Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are applied to the IEEE 802.11ax standard, the 802.11be standard, the 802.11bn standard, the 802.15 standard, the 802.11bf standard, the IMMW standard, or the SparkLink standard, etc. The method comprises: a first AP determining first information, which is a first transmit power or is used for determining the first transmit power, wherein the first transmit power corresponds to a first bandwidth; and the first AP transmitting, to a second AP, a trigger frame comprising the first information, such that after receiving the trigger frame, the second AP determines a second transmit power on the basis of a second bandwidth, wherein the second bandwidth is a bandwidth of the second AP that is used for transmitting data. The transmit power of a second AP is adjusted on the basis of different bandwidths, such that the transmit power of the AP can be controlled more precisely, thereby improving the performance of coordinated transmission.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510484632.8, filed on April 16, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of wireless networks and the increasing prevalence of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology, WLAN devices are becoming increasingly dense. Because wireless access points (APs) are easy to deploy, this increasing density of APs also leads to more inter-cell interference. Therefore, how to reduce inter-cell interference and improve user service quality through AP cooperation is a problem that next-generation Wi-Fi technology needs to consider.

[0004] Cooperation among multiple access points (APs) includes coordinated spatial reuse (co-SR / CSR). Taking two APs as an example, when the two APs are far apart, they can transmit simultaneously on the same channel / resource block. By controlling power and user selection, the interference between the two APs is kept low, thereby effectively utilizing channel resources.

[0005] Therefore, how to control power more precisely is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can more accurately control the transmission power of an access point (AP) and improve the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a first access point (AP). This method can be implemented by the first AP or by components on the first AP side (such as chips, functional modules, or processing systems within the first AP). The method includes:

[0008] The first AP determines first information, which is a first transmission power, or the first information is used to determine the first transmission power, which corresponds to a first bandwidth; the first AP sends a first frame to the second AP, which includes information for cooperative transmission, including the first information.

[0009] In this embodiment, the first AP can control the transmission power of the second AP by sending a first frame including first information, thereby reducing interference from the second AP to the first non-access point station (non-AP STA) / first AP and improving the performance of cooperative transmission. Simultaneously, the first transmission power corresponds to the first bandwidth, enabling the second AP to more accurately determine its own transmission power, further reducing interference to the first non-AP STA / first AP and improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a second access point (AP). This method can be implemented by the second AP itself, or by components on the second AP side (such as chips, functional modules, or processing systems within the second AP). The method includes:

[0011] The second AP receives a first frame from the first AP. The first frame includes information for cooperative transmission. The information for cooperative transmission includes first information, which is a first transmission power, or the first information is used to determine the first transmission power, which corresponds to a first bandwidth. The second AP determines a second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, where the second bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the second AP for transmitting data.

[0012] Optionally, the first transmission power corresponds to the first bandwidth.

[0013] In this embodiment, the second AP accurately adjusts its transmission power according to the bandwidth of its own data transmission, thereby reducing interference to the first non-AP STA / first AP and improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0014] Assuming the second AP transmits data based on the first transmission power, since the second AP does not consider bandwidth differences, when the second AP's bandwidth is less than the first bandwidth, the interference from the second AP to the first non-AP STA / first AP will increase, leading to a decrease in cooperative transmission performance. Alternatively, if the second AP uses the transmission power allowed by the first AP for the first bandwidth (i.e., the first transmission power) on a portion of the first bandwidth (such as the second bandwidth), the transmission power on that portion of the bandwidth will increase the interference density to the first non-AP STA / first AP. However, in this embodiment, the second AP can adjust its transmission power according to different bandwidth requirements.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first transmission power is used to determine the second transmission power, which corresponds to the second bandwidth, which is the bandwidth of the second AP for transmitting data, and the second transmission power is greater than or equal to the data transmission power of the second AP.

[0016] In this embodiment, by combining the changes in bandwidth to determine the second transmission power, the transmission power of the second AP can be controlled more accurately, thereby accurately adjusting the transmission power of the second AP, reducing the interference from the second AP to the first non-AP STA / first AP, and improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0017] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, including: the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information, the first bandwidth, and the second bandwidth.

[0018] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, including: the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the bandwidth that is not punched.

[0019] In this embodiment, considering the channel puncturing situation, the second AP can determine the second transmission power based on the unpunctured bandwidth, thereby adjusting the second transmission power more accurately, further reducing interference to the first non-AP STA / first AP, and improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0021] The second AP transmits data at a power less than or equal to the second transmission power. The transmission bandwidth of this data is the second bandwidth.

[0022] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission, or the first bandwidth is 20MHz. Optionally, the first bandwidth is 40MHz, or 80MHz, or 160MHz.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the first AP for data transmission, which can effectively reduce the computational load of the first AP in determining the first transmission power and reduce computational complexity. A first bandwidth of 20MHz can effectively reduce implementation complexity and decrease signaling overhead between the first AP and the second AP.

[0024] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first frame also includes a first bandwidth. Alternatively, the information used for cooperative transmission also includes the first bandwidth.

[0025] In this embodiment of the application, by indicating the first bandwidth to the second AP, the first AP can enable the second AP to clearly know the first bandwidth corresponding to the first transmission power, thereby enabling it to adjust the second transmission power more accurately.

[0026] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first bandwidth is a predefined bandwidth, such as 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, or 160MHz.

[0027] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first bandwidth is determined through negotiation between the first AP and the second AP. For example, the first AP sends information about the first bandwidth to the second AP, and the second AP receives this information. Optionally, if the second AP accepts the first bandwidth, it sends an acknowledgment message to the first AP. This first bandwidth information can be carried in the first ICF or in other management frames. For example, the first bandwidth may be 20MHz or 40MHz, etc., and will not be listed here.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first AP sending information about a first bandwidth to the second AP. This first bandwidth may be the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission. The information about the first bandwidth may be carried in a first frame, or it may be carried in another management frame.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second AP receiving information about the first bandwidth from the first AP.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first AP receiving information about a second bandwidth from the second AP.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second AP sending information about the second bandwidth to the first AP.

[0032] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, where the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission, the second transmission power and the first transmission power satisfy the following relationship:

[0033] T2 = T2ref – 10log10(BW1 / BW2)dBm; or, T2 = T2ref / (BW1 / BW2)mw

[0034] Where T2 represents the second transmission power, T2ref represents the first transmission power, BW1 represents the first bandwidth, and BW2 represents the second bandwidth.

[0035] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, when the first bandwidth is 20MHz, the second transmission power and the first transmission power satisfy the following relationship:

[0036] T2 = T2ref + 10log10(K)dBm; or, T2 = T2ref * K(mw)

[0037] Where T2 represents the second transmission power, T2ref represents the first transmission power, BW1 represents the first bandwidth, and BW2 represents the second bandwidth.

[0038] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0039] The first AP receives power information from the second AP; wherein the power information is used to indicate the minimum transmit power accepted by the second AP; or, the power information is used to indicate the maximum offset accepted by the second AP; or, the power information is used to indicate the minimum offset accepted by the second AP.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0041] The second AP sends power information to the first AP; wherein the power information is used to indicate the minimum transmission power accepted by the second AP; or, the power information is used to indicate the maximum offset accepted by the second AP; or, the power information is used to indicate the minimum offset accepted by the second AP.

[0042] Optionally, the minimum transmission power corresponds to a first bandwidth (e.g., 20MHz). Optionally, the minimum transmission power corresponds to a second bandwidth. When the transmission power of the second AP is less than the minimum transmission power, it indicates that the transmission quality of the second AP cannot be guaranteed. Thus, by indicating the minimum transmission power, the second AP enables the first AP to determine the feasibility of the first transmission power based on the minimum transmission power, such as whether the first AP needs to transmit the first transmission power, thereby improving the interaction efficiency.

[0043] Optionally, the maximum offset corresponds to 20MHz. Optionally, the minimum offset corresponds to 20MHz. The maximum offset accepted by the second AP refers to the maximum dB (or maximum mW) reduction in the transmit power of the second AP. The minimum offset accepted by the second AP refers to the minimum dB (or minimum mW) increase in the transmit power of the second AP. By indicating the maximum or minimum offset, the second AP enables the first AP to determine the feasibility of the first information, thereby improving interaction efficiency.

[0044] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0045] The first AP receives strength information from the second AP, which is used to indicate the first received signal strength. The first received signal strength is the received signal strength of the wireless frame received by the second AP from the first non-AP STA. The first transmit power is determined based on the first received signal strength.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0047] The second AP sends strength information to the first AP. This strength information is used to indicate the first received signal strength, which is the received signal strength of the wireless frame received by the second AP from the first non-AP STA. The first transmit power is determined based on the first received signal strength.

[0048] Optionally, the radio frame from the first non-AP STA is a first initial control response (ICR) frame.

[0049] In this embodiment of the application, the second AP can indicate the first received signal strength, enabling the first AP to determine the first transmission power in combination with the first received signal strength, thereby ensuring that the first transmission power is more accurate.

[0050] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0051] The first AP sends the first ICF to the first non-AP STA; the first AP receives the first ICR frame from the first non-AP STA.

[0052] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0053] The second AP receives the first ICR frame.

[0054] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a first access point (AP). This method can be implemented by the first AP or by components on the first AP side (such as chips, functional modules, or processing systems within the first AP). The method includes:

[0055] The first AP determines the second information, which is the second transmission power, or the second information is used to determine the second transmission power, which corresponds to the second bandwidth, which is the bandwidth of the second AP used for data transmission; the first AP sends a first frame to the second AP, the first frame including information for cooperative transmission, and the information for cooperative transmission includes the second information.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first AP determines the transmission power of the second AP based on the bandwidth used for data transmission. This allows for more accurate control of the second AP's transmission power, reducing interference from the second AP to the first AP / first non-AP STA and improving the performance of cooperative transmission. Furthermore, having the first AP determine the second transmission power effectively reduces the computational complexity of the second AP.

[0057] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a second access point (AP). This method can be implemented by the second AP or by components on the second AP side (such as chips, functional modules, or processing systems within the second AP). The method includes:

[0058] The second AP receives a first frame from the first AP. The first frame includes information for cooperative transmission, which includes second information, which is a second transmission power, or the second information is used to determine the second transmission power, which corresponds to a second bandwidth, which is the bandwidth of the second AP used for data transmission. The second AP transmits data, and the transmission power of the data is less than or equal to the second transmission power.

[0059] For details regarding the beneficial effects, please refer to the third aspect; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0060] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0061] The first AP receives information about the second bandwidth from the second AP.

[0062] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0063] The second AP sends information about the second bandwidth to the first AP.

[0064] In this embodiment of the application, the second AP can indicate a second bandwidth to the first AP, enabling the first AP to determine the transmission power of the second AP in combination with the second bandwidth, thereby accurately controlling the transmission power of the second AP.

[0065] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second bandwidth is determined by the first AP.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first AP can specify a second bandwidth for the second AP and determine a second transmission power based on the second bandwidth. Therefore, the first AP can more accurately control the transmission power of the second AP.

[0067] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second transmission power is determined based on the second bandwidth and the first bandwidth, such that the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission.

[0068] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0069] The first AP receives power information from the second AP; wherein the power information is used to indicate the minimum transmit power accepted by the second AP; or, the power information is used to indicate the maximum offset accepted by the second AP; or, the power information is used to indicate the minimum offset accepted by the second AP.

[0070] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0071] The second AP sends power information to the first AP; wherein the power information is used to indicate the minimum transmission power accepted by the second AP; or, the power information is used to indicate the maximum offset accepted by the second AP; or, the power information is used to indicate the minimum offset accepted by the second AP.

[0072] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0073] The first AP receives strength information from the second AP, which is used to indicate the first received signal strength. The first received signal strength is the received signal strength of the wireless frame received by the second AP from the first non-AP STA. The first transmit power is determined based on the first received signal strength.

[0074] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0075] The second AP sends strength information to the first AP. This strength information is used to indicate the first received signal strength, which is the received signal strength of the wireless frame received by the second AP from the first non-AP STA. The first transmit power is determined based on the first received signal strength.

[0076] Optionally, the radio frame from the first non-AP STA is a first initial control response (ICR) frame.

[0077] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0078] The first AP sends the first ICF to the first non-AP STA; the first AP receives the first ICR frame from the first non-AP STA.

[0079] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0080] The second AP receives the first ICR frame.

[0081] For explanations regarding the third or fourth aspect, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the first or second aspect; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0082] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for executing the method in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation. The communication device includes a module for executing the method in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation.

[0083] The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module performs the sending or receiving actions as described in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation. The processing module performs the processing actions as described in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation. This communication device is a first access point (AP), or a chip or circuit within a first AP, or a functional module within a first AP, etc.

[0084] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for performing the methods in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation. The communication device includes a module for performing the methods in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation.

[0085] The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module performs the sending or receiving actions as described in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation. The processing module performs the processing actions as described in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation. This communication device is a second access point (AP), or a chip or circuit within a second AP, or a functional module within a second AP, etc.

[0086] The modules in aspects five and six can also be replaced with units or means. These modules can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes at least one processor and a transceiver; wherein the processor is configured to determine first information; and the transceiver is configured to transmit a first frame.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to receive power information. The processor is also used to parse the power information.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to receive strength information. The processor is also used to parse the strength information.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to transmit information of a first bandwidth. Alternatively, the transceiver is also used to receive information of a second bandwidth.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to transmit the first ICF and receive the first ICR frame. The processor is further configured to generate the first ICF and parse the first ICR frame.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to receive a second ICF and a second ICR frame.

[0093] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the communication device including at least one processor and a transceiver; wherein the transceiver is configured to receive a first frame; and the processor is configured to determine a second transmission power based on information for cooperative transmission in the first frame.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to transmit power information.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to send strength information.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to receive information of the first bandwidth. Alternatively, the transceiver is also used to transmit information of the second bandwidth.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to transmit a second ICF and receive a second ICR frame. The processor is also used to generate a second ICF and parse a second ICR frame.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to receive the first ICF and the first ICR frame.

[0099] For explanations of the terms involved in aspects seven through eight, please refer to aspects one through six; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0100] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip, which includes logic circuitry and an interface; wherein the logic circuitry is used to determine first information; and the interface is used to output a first frame.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to input the second frame. The logic circuitry is also used to parse the second frame.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used for the third frame. The logic circuitry is also used to parse the third frame.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to output information about the first bandwidth. Alternatively, the interface is also used to input information about the second bandwidth.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to output the first ICF and input the first ICR frame. The logic circuitry is also used to generate the first ICF and parse the first ICR frame.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to input a second ICF and a second ICR frame.

[0106] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including logic circuitry and an interface; wherein the interface is used to input a first frame; and the logic circuitry is used to determine a second output power based on information for cooperative transmission in the first frame.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to output the second frame. The logic circuitry is also used to generate the second frame.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to output the third frame. The logic circuitry is also used to generate the third frame.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to input information about the first bandwidth. Alternatively, the interface is also used to output information about the second bandwidth.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to output a second ICF and input a second ICR frame. The logic circuitry is also used to generate the second ICF and parse the second ICR frame.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the interface is also used to input the first ICF and the first ICR frame.

[0112] For explanations of the terms involved in aspects nine through ten, please refer to aspects one through four; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0113] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods shown in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof to be executed.

[0114] This computer program can also be called an instruction, or computer instruction, etc. That is, a computer program can be replaced by an instruction or computer instruction.

[0115] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the methods in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementations described above to be executed.

[0116] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system including a first access point (AP) and a second access point (AP). The first AP can be an apparatus as provided in the fifth, seventh, and ninth aspects, and the second AP can be an apparatus as provided in the sixth, eighth, and tenth aspects. The first AP can be used to implement the methods in the first or third aspect or any possible implementation described above, and the second AP is used to implement the methods in the second or fourth aspect or any possible implementation described above. Attached Figure Description

[0117] Figures 1a and 1b are schematic diagrams of an architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the CSR transmission process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0119] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0120] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of the trigger frame format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0121] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of the format of the special user information field provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0122] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0123] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0124] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0125] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0126] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0127] Figure 10 is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0128] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0129] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, the application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0130] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0131] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, and "at least two (items)" means two or three or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" indicates that two relationships can exist, such as only A or only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also represent three relationships, such as only A, only B, or both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0132] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, trace, or interface.

[0133] The following describes the communication system involved in this application.

[0134] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems. For example, the methods provided in this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.11 series standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11bf, 802.11az, 802.11bk, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation standards. Other examples include 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bq, or next-generation standards, which will not be listed here. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to wireless personal area networks (WPANs) based on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to integrated millimeter wave (IMMW) technology. The method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to the IEEE 802.15 series standards, such as the 802.15.4a, 802.15.4z, or 802.15.4ab standards, or a future generation of UWB WPAN standards. The method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to the StarFlash standard. The technical solution provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to the following communication systems, for example, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-X (V2X) systems, Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, etc. V2X can include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0135] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, shopping malls, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, devices that support WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, and speakers), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, self-service checkout machines, and self-service ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0136] Although the embodiments of this application primarily use WLAN as an example, especially networks applied to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols. For example, Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe), and wide area networks (WANs) or other networks now known or to be developed in the future.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented by a communication device in a communication system. For example, the communication device can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). Alternatively, the communication device can be a chip or circuit in the AP, or a functional module in the AP. Or, for example, the communication device can be a chip or circuit in a non-AP STA, or a functional module in a non-AP STA.

[0138] An access point is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication or sensing using WLAN protocols. It has the function of communicating or sensing with other devices in the WLAN network (such as non-AP STAs or other access points), and can also have the function of communicating or sensing with other devices. Alternatively, an access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. In a WLAN system, an access point can be called an access point site (AP STA). In the embodiments of this application, the AP is a device that provides services to non-AP STAs and can support 802.11 series protocols or subsequent protocols. For example, an access point can be an access point for terminals (such as mobile phones) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters; it can also be deployed outdoors. Furthermore, an AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity; an AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeaters, etc. Of course, an AP can also include APs belonging to a multi-link device (MLD), or co-located APs, etc.

[0139] A non-AP STA is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication or sensing using WLAN protocols. It has the ability to communicate or sense other non-AP STAs or access points within a WLAN network. For example, a non-AP STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate or sense with an AP and thus with the WLAN. For instance, a non-AP STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. Furthermore, a non-AP STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication. Of course, non-AP STAs can also include non-AP STAs belonging to an MLD (Multi-Level Device), or co-located STAs, etc.

[0140] A multi-link device comprises multiple affiliated sites, which can be physical or logical sites. Each site can operate on a link, a frequency band, or a channel, etc. The affiliated sites shown here can be APs or non-AP STAs.

[0141] The communication system provided in this application includes at least two AP / AP MLDs and at least two non-AP STA / non-AP MLDs. Figures 1a and 1b illustrate the communication system exemplarily.

[0142] Figures 1a and 1b are schematic diagrams of an architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes at least two APs and at least two non-AP STAs. Figure 1a shows two AP MLDs, such as AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2, and two non-AP MLDs, such as non-AP MLD 1 and non-AP MLD 2. Figure 1b shows two APs, such as AP1 and AP2, and two non-AP STAs, such as non-AP STA 1 and non-AP STA 2.

[0143] The examples in Figures 1a and 1b, where non-AP STA represents a mobile phone and AP represents a router, are not intended to limit the AP and non-AP STA types in the embodiments of this application.

[0144] In this embodiment of the application, AP1 can also be referred to as the first AP, AP2 can also be referred to as the second AP, non-AP STA1 can also be referred to as the first non-AP STA, and non-AP STA2 can also be referred to as the second non-AP STA.

[0145] The following describes the methods involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0146] Cooperation between multiple APs includes CSR (Content Retention). When multiple APs are far apart, they can transmit simultaneously on the same channel / resource block. By controlling power or user selection, low interference between these APs is ensured, thereby effectively utilizing channel resources.

[0147] In this application embodiment, the cooperation between multiple APs includes cooperation between a first AP and one second AP, or cooperation between a first AP and multiple second APs. Generally speaking, the AP that initiates multi-AP cooperative transmission can be called a sharing AP or primary AP (such as the first AP or AP1 in this application), and other APs whose transmission resources or transmission opportunities (TXOPs) are shared can be called shared APs or secondary APs (such as the second AP or AP2 in this application). This application embodiment does not limit the names of the APs participating in cooperative transmission.

[0148] A shared access point (AP) can control the transmission power of the shared APs, thereby controlling interference, such as reducing interference to non-AP STAs associated with the shared AP when the shared AP transmits data. For example, when a shared AP obtains a TXOP and is about to send downlink data frames to its associated non-AP STA, if the shared AP finds that the channel conditions between it and non-AP STA1 are good enough to allow other APs to transmit concurrently with the shared AP (such as a shared AP sending data to its associated non-AP STA2), the shared AP can select one or more shared APs for CSR transmission. Optionally, when selecting shared APs, the shared AP can prioritize APs farther away from non-AP STA1 as shared APs, thereby reducing interference to non-AP STA1 when the shared AP transmits data. The shared AP can also control the transmission power of the shared APs to further reduce interference to non-AP STA1 when the shared AP transmits data.

[0149] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the CSR transmission flow provided in an embodiment of this application. In Figure 2, the sharing AP is AP1, and the shared AP is AP2. The target receiver of the downlink (DL) data frame of AP1 includes non-AP STA1, and the target receiver of the downlink data frame of AP2 includes non-AP STA2. Figure 2 illustrates cooperative transmission using two APs as an example. The number of APs involved in Figure 2 is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0150] As shown in Figure 2, AP1 sends a trigger frame (co-SR trigger frame in Figure 2) to AP2 to initiate CSR transmission. This trigger frame can be used to indicate some parameters in the CSR transmission, including AP2's transmit power, packet transmission duration, and AP1's transmit power. After obtaining the aforementioned parameters, AP2 can preferentially select a non-AP STA (such as non-AP STA2) that is farther away from AP1 for data transmission. Optionally, AP2 estimates the interference from AP1 to non-AP STA2 based on AP1's transmit power, thereby selecting appropriate transmission parameters (such as modulation and coding scheme (MCS), number of spatial streams (NSS), or bandwidth) to maximize the success rate of AP2's data transmission.

[0151] In CSR transmission, interference exists between two access points (APs) transmitting simultaneously on the same channel / resource block. For example, AP1 sends a data frame to non-AP STA1, while AP2 sends a data frame to non-AP STA2. Non-AP STA1 receives both the useful signal from AP1 and the interference signal from AP2. Therefore, before sending a downlink data frame to non-AP STA1, AP1 can estimate the path loss between non-AP STA1 and AP2 and control AP2's transmission power accordingly to reduce interference from AP2 to non-AP STA1. Similarly, non-AP STA2 receives both the useful signal from AP2 and the interference signal from AP1. Therefore, before sending a downlink data frame to non-AP STA2, AP2 can estimate the path loss between non-AP STA2 and AP1 and determine appropriate transmission parameters to ensure successful transmission even if non-AP STA2 experiences interference from AP1.

[0152] Therefore, estimating the path loss between the non-AP STA and the AP is crucial before CSR transmission. In other words, measuring the channel quality between multiple cells is important before CSR transmission. Generally, a higher path loss between two devices indicates poorer channel quality. For example, AP1 can send a radio measurement request frame to non-AP STA1, requesting the non-AP STA1 to measure the signal strength from other APs to non-AP STA1. The signal strength from other APs to non-AP STA1 includes the received channel power indicator (RCPI) and received signal-to-noise indicator (RSNI) of beacon frames sent by other APs received by non-AP STA1. RCPI represents the received power of the signal, and RSNI represents the received signal-to-noise ratio.

[0153] However, when controlling the transmission power of AP2, AP1 did not consider the possibility that AP1's transmission bandwidth and AP2's transmission bandwidth are different. Therefore, if AP2's transmission bandwidth is less than AP1's, it will lead to increased interference from the second AP to the first non-AP STA / first AP, resulting in a decrease in cooperative transmission performance.

[0154] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus that can more precisely control the transmission power of AP2, thereby improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0155] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication device, a chip or circuit within the communication device, or a functional module within the communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses a first AP, a second AP, a first non-AP STA, and a second non-AP STA as examples to illustrate the communication method. The descriptions of the first AP, the second AP, the first non-AP STA, and the second non-AP STA are as above and will not be detailed here. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes:

[0156] 301. The first AP determines first information, which is a first transmission power, or the first information is used to determine the first transmission power, which corresponds to a first bandwidth.

[0157] The first transmission power is the transmission power determined by the first AP for the second AP based on the first bandwidth. In other words, the first transmission power is the transmission power determined with reference to the first bandwidth.

[0158] The first transmission power is used to determine the second transmission power, which corresponds to the second bandwidth. The second bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the second AP for data transmission (or simply the second transmission bandwidth). The second transmission power is greater than or equal to the data transmission power of the second AP. For a description of the second transmission power and the second bandwidth, please refer to step 303; details will not be provided here. In this embodiment, the data can be a data frame or a management frame.

[0159] Optionally, the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission (or simply the first transmission bandwidth).

[0160] Optionally, the first bandwidth is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, or 160MHz. That is, if BW1 represents the first bandwidth, then the unit of the first transmit power is dBm / BW1 or mw / BW1. For example, the first bandwidth is a predefined bandwidth. For instance, the first bandwidth is a fixed bandwidth defined by a standard. Another example is that the first bandwidth is determined through negotiation between the first AP and the second AP. Or, the first bandwidth is determined by the first AP. For example, the first AP sends information about the first bandwidth to the second AP, and the second AP receives this information. Optionally, the second AP can accept the first bandwidth information but not respond to it. Optionally, if the second AP accepts the first bandwidth, it sends an acknowledgment message to the first AP. Or, if the second AP does not accept the first bandwidth, it sends a rejection message to the first AP. Or, if the second AP does not accept the first bandwidth, it sends a suggestion message to the first AP, which indicates the first bandwidth suggested by the second AP. For example, the first bandwidth is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, or 160MHz.

[0161] The aforementioned first bandwidth information may be carried in the first frame, or in the first ICF, or in the second ICR frame, or in the second ICF, or in other types of frames, etc., which will not be listed here. Further information regarding the first bandwidth can be found in step 302 below.

[0162] The following describes the method for determining the first transmission power.

[0163] As an example, the first AP determines a first transmit power based on the path loss between the first AP and the second AP. This path loss corresponds to a first bandwidth.

[0164] As another example, the first AP determines the first transmit power based on its transmit power, the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) of the first non-AP STA, the first received signal strength, and the second received signal strength. The SIR can also be replaced by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The first received signal strength is the received signal strength of the radio frame received by the second AP from the first non-AP STA, and the second received signal strength is the received signal strength of the radio frame received by the first AP from the first non-AP STA. For example, the first received signal strength can represent the received power of the radio frame received by the second AP from the first non-AP STA, and the second received signal strength can represent the received power of the radio frame received by the first AP from the first non-AP STA. The method by which the first AP obtains the first received signal strength is described below and will not be detailed here. The SIR / SNR / SINR shown in the embodiments of this application are merely examples. Any signal that can represent the relationship between the useful signal and the interference signal received by the first non-AP STA falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. For ease of description, SIR will be used as an example in the following description.

[0165] For ease of description, in the embodiments of this application, the first received signal strength is represented by R21, the second received signal strength is represented by R11, the transmit power of the first AP is represented by T1, and the SIR of the first non-AP STA is represented by SIR1. For example, the units of R21 and R11 are dBm or mW; the unit of T1 is dBm or mW; and the unit of SIR1 is dB.

[0166] The SIR (i.e., SIR1) of the first non-AP STA is determined based on the useful signal received from the first AP and the interference signal received from the second AP. SIR1 can satisfy the following relationship: SIR1 = (T1 - PL11) - (T2ref - PL21) (1)

[0167] Wherein, PL11 represents the path loss between the first AP and the first non-AP STA, PL21 represents the path loss between the second AP and the first non-AP STA, T1 represents the transmission power of the first AP, and T2ref represents the first transmission power.

[0168] The second received signal strength (i.e., R11) is determined based on the transmission power of the radio frame sent by the first non-AP STA and the path loss between the first AP and the first non-AP STA. R11 satisfies the following relationship: R11 = TICR1 - PL11 (2)

[0169] Wherein, TICR1 represents the transmission power of the radio frame sent by the first non-AP STA, and PL11 represents the path loss between the first AP and the first non-AP STA.

[0170] The first received signal strength (i.e., R21) is determined based on the transmission power of the radio frame sent by the first non-AP STA and the path loss between the second AP and the first non-AP STA. R21 satisfies the following relationship: R21 = TICR1 - PL21 (3)

[0171] Where TICR1 represents the transmission power of the radio frame sent by the first non-AP STA, and PL21 represents the path loss between the second AP and the first non-AP STA.

[0172] The transmission power of the wireless frames in relations (2) and (3) is the same. Therefore, combining relations (2) TICR1 = R11 + PL11 and relations (3) TICR1 = R21 + PL21, R11, R21, PL11 and PL21 satisfy the following relationship: PL21 - PL11 = R11 - R21 (4)

[0173] The difference in path loss between the two APs and the first non-AP STA is determined based on the difference in the received signal strength of the radio frames received by the two APs from the first non-AP STA.

[0174] Combining relations (1) and (4), SIR1 satisfies the following relation: SIR1=(T1-PL11)-(T2ref-PL21)=(T1-T2ref)+(PL21-PL11)=T1-T2ref+R11-R21 (5)

[0175] According to relation (5), T2ref satisfies the following relation: T2ref=T1-SIR1+R11-R21 (6)

[0176] Regarding relation (6), T1, SIR1, R11 and R21 have the same bandwidth. For example, T1, SIR1 and R11 all correspond to 20MHz, and R21 also corresponds to 20MHz.

[0177] Regarding relation (6), when the bandwidth corresponding to at least one of the parameters T1, SIR1, R11, and R21 is the first bandwidth, and the bandwidth corresponding to the other parameters is the second bandwidth, relation (6) can be modified accordingly. For example, T1, SIR1, and R11 correspond to the first bandwidth, and R21 corresponds to the second bandwidth. For the first AP, it can convert the bandwidth corresponding to R21 from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth to calculate T2ref. For another example, T1, SIR1, and R11 correspond to the first bandwidth, and R21 corresponds to the second bandwidth. For the second AP, it can convert the bandwidth corresponding to T1, SIR1, and R11 from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth to calculate T2 (refer to relations (8) to (10) below).

[0178] Regarding the methods by which the first AP learns the bandwidth used by the second AP for data transmission, or the methods by which the second AP learns the bandwidth used by the first AP for data transmission, please refer to the following text, which will not be detailed here. The explanation of formula transformations here also applies to other formulas below, and will not be repeated here.

[0179] The above relationships (1) to (6) are shown with the power unit being dBm as an example. When the power unit is mw, T2ref satisfies the following relationship: SIR1=(T1*PL11) / (T2ref*PL21)

[0180] R11 satisfies the following relationship: R11=TICR1*PL11

[0181] R21 satisfies the following relationship: R21=TICR1*PL21

[0182] Therefore, SIR1 = (T1 * PL11) / (T2ref * PL21) = (T1 / T2ref) * (PL11 / PL21). That is, T2ref = (T1 / SIR1) * (R11 / R21).

[0183] Optionally, the radio frame from the first non-AP STA is the first ICR frame. Typically, the interval between the first frame and the first ICR frame is short; therefore, determining the first transmit power based on the received signal strength of the first ICR frame at each AP can effectively ensure the accuracy of the first transmit power. Since the channel does not change in a short time, the first transmit power determined based on the received signal strength of the first ICR frame at each AP can effectively match the current channel, thereby effectively ensuring the accuracy of the first transmit power, reducing interference from the second AP to the first non-AP STA, and improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0184] As another example, the first AP determines the first transmit power based on its transmit power, the SIR of the first non-AP STA, received signal strength A, and received signal strength B. Received signal strength A is the received signal strength of a radio frame (e.g., a beacon frame) received by the first non-AP STA from the first AP, and received signal strength B is the received signal strength of a radio frame (e.g., a beacon frame) received by the first non-AP STA from the second AP. Received signal strength A is determined based on the transmit power of the radio frame transmitted by the first AP and the path loss between the first AP and the first non-AP STA. Received signal strength B is determined based on the transmit power of the radio frame transmitted by the second AP and the path loss between the second AP and the first non-AP STA.

[0185] For example, if the transmission power of a wireless frame from the first AP is the same as the transmission power of a wireless frame from the second AP, then the received signal strength A and received signal strength B satisfy: received signal strength A - received signal strength B = PL21 - PL11. Combining with relation (4), then T2ref = T1 - SIR1 + received signal strength A - received signal strength B. This is illustrated using dBm as an example. When the power unit is mW, T2ref = (T1 / SIR1)*(A / B).

[0186] For example, the first AP knows the transmission power of the wireless frame from the first AP and the transmission power of the wireless frame from the second AP. The received signal strength A and the received signal strength B satisfy: Received signal strength A - Received signal strength B = Transmission power of the wireless frame from the first AP - Transmission power of the wireless frame from the second AP + PL21 - PL11. Combining with relation (4), then T2ref = T1 - SIR1 + Received signal strength A - Received signal strength B + Transmission power of the wireless frame from the second AP - Transmission power of the wireless frame from the first AP. Here, the unit is dBm as an example. When the unit of power is mW, the formula for T2ref can be modified accordingly, which will not be detailed here.

[0187] The method for determining the first transmission power shown above is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0188] The following describes the first information related to the embodiments of this application.

[0189] As an example, the first piece of information is the first transmission power. That is, the first AP can determine the first transmission power itself. The method for determining the first transmission power is described above.

[0190] As another example, the first information is an offset, which is the offset of the first transmit power relative to a reference transmit power. If the reference transmit power is the maximum transmit power allowed by regulations, the first information is the decrease in dB or the decrease in mW. If the reference transmit power is the minimum transmit power allowed by a second AP, the first information is the increase in dB or the increase in mW. Alternatively, the reference transmit power may be a historical first transmit power, such as the previous first transmit power.

[0191] As another example, the first information is used to determine the first transmit power. This first information includes parameters related to R11, SIR1, and T1. Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following: R11, SIR1, T1, or P1. P1 = T1 - SIR1 + R11. Or, P1 = T1 * R11 / SIR1.

[0192] For example, the first information includes the second received signal strength (i.e., R12), the transmit power of the first AP (i.e., T1), and the SIR of the first non-AP STA (i.e., SIR1). Exemplarily, the second received signal strength included in the first information may also be RSNI or a received signal strength indication (RSSI).

[0193] For example, the first information includes information A, such as information A being P1, where P1 is the result of the operation T1-SIR1+R11, or P1 is the result of the operation T1*R11 / SIR1.

[0194] For example, the first information includes the offset of P1 relative to a reference value. The reference value may be defined by a standard or indicated by the first AP through other wireless frames, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0195] For example, the first information includes the SIR of the first non-AP STA and information B, which is the result of calculating the transmit power of the first AP and the second received signal strength. For instance, information B could be the result of calculating T1 + R11, or it could be the result of calculating T1 * R11.

[0196] For example, the first information includes the offset of the result of the calculation of T1+R11 relative to the reference value, and the SIR of the first non-AP STA. Alternatively, the first information includes the offset of the result of the calculation of T1*R11 relative to the reference value, and the SIR of the first non-AP STA.

[0197] Other information included in the first piece of information will not be listed here.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a second AP transmitting strength information indicating the strength of a first received signal. Correspondingly, the first AP receives the strength information.

[0199] Optionally, the strength information can be RSNI or RSSI. For example, the strength information may be carried in a second ICF, a second ICR frame, or other types of management frames, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment. A description of the second ICF, the second ICR frame, or the first ICR frame is provided below and will not be detailed here.

[0200] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second AP sending power information, and correspondingly, the first AP receiving the power information.

[0201] The power information can be carried in the second ICF, or the second ICR frame, or other types of management frames. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0202] As an example, power information is used to indicate the minimum transmit power accepted by the second AP.

[0203] Optionally, the minimum transmission power corresponds to the first bandwidth. For example, the minimum transmission power corresponds to 20MHz or 40MHz, etc., which will not be listed here. Alternatively, the minimum transmission power may correspond to the bandwidth used for data transmission by the first AP. Or, the minimum transmission power may correspond to the bandwidth used for data transmission by the second AP.

[0204] For example, the power information includes: the lowest transmission power accepted by the second AP relative to the first transmission power; or, the lowest transmission power corresponding to the first bandwidth. For instance, if the power information indicates a minimum transmission power of T2min, then T2ref is greater than or equal to T2min. As another example, the power information includes: the lowest transmission power accepted by the second AP relative to P1; or, the lowest P1 corresponding to the first bandwidth. For instance, if the power information indicates a minimum P1 corresponding to the first bandwidth of P1min, then P1 is greater than or equal to P1min. For example, if P1 corresponds to 20MHz, then P1min corresponds to 20MHz. If the first transmission power determined by the first AP is less than T2min, or P1 is less than P1min, then the first AP may not transmit the first information. This effectively saves signaling overhead.

[0205] Optionally, the minimum transmission power corresponds to the second bandwidth. For example, the power information includes: the minimum transmission power accepted by the second AP relative to the second transmission power; or, the minimum transmission power corresponding to the second bandwidth. For example, if the minimum transmission power indicated by the power information is T2min, then T2 is greater than or equal to T2min. As another example, the power information includes: the minimum transmission power accepted by the second AP relative to P2; or, the minimum P2 corresponding to the second bandwidth. P1 corresponds to the first bandwidth, and P2 corresponds to the second bandwidth. For example, if the minimum P2 indicated by the power information corresponding to the second bandwidth is P2min, then P2 is greater than or equal to P2min. P2 is determined based on P1, the first bandwidth, and the second bandwidth. Or, P1 is determined based on P2, the first bandwidth, and the second bandwidth.

[0206] In this embodiment of the application, the second AP can ensure the transmission quality of the second AP by indicating the minimum transmission power.

[0207] As another example, power information is used to indicate the maximum offset accepted by the second AP. For example, the maximum offset might correspond to 20MHz or 40MHz, etc., and these will not be listed here. Alternatively, the maximum offset might correspond to the bandwidth used by the first AP for data transmission. And again, the maximum offset might correspond to the bandwidth used by the second AP for data transmission.

[0208] The maximum offset accepted by the second AP refers to the maximum dB (or maximum mW) reduction in the second AP's transmit power. For example, if the maximum offset indicated by the power information is dmax, and the first information is the offset dref, then dref is less than or equal to dmax. Optionally, the maximum offset can be the maximum dB (or maximum mW) reduction relative to a reference transmit power. This reference transmit power can be the maximum transmit power permitted by regulations, or the maximum transmit power permitted by the second AP.

[0209] In this embodiment of the application, the second AP can indicate the maximum offset, enabling the first AP to determine whether it needs to send the first information based on the maximum offset, thereby improving the feasibility of the first AP sending the first information.

[0210] As another example, power information is used to indicate the minimum offset accepted by the second AP. For example, the minimum offset corresponds to 20MHz or 40MHz, etc., and will not be listed here.

[0211] The minimum offset accepted by the second AP refers to the minimum dB (or minimum mW) increase that the second AP's transmit power can make. For example, if the minimum offset indicated by the power information is dmin, and the first information bit offset is dref, then dref is greater than or equal to dmin. Optionally, the minimum offset can be the minimum dB (or minimum mW) increase relative to a reference transmit power. This reference transmit power can be the minimum transmit power allowed by the second AP, or less than the minimum transmit power allowed by the second AP.

[0212] In this embodiment of the application, the second AP can indicate the minimum offset, enabling the first AP to determine whether it needs to send the first information based on the minimum offset, thereby improving the feasibility of the first AP sending the first information.

[0213] 302. The first AP sends a first frame to the second AP. The first frame includes information for cooperative transmission, which includes first information. Correspondingly, the second AP receives the first frame.

[0214] For an explanation of the first information, please refer to step 301; it will not be detailed here.

[0215] Optionally, the information used for cooperative transmission also includes the transmission duration of the data packets. This transmission duration is the transmission duration of the data packets for both the first AP and the second AP.

[0216] For example, the first frame is used for the first AP to initiate cooperative transmission, or in other words, the first frame is used for the first AP to initiate CSR transmission, or in other words, the first frame is used to request the second AP to transmit simultaneously with the first AP. Optionally, the first frame is a trigger frame. For example, the first frame is a co-SR trigger frame. The first frame can also be a synchronization frame. The following uses the first frame as a trigger frame as an example to exemplify the trigger frames involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0217] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of the trigger frame format provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4a, the trigger frame includes a common info field and a user info list field, wherein the user info list field includes one or more user info fields. Figure 4a exemplarily illustrates the common info field and the user info field. Fields omitted in ellipses will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0218] Optionally, the user information list includes special user information fields, which can be used to carry public information that cannot be contained in the public information fields. For example, a value of 2007 for the association identifier (AID) field (AID12 field in Figure 4a) indicates that the user information field corresponding to this AID field is a special user information field. Figure 4b provides an exemplary schematic diagram of the format of a special user information field. Further explanations regarding Figures 4a and 4b can be found in the 802.11 standard and will not be detailed here.

[0219] The trigger frame includes a trigger type field, which indicates the type of trigger frame. Table 1 illustrates the relationship between the values ​​of the trigger type field and the type of trigger frame.

[0220] Table 1

[0221] Optionally, the trigger frame involved in the embodiments of this application may adopt a new trigger type, such as the trigger type field of the trigger frame having a value of any value from 9 to 15. Alternatively, the trigger frame may reuse an existing trigger type, such as BSRP or MU-RTS, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0222] Optionally, the information used for collaborative transmission can be carried in a public information field; or a special user information field; or in the user information field corresponding to the second AP, where the AID12 field of the user information field can carry the ID of the second AP.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first AP sending information about a first bandwidth to the second AP, and correspondingly, the second AP receiving the information about the first bandwidth.

[0224] Optionally, the first bandwidth information is included in the first frame. Alternatively, the first bandwidth information is included in information used for cooperative transmission. For example, the first bandwidth and the first information are carried in different elements. Or, the first bandwidth and the first information are carried in the same element. For instance, the first bandwidth information may be indication information for the first transmission bandwidth.

[0225] In this embodiment of the application, the first AP can indicate the first bandwidth to the second AP, so that the second AP can clearly know the first bandwidth corresponding to the first transmission power, thereby adjusting the second transmission power more accurately.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second AP sending second bandwidth information to the first AP, and correspondingly, the first AP receiving the second bandwidth information. By indicating the second bandwidth information to the first AP, the second AP enables the first AP to obtain the second bandwidth corresponding to the power information.

[0227] 303. The second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, wherein the second bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second AP used for data transmission.

[0228] As an example, the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information, the first bandwidth, and the second bandwidth.

[0229] For example, the first bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the first AP for data transmission, and the second transmission power satisfies the following relationship with the first transmission power: T2=T2ref–10log10(BW1 / BW2) (7) T2=T2ref / (BW1 / BW2) (8)

[0230] Where T2 represents the second transmission power, T2ref represents the first transmission power, BW1 represents the first bandwidth, and BW2 represents the second bandwidth. Relationship (7) is shown in dBm, and relationship (8) is shown in mw.

[0231] For example, if the first bandwidth is 20MHz, the second transmission power and the first transmission power satisfy the following relationship: T2=T2ref+10log10(K) (9) T2=T2ref*K (10)

[0232] Where T2 represents the second transmission power, T2ref represents the first transmission power, and K = BW2 / BW1. When BW1 = 20MHz, K = BW2 / 20MHz. That is to say, the second bandwidth is K times 20MHz. Relationship (9) is shown in dBm as an example, and relationship (10) is shown in mw as an example.

[0233] Optionally, after determining the first transmission power based on the first frame, the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first transmission power, the first bandwidth, and the second bandwidth. The method by which the second AP determines the first transmission power is referenced in relation (6), which will not be detailed here. The method by which the second AP determines the second transmission power is referenced in relations (7) to (10), which will not be detailed here.

[0234] Optionally, when the first information is used to determine the first transmission power, the second AP can convert the bandwidth corresponding to the first information from the first bandwidth to the second bandwidth according to the relationship between the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth, and determine the second transmission power based on the first received signal strength measured by itself on the second bandwidth.

[0235] Optionally, when the first information is used to determine the first transmission power, the bandwidths corresponding to T1, SIR1, R11, and R21 can all be 20MHz. For example, after the second AP determines the first transmission power according to relationship (6), it can determine the second transmission power according to the relationship between 20MHz and BW2. T1, SIR1, and R11 correspond to 20MHz. As one possible implementation, the first AP receives radio frames from the first non-AP STA at 20MHz, and the first non-AP STA receives useful signals from the first AP and interference signals from the second AP at 20MHz. R21 corresponds to 20MHz. As one possible implementation, the second AP receives radio frames from the first non-AP STA at 20MHz.

[0236] The specific implementation method by which the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the conversion relationship between the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0237] As another example, the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the un-punctured bandwidth in the second bandwidth.

[0238] Channel puncturing refers to the absence of data transmission on certain 20MHz channels. For example, if the second bandwidth is 160MHz and the first bandwidth is 20MHz, and two 20MHz channels in the second bandwidth are punctured, then K = 6.

[0239] For example, the second AP can control the transmission power channel by channel. The transmission power on the 20MHz bandwidth that is not punctured in the second bandwidth satisfies the following relationship: T2ref1=T2ref-10log10(BW1 / 20) (11)

[0240] Where T2ref1 is the transmission power at 20MHz, T2ref is the first transmission power, and BW1 is the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission, or BW1 = 20MHz or 40MHz, etc. Relationship (11) is shown in dBm as an example. Formulas for units of mw are not listed here.

[0241] In other words, the transmit power at 20MHz without puncturing is less than or equal to T2ref1.

[0242] Considering the possibility of channel puncturing, the second AP determines its second transmit power based on the unpunctured bandwidth, ensuring that the transmit power on each 20MHz channel is less than or equal to the first transmit power. This allows for more accurate adjustment of the second transmit power, further reducing interference to the first non-AP STA / first AP and improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0243] 304. The second AP transmits data, and the transmission power of this data is less than or equal to the second transmission power.

[0244] The data transmission bandwidth is the second bandwidth. With the first bandwidth being 20MHz, when the second AP transmits data, the transmission power on any 20MHz channel is less than or equal to the first transmission power.

[0245] The dashed lines in steps 301 and 304 of Figure 3 indicate that steps 301 and 304 are optional.

[0246] In this embodiment, the second AP precisely adjusts its transmission power according to the bandwidth of its own data transmission, thereby reducing interference to the first non-AP STA / first AP and improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0247] The following describes the methods provided in the embodiments of this application in specific scenarios.

[0248] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication device, a chip or circuit within the communication device, or a functional module within the communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses a first AP, a second AP, a first non-AP STA, and a second non-AP STA as examples to illustrate the communication method. The descriptions of the first AP, the second AP, the first non-AP STA, and the second non-AP STA are as above and will not be detailed here. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

[0249] In one possible implementation, the method includes steps 501 and 502.

[0250] 501. The first AP sends the first ICF, and the corresponding first non-AP STA receives the first ICF.

[0251] 502. The first non-AP STA sends the first ICR frame, and the corresponding first AP receives the first ICR frame.

[0252] As an example, the purpose of the frame interaction between the first AP and the first non-AP STA is to protect the channel. For example, the first ICF is a request to send (RTS) frame or a multiple user request to send (MU-RTS) frame, and the first ICR frame is a clear to send (CTS) frame.

[0253] As another example, if the MLD to which the first non-AP STA belongs is operating in enhanced multi-link single radio (eMLSR) mode, and the first AP needs to communicate with the first non-AP STA, the first AP can send a first ICF. For example, the first ICF is a MU-RTS frame or a buffer state report poll (BSRP) frame, and the first ICR frame is a CTS frame or a quality of service null (QoS null) frame.

[0254] As another example, if the first non-AP STA is operating in dynamic power save (DPS) mode or dynamic unavailability operation (DUO) mode, and the first AP needs to communicate with the first non-AP STA, then the first AP can send the first ICF.

[0255] The purposes of frame interaction between the first AP and the first non-AP STA are not listed here. This application does not limit the purpose of frame interaction between the first AP and the first non-AP STA.

[0256] Optionally, the first non-AP STA transmits the first ICR frame after receiving the first ICF at a certain time interval. This time interval may be the duration of a short inter-frame space (SIFS).

[0257] Optionally, the first AP parses the first ICR frame. For example, the receive address of the first ICR frame includes the address of the first AP. As another example, the user information field of the first ICR frame includes the identifier (ID) of the first AP.

[0258] Optionally, the first AP measures the received signal strength of the first ICR frame. For ease of description, the received signal strength of the first ICR frame measured by the first AP is denoted as R11 or the second received signal strength. The received signal strength of the first ICR frame includes the received power of the first ICR frame.

[0259] Optionally, the second AP receives a first ICR frame from the first non-AP STA. The second AP measures the received signal strength of the first ICR frame. For ease of description, the received signal strength of the first ICR frame measured by the second AP is denoted as R21 or the first received signal strength. The second AP may not parse the first ICR frame. For example, whether a station (such as an AP or a non-AP STA) parses a received frame can be determined based on the receiving address indicated by the frame, or based on the ID indicated by the frame, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, the receiving address indicated by the first ICR frame does not include the address of the second AP. As another example, the ID indicated by the first ICR frame does not include the ID of the second AP.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the method includes step 503 or step 504.

[0261] 503. The second AP sends the second ICF. Optionally, the second non-AP STA receives the second ICF. Optionally, the first AP receives the second ICF.

[0262] 504. The second non-AP STA sends a second ICR frame to the second AP, and the second AP receives the second ICR frame. Alternatively, the first AP sends a second ICR frame to the second AP, and the second AP receives the second ICR frame.

[0263] The following explanation uses the interaction between the second AP and the second non-AP STA as an example (as shown in Figure 5).

[0264] In this case, the target receiver of the second ICF includes the second non-AP STA. The function of the second ICF is similar to that of the first ICF, and the function of the second ICR frame is similar to that of the first ICR frame, which will not be described in detail here. Whether the purpose of the frame interaction between the second AP and the second non-AP STA is the same as the purpose of the frame interaction between the first AP and the first non-AP STA is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0265] The following explanation uses the interaction of frames between the second AP and the first AP as an example (not shown in Figure 5).

[0266] In this case, the target receiver of the second ICF includes the first AP. Optionally, the second ICF includes strength information or power information. Optionally, the second ICF includes information about the second bandwidth. Optionally, the second ICR frame includes information about the first bandwidth.

[0267] For example, the second ICF is a BSRP frame, and the second ICR frame is a multi-STA block acknowledgement (MBA) frame.

[0268] In one possible implementation, the method includes steps 505 and 506.

[0269] 505. The first AP sends a second ICF to the second AP, and the second AP receives the second ICF accordingly.

[0270] 506. The second AP sends a second ICR frame to the first AP, and the first AP receives the second ICR frame accordingly.

[0271] Optionally, the second ICF is used to instruct the first AP to cooperate with the second AP in transmission, or to inquire (or invite) whether the second AP should cooperate with the first AP in transmission, or to request the second AP to cooperate with the first AP in transmission. For example, the second ICF is an inquiry frame. For instance, the second ICF may be a BSRP frame. Optionally, the second ICF includes information about the first bandwidth.

[0272] Optionally, the second ICR frame includes strength information or power information. Optionally, the second ICR frame includes second bandwidth information. Optionally, this second ICR frame is used to indicate that the second AP agrees to cooperate with the first AP in transmission. This second ICR frame is an MBA frame. For explanations of strength and power information, please refer to the above; they will not be detailed here.

[0273] As one possible implementation, the method shown in FIG5 includes steps 501 and 502. FIG6 exemplarily illustrates a method including steps 501 and 502. For a description of FIG6, refer to FIG3-5, which will not be detailed here. As another possible implementation, the method shown in FIG5 includes steps 501-504. As yet another possible implementation, the method shown in FIG5 includes steps 501, 502, 505, and 506. As yet another possible implementation, the method shown in FIG5 includes steps 505 and 506. The combinations of steps 501-506 are not listed individually here. The order of the steps is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0274] 507. The first AP sends a trigger frame to the second AP, and the second AP receives the trigger frame. The trigger frame includes information for cooperative transmission, which includes first information.

[0275] Optionally, the trigger frame is used by the first AP to initiate cooperative transmission, or in other words, by the first AP to initiate CSR transmission, or by requesting the second AP to transmit simultaneously with the first AP. This trigger frame can also be called a synchronization frame.

[0276] Optionally, before the first AP sends the trigger frame, it determines the first information. For an explanation of the first information, refer to Figure 3; it will not be detailed here. For an explanation of the trigger frame, refer to the description of the first frame in Figure 3; it will not be detailed here.

[0277] 508. The second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, wherein the second bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second AP used for data transmission.

[0278] For an explanation of step 508, please refer to the description of step 303 in Figure 3, which will not be elaborated here.

[0279] 509. The second AP transmits data, and the transmission power of this data is less than or equal to the second transmission power.

[0280] Optionally, the first AP transmits data with a transmission power less than or equal to T1. Further explanation of step 509 can be found in step 304.

[0281] In this embodiment, the second AP precisely adjusts its transmission power according to the bandwidth of its own data transmission, thereby reducing interference to the first non-AP STA / first AP and improving the performance of cooperative transmission.

[0282] Based on the method shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5, taking a first bandwidth of 20MHz as an example, an exemplary method provided by this application embodiment includes:

[0283] The first AP determines first information, which is the first transmission power, or the first information is used to determine the first transmission power. The first information corresponds to 20MHz, or the first transmission power corresponds to 20MHz. For the determination method of the first transmission power or the parameter used to determine the first transmission power, please refer to the above (such as relation (6), etc.), the details are similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0284] The first AP sends a first message to the second AP. Correspondingly, the second AP receives this first message. This first message may be included in the first frame.

[0285] The second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, where the second bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the second AP for data transmission. The method for determining the second transmission power is described in relation (9), (10), or (11), etc., and the details are similar, so they will not be elaborated here. Optionally, when the first bandwidth is 20MHz, the transmission power on the 20MHz of the second bandwidth that is not punctured is less than or equal to the first transmission power. Relation (11) is transformed into T2ref1 = T2ref.

[0286] For a detailed explanation of this method, please refer to the above text; the details are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0287] In the method described above, the second AP can determine the second transmission power based on the first transmission power and the second bandwidth, wherein the second transmission power is greater than or equal to the transmission power of the second AP for transmitting data.

[0288] This application also provides a communication method in which a first AP can determine a second transmission power based on a second bandwidth, wherein the second transmission power is greater than or equal to the transmission power of the second AP for transmitting data.

[0289] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication device, a chip or circuit within the communication device, or a functional module within the communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses a first AP, a second AP, a first non-AP STA, and a second non-AP STA as examples to illustrate the communication method. The descriptions of the first AP, the second AP, the first non-AP STA, and the second non-AP STA are as above and will not be detailed here. As shown in Figure 7, the method includes:

[0290] 701. The first AP determines the second information, which is the second transmission power, or the second information is used to determine the second transmission power, which corresponds to the second bandwidth.

[0291] The second transmission power is determined based on the second bandwidth, or in other words, the second transmission power is determined with reference to the second bandwidth. The second bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the second AP for data transmission.

[0292] For example, the second bandwidth is indicated by the second AP to the first AP. If the second AP sends the second bandwidth information to the first AP, the first AP receives the second bandwidth information accordingly. Optionally, the second bandwidth information is carried in a second ICF or a second ICR frame. By indicating the second bandwidth to the first AP, the second AP can determine the transmission power of the second AP based on the second bandwidth, thereby accurately controlling the transmission power of the second AP.

[0293] For example, the second bandwidth is determined by the first AP. That is, the first AP can specify the transmission bandwidth for the second AP. If the first AP sends information about the second bandwidth to the second AP, the second AP receives that information. The first AP specifies the transmission bandwidth (i.e., the second bandwidth) for the second AP and determines the second transmission power based on the second bandwidth. Therefore, the first AP can more accurately control the transmission power of the second AP.

[0294] For example, the second bandwidth is a predefined bandwidth. This second bandwidth might be defined by a standard. For instance, the standard might define the transmission bandwidth that the second AP can use. Or, the standard might define the relationship between the second bandwidth and the first bandwidth, and the first AP determines the transmission bandwidth of the second AP based on its own transmission bandwidth and this relationship.

[0295] The following describes the method for determining the second transmission power.

[0296] As an example, the first AP determines the second transmission power based on the path loss between the first AP and the second AP. This path loss corresponds to the second bandwidth.

[0297] As another example, the first AP determines the second transmit power based on the first AP's transmit power, the SIR of the first non-AP STA, the first received signal strength, and the second received signal strength.

[0298] As another example, the first AP determines the second transmit power based on the first AP's transmit power, the SIR of the first non-AP STA, the received signal strength A, and the received signal strength B.

[0299] The specific method for determining the second transmission power is shown in Figure 3, and the details are similar, so they will not be elaborated here. The difference is that in the method shown in Figure 3, the parameters used to determine the first transmission power correspond to the first bandwidth, or P1 corresponds to the first bandwidth.

[0300] However, in the method shown in Figure 7, as one possible implementation, the parameters used to determine the second transmission power correspond to the second bandwidth, so that the first AP can directly determine the second transmission power according to the following relationship: T2=T1-SIR1+R11-R21 (12) T2=(T1 / SIR1)*(R11 / R21) (13)

[0301] For an explanation of the parameters involved in relations (12) and (13), please refer to the above text. They will not be detailed here.

[0302] In the method shown in Figure 7, as another possible implementation, the parameters used to determine the second transmission power correspond to the first bandwidth, and the first AP determines the second transmission power based on the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth. For example, the first AP determines the first transmission power according to relation (6), and determines the second transmission power based on the first transmission power, the first bandwidth, and the second bandwidth. As another example, the parameters used to determine the second transmission power correspond to 20MHz, and the first AP determines the second transmission power based on 20MHz and the second bandwidth. As yet another example, P1 used to determine the second transmission power corresponds to 20MHz, and the first AP determines the second transmission power based on 20MHz, the second bandwidth, and P1. Specific implementations of the first AP determining the second transmission power will not be listed here.

[0303] In the method shown in Figure 7, as another possible implementation, the first AP determines the second transmission power based on the un-punctured bandwidth of the second bandwidth. For an explanation of puncturing, please refer to Figure 3; it will not be detailed here.

[0304] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a second AP transmitting strength information indicating the strength of the first received signal. Correspondingly, the first AP receives this strength information. For a description of the strength information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 3, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0305] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second AP transmitting power information, and correspondingly, the first AP receiving the power information. For an explanation of the power information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 3, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0306] 702. The first AP sends a first frame to the second AP, the first frame including information for cooperative transmission, the information for cooperative transmission including second information. Correspondingly, the second AP receives the first frame.

[0307] For an explanation of the second piece of information, please refer to step 701; it will not be detailed here.

[0308] Optionally, the first frame may also include information about the second bandwidth. Alternatively, the information used for cooperative transmission may also include information about the second bandwidth. For example, the second bandwidth and the second information may be carried in different elements. Alternatively, the second bandwidth and the second information may be carried in the same element. This application embodiment does not limit this. By indicating the second bandwidth to the second AP, the first AP can enable the second AP to clearly know its own transmission bandwidth, or to know the second bandwidth corresponding to the second transmission power, thereby enabling it to adjust the second transmission power more precisely.

[0309] Optionally, the information used for cooperative transmission also includes the transmission duration of the data packets. This transmission duration is the transmission duration of the data packets for both the first AP and the second AP.

[0310] For further details regarding the first frame, please refer to the descriptions in Figure 3, Figure 4a, or Figure 4b; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0311] In the method shown in Figure 3, after receiving the first frame, the second AP needs to determine the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth. However, in the method shown in Figure 7, the second AP can determine the second transmission power by parsing the first frame after receiving it. Optionally, the second AP can also determine the second bandwidth.

[0312] 703. The second AP transmits data, and the transmission power of this data is less than or equal to the second transmission power.

[0313] The data transmission bandwidth is the second bandwidth.

[0314] In this embodiment, the first AP determines the transmission power of the second AP based on the bandwidth used for data transmission. This allows for more accurate control of the second AP's transmission power, reducing interference from the second AP to the first AP / first non-AP STA and improving the performance of cooperative transmission. Furthermore, having the first AP determine the second transmission power effectively reduces the computational complexity of the second AP.

[0315] The following describes the methods provided in the embodiments of this application in specific scenarios.

[0316] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication device, a chip or circuit within the communication device, or a functional module within the communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses a first AP, a second AP, a first non-AP STA, and a second non-AP STA as examples to illustrate the communication method. The descriptions of the first AP, the second AP, the first non-AP STA, and the second non-AP STA are as described above and will not be repeated here. As shown in Figure 8, the method includes:

[0317] In one possible implementation, the method includes steps 801 and 802.

[0318] 801. The first AP sends the first ICF, and the corresponding first non-AP STA receives the first ICF.

[0319] 802. The first non-AP STA sends the first ICR frame, and the corresponding first AP receives the first ICR frame.

[0320] For an explanation of steps 801 and 802, please refer to the description of steps 501 and 502 in Figure 5, which will not be elaborated here.

[0321] In one possible implementation, the method includes step 803 or step 804.

[0322] 803. The second AP sends the second ICF. Optionally, the second non-AP STA receives the second ICF. Optionally, the first AP receives the second ICF.

[0323] 804. The second non-AP STA sends a second ICR frame to the second AP, and the second AP receives the second ICR frame. Alternatively, the first AP sends a second ICR frame to the second AP, and the second AP receives the second ICR frame.

[0324] For details regarding the frame interaction between the second AP and the second non-AP STA, please refer to the descriptions of steps 503 and 504 in Figure 5, which will not be elaborated here.

[0325] The following explanation uses the interaction between the second AP and the first AP as an example.

[0326] In this case, the target receiver of the second ICF includes the first AP. Optionally, the second ICF includes at least one of the following: strength information, power information, or information on the second bandwidth. For an explanation of the strength information or power information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 3, which will not be elaborated here.

[0327] In one possible implementation, the method includes steps 805 and 806.

[0328] 805. The first AP sends a second ICF to the second AP, and the second AP receives the second ICF accordingly.

[0329] 806. The second AP sends a second ICR frame to the first AP, and the first AP receives the second ICR frame accordingly.

[0330] Optionally, the second ICF includes information about the second bandwidth. The second ICR frame includes feedback information regarding the second bandwidth information. This feedback information may be an acknowledgment message, a rejection message, or a suggestion message for the second bandwidth. The suggestion message indicates that the second AP disagrees with the second bandwidth specified by the first AP and indicates a new second bandwidth to the first AP.

[0331] Optionally, the second ICR frame includes intensity information or power information.

[0332] For further explanation of steps 805 and 806, please refer to Figure 5, which will not be elaborated here.

[0333] As one possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 8 includes steps 801 and 802. As another possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 8 includes steps 801 to 804. As yet another possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 8 includes steps 801, 802, 805, and 806. As yet another possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 8 includes steps 805 and 806. The combinations of steps 801 to 806 are not listed here. The order of the steps is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0334] 807. The first AP sends a trigger frame to the second AP, and the second AP receives the trigger frame. The trigger frame includes information for cooperative transmission, which includes second information.

[0335] For an explanation of step 807, please refer to step 507 in Figure 5 or the description in Figure 7, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0336] 808. The second AP transmits data, and the transmission power of this data is less than or equal to the second transmission power.

[0337] In this embodiment, the first AP determines the transmission power of the second AP based on the bandwidth used for data transmission. This allows for more accurate control of the second AP's transmission power, reducing interference from the second AP to the first AP / first non-AP STA and improving the performance of cooperative transmission. Furthermore, having the first AP determine the second transmission power effectively reduces the computational complexity of the second AP.

[0338] In the various embodiments, implementations, or examples shown above, any content not described in detail in one place can be referred to other places.

[0339] The following describes the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0340] This application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above-described method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. The communication device of this application embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

[0341] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device includes a processing module 901 and a transceiver module 902. The transceiver module 902 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 901 is used to implement corresponding processing functions. For example, the transceiver module 902 can also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or a communication module, etc.

[0342] In some embodiments of this application, the device can be used to perform the actions performed by the first AP in the above method embodiments. In this case, the device can be the device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the device. The transceiver module 902 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first AP in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 901 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the first AP in the above method embodiments.

[0343] Processing module 901 is used to determine the first information; or, processing module 901 is used to determine the second information.

[0344] The transceiver module 902 is used to send or output the first frame.

[0345] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to transmit or output the first ICF and receive or input the first ICR frame. Optionally, the processing module 901 is further configured to generate the first ICF and parse the first ICR frame. Optionally, the processing module 901 is further configured to measure the received signal strength of the first ICR frame.

[0346] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is also used to receive or input a second ICF, and to send or output a second ICR frame.

[0347] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is also used to send or output a second ICF and to receive or input a second ICR frame.

[0348] Reusing Figure 9, in some other embodiments of this application, the communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the second AP in the above method embodiments. In this case, the device can be the device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the device. The transceiver module 902 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second AP in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 901 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the second AP in the above method embodiments.

[0349] The transceiver module 902 is used to receive or input the first frame;

[0350] Processing module 901 is used to determine the second transmission power based on the first frame.

[0351] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to transmit or output a second ICF; and receive or input a second ICR frame. Optionally, the processing module 901 is further configured to generate a second ICF and parse a second ICR frame.

[0352] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to receive or input a first ICF and a first ICR frame. Optionally, the processing module 901 is further configured to measure the received signal strength of the first ICR frame.

[0353] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is also used to receive or input a second ICF; and to send or output a second ICR frame.

[0354] For example, the transceiver module 902 described above can be an antenna module. Alternatively, the transceiver module 902 can be an input / output module. Optionally, in the above embodiments, the device may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 901 can read the instructions and / or data from the storage module to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0355] For details regarding the specific explanations of each term, noun, or step in the above embodiments, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; they will not be detailed here.

[0356] The specific descriptions of the transceiver module and processing module shown in the above embodiments are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver module and processing module, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0357] It is understandable that the module division in the above-mentioned device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional module. In actual implementation, all or some modules can be integrated into one physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functional modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0358] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0359] The apparatus of the embodiments of this application has been described above. The possible product forms of the apparatus are described below. Any product possessing the functions of the apparatus described in FIG. 9 above falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. The following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the product form of the apparatus of the embodiments of this application to this.

[0360] In one possible implementation, in the device shown in FIG9, the processing module 901 can be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 902 can be a transceiver, or the transceiver module 902 can also be a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module can be a transmitter, and the receiving module can be a receiver. The transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of this application, the processor and the transceiver can be coupled, etc., and the connection method between the processor and the transceiver is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be the process of the processor outputting the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After the above information is output by the processor, it may need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to undergo other processing before being input into the processor.

[0361] Figure 10 is another schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 100 includes one or more processors 1020 and transceivers 1010.

[0362] In some embodiments of this application, the above-described apparatus is used to execute the steps, methods, or functions performed by the first AP. For example, the processor 1020 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 901 shown in FIG. 9, and the transceiver 1010 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 902 shown in FIG. 9. Detailed descriptions of the processor 1020 and transceiver 1010 can be found in FIG. 9 or the method embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0363] In other embodiments of this application, the above-described apparatus can be used to execute the steps, methods, or functions performed by the second AP. For example, the processor 1020 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 901 shown in FIG. 9, and the transceiver 1010 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 902 shown in FIG. 9. Detailed descriptions of the processor 1020 and transceiver 1010 can be found in FIG. 9 or the method embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0364] In various implementations of the communication device shown in Figure 10, the transceiver may include a receiver for performing a receiving function (or operation) and a transmitter for performing a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is also used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium.

[0365] Optionally, the communication device 100 may further include one or more memories 1030 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memories 1030 are coupled to the processor 1020. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between communication devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between the communication devices, units, or modules. The processor 1020 may operate in conjunction with the memories 1030. The processor 1020 can execute program instructions stored in the memories 1030. Optionally, at least one of the above-mentioned memories may be included in the processor.

[0366] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1010, processor 1020, and memory 1030. In Figure 10, the memory 1030, processor 1020, and transceiver 1010 are connected via a bus 1040, which is represented by a thick line in Figure 10. The connection methods between other components are only illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 10, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0367] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0368] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium capable of carrying or storing program code having instruction or data structure forms, and capable of being read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in this application), but is not limited to this. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0369] The processor 1020 is primarily used to process communication protocols (or standards) and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data from those programs. The memory 1030 is primarily used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1010 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0370] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1020 can read the software program in the memory 1030, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1020 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1020. The processor 1020 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0371] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0372] The communication device shown in this application embodiment may have more components than those in Figure 10, and this application embodiment does not limit this. The methods executed by the processor and transceiver shown above are only examples, and the specific steps executed by the processor and transceiver can be referred to the methods described above. The dashed lines in Figure 10 indicate optional parts.

[0373] In another possible implementation, in the communication device shown in Figure 9, the processing module 901 can be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 902 can be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver module 902 can also be a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module can be an output interface, and the receiving module can be an input interface. The transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one module, such as an input / output interface.

[0374] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the chip includes a logic circuit 1101 and an interface 1102. That is, the processing module 901 can be implemented using the logic circuit 1101, and the transceiver module 902 can be implemented using the interface 1102. The logic circuit 1101 can be a chip, processing circuit, integrated circuit, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1102 can be a communication interface, input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 11 illustrates a chip using the aforementioned device as an example, where the chip includes a logic circuit 1101 and an interface 1102.

[0375] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method of the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the logic circuit 1101 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 901 shown in FIG. 9, and the interface 1102 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 902 shown in FIG. 9. For a detailed description of the logic circuit 1101 and the interface 1102, please refer to FIG. 9 or the method embodiment shown above, which will not be detailed here.

[0376] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in hardware form, or it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in software form, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this way.

[0377] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system including a first AP and a second AP, which can be used to perform the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments. Optionally, the communication system further includes a second non-AP STA. Optionally, the communication system further includes a first non-AP STA.

[0378] This application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by various communication devices in the methods provided in this application.

[0379] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by various communication devices in the methods provided in this application.

[0380] This application also provides a computer program product comprising computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by various entities in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0381] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, communication devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the communication device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, communication devices, or modules, or it may be an electrical, mechanical, or other form of connection.

[0382] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0383] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0384] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first access point (AP) determines the first information, which is the first transmission power, or the first information is used to determine the first transmission power, which corresponds to the first bandwidth. The first AP sends a first frame to the second AP. The first frame includes information for cooperative transmission, and the information for cooperative transmission includes the first information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission, or the first bandwidth is 20MHz.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first transmission power is used to determine the second transmission power, the second transmission power corresponds to the second bandwidth, the second bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second AP used for data transmission, and the second transmission power is greater than or equal to the data transmission power of the second AP.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the first bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the first AP for data transmission, the second transmission power and the first transmission power satisfy the following relationship: T2 = T2ref – 10log10(BW1 / BW2) dBm; or, T2 = T2ref / (BW1 / BW2)mw Wherein, T2 represents the second transmission power, T2ref represents the first transmission power, BW1 represents the first bandwidth, and BW2 represents the second bandwidth.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the first bandwidth is 20MHz, the second transmission power and the first transmission power satisfy the following relationship: T2 = T2ref + 10log10(K)dBm; or, T2 = T2ref * K(mw) Where T2 represents the second transmission power, T2ref represents the first transmission power, K represents BW2 / BW1, BW1 represents the first bandwidth, and BW2 represents the second bandwidth.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first frame also includes the first bandwidth.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first AP receives power information from the second AP, wherein, The power information is used to indicate the minimum transmit power accepted by the second AP; or, The power information is used to indicate the maximum offset accepted by the second AP; or... The power information is used to indicate the minimum offset accepted by the second AP.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first AP receives strength information from the second AP. The strength information is used to indicate a first received signal strength. The first received signal strength is the received signal strength of the wireless frame received by the second AP from the first non-AP STA. The first transmit power is determined based on the first received signal strength.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second access point (AP) receives a first frame from the first AP. The first frame includes information for cooperative transmission. The information for cooperative transmission includes first information, which is a first transmission power, or the first information is used to determine the first transmission power, which corresponds to a first bandwidth. The second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, where the second bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the second AP for data transmission.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first transmission power corresponds to the first bandwidth, and the second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, including: The second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information, the first bandwidth, and the second bandwidth.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission, or the first bandwidth is 20MHz.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the first bandwidth is the bandwidth used by the first AP for data transmission, the second transmission power and the first transmission power satisfy the following relationship: T2 = T2ref – 10log10(BW1 / BW2) dBm; or, T2 = T2ref / (BW1 / BW2)mw Wherein, T2 represents the second transmission power, T2ref represents the first transmission power, BW1 represents the first bandwidth, and BW2 represents the second bandwidth.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the first bandwidth is 20MHz, the second transmission power and the first transmission power satisfy the following relationship: T2 = T2ref + 10log10(K)dBm; or, T2 = T2ref * K(mw) Where T2 represents the second transmission power, T2ref represents the first transmission power, K represents BW2 / BW1, BW1 represents the first bandwidth, and BW2 represents the second bandwidth.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The first frame also includes the first bandwidth.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the second bandwidth, including: The second AP determines the second transmission power based on the first information and the un-punched bandwidth in the second bandwidth.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second AP sends power information to the first AP; wherein, The power information is used to indicate the minimum transmit power accepted by the second AP; or, The power information is used to indicate the maximum offset accepted by the second AP; or... The power information is used to indicate the minimum offset accepted by the second AP.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second AP sends strength information to the first AP. The strength information is used to indicate the first received signal strength. The first received signal strength is the received signal strength of the wireless frame received by the second AP from the first non-AP STA. The first transmit power is determined based on the first received signal strength.

18. The method according to any one of claims 9-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second AP transmits the data, and the transmission power of the data is less than or equal to the second transmission power.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first AP determines the second information, which is the second transmission power, or the second information is used to determine the second transmission power, which corresponds to the second bandwidth, which is the bandwidth of the second AP used for data transmission; The first AP sends a first frame to the second AP. The first frame includes information for cooperative transmission, and the information for cooperative transmission includes the second information.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first AP receives information about the second bandwidth from the second AP.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second AP receives a first frame from the first AP. The first frame includes information for cooperative transmission. The information for cooperative transmission includes second information, which is a second transmission power. Alternatively, the second information is used to determine the second transmission power, which corresponds to a second bandwidth, which is the bandwidth of the second AP used for data transmission. The second AP transmits the data, and the transmission power of the data is less than or equal to the second transmission power.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second AP sends the second bandwidth information to the first AP.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that, The second bandwidth is determined by the first AP.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19-23, characterized in that, The second transmission power is determined based on the second bandwidth and the first bandwidth, where the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the first AP used for data transmission.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a transceiver, the processor and the transceiver being coupled to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-24.

27. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes logic circuitry and an interface, the logic circuitry and the interface being coupled such that the chip implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-24.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-24.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed by a computer, the method described in any one of claims 1-24 is performed.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes a first AP and a second AP, wherein the first AP is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the second AP is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-18; or, the first AP is configured to perform the method as described in claims 19, 20, 23 or 24, and the second AP is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 21-24.

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