WO2025227298A1 - Communication methods and devices, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of communications. Provided are communication methods and devices, and a storage medium. A method is applied to a first device, and comprises: acquiring first parameter information, the first parameter information comprising periodic power saving information associated with a second device, the first device comprising an access point device (AP) or an access point multi-link device (AP MLD), the second device being an AP, and the first device and the second device forming an overlapping basic service set (OBSS); and, on the basis of the first parameter information, determining periodic power saving information of the first device. The embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a determination mode for periodic power saving information.

Description

Communication methods, devices and storage media Technical Field

This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, device, and storage medium.

Background Technology

In related technologies, access point devices (APs) or multi-link access point devices (AP MLDs) can enter power-saving mode outside of the target wake-up time (TWT) service period (SP) or restricted-TWT (R-TWT) service period (SP). Further research is needed on how to determine the periodic power-saving information of APs or AP MLDs to reduce communication interference.

Summary of the Invention

This disclosure provides a communication method, a device, and a storage medium.

In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applied to a first device, the method comprising:

Obtain first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first device includes an access point device (AP) or a multi-connection access point device (AP MLD). The second device is an AP. The first device and the second device form an overlapping basic service set (OBSS).

Based on the aforementioned first parameter information, the periodic power-saving information associated with the aforementioned first device is determined.

Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applied to a second device, the method comprising:

Send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device is an AP or AP MLD, the second device is an AP, and the first device and the second device form an OBSS.

Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applied to a third device, the method comprising:

Send first parameter information, the first parameter information including periodic power saving information associated with the second device, the first parameter information being used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device; the first device includes an AP or an AP MLD, the second device is an AP, the first device and the second device form an OBSS, and the third device is an STA associated with the first device.

Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is a first device, comprising:

The transceiver module is used to obtain first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first device includes an access point device (AP) or a multi-connection access point device (AP MLD). The second device is an AP. The first device and the second device form an overlapping basic service set (OBSS).

The processing module is used to determine the periodic power-saving information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information mentioned above.

Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which is a second device, comprising:

The transceiver module is used to send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device is an AP or AP MLD, the second device is an AP, and the first device and the second device form an OBSS.

Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which is a third device, comprising:

The transceiver module is used to send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device includes an AP or an AP MLD, the second device is an AP, the first device and the second device form an OBSS, and the third device is a STA associated with the first device.

In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including one or more processors;

When the communication device is used as a first device, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect of the present disclosure. When the communication device is used as a second device, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect of the present disclosure. When the communication device is used as a third device, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the third aspect of the present disclosure.

Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method provided in the first, second, or third aspects of embodiments of this disclosure.

Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising a first device, a second device, and a third device. The second device and the third device transmit first parameter information, which includes periodic power-saving information associated with the second device. The first device is an AP or AP MLD, the second device is an AP, and the third device is a STA associated with the first device. The first device and the second device form an OBSS. The first device acquires the first parameter information and determines the periodic power-saving information associated with it based on the first parameter information.

Based on the communication method, device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for determining periodic power-saving information can be provided.

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

Attached Figure Description

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

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

Figure 2a is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method shown in the embodiments of this disclosure;

Figure 2b is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

Figure 5 is a third schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

Figure 6b is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

Figure 6c is a third schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

Figure 7 is a fourth schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

Detailed Implementation

This disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium.

In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applied to a first device, the method comprising:

Obtain first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first device includes an access point device (AP) or a multi-connection access point device (AP MLD). The second device is an AP. The first device and the second device form an overlapping basic service set (OBSS).

Based on the aforementioned first parameter information, the periodic power-saving information associated with the aforementioned first device is determined.

In the above embodiments, when the first device and the second device form an OBSS, the first device can determine its own associated periodic power saving information based on the periodic power saving information associated with the second device. This is beneficial for the data communication of the AP or AP MLD to be free from interference from other APs that form an OBSS with it, and is beneficial for improving data throughput and data transmission performance.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the aforementioned periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following:

Periodic dormancy information;

Target wake-up time service time TWT SP or restricted target wake-up time service time R-TWT SP.

In the above embodiments, the periodic power saving information may include periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information (TWT SP or R-TWT SP), so that the first device can determine its own associated periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information based on the periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information associated with the second device, thereby improving the diversity of the determination method of periodic power saving information.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining the first parameter information as described above includes at least one of the following:

Obtain the first parameter information from the second device;

A first wireless frame is received, the first wireless frame including the first parameter information, the first wireless frame being sent by a third device, the third device being a STA associated with the first device.

In the above embodiments, the first device can obtain first parameter information from the second device and/or from the associated STA, which is beneficial for the first device to obtain as much first parameter information as possible from other APs that form the OBSS, thereby enabling the first device to more accurately determine its own periodic power saving information, thereby further reducing data transmission interference and improving data transmission performance.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining the first parameter information from the second device includes:

Send a first request frame, which is used to request the first parameter information;

Receive a first response frame, wherein the first response frame includes any one of the following:

The aforementioned first parameter information;

The link identifier and cause code of the first link;

The first link mentioned above is the communication link where the second device is located; the reason code mentioned above is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA.

Wherein, when the first response frame includes the first parameter information, the first response frame is sent by the second device when establishing an association with the STA; when the first response frame includes the first link identifier and the reason code, the first response... The response frame is sent by the second device without establishing an association with the STA.

In the above embodiments, when the second device establishes an association with the STA, it can send first parameter information to the first device. This allows the first device to avoid data transmission interference from the second device when determining its associated periodic power-saving information. When the second device does not establish an association with the STA, it does not need to send the first parameter information to the first device. This allows the first device to determine its associated periodic power-saving information without considering the periodic power-saving information associated with the second device, making the determination process for periodic power-saving information more flexible.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the first device is an auxiliary AP of an AP MLD, the first request frame includes a link identifier of the communication link in which the first device is located.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the second device is attached to the AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached under each communication link;

The aforementioned first parameter information also includes at least one of the following:

The time synchronization function TSF parameters of the second device under the first link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located;

The TSF offset value of the second device under each second link, wherein the second link is any communication link of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached, other than the first link.

In the above embodiments, when the second device is attached to the AP MLD, the first device can obtain the periodic power-saving information associated with the second device, as well as the TSF parameters and/or TSF offset values of the second device under the corresponding communication link. This is beneficial for the first device and the second device to achieve time synchronization and improve the data transmission efficiency of the first device.

Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applied to a second device, the method comprising:

Send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device is an AP or AP MLD, the second device is an AP, and the first device and the second device form an OBSS.

In the above embodiments, when the first device and the second device form an OBSS, the second device can send first parameter information to the first device, so that the first device can determine its own associated periodic power saving information based on the periodic power saving information associated with the second device. This is beneficial for the data communication of the AP or AP MLD to be free from interference from other APs that form an OBSS with it, and is beneficial for improving data throughput and data transmission performance.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the aforementioned periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following:

Periodic dormancy information;

TWT SP or R-TWT SP.

In the above embodiments, the periodic power saving information may include periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information (TWT SP or R-TWT SP), so that the first device can determine its own associated periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information based on the periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information associated with the second device, thereby improving the diversity of the determination method of periodic power saving information.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned sending of the first parameter information includes:

Receive a first request frame, which is used to request the acquisition of first parameter information; or,

Send a first response frame. When the second device establishes an association with the STA, the first response frame includes the first parameter information. When the second device does not establish an association with the STA, the first response frame includes the link identifier of the first link and a reason code. The reason code is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA.

The first link mentioned above is the communication link where the second device is located.

In the above embodiments, when the second device establishes an association with the STA, it can send first parameter information to the first device. This allows the first device to avoid data transmission interference from the second device when determining its associated periodic power-saving information. When the second device does not establish an association with the STA, it does not need to send the first parameter information to the first device. This allows the first device to determine its associated periodic power-saving information without considering the periodic power-saving information associated with the second device, making the determination process for periodic power-saving information more flexible.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the first device is an auxiliary AP of an AP MLD, the first request frame includes the link identifier of the communication link where the first device is located.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached under each communication link;

The aforementioned first parameter information also includes at least one of the following:

The TSF parameters of the second device mentioned above under the first communication link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located;

The TSF offset value of the second device under the second link, where the second link is any other communication link among all communication links of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached, excluding the first communication link.

In the above embodiments, when the second device is attached to the AP MLD, the first device acquires the periodicity associated with the second device. While providing power-saving information, it can also obtain the TSF parameters and/or TSF offset values of the second device under the corresponding communication link, which is beneficial for the first device and the second device to achieve time synchronization and improve the data transmission efficiency of the first device.

Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method applied to a third device, the method comprising:

Send first parameter information, the first parameter information including periodic power saving information associated with the second device, the first parameter information being used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device; the first device includes an AP or an AP MLD, the second device is an AP, the first device and the second device form an OBSS, and the third device is a STA associated with the first device.

In the above embodiments, when the first device and the second device form an OBSS, the third device can send the first parameter information to the first device, so that the first device can determine its own associated periodic power saving information based on the periodic power saving information associated with the second device. This is beneficial for the data communication of the AP or AP MLD to be free from interference from other APs that form an OBSS with it, and is beneficial for improving data throughput and data transmission performance.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the aforementioned periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following:

Periodic dormancy information;

TWT SP or R-TWT SP.

In the above embodiments, the periodic power saving information may include periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information (TWT SP or R-TWT SP), so that the first device can determine its own associated periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information based on the periodic sleep information and/or periodic communication information associated with the second device, thereby improving the diversity of the determination method of periodic power saving information.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned sending of the first parameter information includes:

A first wireless frame is sent, the first wireless frame including first parameter information.

In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, when the second device is attached to the AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached under each communication link;

The aforementioned first parameter information also includes at least one of the following:

The TSF parameters of the second device mentioned above under the first link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located;

The TSF offset value of the second device under each second link, wherein the second link is any communication link of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached, other than the first link.

In the above embodiments, when the second device is attached to the AP MLD, the first device can obtain the periodic power-saving information associated with the second device, as well as the TSF parameters and/or TSF offset values of the second device under the corresponding communication link. This is beneficial for the first device and the second device to achieve time synchronization and improve the data transmission efficiency of the first device.

Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is a first device, comprising:

The transceiver module is used to obtain first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first device includes an access point device (AP) or a multi-connection access point device (AP MLD). The second device is an AP. The first device and the second device form an overlapping basic service set (OBSS).

The processing module is used to determine the periodic power-saving information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information mentioned above.

Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which is a second device, comprising:

The transceiver module is used to send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device is an AP or AP MLD, the second device is an AP, and the first device and the second device form an OBSS.

Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which is a third device, comprising:

The transceiver module is used to send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device includes an AP or an AP MLD, the second device is an AP, the first device and the second device form an OBSS, and the third device is a STA associated with the first device.

In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including one or more processors;

When the aforementioned communication device is a first device, the aforementioned processor executes the communication method provided by the first aspect and optional embodiments thereof; when it is a second device, the aforementioned processor executes the communication method provided by the second aspect and optional embodiments thereof; or when it is a third device, the aforementioned processor executes the communication method provided by the third aspect and optional embodiments thereof.

Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the third aspect.

Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, an optional implementation of the first aspect, an optional implementation of the second aspect, and the... The method described in the three optional implementations.

In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the third aspect.

Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the third aspect.

In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising a first device and a second device; wherein the first device is configured to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the third aspect.

It is understood that the aforementioned first device, second device, third device, communication system, communication equipment, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

This disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication device" and "information processing device," and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

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

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

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

In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the aforementioned," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

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

In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "when...", "when..." Terms such as “when”, “if…”, and “if…” can be used interchangeably.

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

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

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

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

The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

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

As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101, a second device 102, and a third device 103.

Among them, the first device 101 can be an independent AP or an AP MLD, the second device 102 is an AP, and the third device is a STA.

Among them, the first device 101 and the second device 102 form an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS).

The third device 103 is associated with the first device 101 and is located within the OBSS.

The first device 101 can acquire first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device 102, and determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device 101 based on the first parameter information.

In some embodiments, the first device 101, the second device 102, and the third device 103 may be terminal devices or network devices equipped with wireless fidelity chips.

The first device 101 can obtain the first parameter information sent by the second device 102 and/or the third device 103, and determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device 101 based on the periodic power saving information associated with the second device in the first parameter information.

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

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

The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as to IEEE 802.11 system standards, including 802.11a/b/g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11bf, 802.11be, or their next generation, such as 802.11bn. Alternatively, the embodiments disclosed herein can also be applied to WLAN systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments disclosed herein can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, and 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, etc.

Figure 2a is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method shown in this embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method shown in Figure 2a includes:

S211, the first device sends a first request frame, the first request frame is used to request to obtain first parameter information, the first parameter information includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device.

In some embodiments, the first device may be an AP or an AP MLD.

In some embodiments, the second device is an access point (AP).

In some embodiments, the first device and the second device form an Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS).

It should be noted that when the first device is an AP MLD, the formation of an OBSS between the first device and the second device can be determined when at least one of the first device's affiliated APs forms an OBSS with the second device. In other words, when the first device is an AP MLD, the BSS of the second device overlaps with the BSS of at least one of the first device's affiliated APs.

In some embodiments, when the first device is an affiliated AP of an AP MLD, the first request frame may also include a link identifier of the communication link in which the first device is located.

S212, when the second device establishes an association with the STA, the second device sends a first response frame, which includes first parameter information.

In some embodiments, the first parameter information includes periodic power-saving information associated with the second device.

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information may include periodic sleep information.

The periodic hibernation information includes hibernation start time, hibernation end time, and hibernation cycle, which are not limited here.

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information may include Target Wake Time (TWT) service time. (service period, SP), or may include restricted target wake-up time (restricted-TWT, R-TWT) service period SP.

As an example, the first parameter information includes periodic sleep information associated with the second device.

As an example, the first parameter information includes the TWT SP associated with the second device.

As an example, the first parameter information includes the R-TWT SP associated with the second device.

As an example, the first parameter information includes the periodic sleep information associated with the second device and the TWT SP.

As an example, the first parameter information includes the periodic sleep information associated with the second device and the R-TWT SP.

In this embodiment of the disclosure, TWT SP is one of the Individual Target Wake-up Time (Individual TWT) or Broadcast Target Wake-up Time (broadcast TWT), and R-TWT SP is one of the Broadcast TWT methods.

In some embodiments, when the second device is not attached to the AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device is the periodic power saving information of the second device.

In some embodiments, when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached under each communication link, that is, it includes the periodic power saving information of each attached AP of the second device.

In this case, the first parameter information may also include any one or more of the Time Synchronization Function (TSF) parameters of the second device under the first link and the TSF offset values of the second device under each second link, without any restrictions.

The first link is the communication link where the second device is located, and the second link is all the communication links of the AP MLD attached to the second device, excluding the first link.

The TSF parameters of the second device under the first link and the TSF offset value of the second device under each second line are used for time synchronization between the first device and the second device.

S213, when the second device has not established an association with the STA, the second device sends a first response frame, which includes the link identifier of the first link and a reason code.

In some embodiments, when the second device has not established an association with the STA, after receiving the first request frame, the second device may also send a first response frame to the first device.

The first response frame includes at least one of the link identifier or cause code of the first link.

When the first response frame includes the link identifier of the first link, it is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA through the communication link corresponding to the link identifier.

When the first response frame includes a reason code, the reason code is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA.

As an example, when a device has not established an association with a STA, after receiving the first request frame, the second device sends a first response frame, which includes the link identifier of the first link and a reason code.

The first link is the communication link where the second device is located.

In this disclosure, even if the second device has associated periodic power-saving information, it will not interfere with the communication of the first device because the second device does not communicate with other STAs, even if the second device does not establish an association with the STA. Therefore, when the second device does not establish an association with the STA, it does not need to reply with the associated periodic power-saving information after receiving the first request frame.

Optionally, if the second device does not establish an association with the STA, the second device may not respond to the first request frame.

S214, the first device determines the periodic power saving information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information.

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following:

Periodic dormancy information;

TWT SP or R-TWT SP.

As an example, the first device can determine the periodic sleep information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information.

As an example, the first device can determine the TWT SP or R-TWT SP associated with the first device based on the first parameter information.

As an example, the first device can determine the TWT SP associated with the first device and the periodic sleep information based on the first parameter information.

As an example, the first device can determine the periodic sleep information associated with the first device and the R-TWT SP based on the first parameter information.

Specifically, when the first device is an AP, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device is the periodic power saving information of the first device itself. When the first device is an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device is the periodic power saving information of the APs attached to the first device.

Optionally, when some of the auxiliary APs of the first device (the first auxiliary AP) form an OBSS with the second device, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device can be the periodic power saving information of the first auxiliary AP.

In this case, the first device can determine the periodic power saving information of the first auxiliary AP based on the periodic power saving information associated with the second device, or it can determine the periodic power saving information of all auxiliary APs, without any limitation.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S211-S214 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any one of steps S211-S212 and S214... The combination of steps can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto. As an example, steps S211-S212 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S211-S212 and step S214 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S212 and S214 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

Any combination of steps S211, S213-S214 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto. As an example, steps S211, S213-S214 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S211 and S213 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

Figure 2b is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method shown in Figure 2b includes:

S221, the third device sends a first wireless frame, the first wireless frame includes first parameter information, the first parameter information includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device.

In some embodiments, the third device is associated with the first device.

In some embodiments, the first device may be an AP or an AP MLD.

In some embodiments, the second device is an access point (AP).

In some embodiments, the first device and the second device form an Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS).

It should be noted that when the first device is an AP MLD, the formation of an OBSS between the first device and the second device can be determined when at least one of the first device's affiliated APs forms an OBSS with the second device. In other words, when the first device is an AP MLD, the BSS of the second device overlaps with the BSS of at least one of the first device's affiliated APs.

In some embodiments, the third device is located within the OBSS range, so that after obtaining the first parameter information from the second device, it can send a first wireless frame including the first parameter information to the first device.

The third device can receive the first parameter information sent by the second device in a broadcast manner.

It should be noted that when the first device is an AP MLD, there may be one or more third devices in the APs attached to the first device. Each third device can obtain the first parameter information of the second device and report it to the first device.

In some embodiments, the first wireless frame can be any wireless frame, for example, the first wireless frame can be a neighbor basic service set access point device information reporting frame.

In some embodiments, when the second device is associated with the STA, the first parameter information includes periodic power-saving information associated with the second device.

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information may include periodic sleep information.

The periodic hibernation information includes hibernation start time, hibernation end time, and hibernation cycle, which are not limited here.

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information may include Target Wake Time (TWT) service period (SP), or may include restricted-TWT (R-TWT) service period (SP).

As an example, the first parameter information includes periodic sleep information associated with the second device.

As an example, the first parameter information includes the TWT SP associated with the second device.

As an example, the first parameter information includes the R-TWT SP associated with the second device.

As an example, the first parameter information includes the periodic sleep information associated with the second device and the TWT SP.

As an example, the first parameter information includes the periodic sleep information associated with the second device and the R-TWT SP.

In some embodiments, when the second device is not attached to the AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device is the periodic power saving information of the second device.

In some embodiments, when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached under each communication link, that is, it includes the periodic power saving information of each attached AP of the second device.

In this case, the first parameter information may also include any one or more of the Time Synchronization Function (TSF) parameters of the second device under the first link and the TSF offset values of the second device under each second link, without any restrictions.

The first link is the communication link where the second device is located, and the first link is the same as the communication link through which the third device sends the first wireless frame; the second link is any other communication link among all the communication links of the AP MLD attached to the second device, excluding the first link.

The TSF parameters of the second device under the first link and the TSF offset value of the second device under each second line are used for time synchronization between the first device and the second device.

In some embodiments, when the second device is not associated with the STA, the third device does not need to send the first parameter information of the second device to the first device.

Optionally, the second device, after establishing an association with the STA, sends a second radio frame to the third device. The second radio frame includes the second device's first parameter information (e.g., the second radio frame is sent to the third device via broadcast). In this case, the third device may send a first radio frame to the first device, the first radio frame including the second device's first parameter information.

Optionally, the second device sends a third radio frame to the third device without establishing an association with the STA. The third radio frame includes the link identifier of the first link and a cause code.

When the third radio frame includes the link identifier of the first link, it is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA through the communication link corresponding to the link identifier.

When the third radio frame includes a cause code, the cause code is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA.

In this disclosure, even if the second device has associated periodic power-saving information, it will not interfere with the communication of the first device because it does not communicate with other STAs, even if the second device does not establish an association with the STA. Therefore, the third device does not need to report the first parameter information to the first device when the second device does not establish an association with the STA.

S222, the first device determines the periodic power saving information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information.

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following:

Periodic dormancy information;

TWT SP or R-TWT SP.

As an example, the first device can determine the periodic sleep information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information.

As an example, the first device can determine the TWT SP or R-TWT SP associated with the first device based on the first parameter information.

As an example, the first device can determine the TWT SP associated with the first device and the periodic sleep information based on the first parameter information.

As an example, the first device can determine the periodic sleep information associated with the first device and the R-TWT SP based on the first parameter information.

Specifically, when the first device is an AP, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device is the periodic power saving information of the first device itself. When the first device is an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device is the periodic power saving information of the APs attached to the first device.

Optionally, when some of the auxiliary APs of the first device (the first auxiliary AP) form an OBSS with the second device, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device can be the periodic power saving information of the first auxiliary AP.

In this case, the first device can determine the periodic power saving information of the first auxiliary AP based on the periodic power saving information associated with the second device, or it can determine the periodic power saving information of all auxiliary APs, without any limitation.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one or a combination of steps S221-S222 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto. As an example, step S221 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S221-S222 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S222 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

It should be noted that, in conjunction with Figures 2a and 2b, the first device can also obtain the first parameter information from both the second and third devices simultaneously, so as to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device based on the periodic power saving information associated with the second device.

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the method is executed by a first device and includes:

S31, Obtain first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device.

In some embodiments, the first device may be an AP or an AP MLD.

In some embodiments, the second device is an access point (AP).

In some embodiments, the first device and the second device form an Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS).

It should be noted that when the first device is an AP MLD, the formation of an OBSS between the first device and the second device can be determined when at least one of the first device's affiliated APs forms an OBSS with the second device. In other words, when the first device is an AP MLD, the BSS of the second device overlaps with the BSS of at least one of the first device's affiliated APs.

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following:

Periodic hibernation time;

TWT SP or R-TWT SP.

In some embodiments, the first device may obtain the first parameter information from a third device, and/or from a second device. The above method further includes at least one of the following:

Obtain the first parameter information from the second device;

A first wireless frame is received, the first wireless frame includes first parameter information, and the first wireless frame is sent by a third device.

The third device is associated with the first device, and the second STA is located within the BSS range of the second device.

In some embodiments, obtaining the first parameter information from the second device includes:

Send a first request frame, which is used to request the acquisition of the first parameter information of the second device;

Receive a first response frame, which includes any one of the following:

First parameter information of the second device;

The link identifier and cause code of the first link;

The first link is the communication link where the second device is located; the reason code is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA.

Specifically, when the first response frame includes the first parameter information, the first response frame is sent by the second device after establishing an association with the STA; when the first response frame includes the first link identifier and the cause code, the first response frame is sent by the second device without establishing an association with the STA.

The first request frame may include first periodic power saving information. When the first device is an AP MLD, the first periodic power saving information may include the current periodic power saving information of the affiliated AP attached to the first device and located within the OBSS formed with the second device. When the first device is an AP, the first periodic power saving information is the current periodic power saving information of the first device. The first request frame can indicate that the communication time of the first device and the second device overlaps through the first periodic power saving information.

Among them, the periodic power saving information determined by the first device based on the first parameter information is the periodic power saving information after replanning the first periodic power saving information.

In other words, the current periodic power saving information needs to be re-planned based on the periodic power saving information of the second device.

In some embodiments, when the first device is an AP attached to an AP MLD, the first request frame includes the link identifier of the communication link in which the first device resides.

In some embodiments, when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached under each communication link;

The first parameter information also includes at least one of the following:

The Time Synchronization Function (TSF) parameters of the second device under the first link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located;

The TSF offset value of the second device under each second link, where the second link is any of the communication links of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached, excluding the first link.

S32, based on the first parameter information, determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device.

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following:

Periodic dormancy information;

TWT SP or R-TWT SP.

Specifically, when the first device is an AP, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device is the periodic power saving information of the first device itself. When the first device is an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device is the periodic power saving information of the APs attached to the first device.

Optionally, when some of the auxiliary APs of the first device (the first auxiliary AP) form an OBSS with the second device, the periodic power saving information associated with the first device can be the periodic power saving information of the first auxiliary AP.

In this case, the first device can determine the periodic power saving information of the first auxiliary AP based on the periodic power saving information associated with the second device, or it can determine the periodic power saving information of all auxiliary APs, without any limitation.

The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S31-S32 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the method is executed by a second device and includes:

S41, send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device.

In some embodiments, the first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power-saving information associated with the first device.

In some embodiments, the first device may be an AP or an AP MLD.

In some embodiments, the second device is an access point (AP).

In some embodiments, the first device and the second device form an Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS).

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information may include periodic sleep information.

The periodic hibernation information includes hibernation start time, hibernation end time, and hibernation cycle, which are not limited here.

In some embodiments, periodic power saving information may include TWT SP, or may include R-TWT SP.

In some embodiments, when the second device is not attached to the AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device is the periodic power saving information of the second device.

In some embodiments, when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD attached to the second device under each communication link, that is, it includes the periodic power saving information of each attached AP of the second device.

In some embodiments, sending the first parameter information includes:

Receive the first request frame, which is used to request the first parameter information;

Send a first response frame. When the second device establishes an association with the STA, the first response frame includes first parameter information; when the second device does not establish an association with the STA, the first response frame includes the link identifier of the first link and a reason code, the reason code being used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA.

The first link is the communication link where the second device is located.

In some embodiments, when the first device is an AP attached to an AP MLD, the first request frame includes the link identifier of the communication link in which the first device resides.

In some embodiments, when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached under each communication link;

The first parameter information also includes at least one of the following:

The TSF parameters of the second device under the first communication link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located;

The TSF offset value of the second device under the second link, where the second link is the other communication links of the AP MLD attached to the second device, excluding the first communication link.

In this disclosure, even if the second device has associated periodic power-saving information, it will not interfere with the communication of the first device because the second device does not communicate with other STAs, even if the second device does not establish an association with the STA. Therefore, when the second device does not establish an association with the STA, it does not need to reply with the associated periodic power-saving information after receiving the first request frame.

Optionally, if the second device does not establish an association with the STA, the second device may not respond to the first request frame.

In some embodiments, the second device may broadcast a second wireless frame to the third device, the second wireless frame including first parameter information of the second device, so that the third device may send a first wireless frame to the first device, the first wireless frame including the first parameter information of the second device.

Optionally, the second device may send a third radio frame to the third device without establishing an association with the STA. The third radio frame includes the link identifier of the first link and a cause code.

When the third radio frame includes the link identifier of the first link, it is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA through the communication link corresponding to the link identifier.

When the third radio frame includes a cause code, the cause code is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA.

In this disclosure, even if the second device has associated periodic power-saving information, it will not interfere with the communication of the first device because it does not communicate with other STAs, even if the second device does not establish an association with the STA. Therefore, the second device does not need to send the first parameter information to the third device when it does not establish an association with the STA.

Figure 5 is a third schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the method is executed by a third device and includes:

S51, send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device.

In some embodiments, the first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power-saving information of the first device.

In some embodiments, the first device may be an AP or an AP MLD.

In some embodiments, the second device is an access point (AP).

In some embodiments, the first device and the second device form an Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS).

In some embodiments, periodic power-saving information may include periodic sleep information.

The periodic hibernation information includes hibernation start time, hibernation end time, and hibernation cycle, which are not limited here.

In some embodiments, periodic power saving information may include TWT SP, or may include R-TWT SP.

In some embodiments, when the second device is not attached to the AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device is the periodic power saving information of the second device.

In some embodiments, when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD attached to the second device under each communication link, that is, it includes the periodic power saving information of each attached AP of the second device.

In some embodiments, sending the first parameter information includes:

A first wireless frame is sent to a first device, the first wireless frame including first parameter information.

In some embodiments, when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached under each communication link;

The first parameter information also includes at least one of the following:

The TSF parameters of the second device under the first link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located, and the first link is the same as the communication link through which the third device sends the first wireless frame;

The TSF offset value of the second device under each second link, where the second link is any of the communication links of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached, excluding the first link.

In some embodiments, the third device is located within the OBSS range, so that after obtaining the first parameter information from the second device, it can send a first wireless frame including the first parameter information to the first device.

The third device can receive the first parameter information sent by the second device in a broadcast manner.

In some embodiments, the first wireless frame can be any wireless frame, for example, the first wireless frame can be a neighbor basic service set access point device information reporting frame.

The TSF parameters of the second device under the first link and the TSF offset value of the second device under each second line are used for time synchronization between the first device and the second device.

In some embodiments, when the second device establishes an association with the STA, the third device can receive a second radio frame sent by the second device, the second radio frame including first parameter information of the second device. In this case, the third device can send a first radio frame to the first device, the second... A wireless frame includes the first parameter information of the second device.

Optionally, when the second device has not established an association with the STA, it receives a third radio frame sent by the second device. The third radio frame includes the link identifier of the first link and the cause code.

When the third radio frame includes the link identifier of the first link, it is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA through the communication link corresponding to the link identifier.

When the third radio frame includes a cause code, the cause code is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA.

The embodiments of this disclosure can also be summarized as follows:

Before setting its periodic power saving information (TWT SP (rTWT SP) and/or periodic sleep information), the AP (AP MLD) can collect periodic power saving information from other BSS APs if it is in OBSS, in order to better plan its periodic power saving cycle.

Specifically, the AP (AP MLD) can plan its own periodic power saving information (TWT SP (rTWT SP) and/or periodic sleep information) based on the periodic power saving information (TWT SP (rTWT SP)) and/or periodic sleep information) received from other APs in the OBSS. This can be done in two ways:

Method 1: An AP (AP MLD) (requesting AP) can send a request frame to an AP in the OBSS (requested AP) to request it to send its periodic power saving information. The information contained in the request frame is the current periodic power saving information of the requesting AP, or, if the requesting AP is an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information of the subordinate AP in the OBSS.

If the requesting AP is attached to an AP MLD and has established multiple links with a non-AP MLD, it must carry the Link ID identifier of the communication link where the requesting AP is located, and the requested AP replies with a response frame to the requesting AP.

If the requested AP supports multiple links, the response frame should include the link identifier for each communication link of the AP MLD attached to the requested AP, as well as periodic power-saving information for each communication link, such as sleep start time, sleep end time, and sleep period. The response frame should also carry the TSF parameter information for the requested link, and the TSF offset information for other links, to request the AP to synchronize time with the requested AP. If the requested AP has not established an association with other STAs using the Link ID in the request frame, it does not need to reply with a response frame or include the Link ID identifier and reason code of the requested link in the response frame, indicating that no link has been established with the STA.

Method 2: The STA associated with the AP (AP MLD) actively reports periodic power-saving information of other APs in the OBSS. The associated STA can report this information through predefined radio frames, such as neighboring BSS AP information reporting frames. These radio frames, used to report periodic power-saving information of other APs, include the sleep status of the other APs in the OBSS. If other APs in the OBSS are attached to an AP MLD, the associated STA reports the periodic power-saving information corresponding to all links of the AM MLD attached to that AP, including the TSF parameter information and TSF offset information of the AP MLD on the reporting link, consistent with Method 1.

Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the communication 610 can be the aforementioned first device, including: a transceiver module 611 and a processing module 612.

In some embodiments, the transceiver module 611 is used to obtain first parameter information, the first parameter information including periodic power saving information associated with the second device, the first device including an access point device (AP) or a multi-connection access point device (AP MLD), the second device being an AP, and the first device and the second device forming an overlapping basic service set (OBSS).

In some embodiments, the processing module 612 is configured to determine the periodic power-saving information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information.

Optionally, the transceiver module 611 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps S211, S31, but not limited thereto) executed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The processing module 612 is used to execute at least one of the processing steps (e.g., steps S214, S222, S32, but not limited thereto) executed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

Figure 6b is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6b, the communication device 620 can be the aforementioned second device, including: a transceiver module 621.

In some embodiments, the transceiver module 621 is used to send first parameter information, the first parameter information including periodic power saving information associated with the second device, the first parameter information being used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device; the first device is an AP or AP MLD, the second device is an AP, and the first device and the second device form an OBSS.

Optionally, the transceiver module 621 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps S212-S213, steps S41, but not limited thereto) executed by the second device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

Figure 6c is a third schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6c, the communication device 630 can be the aforementioned third device, including: a transceiver module 631.

In some embodiments, the transceiver module 631 is used to send first parameter information, the first parameter information including periodic power saving information associated with the second device, the first parameter information being used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device; the first device includes an AP or an AP MLD, the second device is an AP, the first device and the second device form an OBSS, and the third device is associated with the first device.

Optionally, the transceiver module 631 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (such as step S221, step S51, but not limited thereto) executed by the third device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

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

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

Figure 7 is a fourth schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in this embodiment. The communication device 700 can be a first device, a second device, or a third device, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first device, the second device, or the third device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 700 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701. The processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 700 is used to execute any of the above methods.

In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 may be located outside the communication device 700.

In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more transceivers 703. When the communication device 700 includes one or more transceivers 703, the transceivers 703 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and/or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S211-S213, S221, S32, S41, S51, but not limited thereto), and the processor 701 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S214, S222, S32, but not limited thereto).

In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and/or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may include one or more interface circuits 704. Optionally, the interface circuit 704 is connected to the memory 702, and the interface circuit 704 can be used to receive signals from the memory 702 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 702 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 704 can read instructions stored in the memory 702 and send the instructions to the processor 701.

The communication device 700 described in the above embodiments may be a first network device or a second network device, but the scope of the communication device 700 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 700 may not be limited by FIG. 7. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the above-mentioned communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above-mentioned IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 800 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The chip 800 includes one or more processors 801, and the chip 800 is used to perform any of the above methods.

In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more interface circuits 803. Optionally, the interface circuit 803 is connected to memory 802, and the interface circuit 803 can be used to receive signals from memory 802 or other devices, and the interface circuit 803 can be used to send signals to memory 802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 803 can read instructions stored in memory 802 and send the instructions to processor 801.

In some embodiments, the interface circuit 803 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and/or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S211-S213, S221, S32, S41, S51, but not limited thereto), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S214, S222, S32, but not limited thereto).

In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more memories 802 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 802 may be located outside of chip 800.

This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 700, cause the communication device 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 700, causes the communication device 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features disclosed in this disclosure that have similar functions.

Claims (21)

A communication method, characterized in that it is applied to a first device, the method comprising: Obtain first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first device includes an access point device (AP) or a multi-connection access point device (AP MLD), and the second device is an AP. The first device and the second device form an overlapping basic service set (OBSS). Based on the first parameter information, the periodic power-saving information associated with the first device is determined. The method according to claim 1, wherein the periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following: Periodic dormancy information; Target wake-up time service time TWT SP or restricted target wake-up time service time R-TWT SP. According to the method of claim 1, the step of obtaining the first parameter information includes: Obtain the first parameter information from the second device; or, A first wireless frame is received, the first wireless frame including the first parameter information, the first wireless frame being sent by a third device, the third device being a STA associated with the first device. According to the method of claim 3, the step of obtaining the first parameter information from the second device includes: Send a first request frame, which is used to request the first parameter information; Receive a first response frame, the first response frame including any one of the following: The first parameter information; The link identifier and cause code of the first link; Wherein, the first link is the communication link where the second device is located; the reason code is used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA; Wherein, when the first response frame includes the first parameter information, the first response frame is sent by the second device when it has established an association with the STA; when the first response frame includes the first link identifier and the reason code, the first response frame is sent by the second device when it has not established an association with the STA. According to the method of claim 4, when the first device is an AP attached to an AP MLD, the first request frame includes the link identifier of the communication link where the first device is located. The method according to claim 3, wherein when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD attached to the second device under each communication link; The first parameter information also includes at least one of the following: The Time Synchronization Function (TSF) parameters of the second device under the first link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located; The TSF offset value of the second device under each second link, where the second link is any communication link of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached, other than the first link. A communication method, characterized in that it is applied to a second device, the method comprising: Send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device is an AP or AP MLD, the second device is an AP, and the first device and the second device form an OBSS. The method according to claim 7, wherein the periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following: Periodic dormancy information; TWT SP or R-TWT SP. According to the method of claim 7, the step of sending the first parameter information includes: Receive a first request frame, which is used to request the acquisition of first parameter information; or, Send a first response frame. When the second device establishes an association with the STA, the first response frame includes the first parameter information. When the second device does not establish an association with the STA, the first response frame includes the link identifier of the first link and a reason code, the reason code being used to indicate that the second device has not established an association with the STA. The first link is the communication link where the second device is located. According to the method of claim 9, when the first device is an AP attached to an AP MLD, the first request frame includes the link identifier of the communication link in which the first device is located. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD attached to the second device under each communication link; The first parameter information also includes at least one of the following: The TSF parameters of the second device under the first communication link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located; The TSF offset value of the second device under the second link, where the second link is any other communication link among all communication links of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached, excluding the first communication link. A communication method, characterized in that it is applied to a third device, the method comprising: Send first parameter information, the first parameter information including periodic power saving information associated with the second device, the first parameter information being used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device; the first device includes an AP or an AP MLD, the second device is an AP, the first device and the second device form an OBSS, and the third device is a STA associated with the first device. The method according to claim 12, wherein the periodic power-saving information includes at least one of the following: Periodic dormancy information; TWT SP or R-TWT SP. According to the method of claim 12, the step of sending the first parameter information includes: A first wireless frame is sent, the first wireless frame including first parameter information. The method according to claim 12, wherein when the second device is attached to an AP MLD, the periodic power saving information associated with the second device includes the periodic power saving information of the AP MLD attached to the second device under each communication link; The first parameter information also includes at least one of the following: The TSF parameters of the second device under the first link, where the first link is the communication link where the second device is located; The TSF offset value of the second device under each second link, where the second link is any communication link of the AP MLD to which the second device is attached, other than the first link. A communication device, characterized in that the communication device is a first device, comprising: The transceiver module is used to acquire first parameter information, which includes periodic power-saving information associated with the second device. The first device includes an access point device (AP) or a multi-connection access point device (AP MLD), and the second device is an AP. The first device and the second device form an overlapping basic service set OBSS; The processing module is used to determine the periodic power-saving information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information. A communication device, characterized in that the communication device is a second device, comprising: The transceiver module is used to send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device is an AP or AP MLD, the second device is an AP, and the first device and the second device form an OBSS. A communication device, characterized in that the communication device is a third device, comprising: The transceiver module is used to send first parameter information, which includes periodic power saving information associated with the second device. The first parameter information is used by the first device to determine the periodic power saving information associated with the first device. The first device includes an AP or an AP MLD, the second device is an AP, the first device and the second device form an OBSS, and the third device is a STA associated with the first device. A communication device, characterized in that it comprises: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-6, 7-11, or 12-15. A storage medium, characterized in that the storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-6, 7-11, or 12-15. A communication system includes a first device, a second device, and a third device; wherein the second device and the third device send first parameter information, the first parameter information including periodic power-saving information associated with the second device, the first device including an AP or an AP MLD, the second device being an AP, and the third device being a STA associated with the first device, the first device and the second device forming an OBSS; the first device acquires the first parameter information and determines the periodic power-saving information associated with the first device based on the first parameter information.