 is associated with AP1, and STA2 is associated with AP2. STA1 and STA2 participate in Co-BF. AP1 and AP2 have different primary channels, but their primary channels are within each other's BSS operating bandwidth, as shown in Figure 24(a), (b), or (c). The same applies to the case where AP2 is the transmitting AP and AP1 is the transmitting AP, and will not be elaborated here.

[0404] Since Co-BF requires sounding before transmission, during the sounding process, temporarily switching the primary channel allows the AP to send null data packet (NDP) frames on the target channel, and the receiving end performs channel estimation on the same channel. Therefore, the method of temporarily switching the primary channel can be adopted.

[0405] In some embodiments, the site participating in Co-BF associated with the first AP is the first site, and the method further includes: sending a handover indication frame to the first site, the handover indication frame being used to instruct the first site to switch to the main channel of the second AP.

[0406] AP1 sends MU-RTS frames to AP2 in a non-HT repetitive manner. Optionally, to protect the MAPC channel, the MU-RTS frame carries a BSS notification field, in which the silence duration field is used to indicate that the associated non-AP STA within the BSS remains silent during the silence duration.

[0407] After receiving the MU-RTS frame, AP2 replies with a CTS frame in a non-HT repetition manner. AP1 sends a handover indication frame to STA1, which is participating in Co-BF, on its main channel (channel 1) to instruct STA1 to hand over to AP2's main channel (channel 3). STA1 replies with an acknowledgment frame to AP1, and then STA1 and AP1 handover to AP2's main channel.

[0408] The sites associated with AP1 and AP2 (STA1 and STA2) set their local NAV according to the duration field in the MU-RTS or CTS frame. The duration field in the MU-RTS frame contains at least one of the following: the time when AP2 replies to the CTS frame, the time when AP1 sends the handover indication frame to STA1, the time when STA1 replies to the acknowledgment frame, the primary channel handover delay between AP1 and STA1, the Co-BF frame exchange time, and the inter-frame interval time.

[0409] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a second MU-RTS frame to a first site and a second AP, the second MU-RTS frame being used to instruct the execution of Co-BF.

[0410] AP1 sends a MU-RTS frame (the second MU-RTS frame) on channel 3 to STA1 and AP2 to announce Co-BF. STA1 replies with a CTS frame. AP2 then sends a MU-RTS frame on channel 3 to STA2 and AP1, thus replying to AP1 and informing STA2 of the Co-BF initiation. STA2 replies with a CTS frame. Afterwards, AP1 sends a Co-BF PPDU to STA1 on channel 3, and STA1 replies with an acknowledgment frame. AP2 then sends a Co-BF PPDU to STA2 on channel 3, and STA2 replies with an acknowledgment frame, thus completing the Co-BF transmission.

[0411] Figure 28 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0412] AP1 sends MU-RTS frames to AP2 in a non-HT repetitive manner. Optionally, to protect the MAPC channel, the MU-RTS frame carries a BSS notification field. The silence duration field in the BSS notification field is used to indicate that the non-AP STA associated within the BSS remains silent during the silence duration.

[0413] After receiving the MU-RTS frame, AP2 replies with a CTS frame in a non-HT repetitive manner. AP2 sends a handover indication frame to STA2 participating in Co-BF on its primary channel (channel 3), instructing STA2 to hand over to AP1's primary channel (channel 1). STA2 replies with an acknowledgment frame to AP2 and completes the primary channel handover. Then, AP2 hands over to AP1's primary channel and sends a handover notification frame to AP1 to indicate that the handover is complete.

[0414] The sites associated with AP1 and AP2 (STA1 and STA2) set their local NAV according to the duration field in the MU-RTS or CTS frame. The duration field in the MU-RTS frame includes at least one of the following: the time when AP2 replies to the CTS frame, the time when AP2 sends the handover indication frame to STA2, the time when STA2 replies to the acknowledgment frame, the primary channel handover delay between AP2 and STA2, the Co-BF frame exchange time, and the inter-frame interval time.

[0415] AP1 sends a MU-RTS frame (the second MU-RTS frame) on channel 1 to STA1 and AP2 to announce Co-BF. STA1 replies with a CTS frame. AP2 sends a MU-RTS frame on channel 1 to STA2 and AP1, thus replying to AP1 and informing STA2 of the Co-BF initiation. STA2 replies with a CTS frame. Then, AP1 sends a Co-BF PPDU to STA1 on channel 1, and STA1 replies with an acknowledgment frame; AP2 sends a Co-BF PPDU to STA2 on channel 1, and STA2 replies with an acknowledgment frame, thus completing the Co-BF transmission.

[0416] 1.9.4 Co-SR is performed when the main channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0417] Figure 29 shows a schematic diagram of the MAPC negotiation process provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0418] AP1 is the transmitting AP, and AP2 is the receiving AP. Co-SR is required between AP1 and AP2. STA1 is associated with AP1, and STA2 is associated with AP2. AP1 and AP2 have different primary channels, but their primary channels are within each other's BSS operating bandwidth, as shown in Figure 24(a), (b), or (c). The same applies to the case where AP2 is the transmitting AP and AP1 is the transmitting AP, which will not be elaborated here.

[0419] Since in Co-SR, the STA needs to measure the Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) on the same channel as the OBSS AP in order to accurately assess the interference level from the OBSS AP, and the receiving AP (AP1) needs to determine the appropriate transmission power level based on the measurement results, a temporary switching of the main channel can be used.

[0420] AP1 sends MU-RTS frames to AP2 in a non-HT repetitive manner. The MU-RTS frame carries a handover indication field to instruct AP2 to switch to AP1's primary channel. Optionally, to protect the MAPC channel, the MU-RTS frame carries a BSS notification field. The silence duration field in the BSS notification field is used to instruct the associated non-AP STAs within the BSS to remain silent during the silence duration.

[0421] After receiving the MU-RTS frame, AP2 replies with a CTS frame in a non-HT repetitive manner. Next, AP2 sends a handover indication frame on its primary channel (channel 3) to STA2 participating in Co-SR, instructing it to hand over to AP1's primary channel (channel 1). Upon receiving the handover indication frame, STA2 replies with an ACK to AP2 and completes the primary channel handover. Then, AP2 hands over to AP1's primary channel (channel 1) and sends a handover notification frame to AP1 to indicate that the handover is complete.

[0422] The sites associated with AP1 and AP2 (STA1 and STA2) set their local NAV according to the duration field in the MU-RTS or CTS frame. The duration field in the MU-RTS frame includes at least one of the following: the time when AP2 replies to the CTS frame, the time when AP2 sends the handover indication frame to STA2, the time when STA2 replies to the ACK, the primary channel handover delay between AP2 and STA2, the time when AP2 sends the handover notification frame, parameter negotiation frame exchange, Co-SR frame exchange, and inter-frame interval time.

[0423] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a second ICF to a second AP, the second ICF being used to announce the commencement of Co-SR transmission.

[0424] In some embodiments, the site participating in Co-SR associated with the first AP is the first site, and the method further includes sending a third ICF to the first site.

[0425] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a trigger frame to a second AP, the trigger frame being used to synchronize the first AP and the second AP.

[0426] AP1 sends an ICF to AP2 to announce the start of Co-SR transmission, and AP2 replies with an ICR frame. Then, AP1 and AP2 each send an ICF to the associated STAs (STA1 and STA2) participating in Co-SR, and STA1 and STA2 each reply with an ICR frame. Next, AP1 sends a Trigger Frame (TF) to synchronize AP1 and AP2. Then, AP1 and AP2 each send strictly aligned data frames in their respective BSSs, such as downlink PPDUs, and STA1 and STA2 each reply with a Block Acknowledgment (BA) frame.

[0427] 1.9.5 The primary channels of the APs are inconsistent and not within each other's BSS operating bandwidth;

[0428] As shown in Figure 20, when APs need to perform MAPC transmission in response to a MAPC request, AP2 is the transmitting AP and AP3 is the receiving AP. AP2 and AP3 have different primary channels, and their primary channels are not within each other's BSS operating bandwidth, as shown in Figure 24(d). AP1 needs to coordinate to switch AP2 and AP3 to a single communicable sub-channel within their respective operating bandwidth.

[0429] AP2 sends a handover request frame to AP1 in a non-HT repetition manner (including at least the main channels of AP1 and AP2) to request a handover to switch the main channel, or switches to the main channel of AP1 and sends a handover request frame to AP1 to request a handover to switch the main channel. In this embodiment, the non-HT repetition method is used as an example for illustration.

[0430] In this embodiment, the handover request frame is sent by AP2. In other embodiments, the handover request frame may also be sent by AP1 to AP2 to actively request AP2 to switch to another primary channel. This application supports bidirectional handover requests.

[0431] The temporary switching of the primary channel is determined by the TXOP holder (i.e., AP1). AP1 sends a MU-RTS frame to AP2 in a non-HT repetition manner (including at least the primary channels of AP1, AP2, and AP3). The MU-RTS frame carries a handover indication field to instruct AP2 to switch to another channel (i.e., channel 4) within the working channel bandwidth that can communicate with the target AP (AP3). AP2 sends a CTS frame to AP1 in a non-HT repetition manner (including at least the primary channels of AP1 and AP2).

[0432] AP1 sends a MU-RTS frame to AP3 in a non-HT repeating manner (including at least the primary channels of AP1 and AP3) based on the Target AP ID field in the handover request frame. The MU-RTS frame carries a handover indication field, which instructs AP3 to hand over to another channel (i.e., channel 4) within the working channel bandwidth that can communicate with AP2. AP3 then sends a CTS frame to AP1 in a non-HT repeating manner (including at least the primary channels of AP1 and AP3). After AP3 completes the primary channel handover, AP3 sends a handover notification frame to AP2 on channel 4 to inform it that the primary channel handover has been completed.

[0433] The duration field in the first MU-RTS frame includes at least one of the following: the time when AP2 replies to the CTS frame, the time when AP1 sends the second MU-RTS frame, the time when AP3 replies to the CTS frame, the main channel handover delay between AP2 and AP3, the time when AP3 sends the handover notification frame, the subsequent frame exchange time, and the inter-frame interval time.

[0434] Optionally, AP2 sends a first request frame (parameter request frame) to AP3 on channel 4, and AP3 replies with a first response frame (parameter response frame) to negotiate MAPC parameters.

[0435] The embodiments shown in Figure 20 are applicable to various MAPC transmission strategies, including but not limited to Co-TDMA, Co-RTWT, Co-BF, Co-SR, and seamless roaming, which will not be elaborated here.

[0436] In summary, the method provided in this embodiment transmits a first frame on one or more channels. The first frame is used to indicate first MAPC information related to a first AP. The first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission, thereby not being limited to transmitting the first MAPC information on a single channel, and enabling other APs to obtain the first MAPC information, thus helping multiple APs to cooperate in transmitting data.

[0437] The method provided in this embodiment also receives a second frame, which is used to indicate the second MAPC information related to the second AP, so that the first AP can determine whether the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, thereby facilitating the first AP to determine the AP that will subsequently perform data transmission.

[0438] The method provided in this embodiment also sends a third frame, which is used to indicate the MAPC group information related to the MAPC group, so that the member APs of the MAPC group are uniformly aware of the MAPC group information, which facilitates subsequent data transmission between APs.

[0439] The method provided in this embodiment also receives a first reservation frame to reserve a TXOP on at least two channels, including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP, so that the sites associated with the first AP and the second AP remain silent during the TXOP, thereby protecting the channels used by MAPC from interference during transmission.

[0440] The method provided in this embodiment also negotiates MAPC parameters with the second AP, such as exchanging first request frames and first response frames, to negotiate the MAPC parameters to be used during MAPC transmission, such as minimum or maximum transmit power, MCS, and the proposed set of candidate sub-channels to be bound.

[0441] The method provided in this embodiment also includes a method where, when the first AP is the initiating AP, the second AP and the third AP are the responding APs, and the main channel of the second AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the main channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second AP, the second AP and the third AP are switched to a temporary main channel that can communicate by executing a handover request and handover instruction process, thereby ensuring stable communication between the second AP and the third AP and improving the MAPC negotiation process.

[0442] Figure 30 illustrates a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a second AP and includes:

[0443] Step 3010: Receive the first frame.

[0444] The first frame is used to indicate the first MAPC information associated with the first AP. The first frame is sent on one or more channels, including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP. The first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission.

[0445] In some embodiments, the first frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; or, the first frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; wherein the at least two channels include the primary channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP.

[0446] For specific implementation details, please refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0447] The device initiating the MAPC discovery process is called the MAPC Initiator AP, and the device responding to the MAPC discovery process is called the MAPC Responder AP. Both the MAPC Initiator AP and the MAPC Responder AP support MAPC transmission. In this embodiment, MAPC includes a first AP and a second AP. The following description uses the first AP as the MAPC Initiator AP and the second AP as the MAPC Responder AP as an example.

[0448] 2.1 First MAPC information;

[0449] In some embodiments, the first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the primary channel of the first AP; the operating primary channel of the first AP; the operating bandwidth of the first AP; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the first AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the first AP; and the disabled sub-channels of the first AP.

[0450] By way of example and not limitation, the MAPC transmission strategy includes at least one of the following: Co-TDMA; Co-RTWT; Co-BF; Co-SR; seamless roaming. In the embodiments of this application, the MAPC transmission strategy may also be referred to as MAPC transmission strategy, MAPC strategy, etc.

[0451] In some embodiments, the first frame is also used to request the second AP to provide feedback on second MAPC information related to the second AP.

[0452] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0453] 2.2 Second MAPC information;

[0454] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a second frame, the second frame being used to indicate second MAPC information associated with a second AP;

[0455] The second frame is sent by the second AP when it has a different main channel or the same main channel as the first AP.

[0456] In some embodiments, the second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the second AP; the operating main channel of the second AP; the operating bandwidth of the second AP; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the second AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second AP; the disabled sub-channels of the second AP; and whether the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group.

[0457] The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes the first AP. If the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second APs.

[0458] Optionally, the second frame includes at least one of a MAPC discovery information frame and a MAPC discovery notification frame.

[0459] In some embodiments, sending the second frame includes: sending the second frame on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP; or, switching to the master channel of the first AP to send the second frame; or, sending the second frame on the same master channel.

[0460] In some embodiments, the second frame is temporarily switched to the primary channel of the first AP during the scheduled TXOP.

[0461] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0462] 2.3 Fields carried in the first or second frame;

[0463] In some embodiments, the first or second frame carries one or more of the following fields:

[0464] Aggregate control field; Common action field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; Channel information request field; Accept or reject field;

[0465] The aggregation control field indicates the functions supported by the sending AP; the common action field indicates the frame type; the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policy; the channel information request field indicates the channel information requester or responder; and the accept or reject field indicates whether to agree to join the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes the first AP; if the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes the first AP and the second AP.

[0466] In some embodiments, the aggregated control field includes a control ID field and a control information field;

[0467] The control ID field takes a first value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the MAPC group field, and the MAPC group field indicates whether MAPC is supported; the control ID field takes a second value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the silence indicator field, and the silence indicator field indicates whether silence operation is supported; the control ID field takes a third value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the handover indicator field, and the handover indicator field indicates whether temporary primary channel handover operation is supported.

[0468] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0469] 2.4 First reservation frame;

[0470] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first reservation frame, the first reservation frame being used to indicate reserving a TXOP on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the master channel of a first AP and the master channel of a second AP, and sending a second frame during the TXOP.

[0471] By way of example and not limitation, the first reservation frame includes at least one of the following: RTS frame, MU-RTS frame, and CTS-to-Self frame.

[0472] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

[0473] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a first duration field. The first duration field is used to indicate at least one of the following: the transmission time of the clear transmission CTS frame sent by the first AP; the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0474] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a CTS-to-Self frame, which carries a second duration field. The second duration field includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; and the inter-frame interval.

[0475] In some embodiments, sending a first reservation frame includes: sending the first reservation frame on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner.

[0476] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0477] 2.5 Third frame;

[0478] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a third frame, the third frame being used to indicate MAPC group information associated with a MAPC group;

[0479] The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes the first AP. If the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second APs.

[0480] In some embodiments, the MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: the primary channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating primary channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP included in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policies supported by each AP included in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP included in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP included in the MAPC group; and the MAPC EDCA parameters.

[0481] In some embodiments, the third frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP, and the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first AP includes the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

[0482] In some embodiments, the third frame carries one or more of the following fields: Common Action field; AP ID field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; MAPC EDCA field;

[0483] The common action field indicates the frame type; the AP ID field indicates the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policies.

[0484] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0485] 2.6 Fourth frame;

[0486] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a fourth frame, the fourth frame being used to instruct the execution of MAPC negotiation.

[0487] In some embodiments, the fourth frame carries a MAPC group identifier field, which is used to indicate the performance of MAPC negotiation.

[0488] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

[0489] In some embodiments, the fourth frame includes at least one of an RTS frame and a MU-RTS frame.

[0490] In some embodiments, the fourth frame carries a field for indicating the performance of a temporary master channel handover, such as a handover indication field.

[0491] In some embodiments, the first AP is a TXOP holder, and the field for indicating the execution of a temporary primary channel handover includes a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP switches to the primary channel of the first AP.

[0492] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a switched notification frame, the switched notification frame being used to indicate that the second AP has switched to the main channel of the first AP.

[0493] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a fifth frame, which is used in response to the fourth frame.

[0494] Optionally, the fourth frame carries a third duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the time when the second AP responds to the fifth frame; the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time; wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame.

[0495] Optionally, the fifth frame carries a fourth duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0496] In some embodiments, subsequent frame exchange includes parameter negotiation for MAPC communication and / or frame exchange for MAPC transmission.

[0497] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.6 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0498] 2.7 MAPC parameter negotiation;

[0499] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first request frame, the first request frame being used to negotiate MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission, the MAPC parameters being used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy.

[0500] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first response frame, the first response frame being used to respond to a first request frame.

[0501] In some embodiments, the first request frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first AP.

[0502] Optionally, the first request frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; and / or, the first request frame is transmitted on the main channel of the first AP; and / or, the first request frame is transmitted on the main channel of the second AP; wherein the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first AP includes the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

[0503] In some embodiments, the first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the second AP.

[0504] Optionally, sending a first response frame includes at least one of the following: sending the first response frame on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP; sending the first response frame on the master channel of the first AP; sending the first response frame on the master channel of the second AP.

[0505] In some embodiments, the MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of subchannel candidates for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; MCS; NSS; configuration validity period; wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

[0506] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.7 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0507] 2.8 Handover Request and Handover Instruction Process;

[0508] In some embodiments, the first AP is the initiating AP, and the second and third APs are the responding APs. The primary channel of the second AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the primary channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second AP. The method further includes:

[0509] The system receives a first handover instruction frame sent by the first AP. The first handover instruction frame is used to instruct the second AP to switch to the first capability channel. The first capability channel is a channel with communication capability between the second AP and the third AP.

[0510] In some embodiments, the first handover indication frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP is switching to the first capability channel.

[0511] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a handover request frame to a first AP, the handover request frame being used to request the first AP to switch the second AP and the third AP to the first capability channel.

[0512] In some embodiments, the method further includes: transmitting a handover request frame on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP; or, switching to the master channel of the first AP and transmitting the handover request frame; or, transmitting the handover request frame on the same master channel.

[0513] In some embodiments, the handover request frame carries a target AP identifier field for indicating information about a third AP (AP3).

[0514] In some embodiments, the handover request frame carries at least one of the following fields: MAPC channel bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; wherein the MAPC channel bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; and the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

[0515] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a switchover notification frame sent by a third AP, the switchover notification frame indicating that the third AP has switched to the first capability channel.

[0516] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.8 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0517] 2.9 Exemplary embodiment of the MAPC negotiation process;

[0518] To illustrate the MAPC negotiation process, this application provides the following five embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0519] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0520] 2.9.1 Co-TDMA is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0521] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first ICF, the first ICF being used to poll APs in a MAPC group to determine APs participating in Co-TDMA; wherein, a MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

[0522] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first ICR frame, the first ICR frame being used to determine the AP participating in Co-TDMA.

[0523] In some embodiments, the second AP is a target AP, which is an AP participating in Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame. The method further includes: receiving a first MU-RTS frame; wherein the first MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the target AP to transmit data during the Transmission Opportunity Sharing (TXS) time period.

[0524] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0525] 2.9.2 Co-RTWT is performed when the primary channels of APs are inconsistent;

[0526] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a TWT request frame, the TWT request frame being used to negotiate an OBSS RTWT time with a second AP, the OBSS RTWT time being used for the first AP to transmit data.

[0527] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a TWT response frame, the TWT response frame being used to respond to a TWT request frame.

[0528] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0529] 2.9.3 Co-BF is performed when the primary channels of APs are inconsistent;

[0530] In some embodiments, the site participating in Co-BF associated with the second AP is the second site, and the method further includes: sending a handover indication frame to the second site, the handover indication frame being used to instruct the second site to switch to the main channel of the first AP.

[0531] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a second MU-RTS frame, the second MU-RTS frame being used to instruct the execution of Co-BF.

[0532] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0533] 2.9.4 Perform Co-SR when the main channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0534] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a second ICF sent by a first AP, the second ICF being used to announce the commencement of Co-SR transmission.

[0535] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a second ICR frame to the first AP.

[0536] In some embodiments, the site participating in Co-SR associated with the second AP is the second site, and the method further includes sending a fourth ICF to the second site.

[0537] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a trigger frame sent by a first AP, the trigger frame being used to synchronize the first AP and the second AP.

[0538] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0539] 2.9.5 The primary channels of the APs are inconsistent and not within each other's BSS operating bandwidth;

[0540] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0541] In summary, the method provided in this embodiment receives a first frame, which is used to indicate first MAPC information related to a first AP. The first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP. The first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission, thereby not being limited to transmitting the first MAPC information on a single channel, and enabling other APs to obtain the first MAPC information, thus helping multiple APs to cooperate in transmitting data.

[0542] The method provided in this embodiment also sends a second frame, which is used to indicate the second MAPC information related to the second AP, so that the first AP can determine whether the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, thereby facilitating the first AP to determine the AP that will subsequently perform data transmission.

[0543] The method provided in this embodiment also receives a third frame, which is used to indicate MAPC group information related to the MAPC group, so that the member APs of the MAPC group are uniformly aware of the MAPC group information, which facilitates subsequent data transmission between APs.

[0544] The method provided in this embodiment also reserves TXOP on at least two channels by sending a first reservation frame. The at least two channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP, so that the sites associated with the first AP and the second AP remain silent during TXOP, thereby protecting the channels used by MAPC from interference during transmission.

[0545] The method provided in this embodiment also negotiates MAPC parameters with the first AP, such as exchanging first request frames and first response frames, to negotiate the MAPC parameters to be used during MAPC transmission, such as minimum or maximum transmit power, MCS, and the proposed set of candidate sub-channels to be bound.

[0546] The method provided in this embodiment also includes a method where, when the first AP is the initiating AP, the second AP and the third AP are the responding APs, and the main channel of the second AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the main channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second AP, the second AP and the third AP are switched to a temporary main channel that can communicate by executing a handover request and handover instruction process, thereby ensuring stable communication between the second AP and the third AP and improving the MAPC negotiation process.

[0547] Figure 31 shows a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a first AP and includes:

[0548] Step 3110: Receive and / or send at least one frame.

[0549] At least one frame is related to the MAPC discovery process, and the MAPC discovery process is related to the MAPC transmission data.

[0550] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes at least one of a first frame, a second frame, a first reservation frame, and a third frame;

[0551] The first frame indicates first MAPC information associated with the first AP, which indicates the information required for MAPC data transmission; the second frame indicates second MAPC information associated with the second AP; the first reservation frame indicates reservation of TXOP on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP, and the second frame is sent during TXOP; the third frame indicates MAPC group information associated with the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

[0552] In some embodiments, the first frame is transmitted in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; or, the first frame is transmitted in a non-high throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels within the operating bandwidth of the first AP.

[0553] The operating bandwidth is used to indicate the frequency band width used by the first AP during communication, and the at least two channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

[0554] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a first frame and a second frame. A first AP transmits the first frame to a second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within its operating bandwidth. After receiving the first frame, the second AP replies with the second frame in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels; or switches to the first AP's primary channel to reply with the second frame; or replies with the second frame on the same primary channel. The first AP replies with an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame.

[0555] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame. A first AP transmits the first frame to a second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within its operating bandwidth. After receiving the first frame, the second AP replies with a second frame in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels; or switches to the first AP's primary channel to reply with the second frame; or replies with the second frame on the same primary channel. The first AP replies with an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame. The first AP transmits the third frame in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within its operating bandwidth, where the channels corresponding to the first AP's operating bandwidth include the primary channels of both the first and second APs.

[0556] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a first frame, a second frame, and a first reservation frame. The first AP transmits the first frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within its operating bandwidth. After receiving the first frame, the second AP transmits the first reservation frame (e.g., a MU-RTS frame) on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner to reserve a TXOP (Turn-On-Demand). The first AP replies with a CTS frame. During the TXOP, the second AP transmits the second frame, and the first AP replies with an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame.

[0557] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a first frame, a second frame, a first reservation frame, and a third frame. The first AP transmits the first frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within its operating bandwidth. After receiving the first frame, the second AP transmits the first reservation frame (e.g., a MU-RTS frame) on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner to reserve a TXOP (Turn-On-Demand). The first AP replies with a CTS frame. During the TXOP, the second AP transmits the second frame, and the first AP replies with an acknowledgment frame after receiving the second frame. The first AP transmits the third frame in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within its operating bandwidth, where the channels corresponding to the first AP's operating bandwidth include the first AP's primary channel and the second AP's primary channel.

[0558] In some embodiments, if it is determined that there are second APs with different master channels, the first frame is transmitted on multiple channels.

[0559] In some embodiments, the existence of a second AP is determined based on neighbor information, which is sent by a third AP that has the same main channel as the first AP.

[0560] For specific implementation details, please refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0561] 3.1 First MAPC information;

[0562] In some embodiments, the first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the primary channel of the first AP; the operating primary channel of the first AP; the operating bandwidth of the first AP; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the first AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the first AP; and the disabled sub-channels of the first AP.

[0563] By way of example and not limitation, the MAPC transmission strategy includes at least one of the following: Co-TDMA; Co-RTWT; Co-BF; Co-SR; Seamless roaming.

[0564] In some embodiments, the first frame is also used to request the second AP to provide feedback on second MAPC information related to the second AP.

[0565] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0566] 3.2 Second MAPC information;

[0567] In some embodiments, the second frame is transmitted by the second AP, which may have a different main channel or the same main channel as the first AP.

[0568] In some embodiments, the second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the second AP; the operating main channel of the second AP; the operating bandwidth of the second AP; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the second AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second AP; the disabled sub-channels of the second AP; and whether the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group.

[0569] The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes the first AP. If the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second APs.

[0570] Optionally, the second frame includes at least one of a MAPC discovery information frame and a MAPC discovery notification frame.

[0571] In some embodiments, the second frame is transmitted by the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP; or, the second frame is switched by the second AP to be transmitted on the primary channel of the first AP; or, the second frame is transmitted by the second AP on the same primary channel.

[0572] In some embodiments, the second frame is temporarily switched from the second AP to the main channel of the first AP during a scheduled TXOP.

[0573] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0574] 3.3 Fields carried in the first or second frame;

[0575] In some embodiments, the first frame or the second frame carries one or more of the following fields: aggregation control field; common action field; MAPC transmission policy field; operating channel bandwidth field; main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; disabled subchannel bitmap field; channel information request field; accept or reject field;

[0576] The aggregation control field indicates the functions supported by the sending AP; the common action field indicates the frame type; the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policy; the channel information request field indicates the channel information requester or responder; and the accept or reject field indicates whether to agree to join the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes the first AP; if the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes the first AP and the second AP.

[0577] In some embodiments, the aggregated control field includes a control ID field and a control information field;

[0578] The control ID field takes a first value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the MAPC group field, and the MAPC group field indicates whether MAPC is supported; the control ID field takes a second value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the silence indicator field, and the silence indicator field indicates whether silence operation is supported; the control ID field takes a third value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the handover indicator field, and the handover indicator field indicates whether temporary primary channel handover operation is supported.

[0579] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0580] 3.4 First reservation frame;

[0581] By way of example and not limitation, the first reservation frame includes at least one of the following: RTS frame, MU-RTS frame, and CTS-to-Self frame.

[0582] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

[0583] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a first duration field. The first duration field is used to indicate at least one of the following: the transmission time of the clear transmission CTS frame sent by the first AP; the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0584] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is a CTS-to-Self frame, which carries a second duration field. The second duration field includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; and the inter-frame interval.

[0585] In some embodiments, the first reservation frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP.

[0586] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0587] 3.5 Third frame;

[0588] In some embodiments, the MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: the primary channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating primary channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP included in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policies supported by each AP included in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP included in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP included in the MAPC group; and the MAPC EDCA parameters.

[0589] In some embodiments, a third frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP, and the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first AP includes the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

[0590] In some embodiments, the third frame carries one or more of the following fields: Common Action field; AP ID field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; MAPC EDCA field;

[0591] The common action field indicates the frame type; the AP ID field indicates the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policies.

[0592] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0593] In summary, the method provided in this embodiment enables APs to establish communication links by receiving and / or sending at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC discovery process, thereby facilitating collaborative data transmission between APs.

[0594] Figure 32 shows a flowchart of an inter-AP communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method is performed by a first AP and includes:

[0595] Step 3210: Receive and / or send at least one frame.

[0596] At least one frame is related to the MAPC negotiation process, and the MAPC negotiation process is related to the MAPC transmission data.

[0597] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes at least one of a fourth frame, a handover notification frame, a fifth frame, a first request frame, a first response frame, a first ICF, a first ICR frame, a first MU-RTS frame, a TWT request frame, a TWT response frame, a handover indication frame, a second MU-RTS frame, a second ICF, a second ICR frame, a third ICF, a trigger frame, a handover request frame, a first handover indication frame, and a second handover indication frame;

[0598] The fourth frame is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation; the switched notification frame is used to indicate that the second AP has switched to the primary channel of the first AP; the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame; the first request frame is used to negotiate the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission, and the MAPC parameters are used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy; the first response frame is used to respond to the first request frame; the ICF is used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA, and the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission; the ICR frame is used to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA; the first MU-RTS frame is used to indicate that the target AP transmits data during the TXS time period, and the target AP is the AP participating in Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame; the TWT request frame is used to negotiate the OBSS RTWT time with the second AP, and OBSS... The RTWT time is used for the first AP to transmit data; the TWT response frame is used to respond to the TWT request frame; the site associated with the first AP participating in Co-BF is the first site, and the handover indication frame is used to instruct the first site to switch to the main channel of the second AP; the second MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the execution of Co-BF; the second ICF is used to announce the start of Co-SR transmission; the trigger frame is used to synchronize the first AP and the second AP; when the first AP is the initiating AP, and the second AP and the third AP are the responding APs, and the main channel of the second AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the main channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second AP, the first handover indication frame is used to instruct the second AP to switch to the first capability channel, which is a channel with communication capability between the second AP and the third AP; the handover request frame is used to request the first AP to switch the second AP and the third AP to the first capability channel; the second handover indication frame is used to instruct the third AP to switch to the first capability channel.

[0599] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame and a fifth frame. The first AP sends the fourth frame (e.g., a MU-RTS frame) to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, and the second AP replies with the fifth frame (e.g., a CTS frame) after receiving the fourth frame.

[0600] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame, a fifth frame, a first request frame, and a first response frame. The first AP sends the fourth frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, and the second AP replies with the fifth frame after receiving the fourth frame. Alternatively, the first AP sends the first request frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, and the second AP replies with the first response frame after receiving the first request frame; or, the first AP switches to the primary channel of the second AP to send the first request frame, and the second AP replies with the first response frame on the primary channel of the second AP after receiving the first request frame.

[0601] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame, a fifth frame, and a handover notification frame. The first AP sends the fourth frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner. After receiving the fourth frame, the second AP replies with the fifth frame and then sends a handover notification frame on the first AP's main channel.

[0602] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame, a fifth frame, a handover notification frame, a first request frame, and a first response frame. The first AP sends the fourth frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner. Upon receiving the fourth frame, the second AP replies with the fifth frame and subsequently sends a handover notification frame on the first AP's primary channel. The first AP sends the first request frame on its primary channel, and upon receiving the first request frame, the second AP replies with the first response frame on the first AP's primary channel.

[0603] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame, a fifth frame, a first ICF, a first ICR frame, and a first MU-RTS frame. The first AP sends the fourth frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, and the second AP replies with the fifth frame after receiving the fourth frame. The first AP sends the first ICF, and the second AP replies with the first ICR frame after receiving the first ICF. The first AP sends the first MU-RTS frame to the target AP (e.g., the second AP) in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, and the second AP replies with a CTS frame after receiving the first MU-RTS frame.

[0604] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame, a fifth frame, a TWT request frame, and a TWT response frame. The first AP sends the fourth frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, and the second AP replies with the fifth frame after receiving the fourth frame. The first AP sends a TWT request frame, and the second AP replies with a TWT response frame after receiving the TWT request frame.

[0605] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame, a fifth frame, a handover indication frame (or a handover indication frame and a handover notification frame), and a second MU-RTS frame. The first AP sends the fourth frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, and the second AP replies with the fifth frame after receiving the fourth frame. The first AP sends a handover indication frame to the first station, and the first station replies with an acknowledgment frame after receiving the handover indication frame. The first AP sends the second MU-RTS frame on the second AP's main channel.

[0606] Alternatively, the first AP sends a fourth frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner. Upon receiving the fourth frame, the second AP replies with a fifth frame. The second AP sends a handover indication frame to its associated second site, instructing the second site to switch to the first AP's primary channel. Upon receiving the handover indication frame, the second site replies with an acknowledgment frame. Then, the second AP and the second site switch to the first AP's primary channel. The second AP then sends a handover notification frame to the first AP on the first AP's primary channel. The first AP then sends a second MU-RTS frame on the first AP's primary channel.

[0607] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame, a handover notification frame, a fifth frame, a second ICF, a second ICR frame, a third ICF, and a trigger frame. The first AP sends the fourth frame to the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, and the second AP replies with the fifth frame upon receiving the fourth frame. The second AP sends a handover indication frame to its associated second site, instructing the second site to hand over to the primary channel of the first AP. Upon receiving the handover indication frame, the second site replies with an acknowledgment frame. Then, the second AP and the second site handover to the primary channel of the first AP, and the second AP sends a handover notification frame to the first AP on the primary channel of the first AP. The first AP sends the second ICF to the second AP on the primary channel of the first AP, and the second AP replies with the second ICR frame upon receiving the second ICF. The first AP sends the third ICF to the first site on the primary channel of the first AP, and the first site replies with the ICR frame upon receiving the third ICF. The first AP sends a trigger frame to the second AP on the primary channel of the first AP.

[0608] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a fourth frame, a handover notification frame, a fifth frame, a handover request frame, a first handover indication frame, and a second handover indication frame. After receiving the handover request frame sent by the second AP, the first AP replies with an acknowledgment frame. The first AP sends a first handover indication frame (e.g., a MU-RTS frame) to the second AP, and the second AP replies with a CTS frame after receiving the first handover indication frame. Based on the target AP identifier field carried in the handover request frame, the first AP sends a second handover indication frame (e.g., a MU-RTS frame) to the second AP. After receiving the second handover indication frame, the third AP replies with a CTS frame and, after handover to the first capability channel, sends a handover notification frame to the second AP.

[0609] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a first handover indication frame. The first AP does not need a handover request frame and actively sends the first handover indication frame (e.g., a MU-RTS frame) to the second AP. After receiving the first handover indication frame, the second AP replies with a CTS frame.

[0610] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a first handover indication frame and a second handover indication frame. The first AP does not require a handover request frame and actively sends the first handover indication frame to the second AP. Upon receiving the first handover indication frame, the second AP replies with a CTS frame. Based on the target AP identification field carried in other frames during the MAPC negotiation process, the first AP sends a second handover indication frame (e.g., a MU-RTS frame) to the second AP. Upon receiving the second handover indication frame, the third AP replies with a CTS frame.

[0611] In some embodiments, at least one frame includes a handover request frame, a first handover indication frame, and a second handover indication frame.

[0612] After receiving the handover request frame from the second AP, the first AP replies with an acknowledgment frame. The first AP then sends a first handover indication frame to the second AP, which replies with a CTS frame upon receiving it. Based on the target AP identifier field carried in the handover request frame, the first AP sends a second handover indication frame to the second AP, which replies with a CTS frame upon receiving it.

[0613] In some embodiments, the first AP sends a handover indication frame to the second and third APs via multicast or broadcast, the handover indication frame indicating that the second and third APs switch to the first capability channel; or...

[0614] The first AP sends a first handover indication frame to the second AP, which is used to instruct the second AP to switch to the first capability channel; the first AP sends a second handover indication frame to the third AP, which is used to instruct the third AP to switch to the first capability channel. The specific handover indication method is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0615] 4.1 Fourth frame;

[0616] In some embodiments, the fourth frame carries a MAPC group identifier field, which is used to indicate the performance of MAPC negotiation.

[0617] In some embodiments, the fourth frame includes at least one of an RTS frame and a MU-RTS frame.

[0618] In some embodiments, the fourth frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

[0619] In some embodiments, the fourth frame carries a field for indicating the performance of a temporary master channel handover, such as a handover indication field.

[0620] In some embodiments, the first AP is a TXOP holder, and the field for indicating the execution of a temporary primary channel handover includes a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP switches to the primary channel of the first AP.

[0621] Optionally, the fourth frame carries a third duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the time when the second AP responds to the fifth frame; the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time; wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame.

[0622] Optionally, the fifth frame carries a fourth duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0623] In some embodiments, subsequent frame exchange includes parameter negotiation for MAPC communication and / or frame exchange for MAPC transmission.

[0624] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.6 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0625] 4.2 MAPC parameter negotiation;

[0626] In some embodiments, the first request frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first AP.

[0627] Optionally, sending the first request frame includes at least one of the following: sending the first request frame in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; sending the first request frame on the main channel of the first AP; or sending the first request frame on the main channel of the second AP.

[0628] The operating bandwidth of the first AP corresponds to the channel including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

[0629] In some embodiments, the first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the second AP.

[0630] Optionally, the first response frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the master channel of the first AP; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the master channel of the second AP.

[0631] In some embodiments, the MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of subchannel candidates for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; MCS; NSS; configuration validity period; wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

[0632] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.7 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0633] 4.3 Handover request and handover instruction process;

[0634] In some embodiments, the first handover indication frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP is switching to the first capability channel.

[0635] In some embodiments, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second AP when switching to the primary channel of the first AP; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second AP on the same primary channel.

[0636] In some embodiments, the handover request frame carries a target AP identifier field for indicating third AP information.

[0637] In some embodiments, the handover request frame carries at least one of the following fields: MAPC channel bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; wherein the MAPC channel bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; and the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

[0638] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.8 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0639] 4.4 Exemplary embodiments of the MAPC negotiation process;

[0640] To illustrate the MAPC negotiation process, this application provides the following five embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0641] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0642] 4.4.1 Co-TDMA is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0643] In some embodiments, a first ICF is sent to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine which APs will participate in Co-TDMA; wherein, the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes the first AP. If a second AP agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second APs.

[0644] In some embodiments, a first ICR frame is received, which is used to determine the AP participating in Co-TDMA.

[0645] In some embodiments, a first MU-RTS frame is sent to the target AP;

[0646] The target AP is the AP participating in Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame, and the first MU-RTS frame is used to indicate that the target AP transmits data during the TXS time period.

[0647] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0648] 4.4.2 Co-RTWT is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0649] In some embodiments, a TWT request frame is sent to negotiate the OBSS RTWT time with the second AP, and the OBSS RTWT time is used for the first AP to transmit data.

[0650] In some embodiments, a TWT response frame is received, which is used to respond to a TWT request frame.

[0651] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0652] 4.4.3 Co-BF is performed when the main channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0653] In some embodiments, the site participating in Co-BF associated with the first AP is the first site, and the first AP sends a handover indication frame to the first site, the handover indication frame being used to instruct the first site to switch to the main channel of the second AP.

[0654] In some embodiments, a second MU-RTS frame is sent to the first site and the second AP, the second MU-RTS frame being used to instruct the execution of Co-BF.

[0655] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0656] 4.4.4 Co-SR is performed when the main channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0657] In some embodiments, a second ICF is sent to a second AP, the second ICF being used to announce the commencement of Co-SR transmission.

[0658] In some embodiments, the site participating in Co-SR associated with the first AP is the first site, and the first AP sends a third ICF to the first site.

[0659] In some embodiments, a trigger frame is sent to the second AP, which is used to synchronize the first AP and the second AP.

[0660] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0661] 4.4.5 The main channels of the APs are inconsistent and not within each other's BSS operating bandwidth;

[0662] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0663] In summary, the method provided in this embodiment enables APs to negotiate MAPC parameters by receiving and / or sending at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC negotiation process, thereby helping APs to cooperate in transmitting data.

[0664] In the above embodiments, the embodiments corresponding to FIG9, FIG30, FIG31, and FIG32 can be implemented individually or in combination. For example, the embodiments corresponding to FIG9 and FIG30 can be implemented in combination, and the embodiments corresponding to FIG31 and FIG32 can be implemented in combination. This application does not limit this.

[0665] Figure 33 shows a block diagram of a first wireless device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The device can be implemented as a first access point (AP) or as part of a first AP via software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device includes:

[0666] The transmitting module 3310 is configured to transmit a first frame on one or more channels, wherein the first frame is used to indicate first MAPC information associated with the first wireless device;

[0667] Among them, multiple channels include the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC to transmit data.

[0668] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3310 is configured to transmit the first frame in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; or, transmit the first frame in a non-high throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels of the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device.

[0669] The operating bandwidth is used to indicate the frequency band width used by the first wireless device during communication, and the at least two channels include the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0670] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3310 is used to transmit the first frame on multiple channels when it is determined that there are second wireless devices with different main channels.

[0671] In one possible design of this embodiment, the existence of a second wireless device is determined based on neighbor information, which is sent by a third wireless device that has the same main channel as the first wireless device.

[0672] For specific implementation details, please refer to the embodiment in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0673] 5.1 First MAPC information;

[0674] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the first wireless device; the operating main channel of the first wireless device; the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the first wireless device; the MAPC transmission strategy supported by the first wireless device; and the disabled sub-channels of the first wireless device.

[0675] By way of example and not limitation, the MAPC transmission strategy includes at least one of the following: Co-TDMA; Co-RTWT; Co-BF; Co-SR; seamless roaming. In the embodiments of this application, the MAPC transmission strategy may also be referred to as MAPC transmission strategy, MAPC strategy, etc.

[0676] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first frame is also used to request the second wireless device to provide feedback on second MAPC information related to the second wireless device.

[0677] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0678] 5.2 Second MAPC Information;

[0679] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3320 is used to receive a second frame, which is used to indicate second MAPC information related to the second wireless device; wherein the second frame is sent by the second wireless device when it has a different main channel or the same main channel as the first wireless device.

[0680] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the second wireless device; the operating main channel of the second wireless device; the operating bandwidth of the second wireless device; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the second wireless device; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second wireless device; the disabled sub-channels of the second wireless device; and whether the second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group.

[0681] In this context, a MAPC group is a set of Access Points (APs) used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes a first wireless device. If a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0682] Optionally, the second frame includes at least one of a MAPC discovery information frame and a MAPC discovery notification frame.

[0683] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second frame is transmitted by the second wireless device in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first wireless device and the primary channel of the second wireless device; or, the second frame is transmitted by the second wireless device switching to the primary channel of the first wireless device; or, the second frame is transmitted by the second wireless device on the same primary channel.

[0684] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second frame is temporarily switched by the second wireless device to the main channel of the first wireless device during a scheduled TXOP.

[0685] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0686] 5.3 Fields carried in the first or second frame;

[0687] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first frame or the second frame carries one or more of the following fields:

[0688] Aggregate control field; Common action field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; Channel information request field; Accept or reject field;

[0689] The aggregation control field indicates the functions supported by the sending AP; the common action field indicates the frame type; the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policy; the channel information request field indicates the channel information requester or responder; and the accept or reject field indicates whether to agree to join the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes a first wireless device; if a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0690] In one possible design of this embodiment, the aggregated control field includes a control ID field and a control information field;

[0691] The control ID field takes a first value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the MAPC group field, and the MAPC group field indicates whether MAPC is supported; the control ID field takes a second value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the silence indicator field, and the silence indicator field indicates whether silence operation is supported; the control ID field takes a third value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the handover indicator field, and the handover indicator field indicates whether temporary primary channel handover operation is supported.

[0692] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0693] 5.4 First reservation frame;

[0694] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3320 is used to receive a first reservation frame, which is used to indicate that a TXOP is reserved on at least two channels, including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device, and a second frame is sent during the TXOP.

[0695] By way of example and not limitation, the first reservation frame includes at least one of the following: RTS frame, MU-RTS frame, and CTS-to-Self frame.

[0696] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field for indicating the duration of silence, during which the station associated with the second wireless device remains silent.

[0697] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a first duration field. The first duration field is used to indicate at least one of the following: the transmission time of the clear transmission CTS frame sent by the first wireless device; the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second wireless device; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first wireless device; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0698] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a CTS-to-Self frame, which carries a second duration field. The second duration field includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second wireless device; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first wireless device; and the inter-frame interval.

[0699] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first wireless device and the master channel of the second wireless device.

[0700] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0701] 5.5 Third frame;

[0702] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3310 is used to send a third frame, which is used to indicate MAPC group information related to the MAPC group;

[0703] In this context, a MAPC group is a set of Access Points (APs) used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes a first wireless device. If a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0704] In one possible design of this embodiment, the MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating main channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP included in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policy supported by each AP included in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP included in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP included in the MAPC group; and the MAPC EDCA parameters.

[0705] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3310 is used to transmit the third frame in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device, and the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device includes the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0706] In one possible design of this embodiment, the third frame carries one or more of the following fields: Common Action field; AP ID field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; MAPC EDCA field;

[0707] The common action field indicates the frame type; the AP ID field indicates the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policies.

[0708] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0709] 5.6 Fourth frame;

[0710] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3310 is used to send a fourth frame, which is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

[0711] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame carries a MAPC group identifier field, which is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

[0712] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame includes at least one of an RTS frame and a MU-RTS frame.

[0713] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field for indicating the duration of silence, during which the station associated with the second wireless device remains silent.

[0714] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame carries a field for indicating the execution of a temporary master channel handover, such as a handover indication field.

[0715] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first wireless device is a TXOP holder, and the field for indicating the execution of a temporary primary channel handover includes a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second wireless device switches to the primary channel of the first wireless device.

[0716] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3320 is used to receive a switched notification frame, which indicates that the second wireless device has switched to the main channel of the first wireless device.

[0717] Optionally, the fourth frame carries a third duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the time when the second wireless device replies to the fifth frame; the primary channel switching delay of the first wireless device or the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time; wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame.

[0718] Optionally, the fifth frame carries a fourth duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the first wireless device or the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0719] In one possible design of this embodiment, subsequent frame switching includes parameter negotiation for MAPC communication and / or frame switching for MAPC transmission.

[0720] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.6 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0721] 5.7 MAPC parameter negotiation;

[0722] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3310 is used to send a first request frame. The first request frame is used to negotiate the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission. The MAPC parameters are used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy.

[0723] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3320 is used to receive a first response frame, which is used to respond to a first request frame.

[0724] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first request frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first wireless device.

[0725] Optionally, the transmitting module 3310 is configured to transmit the first request frame in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; and / or, transmit the first request frame on the main channel of the first wireless device; and / or, transmit the first request frame on the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0726] The channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device includes the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0727] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the second wireless device.

[0728] Optionally, the first response frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the main channel of the first wireless device; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0729] In one possible design of this embodiment, the MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of sub-channel candidates for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; MCS; NSS; configuration validity period; wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

[0730] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.7 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0731] 5.8 Handover Request and Handover Instruction Process;

[0732] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first wireless device is the initiating AP, and the second wireless device and the third AP are the responding APs. The main channel of the second wireless device is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the main channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second wireless device. The transmitting module 3310 is used to send a first handover indication frame to the second wireless device. The first handover indication frame is used to instruct the second wireless device to switch to a first capability channel. The first capability channel is a channel with communication capability between the second wireless device and the third AP.

[0733] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first handover indication frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second wireless device switches to the first capability channel.

[0734] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3320 is used to receive a handover request frame sent by the second wireless device. The handover request frame is used to request the first wireless device to switch the second wireless device and the third AP to the first capability channel.

[0735] In one possible design of this embodiment, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second wireless device in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first wireless device and the primary channel of the second wireless device; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second wireless device when switching to the primary channel of the first wireless device; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second wireless device on the same primary channel.

[0736] In one possible design of this embodiment, the handover request frame carries a target AP identifier field for indicating information about the third AP (AP3).

[0737] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3310 is used to send a second handover indication frame to the third AP (AP3) according to the target AP identification field. The second handover indication frame is used to instruct the third AP to switch to the first capability channel.

[0738] In one possible design of this embodiment, the handover request frame carries at least one of the following fields: MAPC channel bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; wherein, the MAPC channel bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; and the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

[0739] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.8 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0740] 5.9 Exemplary embodiments of the MAPC negotiation process;

[0741] To illustrate the MAPC negotiation process, this application provides the following five embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0742] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0743] 5.9.1 Co-TDMA is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0744] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3310 is used to send a first ICF, which is used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA; wherein, the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

[0745] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3320 is used to receive a first ICR frame, which is used to determine the AP participating in Co-TDMA.

[0746] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3310 is used to send a first MU-RTS frame to the target AP;

[0747] The target AP is the AP participating in Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame, and the first MU-RTS frame is used to indicate that the target AP transmits data during the TXS time period.

[0748] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0749] 5.9.2 Co-RTWT is performed when the primary channels of APs are inconsistent;

[0750] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3310 is used to send a TWT request frame, which is used to negotiate the OBSS RTWT time with the second wireless device. The OBSS RTWT time is used for the first wireless device to transmit data.

[0751] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3320 is used to receive a TWT response frame, which is used to respond to a TWT request frame.

[0752] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0753] 5.9.3 Co-BF is performed when the primary channels of APs are inconsistent;

[0754] In one possible design of this embodiment, the site participating in Co-BF associated with the first wireless device is the first site, and the transmitting module 3310 is used to send a handover indication frame to the first site. The handover indication frame is used to instruct the first site to switch to the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0755] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3310 is used to transmit a second MU-RTS frame to the first station and the second wireless device. The second MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the execution of Co-BF.

[0756] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0757] 5.9.4 Perform Co-SR when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0758] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3310 is used to transmit a second ICF to the second wireless device, the second ICF being used to announce the start of Co-SR transmission.

[0759] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3320 is used to receive the second ICR frame sent by the second wireless device.

[0760] In one possible design of this embodiment, the site participating in Co-SR associated with the first wireless device is the first site, and the transmitting module 3310 is used to transmit the third ICF to the first site.

[0761] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3310 is used to send a trigger frame to the second wireless device, and the trigger frame is used to synchronize the first wireless device and the second wireless device.

[0762] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0763] 5.9.5 The primary channels of the APs are inconsistent and not within each other's BSS operating bandwidth;

[0764] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0765] This embodiment uses one transmitting module 3310 and one receiving module 3320 as an example for illustration, and the number of transmitting modules 3310 and receiving modules 3320 is not limited.

[0766] For a description of the function of the sending module 3310, please refer to step 910 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9. For a description of the function of the receiving module 3320, please refer to step 910 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0767] Figure 34 shows a block diagram of a second wireless device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The device can be implemented as a second access point (AP) or as part of a second AP via software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device includes:

[0768] The receiving module 3410 is used to receive a first frame, which is used to indicate first MAPC information related to the first wireless device;

[0769] The first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device. The first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission.

[0770] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first frame is transmitted in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; or, the first frame is transmitted in a non-high throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; wherein, the at least two channels include the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0771] For specific implementation details, please refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0772] 6.1 First MAPC information;

[0773] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the first wireless device; the operating main channel of the first wireless device; the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the first wireless device; the MAPC transmission strategy supported by the first wireless device; and the disabled sub-channels of the first wireless device.

[0774] By way of example and not limitation, the MAPC transmission strategy includes at least one of the following: Co-TDMA; Co-RTWT; Co-BF; Co-SR; seamless roaming. In the embodiments of this application, the MAPC transmission strategy may also be referred to as MAPC transmission strategy, MAPC strategy, etc.

[0775] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first frame is also used to request the second wireless device to provide feedback on second MAPC information related to the second wireless device.

[0776] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0777] 6.2 Second MAPC Information;

[0778] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3420 is used to transmit a second frame, which is used to indicate second MAPC information related to the second wireless device;

[0779] The second frame is transmitted by the second wireless device when it has a different main channel or the same main channel as the first wireless device.

[0780] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the second wireless device; the operating main channel of the second wireless device; the operating bandwidth of the second wireless device; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the second wireless device; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second wireless device; the disabled sub-channels of the second wireless device; and whether the second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group.

[0781] In this context, a MAPC group is a set of Access Points (APs) used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes a first wireless device. If a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0782] Optionally, the second frame includes at least one of a MAPC discovery information frame and a MAPC discovery notification frame.

[0783] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3420 is configured to transmit the second frame on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device; or, switch to transmit the second frame on the main channel of the first wireless device; or, transmit the second frame on the same main channel.

[0784] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3420 is used to temporarily switch to the main channel of the first wireless device to transmit the second frame during the scheduled TXOP.

[0785] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0786] 6.3 Fields carried in the first or second frame;

[0787] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first frame or the second frame carries one or more of the following fields:

[0788] Aggregate control field; Common action field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; Channel information request field; Accept or reject field;

[0789] The aggregation control field indicates the functions supported by the sending AP; the common action field indicates the frame type; the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policy; the channel information request field indicates the channel information requester or responder; and the accept or reject field indicates whether to agree to join the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes a first wireless device; if a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0790] In one possible design of this embodiment, the aggregated control field includes a control ID field and a control information field;

[0791] The control ID field takes a first value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the MAPC group field, and the MAPC group field indicates whether MAPC is supported; the control ID field takes a second value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the silence indicator field, and the silence indicator field indicates whether silence operation is supported; the control ID field takes a third value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the handover indicator field, and the handover indicator field indicates whether temporary primary channel handover operation is supported.

[0792] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0793] 6.4 First reservation frame;

[0794] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3420 is used to send a first reservation frame, which is used to indicate the reservation of TXOP on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first wireless device and the master channel of the second wireless device, and a second frame is sent during TXOP.

[0795] By way of example and not limitation, the first reservation frame includes at least one of the following: RTS frame, MU-RTS frame, and CTS-to-Self frame.

[0796] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field for indicating the duration of silence, during which the station associated with the second wireless device remains silent.

[0797] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a first duration field. The first duration field is used to indicate at least one of the following: the transmission time of the clear transmission CTS frame sent by the first wireless device; the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second wireless device; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first wireless device; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0798] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a CTS-to-Self frame, which carries a second duration field. The second duration field includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second wireless device; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first wireless device; and the inter-frame interval.

[0799] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3420 is used to send the first reservation frame on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner.

[0800] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0801] 6.5 Third frame;

[0802] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a third frame, which is used to indicate MAPC group information related to the MAPC group.

[0803] In this context, a MAPC group is a set of Access Points (APs) used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes a first wireless device. If a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0804] In one possible design of this embodiment, the MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating main channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP included in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policy supported by each AP included in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP included in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP included in the MAPC group; and the MAPC EDCA parameters.

[0805] In one possible design of this embodiment, the third frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device, and the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device includes the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0806] In one possible design of this embodiment, the third frame carries one or more of the following fields: Common Action field; AP ID field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; MAPC EDCA field;

[0807] The common action field indicates the frame type; the AP ID field indicates the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policies.

[0808] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0809] 6.6 Fourth frame;

[0810] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a fourth frame, which is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

[0811] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame carries a MAPC group identifier field, which is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

[0812] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame includes at least one of an RTS frame and a MU-RTS frame.

[0813] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field for indicating the duration of silence, during which the station associated with the second wireless device remains silent.

[0814] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame carries a field for indicating the execution of a temporary master channel handover, such as a handover indication field.

[0815] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first wireless device is a TXOP holder, and the field for indicating the execution of a temporary primary channel handover includes a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second wireless device switches to the primary channel of the first wireless device.

[0816] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3420 is used to send a switched notification frame, which is used to indicate that the second wireless device has switched to the main channel of the first wireless device.

[0817] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3420 is used to send a fifth frame, which is used to respond to the fourth frame.

[0818] Optionally, the fourth frame carries a third duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the time when the second wireless device replies to the fifth frame; the primary channel switching delay of the first wireless device or the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time; wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame.

[0819] Optionally, the fifth frame carries a fourth duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the first wireless device or the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0820] In one possible design of this embodiment, subsequent frame switching includes parameter negotiation for MAPC communication and / or frame switching for MAPC transmission.

[0821] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.6 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0822] 6.7 MAPC parameter negotiation;

[0823] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a first request frame, which is used to negotiate the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission. The MAPC parameters are used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy.

[0824] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3420 is used to send a first response frame, which is used to respond to the first request frame.

[0825] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first request frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first wireless device.

[0826] Optionally, the first request frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; and / or, the first request frame is transmitted on the main channel of the first wireless device; and / or, the first request frame is transmitted on the main channel of the second wireless device; wherein the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device includes the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0827] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the second wireless device.

[0828] Optionally, the transmitting module 3420 is configured to transmit a first response frame on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device; and / or, transmit the first response frame on the main channel of the first wireless device; and / or, transmit the first response frame on the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0829] In one possible design of this embodiment, the MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of sub-channel candidates for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; MCS; NSS; configuration validity period; wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

[0830] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.7 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0831] 6.8 Handover Request and Handover Instruction Process;

[0832] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first wireless device is the initiating AP, and the second wireless device and the third AP are the responding APs. The main channel of the second wireless device is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the main channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second wireless device. The receiving module 3410 is used to receive the first handover indication frame sent by the first wireless device. The first handover indication frame is used to instruct the second wireless device to switch to the first capability channel. The first capability channel is a channel with communication capability between the second wireless device and the third AP.

[0833] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first handover indication frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second wireless device switches to the first capability channel.

[0834] In one possible design of this embodiment, the handover request frame carries a target AP identifier field for indicating information about the third AP (AP3).

[0835] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3420 is used to send a handover request frame to the first wireless device. The handover request frame is used to request the first wireless device to switch the second wireless device and the third AP to the first capability channel.

[0836] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3420 is configured to transmit a handover request frame on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device; or, switch to the main channel of the first wireless device to transmit the handover request frame; or, transmit the handover request frame on the same main channel.

[0837] In one possible design of this embodiment, the handover request frame carries at least one of the following fields: MAPC channel bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; wherein, the MAPC channel bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; and the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

[0838] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a switched notification frame sent by the third AP, the switched notification frame being used to indicate that the third AP has switched to the first capability channel.

[0839] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.8 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0840] 6.9 Exemplary embodiments of the MAPC negotiation process;

[0841] To illustrate the MAPC negotiation process, this application provides the following five embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0842] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0843] 6.9.1 Co-TDMA is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0844] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a first ICF, which is used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA; wherein, the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

[0845] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3420 is used to transmit a first ICR frame, which is used to determine the AP participating in Co-TDMA.

[0846] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second wireless device is a target AP, which is an AP participating in Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame. The receiving module 3410 is used to receive a first MU-RTS frame; wherein, the first MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the target AP to transmit data during the Transmission Opportunity Shared TXS time period.

[0847] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0848] 6.9.2 Co-RTWT is performed when the primary channels of APs are inconsistent;

[0849] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a TWT request frame, which is used to negotiate the OBSS RTWT time with the second wireless device. The OBSS RTWT time is used for the first wireless device to transmit data.

[0850] In one possible design of this embodiment, the sending module 3420 is used to send a TWT response frame, which is used to respond to a TWT request frame.

[0851] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0852] 6.9.3 Co-BF is performed when the primary channels of APs are inconsistent;

[0853] In one possible design of this embodiment, the station participating in Co-BF associated with the second wireless device is the second station, and the receiving module 3410 is used to send a handover indication frame to the second station. The handover indication frame is used to instruct the second station to switch to the main channel of the first wireless device.

[0854] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a second MU-RTS frame sent by the first wireless device, the second MU-RTS frame being used to indicate the execution of Co-BF.

[0855] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0856] 6.9.4 Perform Co-SR when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0857] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a second ICF sent by the first wireless device, the second ICF being used to announce the start of Co-SR transmission.

[0858] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transmitting module 3420 is used to transmit a second ICR frame to the first wireless device.

[0859] In one possible design of this embodiment, the site participating in Co-SR associated with the second wireless device is the second site, and the transmitting module 3420 is used to transmit the fourth ICF to the second site.

[0860] In one possible design of this embodiment, the receiving module 3410 is used to receive a trigger frame sent by the first wireless device, the trigger frame being used to synchronize the first wireless device and the second wireless device.

[0861] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0862] 6.9.5 The primary channels of the APs are inconsistent and not within each other's BSS operating bandwidth;

[0863] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0864] This embodiment uses one receiving module 3410 and one transmitting module 3420 as an example for illustration, and the number of receiving modules 3410 and transmitting modules 3420 is not limited.

[0865] For a description of the function of the receiving module 3410, please refer to step 3010 in the embodiment shown in Figure 30. For a description of the function of the sending module 3420, please refer to step 3010 in the embodiment shown in Figure 30.

[0866] Figure 35 shows a block diagram of a first wireless device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The device can be implemented as a first access point (AP) or as part of a first AP via software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device includes:

[0867] The transceiver module 3510 is used to receive and / or send at least one frame, which is related to the MAPC discovery process and the MAPC data transmission process.

[0868] In one possible design of this embodiment, at least one frame includes at least one of a first frame, a second frame, a first reservation frame, and a third frame;

[0869] The first frame indicates first MAPC information associated with the first wireless device, which indicates information required for MAPC data transmission; the second frame indicates second MAPC information associated with the second wireless device; the first reservation frame indicates reservation of TXOP on at least two channels, including the primary channel of the first wireless device and the primary channel of the second wireless device, and the second frame is sent during TXOP; the third frame indicates MAPC group information associated with a MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

[0870] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3510 is configured to transmit the first frame in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; or, transmit the first frame in a non-high throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device.

[0871] The operating bandwidth is used to indicate the frequency band width used by the first wireless device during communication, and the at least two channels include the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0872] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3510 is used to transmit the first frame on multiple channels when it is determined that there are second wireless devices with different main channels.

[0873] In one possible design of this embodiment, the existence of a second wireless device is determined based on neighbor information, which is sent by a third wireless device that has the same main channel as the first wireless device.

[0874] For specific implementation details, please refer to the embodiments in Figure 9 and Figure 31, which will not be repeated here.

[0875] 7.1 First MAPC information;

[0876] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the first wireless device; the operating main channel of the first wireless device; the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the first wireless device; the MAPC transmission strategy supported by the first wireless device; and the disabled sub-channels of the first wireless device.

[0877] By way of example and not limitation, the MAPC transmission strategy includes at least one of the following: Co-TDMA; Co-RTWT; Co-BF; Co-SR; seamless roaming. In the embodiments of this application, the MAPC transmission strategy may also be referred to as MAPC transmission strategy, MAPC strategy, etc.

[0878] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first frame is also used to request the second wireless device to provide feedback on second MAPC information related to the second wireless device.

[0879] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0880] 7.2 Second MAPC Information;

[0881] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second frame is transmitted by the second wireless device when it has a different main channel or the same main channel as the first wireless device.

[0882] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of the second wireless device; the operating main channel of the second wireless device; the operating bandwidth of the second wireless device; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of the second wireless device; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second wireless device; the disabled sub-channels of the second wireless device; and whether the second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group.

[0883] In this context, a MAPC group is a set of Access Points (APs) used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes a first wireless device. If a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0884] Optionally, the second frame includes at least one of a MAPC discovery information frame and a MAPC discovery notification frame.

[0885] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second frame is transmitted by the second wireless device in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first wireless device and the primary channel of the second wireless device; or, the second frame is transmitted by the second wireless device switching to the primary channel of the first wireless device; or, the second frame is transmitted by the second wireless device on the same primary channel.

[0886] In one possible design of this embodiment, the second frame is temporarily switched by the second wireless device to the main channel of the first wireless device during a scheduled TXOP.

[0887] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0888] 7.3 Fields carried in the first or second frame;

[0889] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first frame or the second frame carries one or more of the following fields: aggregation control field; common action field; MAPC transmission policy field; operating channel bandwidth field; main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; disabled subchannel bitmap field; channel information request field; accept or reject field;

[0890] The aggregation control field indicates the functions supported by the sending AP; the common action field indicates the frame type; the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policy; the channel information request field indicates the channel information requester or responder; and the accept or reject field indicates whether to agree to join the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission. The MAPC group includes a first wireless device; if a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0891] In one possible design of this embodiment, the aggregated control field includes a control ID field and a control information field;

[0892] The control ID field takes a first value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the MAPC group field, and the MAPC group field indicates whether MAPC is supported; the control ID field takes a second value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the silence indicator field, and the silence indicator field indicates whether silence operation is supported; the control ID field takes a third value, which indicates whether the control information field includes the handover indicator field, and the handover indicator field indicates whether temporary primary channel handover operation is supported.

[0893] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0894] 7.4 First reservation frame;

[0895] By way of example and not limitation, the first reservation frame includes at least one of the following: RTS frame, MU-RTS frame, and CTS-to-Self frame.

[0896] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field for indicating the duration of silence, during which the station associated with the second wireless device remains silent.

[0897] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a first duration field. The first duration field is used to indicate at least one of the following: the transmission time of the clear transmission CTS frame sent by the first wireless device; the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second wireless device; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first wireless device; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0898] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is a CTS-to-Self frame, which carries a second duration field. The second duration field includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second wireless device; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first wireless device; and the inter-frame interval.

[0899] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first reservation frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first wireless device and the master channel of the second wireless device.

[0900] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0901] 7.5 Third frame;

[0902] In one possible design of this embodiment, the MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: the main channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating main channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP included in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operating channel of each AP included in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policy supported by each AP included in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP included in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP included in the MAPC group; and the MAPC EDCA parameters.

[0903] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3510 is used to transmit the third frame in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device. The channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device includes the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0904] In one possible design of this embodiment, the third frame carries one or more of the following fields: Common Action field; AP ID field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled subchannel bitmap field; MAPC EDCA field;

[0905] The common action field indicates the frame type; the AP ID field indicates the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policies.

[0906] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0907] This embodiment uses one transceiver module 3510 as an example, and the number of transceiver modules 3510 is not limited.

[0908] For a description of the functions of the transceiver module 3510, please refer to step 3110 in the embodiment shown in Figure 31.

[0909] Figure 36 shows a block diagram of a first wireless device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The device can be implemented as a first access point (AP) or as part of a first AP via software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device includes:

[0910] The transceiver module 3610 is used to receive and / or transmit at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with the MAPC negotiation process, the MAPC including different main channels of MAPC.

[0911] In one possible design of this embodiment, at least one frame includes at least one of the following: a fourth frame, a handover notification frame, a fifth frame, a first request frame, a first response frame, a first ICF, a first ICR frame, a first MU-RTS frame, a TWT request frame, a TWT response frame, a handover indication frame, a second MU-RTS frame, a second ICF, a second ICR frame, a third ICF, a trigger frame, a handover request frame, a first handover indication frame, and a second handover indication frame;

[0912] The fourth frame is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation; the switched notification frame is used to indicate that the second radio device has switched to the primary channel of the first radio device; the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame; the first request frame is used to negotiate the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission, and the MAPC parameters are used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy; the first response frame is used to respond to the first request frame; the ICF is used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA, and the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission; the ICR frame is used to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA; the first MU-RTS frame is used to indicate that the target AP transmits data during the TXS time period, and the target AP is the AP participating in Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame; the TWT request frame is used to negotiate the OBSS RTWT time with the second radio device, and OBSS... The RTWT time is used for the first wireless device to transmit data; the TWT response frame is used to respond to the TWT request frame; the site participating in Co-BF associated with the first wireless device is the first site, and the handover indication frame is used to instruct the first site to switch to the primary channel of the second wireless device; the second MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the execution of Co-BF; the second ICF is used to announce the start of Co-SR transmission; the trigger frame is used to synchronize the first and second wireless devices; when the first wireless device is the initiating AP, and the second and third wireless devices are the responding AP, and the primary channel of the second wireless device is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third wireless device, and the primary channel of the third wireless device is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second wireless device, the first handover indication frame is used to instruct the second wireless device to switch to the first capability channel, which is a channel with communication capability between the second and third wireless devices; the handover request frame is used to request the first wireless device to switch the second and third wireless devices to the first capability channel; the second handover indication frame is used to instruct the third wireless device to switch to the first capability channel. For specific implementation details, refer to the embodiments in Figure 9 and Figure 32, which will not be repeated here.

[0913] 8.1 Fourth frame;

[0914] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame carries a MAPC group identifier field, which is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

[0915] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame includes at least one of an RTS frame and a MU-RTS frame. If the fourth frame carries a BSS notification field, then an MU-RTS frame is used; otherwise, an RTS frame is used.

[0916] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame is a MU-RTS frame, which carries a field for indicating the duration of silence, during which the station associated with the second wireless device remains silent.

[0917] In one possible design of this embodiment, the fourth frame carries a field for indicating the execution of a temporary master channel handover, such as a handover indication field.

[0918] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first wireless device is a TXOP holder, and the field for indicating the execution of a temporary primary channel handover includes a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second wireless device switches to the primary channel of the first wireless device.

[0919] Optionally, the fourth frame carries a third duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the time when the second wireless device replies to the fifth frame; the primary channel switching delay of the first wireless device or the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time; wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame.

[0920] Optionally, the fifth frame carries a fourth duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the first wireless device or the primary channel switching delay of the second wireless device; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time.

[0921] In one possible design of this embodiment, subsequent frame switching includes parameter negotiation for MAPC communication and / or frame switching for MAPC transmission.

[0922] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.6 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0923] 8.2 MAPC parameter negotiation;

[0924] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first request frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first wireless device.

[0925] Optionally, the transceiver module 3610 is configured to transmit the first request frame in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device; and / or, transmit the first request frame on the main channel of the first wireless device; and / or, transmit the first request frame on the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0926] The channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first wireless device includes the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0927] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the second wireless device.

[0928] Optionally, the first response frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the main channel of the first wireless device; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0929] In one possible design of this embodiment, the MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of sub-channel candidates for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; MCS; NSS; configuration validity period; wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

[0930] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.7 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0931] 8.3 Handover Request and Handover Instruction Process;

[0932] In one possible design of this embodiment, the first handover indication frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second wireless device switches to the first capability channel.

[0933] In one possible design of this embodiment, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second wireless device in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first wireless device and the primary channel of the second wireless device; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second wireless device when switching to the primary channel of the first wireless device; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second wireless device on the same primary channel.

[0934] In one possible design of this embodiment, the handover request frame carries a target AP identifier field for indicating information about a third wireless device.

[0935] In one possible design of this embodiment, the handover request frame carries at least one of the following fields: MAPC channel bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; wherein, the MAPC channel bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; and the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

[0936] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.8 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0937] 8.4 Exemplary embodiments of the MAPC negotiation process;

[0938] To illustrate the MAPC negotiation process, this application provides the following five embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0939] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0940] 8.4.1 Co-TDMA is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0941] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3610 is used to send a first ICF (Information Function Request), which is used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA; wherein, the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission, and the MAPC group includes a first wireless device. If a second wireless device agrees to join the MAPC group, the MAPC group includes both the first and second wireless devices.

[0942] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3610 is used to receive a first ICR frame, which is used to determine the AP participating in Co-TDMA.

[0943] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3610 is used to send a first MU-RTS frame to the target AP;

[0944] The target AP is the AP participating in Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame, and the first MU-RTS frame is used to indicate that the target AP transmits data during the TXS time period.

[0945] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0946] 8.4.2 Co-RTWT when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0947] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3610 is used to send a TWT request frame, which is used to negotiate the OBSS RTWT time with the second wireless device. The OBSS RTWT time is used for the first wireless device to transmit data.

[0948] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3610 is used to receive TWT response frames, which are used to respond to TWT request frames.

[0949] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0950] 8.4.3 Co-BF is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0951] In one possible design of this embodiment, the station participating in Co-BF associated with the first wireless device is the first station, and the transceiver module 3610 is used to send a handover indication frame to the first station. The handover indication frame is used to instruct the first station to switch to the main channel of the second wireless device.

[0952] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3610 is used to send a second MU-RTS frame to the first station and the second wireless device. The second MU-RTS frame is used to indicate the execution of Co-BF.

[0953] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0954] 8.4.4 Co-SR is performed when the primary channels between APs are inconsistent;

[0955] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3610 is used to send a second ICF to the second wireless device, the second ICF being used to announce the start of Co-SR transmission.

[0956] In one possible design of this embodiment, the site participating in Co-SR associated with the first wireless device is the first site, and the transceiver module 3610 is used to send a third ICF to the first site.

[0957] In one possible design of this embodiment, the transceiver module 3610 is used to send a trigger frame to the second wireless device, and the trigger frame is used to synchronize the first wireless device and the second wireless device.

[0958] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0959] 8.4.5 The main channels of the APs are inconsistent and not within each other's BSS operating bandwidth;

[0960] For specific implementation details, please refer to section 1.9.5 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0961] This embodiment uses one transceiver module 3610 as an example, and the number of transceiver modules 3610 is not limited.

[0962] For a description of the functions of the transceiver module 3610, please refer to step 3210 in the embodiment shown in Figure 32.

[0963] Figure 37 illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of a first AP or a second AP provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The first AP or second AP 3700 may include a processor 3701, a transceiver 3702, and a memory 3703. The processor 3701 can be used to control transmission and / or reception. The transceiver 3702 can be used to implement transmission and / or reception functions, such as implementing the functions of at least one of the aforementioned transmission module 3310, reception module 3320, reception module 3410, transmission module 3420, transceiver module 3510, and transceiver module 3610.

[0964] The processor 3701 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 3701 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0965] Transceiver 3702 may include a receiver and a transmitter. For example, transceiver 3702 may include a wired communication component, which may include a wired communication chip and a wired interface (such as a fiber optic interface). Optionally, transceiver 3702 may also include a wireless communication component, which may include a wireless communication chip and a radio frequency antenna.

[0966] Transceiver 3702 is used to transmit a first frame on one or more channels, the first frame being used to indicate first MAPC information associated with a first AP; wherein the multiple channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate information required for MAPC data transmission.

[0967] Alternatively, transceiver 3702 is used to receive a first frame, which is used to indicate first MAPC information associated with the first AP;

[0968] The first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP. The first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC to transmit data.

[0969] Alternatively, transceiver 3702 is used to receive and / or transmit at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with the MAPC discovery process, which is related to MAPC data transmission.

[0970] Alternatively, transceiver 3702 is used to receive and / or transmit at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with the MAPC discovery process, which is related to MAPC data transmission.

[0971] The memory 3703 can be connected to the processor 3701 and the transceiver 3702.

[0972] The memory 3703 can be used to store a computer program executed by the processor, and the processor 3701 is used to execute the computer program to implement the various steps in the above method embodiments.

[0973] Furthermore, the memory 3703 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, erasable programmable read-only memory, static on-demand memory, read-only memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory.

[0974] For details not described in this embodiment, please refer to the method-side embodiment above, which will not be repeated here.

[0975] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for execution by a processor to implement the aforementioned communication method between APs. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may include ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drives), or optical disc, etc. The random access memory may include ReRAM (Resistance Random Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0976] This application also provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions. When the chip is running on a first AP, it is used to implement the above-mentioned communication method between APs on the first AP side.

[0977] This application also provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions. When the chip is running on a second AP, it is used to implement the above-mentioned communication method between APs on the second AP side.

[0978] This application embodiment also provides a first chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions. When the first chip is running on a first AP, it is used to "transmit a first frame on one or more channels, the first frame being used to indicate first MAPC information associated with the first AP; wherein the multiple channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate information required for MAPC data transmission", and / or "receive and / or transmit at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with the MAPC discovery process, the MAPC discovery process being associated with MAPC data transmission", and / or "receive and / or transmit at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with the MAPC discovery process, the MAPC discovery process being associated with MAPC data transmission".

[0979] This application embodiment also provides a second chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions. When the second chip is running on the second AP, it is used to "receive a first frame, which is used to indicate first MAPC information related to the first AP; wherein the first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate information required for MAPC data transmission".

[0980] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The processor reads and executes the computer program from the computer-readable storage medium to implement the above-described communication method between APs.

[0981] It should be understood that the term "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of a relationship. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being able to obtain information through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, so B can obtain information through C; or it can mean that there is a relationship between A and B.

[0982] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "correspondence" may indicate that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or that there is an association between two things, or that there is a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0983] In some embodiments of this application, "predefined" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device, and this application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to what is defined in the protocol.

[0984] In some embodiments of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as LTE protocol, NR protocol and related protocols applied to future communication systems, and this application does not limit it.

[0985] In this article, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0986] In this article, "greater than or equal to" can mean greater than or equal to, and "less than or equal to" can mean less than or equal to.

[0987] Furthermore, the step numbers described herein are merely illustrative of one possible execution order between steps. In some other embodiments, the steps may not be executed in the order of their numbers, such as two steps with different numbers being executed simultaneously, or two steps with different numbers being executed in the reverse order of the illustration. This application does not limit this.

[0988] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions described in the embodiments of this application in one or more of the above examples can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0989] The above are merely exemplary 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 shall be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method between access points (APs), characterized in that, The method is performed by a first AP, and the method includes: A first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, the first frame being used to indicate first multi-access point cooperation (MAPC) information associated with the first AP; The plurality of channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC to transmit data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: The primary channel of the first AP; the operating primary channel of the first AP; the operating bandwidth of the first AP; the total bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) operation channel of the first AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the first AP; and the disabled sub-channels of the first AP.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first frame is also used to request the second AP to provide feedback on the second MAPC information related to the second AP.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second frame, which is used to indicate second MAPC information related to the second AP; The second frame is sent by the second AP when it has a different main channel or the same main channel as the first AP.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: The main channel of the second AP; the operating main channel of the second AP; the operating bandwidth of the second AP; the total bandwidth of the BSS operation channel of the second AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second AP; the disabled sub-channels of the second AP; Does the second AP agree to join the MAPC group? The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The second frame includes at least one of a MAPC discovery information frame and a MAPC discovery notification frame.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The first frame or the second frame carries one or more of the following fields: Aggregate control field; Common action field; MAPC transmission policy field; Operational channel bandwidth field; Main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; Segment 0 center frequency field; Segment 1 center frequency field; Disabled sub-channel bitmap field; Channel information request field; Accept or Reject field; The aggregation control field indicates the functions supported by the sending AP; the common action field indicates the frame type; the MAPC transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policy; the channel information request field indicates the channel information requester or responder; and the accept or reject field indicates whether to agree to join the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aggregated control field includes a control identifier ID field and a control information field; The control ID field takes the first value, which is used to indicate that the control information field includes the MAPC group field, and the MAPC group field is used to indicate whether MAPC is supported. The control ID field takes the value of a second value, which is used to indicate that the control information field includes a silent indication field, and the silent indication field is used to indicate whether silent operation is supported; The control ID field takes a third value, which is used to indicate that the control information field includes a switching indication field, and the switching indication field is used to indicate whether temporary main channel switching operation is supported.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, The second frame is transmitted by the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP; Alternatively, the second frame may be switched from the second AP to the main channel of the first AP for transmission; or the second frame may be transmitted by the second AP on the same main channel.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second frame is transmitted by the second AP temporarily switching to the main channel of the first AP during the scheduled transmission opportunity (TXOP).

11. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first reservation frame is received, which indicates that a TXOP is reserved on at least two channels, including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP, and the second frame is sent during the TXOP.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first reservation frame includes at least one of the following: request to send an RTS frame, multiple users request to send a MU-RTS frame, and self-clearing to send a CTS-to-Self frame.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first reservation frame is the MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first reservation frame is the MU-RTS frame, which carries a first duration field, the first duration field being used to indicate at least one of the following information: Transmission time of the clear transmission CTS frame sent by the first AP; primary channel switching delay of the second AP; transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; Inter-frame interval time.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first reservation frame is the CTS-to-Self frame, which carries a second duration field, the second duration field including at least one of the following: The primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; and the inter-frame interval.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, The first reservation frame is transmitted on the at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third frame, which is used to indicate MAPC group information related to the MAPC group; The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: The main channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the operating main channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operation channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policies supported by each AP in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC EDCA parameters for Multi-Access Point Collaboration Enhanced Distributed Coordinated Access.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The third frame carries one or more of the following fields: Common Action Field; AP ID Field; MAPC Transmission Policy Field; Operational Channel Bandwidth Field; Main Channel Center Frequency Field; BSS Operating Bandwidth Field; Segment 0 Center Frequency Field; Segment 1 Center Frequency Field; Disabled Sub-channel Bitmap Field; MAPC EDCA Field; The common action field is used to indicate the frame type; the AP ID field is used to indicate the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC transmission policy field is used to indicate the supported MAPC transmission policy.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The sending of the third frame includes: The third frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP, and the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first AP includes the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame on one or more channels includes: The first frame is transmitted in a non-high throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; or, the first frame is transmitted in the non-high throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels within the operating bandwidth of the first AP. The at least two channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth frame is sent, which is used to instruct the execution of MAPC negotiation.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The fourth frame includes at least one of an RTS frame and a MU-RTS frame.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The fourth frame carries a MAPC group identifier field, which is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

25. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The fourth frame is the MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that, The fourth frame carries a field for indicating the execution of a temporary primary channel switch.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first AP is a TXOP holder, and the field used to indicate the execution of a temporary primary channel handover includes a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP switches to the primary channel of the first AP.

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a switchover notification frame, which indicates that the second AP has switched to the main channel of the first AP.

29. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that, The fourth frame carries a third duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the time when the second AP replies to the fifth frame; the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time; wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame.

30. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fifth frame, which is used in response to the fourth frame.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The fifth frame carries a fourth duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time.

32. The method according to claim 29 or 31, characterized in that, The subsequent frame exchange includes parameter negotiation for MAPC communication and / or frame exchange for MAPC transmission.

33. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first request frame, which is used to negotiate the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission. The MAPC parameters are used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy.

34. The method according to claim 2, 5, 7, 18, 19, or 33, characterized in that, The MAPC transmission strategy includes at least one of the following: Cooperative Time Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA); Cooperative Limited Target Wake-up Time (Co-RTWT); Cooperative Beamforming (Co-BF); Cooperative Spatial Reuse (Co-SR); Seamless Roaming.

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, The first request frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first AP.

36. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that, Sending the first request frame includes at least one of the following: The first request frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; the first request frame is transmitted on the main channel of the first AP; the first request frame is transmitted on the main channel of the second AP; The channels corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first AP include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

37. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 36, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first response frame, which is used to respond to the first request frame.

38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that, The first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the second AP.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that, The first response frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the main channel of the first AP; or, the first response frame is transmitted on the main channel of the second AP.

40. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 39, characterized in that, The MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of sub-channel candidates for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; modulation and coding scheme (MCS); number of spatial streams (NSS); and configuration validity period; wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

41. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 40, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first initial control frame (ICF), which is used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA; The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first initial control response (ICR) frame, which is used to determine the AP participating in the Co-TDMA.

43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the first MU-RTS frame to the target AP; The target AP is an AP participating in the Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame, and the first MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the target AP to transmit data during the Transmission Opportunity Sharing (TXS) time period.

44. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 40, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a Target Wake-up Time (TWT) request frame, the TWT request frame being used to negotiate the Overlap Basic Service Set (OBSS) RTWT time with the second AP, the OBSS RTWT time being used for the first AP to transmit data.

45. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a TWT response frame, which is used to respond to the TWT request frame.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 22 to 40, characterized in that, The site participating in Co-BF associated with the first AP is the first site, and the method further includes: sending a handover indication frame to the first site, the handover indication frame being used to instruct the first site to switch to the main channel of the second AP.

47. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that, The method further includes sending a second MU-RTS frame to the first site and the second AP, the second MU-RTS frame being used to instruct the execution of the Co-BF.

48. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 40, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second ICF to the second AP, the second ICF being used to announce the start of Co-SR transmission.

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the second ICR frame sent by the second AP.

50. The method according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that, The site participating in Co-SR associated with the first AP is the first site, and the method further includes: sending a third ICF to the first site.

51. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 50, characterized in that, The method further includes: A trigger frame is sent to the second AP, the trigger frame being used to synchronize the first AP and the second AP.

52. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 51, characterized in that, The first AP is the initiating AP, and the second and third APs are the responding APs. The primary channel of the second AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the primary channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second AP. The method further includes: A first handover indication frame is sent to the second AP. The first handover indication frame is used to instruct the second AP to switch to a first capability channel, which is a channel with communication capability between the second AP and the third AP.

53. The method according to claim 52, characterized in that, The first handover indication frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP switches to the first capability channel.

54. The method according to claim 52 or 53, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first AP receives a handover request frame sent by the second AP, the handover request frame being used to request the first AP to switch the second AP and the third AP to the first capability channel.

55. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that, The handover request frame is transmitted by the second AP in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second AP when switching to the primary channel of the first AP; or, the handover request frame is transmitted by the second AP on the same primary channel.

56. The method according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that, The switching request frame carries a target AP identifier field that indicates the information of the third AP.

57. The method according to claim 56, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the target AP identifier field, a second handover indication frame is sent to the third AP, the second handover indication frame being used to instruct the third AP to switch to the first capability channel.

58. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 57, characterized in that, The handover request frame carries at least one of the following fields: MAPC channel bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; The MAPC channel bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; and the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

59. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 58, characterized in that, The transmission of the first frame on one or more channels includes: If it is determined that there are second APs with different main channels, the first frame is transmitted on said multiple channels.

60. The method according to claim 59, characterized in that, The existence of the second AP is determined based on neighbor information, which is sent by a third AP that has the same main channel as the first AP.

61. A communication method between access points (APs), characterized in that, The method is performed by the second AP, and the method includes: Receive a first frame, which is used to indicate first multi-access point cooperation (MAPC) information associated with the first AP; The first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission.

62. The method according to claim 61, characterized in that, The first MAPC information includes one or more of the following: The primary channel of the first AP; the operating primary channel of the first AP; the operating bandwidth of the first AP; the total bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) operation channel of the first AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the first AP; and the disabled sub-channels of the first AP.

63. The method according to claim 61 or 62, characterized in that, The first frame is also used to request the second AP to provide feedback on the second MAPC information related to the second AP.

64. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 63, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second frame, which is used to indicate second MAPC information related to the second AP; The second frame is sent by the second AP when it has a different main channel or the same main channel as the first AP.

65. The method according to claim 64, characterized in that, The second MAPC information includes one or more of the following: The main channel of the second AP; the operating main channel of the second AP; the operating bandwidth of the second AP; the total bandwidth of the BSS operation channel of the second AP; the MAPC transmission policy supported by the second AP; the disabled sub-channels of the second AP; Whether the second AP agrees to join the MAPC group; wherein, the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

66. The method according to claim 64 or 65, characterized in that, The second frame includes at least one of a MAPC discovery information frame and a MAPC discovery notification frame.

67. The method according to any one of claims 64 to 66, characterized in that, The first frame or the second frame carries one or more of the following fields: aggregation control field; common action field; MAPC transmission policy field; operating channel bandwidth field; main channel center frequency field; BSS operating bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; disabled subchannel bitmap field; Channel information request field; Accept or Reject field; The aggregation control field indicates the functions supported by the sending AP; the common action field indicates the frame type; the MAP transmission policy field indicates the supported MAPC transmission policy; the channel information request field indicates the channel information requester or responder; and the accept or reject field indicates whether to agree to join the MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

68. The method according to claim 67, characterized in that, The aggregated control field includes a control identifier (ID) field and a control information field. The control ID field takes a first value to indicate that the control information field includes a MAPC group field, which indicates whether MAPC is supported. The control ID field takes a second value to indicate that the control information field includes a silence indicator field, which indicates whether silence operation is supported. The control ID field takes a third value to indicate that the control information field includes a handover indicator field, which indicates whether temporary primary channel handover operation is supported.

69. The method according to any one of claims 64 to 68, characterized in that, Sending the second frame includes: The second frame is transmitted on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP; or, the second frame is transmitted on the main channel of the first AP; or, the second frame is transmitted on the same main channel.

70. The method according to claim 69, characterized in that, The step of switching to the main channel of the first AP to send the second frame includes: temporarily switching to the main channel of the first AP during a scheduled transmission opportunity (TXOP) to send the second frame.

71. The method according to any one of claims 64 to 70, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first reservation frame is sent to indicate the reservation of a transmission opportunity (TXOP) on at least two channels, including the primary channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP. The second frame is sent during the TXOP.

72. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that, The first reservation frame includes at least one of the following: request to send an RTS frame, multiple users request to send a MU-RTS frame, and self-clearing to send a CTS-to-Self frame.

73. The method according to claim 72, characterized in that, The first reservation frame is the MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

74. The method according to claim 72, characterized in that, The first reservation frame is the MU-RTS frame, which carries a first duration field, the first duration field being used to indicate at least one of the following information: Transmission time of the clear transmission CTS frame sent by the first AP; primary channel switching delay of the second AP; transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; Inter-frame interval time.

75. The method according to claim 72, characterized in that, The first reservation frame is the CTS-to-Self frame, which carries a second duration field, the second duration field including at least one of the following: The primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the transmission time of the MAPC discovery information frame sent by the second AP; the transmission time of the acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP; and the inter-frame interval.

76. The method according to any one of claims 71 to 75, characterized in that, Sending the first reservation frame includes: The first reservation frame is transmitted on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner.

77. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 76, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third frame, the third frame being used to indicate MAPC group information related to the MAPC group; The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

78. The method according to claim 77, characterized in that, The MAPC group information includes one or more of the following: The main channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the operating main channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the operating bandwidth of each AP in the MAPC group; the total bandwidth of the BSS operation channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the MAPC transmission policies supported by each AP in the MAPC group; the disabled sub-channels of each AP in the MAPC group; the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC EDCA parameters for Multi-Access Point Collaboration Enhanced Distributed Coordinated Access.

79. The method according to claim 77 or 78, characterized in that, The third frame carries one or more of the following fields: Common Action Field; AP ID Field; MAPC Transmission Policy Field; Operational Channel Bandwidth Field; Main Channel Center Frequency Field; BSS Operating Bandwidth Field; Segment 0 Center Frequency Field; Segment 1 Center Frequency Field; Disabled Sub-channel Bitmap Field; MAPC EDCA Field; The common action field is used to indicate the frame type; the AP ID field is used to indicate the AP ID of each AP in the MAPC group; and the MAPC transmission policy field is used to indicate the supported MAPC transmission policy.

80. The method according to any one of claims 77 to 79, characterized in that, The third frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP, and the channel corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first AP includes the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

81. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 80, characterized in that, The first frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; or, the first frame is transmitted in the non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; wherein, the at least two channels include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

82. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 81, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fourth frame, which is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

83. The method according to claim 82, characterized in that, The fourth frame includes at least one of an RTS frame and a MU-RTS frame.

84. The method according to claim 82 or 83, characterized in that, The fourth frame carries a MAPC group identifier field, which is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation.

85. The method according to claim 83, characterized in that, The fourth frame is the MU-RTS frame, which carries a field indicating the duration of silence, during which the site associated with the second AP remains silent.

86. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 85, characterized in that, The fourth frame carries a field for indicating the execution of a temporary primary channel switch.

87. The method according to claim 86, characterized in that, The first AP is a TXOP holder, and the field used to indicate the execution of a temporary primary channel handover includes a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP switches to the primary channel of the first AP.

88. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 87, characterized in that, The method further includes: A switchover notification frame is sent, which indicates that the second AP has switched to the primary channel of the first AP.

89. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 88, characterized in that, The fourth frame carries a third duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the time when the second AP replies to the fifth frame; the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; the subsequent frame exchange time; and the inter-frame interval time; wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame.

90. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 89, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fifth frame is sent, which is used in response to the fourth frame.

91. The method according to claim 90, characterized in that, The fifth frame carries a fourth duration field, which includes at least one of the following: the primary channel switching delay of the first AP or the primary channel switching delay of the second AP; subsequent frame exchange time; and inter-frame interval time.

92. The method according to claim 89 or 91, characterized in that, The subsequent frame exchange includes parameter negotiation for MAPC communication and / or frame exchange for MAPC transmission.

93. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 92, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first request frame is received. The first request frame is used to negotiate the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission. The MAPC parameters are used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy.

94. The method according to claim 62, 65, 67, 78, 79, or 93, characterized in that, The MAPC transmission strategy includes at least one of the following: Cooperative Time Division Multiple Access (Co-TDMA); Cooperative Limited Target Wake-up Time (Co-RTWT); Cooperative Beamforming (Co-BF); Cooperative Spatial Reuse (Co-SR); Seamless Roaming.

95. The method according to claim 93 or 94, characterized in that, The first request frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the first AP.

96. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 95, characterized in that, The first request frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner within the operating bandwidth of the first AP; and / or, the first request frame is transmitted on the main channel of the first AP; and / or, the first request frame is transmitted on the main channel of the second AP; The channels corresponding to the operating bandwidth of the first AP include the main channel of the first AP and the main channel of the second AP.

97. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 96, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first response frame, which is used to respond to the first request frame.

98. The method according to claim 97, characterized in that, The first response frame is used to indicate the MAPC parameters suggested by the second AP.

99. The method according to claim 97 or 98, characterized in that, The sending of the first response frame includes at least one of the following: The first response frame is transmitted in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner on at least two channels, the at least two channels including the master channel of the first AP and the master channel of the second AP; the first response frame is transmitted on the master channel of the first AP; The first response frame is sent on the main channel of the second AP.

100. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 99, characterized in that, The MAPC parameters include one or more of the following parameters: the proposed set of sub-channel candidates for binding; channel bandwidth; buffer queue; minimum transmit power; maximum transmit power; modulation and coding scheme (MCS); number of spatial streams (NSS); and configuration validity period; wherein the configuration validity period is used to indicate the validity period of the MAPC parameters.

101. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 100, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first initial control frame (ICF), which is used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA; The MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

102. The method according to claim 101, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first initial control response (ICR) frame, which is used to determine the APs participating in the Co-TDMA.

103. The method according to claim 102, characterized in that, The second AP is the target AP, which is an AP participating in the Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame. The method further includes: Receive a first MU-RTS frame; wherein the first MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the target AP to transmit data during the Transmission Opportunity Shared (TXS) time period.

104. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 100, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a Target Wake-up Time (TWT) request frame, the TWT request frame being used to negotiate the Overlap Basic Service Set (OBSS) RTWT time with the second AP, the OBSS RTWT time being used for the first AP to transmit data.

105. The method according to claim 104, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a TWT response frame, which is used to respond to the TWT request frame.

106. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 100, characterized in that, The site participating in Co-BF associated with the second AP is the second site, and the method further includes: A handover instruction frame is sent to the second station, which is used to instruct the second station to switch to the main channel of the first AP.

107. The method according to claim 106, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second MU-RTS frame sent by the first AP, the second MU-RTS frame being used to instruct the execution of Co-BF.

108. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 100, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the second ICF sent by the first AP, the second ICF being used to announce the start of Co-SR transmission.

109. The method according to claim 108, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second ICR frame to the first AP.

110. The method according to claim 108 or 109, characterized in that, The site participating in Co-SR associated with the second AP is the second site, and the method further includes sending a fourth ICF to the second site.

111. The method according to any one of claims 108 to 110, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a trigger frame sent by the first AP, which is used to synchronize the first AP and the second AP.

112. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 111, characterized in that, The first AP is the initiating AP, and the second and third APs are the responding APs. The primary channel of the second AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the primary channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second AP. The method further includes: The first AP receives a first handover indication frame sent by the first AP. The first handover indication frame is used to instruct the second AP to switch to a first capability channel. The first capability channel is a channel with communication capability between the second AP and the third AP.

113. The method according to claim 112, characterized in that, The first handover indication frame carries a handover indication field, which is used to indicate that the second AP switches to the first capability channel.

114. The method according to claim 112 or 113, characterized in that, The method further includes: A handover request frame is sent to the first AP, the handover request frame being used to request the first AP to switch the second AP and the third AP to the first capability channel.

115. The method according to claim 114, characterized in that, The method further includes: The handover request frame is transmitted on at least two channels in a non-high-throughput repetitive manner, the at least two channels including the primary channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP; or, the handover request frame is transmitted on the primary channel of the first AP; or, the handover request frame is transmitted on the same primary channel.

116. The method according to claim 114 or 115, characterized in that, The switching request frame carries a target AP identifier field that indicates the information of the third AP.

117. The method according to any one of claims 114 to 116, characterized in that, The handover request frame carries at least one of the following fields: MAPC channel bandwidth field; segment 0 center frequency field; segment 1 center frequency field; The MAPC channel bandwidth field is used to indicate the operating bandwidth of MAPC; the segment 0 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 0; and the segment 1 center frequency field is used to indicate the center frequency information of segment 1.

118. The method according to any one of claims 112 to 117, characterized in that, The method further includes: The third AP receives a handover notification frame, which indicates that the third AP has switched to the first capability channel.

119. A communication method between access points (APs), characterized in that, The method is performed by a first AP, and the method includes: Receive and / or transmit at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with the Multi-Access Point Cooperative (MAPC) discovery process, the MAPC discovery process being associated with MAPC transmission data.

120. The method according to claim 119, characterized in that, The at least one frame includes at least one of a first frame, a second frame, a first reserved frame, and a third frame; The first frame indicates first MAPC information associated with the first AP, which indicates information required for MAPC data transmission; the second frame indicates second MAPC information associated with the second AP; the first reservation frame indicates reserving a transmission opportunity (TXOP) on at least two channels, including the primary channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP, and the second frame is sent during the TXOP; the third frame indicates MAPC group information associated with a MAPC group, which is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission.

121. A communication method between access points (APs), characterized in that, The method is performed by a first AP, and the method includes: Receive and / or transmit at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with a Multi-Access Point Cooperative (MAPC) negotiation process, the MAPC negotiation process being associated with MAPC data transmission.

122. The method according to claim 121, characterized in that, The at least one frame includes at least one of the following: a fourth frame, a handover notification frame, a fifth frame, a first request frame, a first response frame, a first initial control frame (ICF), a first initial control response (ICR) frame, a first multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) frame, a target wake-up time (TWT) request frame, a TWT response frame, a handover indication frame, a second MU-RTS frame, a second ICF, a second ICR frame, a third ICF, a trigger frame, a handover request frame, a first handover indication frame, and a second handover indication frame; The fourth frame is used to indicate the execution of MAPC negotiation; the switched notification frame is used to indicate that the second AP has switched to the primary channel of the first AP; the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame; the first request frame is used to negotiate the MAPC parameters required for MAPC data transmission, and the MAPC parameters are used to help execute the MAPC transmission strategy; the first response frame is used to respond to the first request frame; the first ICF is used to poll the APs in the MAPC group to determine the APs participating in Co-TDMA, and the MAPC group is a set of APs used for cooperative data transmission; the first ICR frame is used to determine the APs participating in the Co-TDMA; the first MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the target AP to transmit data during the Transmission Opportunity Sharing (TXS) time period, and the target AP is the AP participating in the Co-TDMA determined based on the ICR frame; the TWT request frame is used to negotiate the Overlap Basic Service Set (OBSS) RTWT time with the second AP, and the OBSS... The RTWT time is used for the first AP to transmit data; the TWT response frame is used to respond to the TWT request frame; the site participating in Co-BF associated with the first AP is the first site, and the handover indication frame is used to instruct the first site to switch to the primary channel of the second AP; the second MU-RTS frame is used to instruct the execution of Co-BF; the second ICF is used to announce the start of Co-SR transmission; the trigger frame is used to synchronize the first AP and the second AP; when the first AP is the initiating AP, the second AP and the third AP are the responding APs, and the primary channel of the second AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the third AP, and the primary channel of the third AP is not within the BSS operating bandwidth of the second AP, the first handover indication frame is used to instruct the second AP to switch to the first capability channel, the first capability channel being a channel with communication capability between the second AP and the third AP; the handover request frame is used to request the first AP to switch the second AP and the third AP to the first capability channel; the second handover indication frame is used to instruct the third AP to switch to the first capability channel.

123. A first wireless device, characterized in that, The first wireless device includes: A transmitting module is configured to transmit a first frame on one or more channels, the first frame being configured to indicate first multiple access point cooperation (MAPC) information associated with the first wireless device; The plurality of channels include the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission.

124. A second wireless device, characterized in that, The second wireless device includes: A receiving module is configured to receive a first frame, wherein the first frame is used to indicate first multiple access point cooperation (MAPC) information associated with the first wireless device. The first frame is transmitted on one or more channels, including the main channel of the first wireless device and the main channel of the second wireless device, and the first MAPC information is used to indicate the information required for MAPC data transmission.

125. A first wireless device, characterized in that, The first wireless device includes: A transceiver module is used to receive and / or send at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with the Multi-Access Point Cooperative (MAPC) discovery process, which is associated with MAPC data transmission.

126. A first wireless device, characterized in that, The first wireless device includes: A transceiver module is used to receive and / or send at least one frame, the at least one frame being associated with a Multi-Access Point Cooperative (MAPC) negotiation process, the MAPC negotiation process being associated with MAPC data transmission.

127. A first AP, characterized in that, The first AP includes: A processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the communication method between access points (APs) as described in any one of claims 1 to 60; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in claim 119 or 120; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in claim 121 or 122.

128. A second AP, characterized in that, The second AP includes: A processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the communication method between access points (APs) as described in any one of claims 61 to 118.

129. 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 the communication method between access points (APs) as described in any one of claims 1 to 60; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in any one of claims 61 to 118; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in claims 119 or 120; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in claims 121 or 122.

130. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions. When the chip is running on the first AP, it is used to implement the communication method between access points (APs) as described in any one of claims 1 to 60; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in claim 119 or 120; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in claim 121 or 122. When the chip is running on the second AP, it is used to implement the communication method between APs as described in any one of claims 61 to 118.

131. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, wherein a processor retrieves the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions to implement the communication method between access points (APs) as described in any one of claims 1 to 60; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in any one of claims 61 to 118; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in claims 119 or 120; and / or, the communication method between APs as described in claims 121 or 122.

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