Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. The communication method comprises: a first access point device (AP) sends a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifies that the first AP enters or exits a first capability communication mode, and the first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter. By means of the method, device power consumption can be further reduced.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Research on Wi-Fi technology includes topics such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), with the vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connections, reducing latency, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing device-level power consumption.

[0003] In UHR, the power-saving mechanism will be further enhanced to ensure the latency requirements of low-latency services. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system to further reduce device power consumption.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first access point device (AP), the method comprising:

[0006] Send a first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that: the first AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0007] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0008] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a communication method, executed by a first station device (STA), the method comprising:

[0009] Receive a first wireless frame sent by a first AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that the first AP has activated or deactivated a first capability communication mode;

[0010] The first STA is associated with the first AP; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0011] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device for performing the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0012] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0013] One or more processors;

[0014] The communication device is used to execute the communication method described in the first or second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first AP and a first STA;

[0016] Wherein, the first AP is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the first STA is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0017] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, or to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method described in the first aspect or the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0019] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a first wireless frame is sent through the first AP, and the first identification information in the first wireless frame indicates whether the first AP is activating or deactivating a first capability communication mode, and the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter; in this way, a signaling for the first AP to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode is defined, which reduces the device power consumption of the first AP and improves the communication efficiency.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the first access point device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first site device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This disclosure presents a communication method, communication device, and communication system.

[0032] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first access point device (AP), the method comprising:

[0033] Send a first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that: the first AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0034] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0035] In the above embodiments, a signaling method is defined for the first AP to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode, which reduces the device power consumption of the first AP and improves communication efficiency.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first AP is attached to the AP MLD, and the first identification information further identifies that each AP attached to the AP MLD is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0037] The transmission of the first wireless frame includes:

[0038] The first wireless frame is transmitted under the working link of the first AP.

[0039] In the above embodiments, when the first AP is attached to the AP MLD, by sending a first radio frame under the working link of the first AP, and carrying the activation or deactivation of the first capability communication mode of each AP attached to the AP MLD through the first radio frame, it is realized that the activation or deactivation of the first capability communication mode of APs under multiple links can be indicated under one link.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information, the second identification information identifying: time information of the first AP activating or exiting the first capability communication mode; the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0041] The first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode after receiving the first time information.

[0042] The start time when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the first wireless frame can also identify the time information of the first AP activating or exiting the first capability communication mode, so that the first AP can activate or exit the first capability communication mode according to the time information.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first AP is in the first capability communication mode before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives; the method further includes:

[0045] Receive a second wireless frame sent by the first STA; wherein the second wireless frame is used to trigger the first AP to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0046] Switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0047] In the above embodiments, before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives, that is, while the first AP is still in the first capability communication mode, it can still perform the corresponding communication process according to the communication needs of the first AP in the first capability communication mode. For example, the first AP switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode based on the second wireless frame sent by the first STA.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0049] Receive the uplink radio frame sent by the first STA.

[0050] In the above embodiment, before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives, that is, before the first AP is still in the first capability communication mode, the first AP can continue to receive the uplink wireless frames sent by the first STA and communicate normally with the first STA after switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode according to the second wireless frame sent by the first STA.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes third identification information, the third identification information identifying whether the first AP supports a first capability, and / or whether the first AP accepts support for the first capability from a first STA associated with the first AP, the first capability including activating or deactivating a first capability communication mode.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the first AP may also use third identification information to indicate its capability information for activating or exiting the first capability communication mode, that is, whether the first AP supports the first capability, and / or whether the first AP accepts the first STA associated with the first AP to support the first capability.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the third identification information is set to the first parameter value.

[0054] The third identification information indicates that: the first AP does not support the first capability; or...

[0055] The third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0056] In the above embodiments, if the first AP exits the first capability communication mode, it can be identified that the first AP does not support the first capability. However, in this case, the first AP can still accept that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0057] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first station device (STA), the method comprising:

[0058] Receive a first wireless frame sent by a first AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that the first AP has activated or deactivated a first capability communication mode;

[0059] The first STA is associated with the first AP; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first AP is attached to the AP MLD, and the first identification information further identifies that each AP attached to the AP MLD is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0061] Sending the first wireless frame includes:

[0062] The first wireless frame is transmitted under the working link of the first AP.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information, the second identification information identifying: time information of the first AP activating or exiting the first capability communication mode; the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0064] The first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode after receiving the first time information.

[0065] The start time when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first AP is in the first capability communication mode before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives; the method further includes:

[0067] Send a second wireless frame to the first AP; wherein the second wireless frame is used to trigger the first AP to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0069] Send an uplink radio frame to the first AP; wherein the first AP has switched from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes third identification information, the third identification information identifying whether the first AP supports a first capability, and / or whether the first AP accepts support for the first capability from a first STA associated with the first AP, the first capability including activating or deactivating a first capability communication mode.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the third identification information is set to the first parameter value.

[0072] The third identification information indicates that: the first AP does not support the first capability; or...

[0073] The third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0074] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, which is used to perform optional implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0075] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication device, including:

[0076] One or more processors;

[0077] The communication device is used to execute either the optional implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0078] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, including a first AP and a second AP; wherein the first AP is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the first aspect, and the second AP is configured to perform the optional implementation as described in the second aspect.

[0079] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the optional implementation described in the first or second aspect.

[0080] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0081] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0082] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0083] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, and communication systems. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "signal transmission method," "wireless frame transmission method," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0085] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0086] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0087] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0088] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0089] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0090] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0092] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0093] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0094] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0095] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0096] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0097] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0098] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0099] In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, uplink channel and downlink channel can be replaced with side channel, and uplink link and downlink link can be replaced with side link.

[0100] In some embodiments, "link" can mean "connection" or "link"; in various embodiments, "connection" and "link" can be used interchangeably.

[0101] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0102] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0103] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0104] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first access point device (AP) 101 and a first station device (STA) 102.

[0106] Optionally, the first access point device may include, but is not limited to, a regular AP or a mobile AP.

[0107] Optionally, the first access point device may be associated with the first site device.

[0108] In some embodiments, the access point device can be an access point for mobile terminals to access a wired network. 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. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the AP can support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0109] In some embodiments, the site equipment includes, for example, a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports Wi-Fi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an IoT device that supports Wi-Fi communication, a car with Wi-Fi communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0110] Specifically, the site equipment can be a terminal device or network device with a Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, the site equipment can support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn, as well as the next-generation 802.11 protocol, but is not limited to these.

[0111] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, AP and STA can be devices that support multiple links. For example, they can be represented as Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD) and Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD), respectively. AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multiple link communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a site that supports multiple link communication functions.

[0112] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0113] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0114] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as LANs using the 802.11 series of protocols. In a WLAN, a Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental component. An BSS network consists of site devices with some association within a specific coverage area. One type of association is where sites communicate directly with each other in a self-organizing network; this is called an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). Another more common scenario is that in a BSS network, there is only one central site dedicated to managing the BSS, called an Access Point (AP) device, while other sites in the BSS network that are not APs are called terminals, also known as non-AP STAs. APs and non-AP STAs are collectively referred to as STAs. When describing STAs, it is not necessary to distinguish between APs and non-AP STAs. Within the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs that are far away; they are each other's hidden nodes.

[0115] In some embodiments, the device may support a first capability communication mode and a second capability communication mode, wherein the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0116] Optionally, the first capability communication mode may also be referred to as low-energy communication mode, low-capability communication mode, low-power communication mode, eavesdropping mode, or low-power communication phase, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name. The second capability communication mode may also be referred to as high-energy capability communication mode, high-capability communication mode, high-power communication mode, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the name.

[0117] In some embodiments, the communication parameters mentioned above may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: modulation and coding scheme (MCS), number of spatial streams (SS), or channel bandwidth (BW), and the channel bandwidth may also be understood as the working bandwidth.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter, which may include: under at least one identical communication parameter, the parameter value in the first capability communication mode is lower than the parameter value in the second capability communication mode.

[0119] Optionally, the above communication parameters can be understood as specific values ​​under the corresponding parameters. For at least one of the parameters, the communication parameter value of the device in the first capability communication mode is less than the communication parameter value of the device in the second capability communication mode. In this way, compared with the second capability communication mode, the device can further save power consumption and save power when the device is in the first capability communication mode.

[0120] As an example, suppose the device supports a working bandwidth of 20MHz and the number of SSs in the first capability communication mode, and the MCS mode is from MCS0 to MCS6. Then, in the second capability communication mode, the device can support a working bandwidth greater than 20MHz, such as any one or more of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz, and the number of SSs is greater than or equal to 2, and the MCS mode is from MCS6 to MCS14, etc.

[0121] In some embodiments, power-saving mechanisms can be classified into periodic power-saving mechanisms and non-periodic power-saving mechanisms based on whether the duration of the device in power-saving mode is periodic. For example, if the device enters power-saving mode after a fixed interval, this power-saving mechanism can be called a periodic power-saving mechanism.

[0122] In some embodiments, the device can periodically enter a doze state and a dynamic power-saving mechanism in the periodic power-saving mechanism. For example, the device may be in a low-capacity communication mode for a certain period of time and then enter a high-capacity mode after receiving a trigger frame.

[0123] In some embodiments, when the device supports switching between a low-capacity communication mode and a high-capacity communication mode, it may be referred to as the device supporting a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode.

[0124] In some embodiments, when the AP supports dynamic unavailability operation or dynamic power save, when a STA needs to activate (also known as "enter") or exit low-capability communication mode, it needs to send a unicast request frame to the AP associated with the STA, carrying information about whether the STA has enabled or disabled DPS mode in the unicast request frame. However, currently there is no mechanism for how an AP activates or exits low-capability communication mode. Furthermore, if the AP sends unicast request frames to its associated STAs in the same way as STAs activate or exit low-capability communication mode, it may cause a large amount of signaling overhead due to the large number of STAs associated with the AP, making it difficult to meet the UHR protocol's requirement for reducing device power consumption. Therefore, a mechanism for how an AP activates or exits low-capability communication mode is needed.

[0125] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0126] S201, the first AP sends a first wireless frame; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that the first AP has activated or deactivated a first capability communication mode;

[0127] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0128] Optionally, the first AP may include, but is not limited to, Regular AP, Mobile AP, etc.

[0129] Optionally, the communication parameters may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: MCS, SS quantity, or BW, and the channel bandwidth may also be understood as the operating bandwidth.

[0130] Optionally, the above communication parameters can be understood as specific values ​​under the corresponding parameters. When the first AP is in the first capability communication mode, there is at least one communication parameter value that is less than the communication parameter value when the first AP is in the second capability communication mode.

[0131] Optionally, the first radio frame may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, and a notification frame. The notification frame may be a negotiated notification frame or a newly defined notification frame.

[0132] Optionally, the first AP activates the first capability communication mode, which can also be referred to as the first AP starting the first capability communication mode. The first AP exits the first capability communication mode, which can also be referred to as the first AP closing the first capability communication mode.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first AP activating the first capability communication mode also means that the first AP can switch between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, which can also be referred to as the first AP activating dynamic power saving (DPS) mode. Conversely, the first AP exiting the first capability communication mode also means that the first AP cannot switch between the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode, which can also be referred to as the first AP exiting dynamic power saving mode.

[0134] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a first identifier bit, and the first identifier information may be carried in the first identifier bit.

[0135] Optionally, the first identifier bit may occupy at least one bit in the first radio frame. The parameter value of the first identifier bit can be used to indicate whether the first AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode.

[0136] Optionally, taking the first identifier bit occupying one bit in the first radio frame as an example, when the bit is set to "1", it indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode; when the bit is set to "0", it indicates that the first AP has activated the first capability communication mode.

[0137] Optionally, the first AP sending the first radio frame may include: the first AP sending the first radio frame to its associated first STA in a unicast or broadcast manner.

[0138] Optionally, when the number of first STAs is small, the first AP can send the first radio frame to the first STAs in a unicast or broadcast manner; when the number of first STAs is small, the first AP can send the first radio frame to the first STAs in a broadcast manner; in this way, compared with sending the first radio frame to each first STA separately, the signaling overhead can be minimized while sending the message of the first AP activating or deactivating the first capability communication mode to the first STA.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first AP is attached to an AP MLD, and the first identification information further identifies that each AP attached to the AP MLD is either active or deactivated in a first capability communication mode;

[0140] The transmission of the first wireless frame includes:

[0141] The first wireless frame is transmitted under the working link of the first AP.

[0142] Optionally, if the first AP is attached to the AP MLD, the first identification information may include a link bitmap field, and the bits in the link bitmap field correspond one-to-one with the AP attached to the AP MLD and the working links of each AP.

[0143] Optionally, for each bit in the link bitmap field, the bit corresponds to a working link of an AP attached to the AP MLD (where each link can be identified by the Link ID of the link), and the parameter value of the bit indicates whether the AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode.

[0144] Optionally, for each bit of the link bitmap field, if the bit is set to "1", it indicates that the AP operating under the corresponding link has exited the first capability communication mode; if the bit is set to "0", it indicates that the AP operating under the corresponding link has activated the first capability communication mode.

[0145] As an example, if the link bitmap field includes 8 bits, corresponding to link1 to link8 respectively, then when the link bitmap field is set to "0110 1101", it indicates that: APs operating under link2, link3, link5, link6, and link8 respectively exit the first capability communication mode, and APs operating under link1, link4, and link7 respectively activate the first capability communication mode.

[0146] Optionally, the first identification information further identifies that when each AP attached to the AP MLD activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode, the first radio frame can be sent under the working link of the first AP to indicate the activation or deactivation of the first capability communication mode of APs under multiple links under one link.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first identification information identifies whether the first AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0148] The first wireless frame also includes second identification information, which identifies the time information when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode; the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0149] The first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode after receiving the first time information.

[0150] The start time when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode.

[0151] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a first information element, and the second identification information may be carried in the first information element. The first information element may occupy at least two bits in the first radio frame.

[0152] Optionally, at least one of the following can be identified by the parameter value of the first information element: ① the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode after the first time information; ② the start time of the first AP activating or exiting the first capability communication mode.

[0153] Optionally, the first-time information can be set in TBTT (target beacon transmission time). For example, it can specify how many TBTTs the first AP will take to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode; or how many TBTTs the first AP will take to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode. In other words, at least one of the following can be identified by the parameter values ​​of the first information element: ① how many TBTTs the first AP will take to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode; ② whether the first AP will activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode after the next TBTT; ③ the start time of the first AP activating or deactivating the first capability communication mode.

[0154] In some embodiments, a first information element occupies two bits in a first radio frame. The parameter values ​​of these two bits can directly identify the number of TBTTs. That is, after the number of TBTTs directly identified by these two bits, the first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode.

[0155] In some embodiments, taking the first information element occupying two bits in the first radio frame as an example, when the parameter value of these two bits is set to "01", it indicates that the first AP will activate or exit the first capability communication mode after the next TBTT.

[0156] In some embodiments, taking the first information element occupying two bits in the first radio frame as an example, the parameter values ​​of these two bits can identify the start time of the first AP activating or exiting the first capability communication mode.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes third identification information, which identifies whether the first AP supports a first capability and / or whether the first AP accepts support for the first capability from a first STA associated with the first AP, wherein the first capability includes activating or deactivating a first capability communication mode.

[0158] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a UHR capability information element, which includes a Medium Access Control (MAC) capability field. The second identifier may include a MAC capability field, and a third identifier may be carried in the second identifier. The second identifier may occupy at least one bit in the first radio frame.

[0159] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first AP may be assumed to accept the first STA's support for the first capability. Alternatively, if the first AP supports the first capability, the first AP may be assumed to accept the first STA's support for the first capability.

[0160] Optionally, the first AP accepts the first STA's support for the first capability. That is, the first AP can communicate with the first STA using a communication mode corresponding to the first STA, whether the first STA has activated the first capability communication mode or has exited the first capability communication mode. For example, if the first STA has activated the first capability communication mode and is in the first capability communication mode, the first AP does not communicate with the first STA; if the first STA has activated the first capability communication mode and has switched to the second capability communication mode, the first AP communicates normally with the first STA; if the first STA has exited the first capability communication mode, the first AP communicates normally with the first STA.

[0161] Optionally, the third identification information can identify whether the first AP supports the first capability.

[0162] Optionally, taking the second identifier bit occupying one bit in the first radio frame and the third identifier information indicating whether the first AP supports the first capability as an example, if the bit is set to "1", it indicates that the first AP supports the first capability; if the bit is set to "0", it indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability.

[0163] Optionally, if the third identification information indicates whether the first AP supports the first capability, it can be assumed that the first AP accepts the first STA's support for the first capability, meaning the first STA can activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode. Alternatively, the first radio frame may also include fourth identification information, which indicates whether the first AP accepts the first STA's support for the first capability.

[0164] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a third identifier bit, and the third identifier information may be carried in the third identifier bit.

[0165] Optionally, taking the third identifier bit occupying one bit in the first radio frame as an example, when the bit is set to "1", it indicates that the first AP accepts and the first STA supports the first capability; when the bit is set to "0", it indicates that the first AP does not accept the first STA supporting the first capability.

[0166] Optionally, the third identification information may identify whether the first AP supports the first capability, and whether the first AP supports the first STA.

[0167] Optionally, the second identifier bit may occupy at least one bit in the first radio frame, and the parameter value of the second identifier bit may indicate whether the first AP supports the first capability, and whether the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0168] Optionally, taking the second identifier bit occupying one bit in the first radio frame, and the third identifier information indicating whether the first AP supports the first capability and whether the first AP accepts the first STA's support for the first capability as an example, if the bit is set to "1", it indicates that the first AP supports the first capability and the first AP accepts the first STA's support for the first capability; if the bit is set to "0", it indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability and the first AP does not accept the first STA's support for the first capability.

[0169] In some embodiments, when the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the third identification information is set to a first parameter value.

[0170] The third identification information indicates that: the first AP does not support the first capability; or...

[0171] The third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0172] Optionally, if the first AP exits the first capability communication mode, it can be assumed that the first AP no longer supports the first capability. That is, the third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability; or, the third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0173] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, it can also be assumed that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode. Optionally, the first radio frame may include the third identification information (and may or may not include the first identification information), and the third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability. The first radio frame may also include both the third identification information and the first identification information, wherein the third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode.

[0174] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the third identification information indicates that the first AP supports the first capability, the first AP may be activated in the first capability communication mode by default; optionally, the first radio frame may include the third identification information (and may or may not include the first identification information), and the third identification information indicates that the first AP supports the first capability; the first radio frame may also include both the third identification information and the first identification information, wherein the third identification information indicates that the first AP supports the first capability, and the first identification information indicates that the first AP is activated in the first capability communication mode.

[0175] Optionally, in some embodiments, referring to FIG3, the above method may further include:

[0176] S301, the first AP sends a first wireless frame; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that the first AP has activated or deactivated the first capability communication mode.

[0177] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0178] Optionally, the first AP may include, but is not limited to, Regular AP, Mobile AP, etc.

[0179] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a first identifier bit, and the first identifier information may be carried in the first identifier bit.

[0180] Optionally, the first identifier bit may occupy at least one bit in the first radio frame. The parameter value of the first identifier bit can be used to indicate whether the first AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode.

[0181] Optionally, the first AP sending the first radio frame may include: the first AP sending the first radio frame to its associated first STA in a unicast or broadcast manner.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first AP is attached to an AP MLD, and the first identification information further identifies that each AP attached to the AP MLD is either active or deactivated in a first capability communication mode;

[0183] The transmission of the first wireless frame includes:

[0184] The first wireless frame is transmitted under the working link of the first AP.

[0185] Optionally, if the first AP is attached to the AP MLD, the first identification information may include a link bitmap field, and the bits in the link bitmap field correspond one-to-one with the AP attached to the AP MLD and the working links of each AP.

[0186] Optionally, for each bit in the link bitmap field, the bit corresponds to a working link of an AP attached to the AP MLD (where each link can be identified by the Link ID of the link), and the parameter value of the bit indicates whether the AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode.

[0187] Optionally, for each bit of the link bitmap field, if the bit is set to "1", it indicates that the AP operating under the corresponding link has exited the first capability communication mode; if the bit is set to "0", it indicates that the AP operating under the corresponding link has activated the first capability communication mode.

[0188] Optionally, the first identification information further identifies that when each AP attached to the AP MLD activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode, the first radio frame can be sent under the working link of the first AP to indicate the activation or deactivation of the first capability communication mode of APs under multiple links under one link.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first identification information identifies whether the first AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0190] The first wireless frame also includes second identification information, which identifies the time information when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode; the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0191] The first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode after receiving the first time information.

[0192] The start time when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode.

[0193] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a first information element, and the second identification information may be carried in the first information element. The first information element may occupy at least two bits in the first radio frame.

[0194] Optionally, at least one of the following can be identified by the parameter value of the first information element: ① the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode after the first time information; ② the start time of the first AP activating or exiting the first capability communication mode.

[0195] Optionally, the first-time information can be set in TBTT (target beacon transmission time). For example, it can specify how many TBTTs the first AP will take to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode; or how many TBTTs the first AP will take to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode. In other words, at least one of the following can be identified by the parameter values ​​of the first information element: ① how many TBTTs the first AP will take to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode; ② whether the first AP will activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode after the next TBTT; ③ the start time of the first AP activating or deactivating the first capability communication mode.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes third identification information, which identifies whether the first AP supports a first capability and / or whether the first AP accepts support for the first capability from a first STA associated with the first AP, wherein the first capability includes activating or deactivating a first capability communication mode.

[0197] Optionally, the first radio frame may include a UHR capability information element, which includes a MAC capability field. The second identifier may include a MAC capability field, and the third identifier may be carried in the second identifier. The second identifier may occupy at least one bit in the first radio frame.

[0198] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first AP may be assumed to accept the first STA's support for the first capability. Alternatively, if the first AP supports the first capability, the first AP may be assumed to accept the first STA's support for the first capability.

[0199] Optionally, the first AP accepts the first STA's support for the first capability, that is, the first AP can communicate with the first STA by adopting the communication mode corresponding to the first STA when the first STA activates the first capability communication mode or when the first STA exits the first capability communication mode.

[0200] Optionally, the third identification information can identify whether the first AP supports the first capability.

[0201] Optionally, if the third identification information indicates whether the first AP supports the first capability, it can be assumed that the first AP accepts the first STA's support for the first capability, meaning the first STA can activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode. Alternatively, the first radio frame may also include fourth identification information, which indicates whether the first AP accepts the first STA's support for the first capability.

[0202] Optionally, the third identification information may identify whether the first AP supports the first capability, and whether the first AP supports the first STA.

[0203] In some embodiments, when the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the third identification information is set to a first parameter value.

[0204] The third identification information indicates that: the first AP does not support the first capability; or...

[0205] The third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0206] Optionally, if the first AP exits the first capability communication mode, it can be assumed that the first AP no longer supports the first capability. That is, the third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability; or, the third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0207] S302, before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives, the first AP is in the first capability communication mode, and the first STA sends a second radio frame to the first AP; wherein, the second radio frame is used to trigger the first AP to switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode. Accordingly, the first AP receives the second radio frame sent by the first STA.

[0208] Optionally, the second wireless frame may include a trigger frame, for example, an initial control frame (ICF) for triggering the peer device to switch communication capability modes, for example, triggering the peer device to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0209] S303, the first AP switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0210] Optionally, referring to the above, when the first AP is in the first capability communication mode, at least one communication parameter value is lower than the communication parameter value when the first AP is in the second capability communication mode. The second capability communication mode can be assumed to be a communication mode that allows normal communication. That is, after the first AP switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, the first AP can exchange frames with the first STA.

[0211] Optionally, after the first AP switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode, it can also send a response frame for the second radio frame to the first STA, carrying the following information in the response frame: the first AP has switched from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0212] Optionally, the response frame may include an initial control response frame (ICR).

[0213] S304, the first STA sends an uplink radio frame to the first AP, and correspondingly, the first AP receives the uplink radio frame sent by the first STA.

[0214] Optionally, the uplink radio frame may include an uplink data frame.

[0215] S305, the first AP executes the operation corresponding to the first identification information based on the time information identified by the second identification information.

[0216] Optionally, if the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the first AP can determine the start time for exiting the first capability communication mode based on the time information indicated by the second identification information, and exit the first capability communication mode when the start time arrives.

[0217] Optionally, if the first identification information indicates that the first AP has activated the first capability communication mode, the first AP can determine the start time for activating the first capability communication mode based on the time information indicated by the second identification information, and activate the first capability communication mode when the start time arrives.

[0218] Optionally, in some embodiments, a method for an AP to exit low-capability mode for power saving is provided. This method defines signaling for a mobile AP or regular AP to activate / exit low-capability communication mode in order to achieve AP power saving and meet UHR requirements. Specifically:

[0219] 1. Regular APs or mobile APs carry identification information in their broadcast beacon frames, probe response frames, (Re)association response frames, or newly defined notification frames, indicating that they are exiting low-capability communication mode (this frame can also be called an "exit low-capability communication mode message frame"). Specific information includes:

[0220] A. This can be an information element that carries time information to indicate when it begins to exit low-capability communication mode. Specifically, it can be two bits that indicate ① how many TBTTs the AP can exit low-capability communication mode after, ② if this information element is set to 1, it means that the AP will exit low-capability communication mode after the next TBTT; or ③ the time information is the start time information, indicating that the AP will exit low-capability communication mode after sending this time information.

[0221] B. Includes an identifier bit. The identifier information element is the information element for entering or exiting low-capability communication mode. For example, setting it to 1 indicates that the AP exits low-capability communication mode.

[0222] C. If a regular AP or mobile AP is attached to an AP MLD, then a link may contain information about APs exiting low-capability communication mode under multiple links, as well as the Link ID of each link.

[0223] Optionally, before the mobile / regular AP exits low-capability communication mode, the mobile / regular AP remains in low-capability communication mode. If the STA needs to communicate uplink with it, it needs to send an initial trigger frame to the AP to make it exit low-capability communication mode and switch to normal / high-capability communication mode.

[0224] 2. Regular APs / mobile APs carry information bits in the MAC capability field of the UHR capability information element to indicate that they support DPS, meaning they can enter DPS communication mode and also accept DPS mode from STAs.

[0225] If the AP sends an exit low-capability communication mode message frame, the DPS capability information bit in step 2 is consistently set to 0, indicating that it no longer supports DPS capability, but it can support the STA to enter low-capability communication mode, indicating that it can support the STA to send an enter / exit low-capability communication mode request frame.

[0226] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0227] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0228] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0229] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0230] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0231] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0232] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, S201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, S301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, S302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, S303 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, S304 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and S305 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; any one or more of S301 to S305 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0233] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figures 2 to 3.

[0234] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] As shown in Figure 4, the above method can be applied to the first access point device 101, and the method includes:

[0236] S401, send a first wireless frame; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that: the first AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0237] The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0238] In the above embodiments, a signaling method is defined for the first AP to activate or deactivate the first capability communication mode, which can reduce the device power consumption of the first AP and improve communication efficiency.

[0239] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first AP is attached to the AP MLD, and the first identification information further identifies that each AP attached to the AP MLD is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0240] The transmission of the first wireless frame includes:

[0241] The first wireless frame is transmitted under the working link of the first AP.

[0242] In the above embodiments, when the first AP is attached to the AP MLD, by sending a first radio frame under the working link of the first AP, and carrying the activation or deactivation of the first capability communication mode of each AP attached to the AP MLD through the first radio frame, it is realized that the activation or deactivation of the first capability communication mode of APs under multiple links can be indicated under one link.

[0243] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information, the second identification information identifying: the time information of the first AP activating or exiting the first capability communication mode; the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0244] The first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode after receiving the first time information.

[0245] The start time when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode.

[0246] In the above embodiments, the first wireless frame can also identify the time information of the first AP activating or exiting the first capability communication mode, so that the first AP can activate or exit the first capability communication mode according to the time information.

[0247] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first AP is in the first capability communication mode before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives; the method further includes:

[0248] Receive a second wireless frame sent by the first STA; wherein the second wireless frame is used to trigger the first AP to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode;

[0249] Switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

[0250] In the above embodiments, before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives, that is, while the first AP is still in the first capability communication mode, it can still perform the corresponding communication process according to the communication needs of the first AP in the first capability communication mode. For example, the first AP switches from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode based on the second wireless frame sent by the first STA.

[0251] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0252] Receive the uplink radio frame sent by the first STA.

[0253] In the above embodiment, before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives, that is, before the first AP is still in the first capability communication mode, the first AP can continue to receive the uplink wireless frames sent by the first STA and communicate normally with the first STA after switching from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode according to the second wireless frame sent by the first STA.

[0254] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes third identification information, which identifies whether the first AP supports the first capability, and / or whether the first AP accepts support for the first capability from the first STA associated with the first AP, wherein the first capability includes activating or deactivating the first capability communication mode.

[0255] In the above embodiments, the first AP may also use third identification information to indicate its capability information for activating or exiting the first capability communication mode, that is, whether the first AP supports the first capability, and / or whether the first AP accepts the first STA associated with the first AP to support the first capability.

[0256] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the third identification information is set to the first parameter value.

[0257] The third identification information indicates that: the first AP does not support the first capability; or...

[0258] The third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0259] In the above embodiments, if the first AP exits the first capability communication mode, it can be identified that the first AP does not support the first capability. However, in this case, the first AP can still accept that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0260] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0261] Figure 5 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0262] As shown in Figure 5, the above method can be applied to the first site device 102, and the method includes:

[0263] S501, Receive a first wireless frame sent by the first AP; wherein, the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that: the first AP has activated or deactivated the first capability communication mode.

[0264] The first STA is associated with the first AP; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0265] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first AP is attached to the AP MLD, and the first identification information further identifies that each AP attached to the AP MLD is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode;

[0266] Sending the first wireless frame includes:

[0267] The first wireless frame is transmitted under the working link of the first AP.

[0268] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes second identification information, the second identification information identifying: the time information of the first AP exiting the first capability communication mode; the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0269] The first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode after receiving the first time information.

[0270] The start time when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode.

[0271] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first AP is in the first capability communication mode before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives; the method further includes:

[0272] Send a second wireless frame to the first AP; wherein the second wireless frame is used to trigger the first AP to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0273] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes:

[0274] Send an uplink radio frame to the first AP; wherein the first AP has switched from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

[0275] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the first wireless frame further includes third identification information, which identifies whether the first AP supports the first capability, and / or whether the first AP accepts support for the first capability from the first STA associated with the first AP, wherein the first capability includes activating or deactivating the first capability communication mode.

[0276] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, when the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the third identification information is set to the first parameter value.

[0277] The third identification information indicates that: the first AP does not support the first capability; or...

[0278] The third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

[0279] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0281] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0282] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0283] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first access point device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first access point device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the first access point device 600 may include at least one of a transceiver module 601, etc.

[0284] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 601 is configured to send a first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that the first AP is activated or deactivated in a first capability communication mode; wherein the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0285] Optionally, the processing module 601 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., S303, S305, but not limited thereto) executed by the first access point device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The transceiver module 602 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., S201, S301, S302, S304, S401, but not limited thereto) executed by device A 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0286] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor and the determination module, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver, the sending module, and the receiving module.

[0287] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first station device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first station device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the first station device 700 may include a transceiver module 701.

[0288] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 is configured to receive a first wireless frame sent by a first AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that the first AP is activating or deactivating a first capability communication mode; wherein the first STA is associated with the first AP; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

[0289] Optionally, the transceiver module 701 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., S201, S301, S302, S304, S501, but not limited thereto) executed by the first station device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0290] In some embodiments, the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver, the sending module, and the receiving module.

[0291] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 800 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 800 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 800 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0292] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 800 includes one or more processors 801. The processor 801 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 800 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 801 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 800 to execute any of the above methods.

[0293] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 further includes one or more transceivers 802. When the communication device 800 includes one or more transceivers 802, the transceiver 802 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., S201, S301, S302, S304, S401, S501, but not limited thereto), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., S303, S305, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0294] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 further includes one or more memories 803 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 801 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 803 to cause the communication device 800 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 803 may also be located outside the communication device 800. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 800 may include one or more interface circuits 804. Optionally, the interface circuit 804 is connected to the memory 802, and the interface circuit 804 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 802 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 804 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 802 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 801.

[0295] The communication device 800 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 800 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 800 may not be limited by FIG8. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0296] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 900 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 800 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 900 shown in Figure 9, but it is not limited thereto.

[0297] Chip 900 includes one or more processors 901. Chip 900 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0298] In some embodiments, chip 900 further includes one or more interface circuits 902. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 900 further includes one or more memories 903 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 903 may be located outside chip 900. Optionally, interface circuit 902 is connected to memory 903, and interface circuit 902 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 903 or other devices, and interface circuit 902 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 903 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 902 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 903 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 901.

[0299] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 902 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., S201, S301, S302, S304, S401, S501, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 902 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 902 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 901, the chip 900, the memory 903, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 901 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., S303, S305, but not limited thereto).

[0300] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0301] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0302] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0303] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, performed by the first access point device (AP), includes: Send a first wireless frame; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that: the first AP is activated or deactivated in the first capability communication mode; The first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first AP is attached to the AP MLD, and the first identification information also identifies that each AP attached to the AP MLD is either active or deactivated in the first capability communication mode. The transmission of the first wireless frame includes: The first wireless frame is transmitted under the working link of the first AP.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes second identification information, which identifies the time information when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode; the time information includes at least one of the following: The first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode after receiving the first time information. The start time when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives, the first AP is in the first capability communication mode; the method further includes: Receive a second wireless frame sent by the first STA; wherein the second wireless frame is used to trigger the first AP to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode; Switch from the first capability communication mode to the second capability communication mode.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the uplink radio frame sent by the first STA.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes third identification information, which identifies whether the first AP supports the first capability and / or whether the first AP accepts support for the first capability from the first STA associated with the first AP, wherein the first capability includes activating or deactivating the first capability communication mode.

7. The communication method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the third identification information is set to the first parameter value. The third identification information indicates that: the first AP does not support the first capability; or... The third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by the first site device STA, the method includes: Receive a first wireless frame sent by a first AP; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, the first identification information indicating that the first AP has activated or deactivated a first capability communication mode; The first STA is associated with the first AP; the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode correspond to at least one different communication parameter.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first AP is attached to the AP MLD, and the first identification information also identifies that each AP attached to the AP MLD is either active or deactivated in the first capability communication mode. Sending the first wireless frame includes: The first wireless frame is transmitted under the working link of the first AP.

10. The communication method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes second identification information, which identifies the time information when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode; the time information includes at least one of the following: The first AP activates or deactivates the first capability communication mode after receiving the first time information. The start time when the first AP activates or exits the first capability communication mode.

11. The communication method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, Before the start time for the first AP to exit the first capability communication mode arrives, the first AP is in the first capability communication mode; the method further includes: Send a second wireless frame to the first AP; wherein the second wireless frame is used to trigger the first AP to switch from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send an uplink radio frame to the first AP; wherein the first AP has switched from a first capability communication mode to a second capability communication mode.

13. The communication method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes third identification information, which identifies whether the first AP supports the first capability and / or whether the first AP accepts support for the first capability from the first STA associated with the first AP, wherein the first capability includes activating or deactivating the first capability communication mode.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the first identification information indicates that the first AP has exited the first capability communication mode, the third identification information is set to the first parameter value. The third identification information indicates that: the first AP does not support the first capability; or... The third identification information indicates that the first AP does not support the first capability, and the first AP accepts that the first STA supports the first capability.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or claims 8 to 14.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, Including the first device and the second device; The first device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the second device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

18. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or the communication method of any one of claims 8 to 14.

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