CN117134873A

CN117134873A - Channel access method and related device

Info

Publication number: CN117134873A
Application number: CN202210552469.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杨懋; 李波; 李云波
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-20
Filing date: 2022-05-20
Publication date: 2023-11-28
Also published as: WO2023222072A1

Abstract

The application discloses a channel access method and a related device. The application is applied to wireless local area network systems supporting 802.11ax next generation Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11be, wi-Fi7 or EHT, and 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11be next generation, wi-Fi8 and the like. The method comprises the following steps: the station receives a first frame, a first field in the first frame being used to indicate one or more defined target wake time service phases for the station; if the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate a silence interval of the station, the station performs a first operation in the silence interval, and the first operation includes any one of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent; the data priority transmission of the second service identification can be ensured.

Description

Channel access method and related device

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a channel access method and related apparatus.

Background

Wireless local area networks (wireless local area network, WLAN) have experienced standards such as IEEE802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax. The standard version of the 802.11be in question is continually evolving and evolving. The name of the 802.11n standard is also known as High Throughput (HT). The 802.11ac standard is also known as very high throughput (very high throughput, VHT). 802.11ax is also called High Efficiency (HE). 802.11be is also called very high throughput (extremely high throughput, EHT). While standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a/b/g, etc., are collectively referred to as high throughput (Non-HT).

Currently, more and more wireless network applications and services place more stringent demands on latency characteristics. Such as online games, virtual reality, industrial sites, etc. Therefore, the next generation WLAN IEEE 802.11be standard is a key technical goal of guaranteeing the delay and the delay jitter characteristics, and has been widely paid attention to in the industry. IEEE 802.11be is intended to introduce a defined target wake-up time (restricted target wakeup time, r-TWT) technique to improve latency guarantee performance. Therefore, a solution for improving the delay guarantee performance by the r-TWT technique needs to be studied.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application discloses a channel access method and a related device, which can ensure that data of r-TWT service identifiers (TIDs) are transmitted preferentially.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel access method, where the method includes: a station receives a first frame, a first field in the first frame being used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases for the station; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the station performs a first operation at any silence interval, where the first operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent; or if the first frame does not include the second field, the station sends data after competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any defined target wake-up time service stage; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In the embodiment of the application, whether the first frame comprises the second field is specified or pre-agreed by a protocol, so that the station can clearly and conveniently carry out the operation. Or, the station performs an operation specified by or agreed in advance according to whether the first frame includes the second field. Specifically, if the first frame further includes a second field, the station performs the first operation at any silence interval; adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier can be avoided, namely, the delay performance of the station for transmitting the data of the second service identifier is guaranteed. If the first frame does not comprise the second field, the station transmits data after competing for the channel; the station may be caused to transmit data in a timely manner.

In one possible implementation manner, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

In the implementation manner, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier, so that the situation that the data of the second service identifier cannot be transmitted can be avoided.

In one possible implementation, the second field includes an element identification field, a length field, a silence count field, a silence period field, a silence length field, and a silence offset field.

In this implementation, one or more silence intervals may be determined by the information included in the second field.

In a possible implementation manner, the second frame further includes a third field, where the third field is used to indicate a channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station, and the first operation performed by the station at the any silence interval conforms to the channel access rule. Alternatively, the first operation performed by the station at the any silence interval is determined by the station according to the third field. In other words, the third field indicates an operation performed by the station at the any silence interval.

In this implementation, the third field indicates a channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station, which can flexibly configure the channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station, and reduce adverse effects on transmission of the data of the second service identifier.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another channel access method, where the method includes: a station receives a first frame, a first field in the first frame being used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases for the station; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station when the start time of the any defined target wake-up time service phase does not have the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the station performs a second operation in any silence interval, where the second operation includes any one of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; changing channel competition parameters of an access type corresponding to a first service identifier of the station to a group with lower channel access opportunities; or if the first frame does not include the second field, the station sends data after competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any defined target wake-up time service stage; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In the embodiment of the application, whether the first frame comprises the second field is specified or pre-agreed by a protocol, so that the station can clearly and conveniently carry out the operation. Or, the station performs an operation specified by or agreed in advance according to whether the first frame includes the second field. Specifically, if the first frame further includes a second field, the station performs a second operation at any silence interval. When the second operation is not to send the data of the first service identification; adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identity can be avoided. When the second operation is to change the channel competition parameter of the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the station to a group with lower channel access opportunity, the probability of channel access of the access type corresponding to the first service identifier can be reduced, the probability of adverse effect on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier can be reduced, and the opportunity of transmitting the data of the first service identifier is reserved to a certain extent. If the first frame does not comprise the second field, the station transmits data after competing for the channel; the station may be caused to transmit data in a timely manner.

In one possible implementation manner, when the second operation is not to send the data of the first service identifier, the method further includes: the station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be sent in the time indicated by any silence interval, and the station immediately competes for a channel; or the station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be sent in the time indicated by any silence interval, and the station competes for a channel after the silence interval is over.

Optionally, after the station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be sent in the time indicated by any silence interval, the station immediately contends for the channel; so that the data of the second service identity is transmitted faster. Optionally, after any silence interval ends, the station contends for the channel; the occupation of transmission opportunities of the business of the first business identification to the business of the second business identification in the service stage of limiting the target wake-up time can be avoided, and the priority service weight of the business of the second business identification is ensured.

In a possible implementation manner, the second frame further includes a third field, where the third field is used to indicate a channel access rule when the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at a start time of a service phase defining a target wake-up time, and the second operation performed by the station at any silence interval conforms to the channel access rule. Alternatively, the second operation performed by the station at the any silence interval is determined by the station according to the third field. In other words, the third field indicates an operation performed by the station at the any silence interval when the station does not have any data of the second traffic identity to be transmitted at the start time of the any defined target wake-up time service phase.

In this implementation, the third field indicates a channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station, and the channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station may be flexibly configured so as to reduce an adverse effect on transmission of the data of the second service identifier.

In a third aspect, the present application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: transmitting a first frame, a first field in the first frame being used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases for a station; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the first frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a first operation at any silence interval, where the first operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent; or if the first frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In the embodiment of the application, whether the first frame comprises the second field is specified or pre-agreed by a protocol, so that the station can clearly and conveniently carry out the operation. Or, if the first frame includes a second field, indicating to the station to perform a different operation. Specifically, if the first frame further includes a second field, the first frame is used to instruct the station to execute the first operation at any silence interval; adverse effects on the transmission of data for the r-TWT TID may be avoided. If the first frame does not include the second field, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for the channel; the station may be caused to transmit data in a timely manner.

In a possible implementation manner, the second frame further includes a third field, where the third field is used to indicate a channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station, and the first operation conforms to the channel access rule. Or, the first frame is used for instructing the station to perform the first operation conforming to the channel access rule indicated by the third field in any silence interval.

In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the third aspect, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for a channel in a silence interval, and the silence interval may continue to compete after the end of the silence interval, the first operation is: the data of the first service identifier is not sent in any silence interval; or if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but the data of the second service identifier is allowed to compete for the channel after all the data of the first service identifier is transmitted, the first operation is that: and under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, transmitting the data of the second service identifier before transmitting the data of the first service identifier.

In this implementation, the third field indicates a channel access rule for the data of the first service identification within the silence interval, and the first operation performed by the station at any of the silence intervals conforms to the channel access rule. Adverse effects on the transmission of data for the r-TWT TID may be reduced by a flexible channel access rule indicating that the data for the first traffic identification of the station is within the silence interval.

In a fourth aspect, the present application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: transmitting a first frame, a first field in the first frame being used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases for a station; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the first frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a second operation at any silence interval if the station needs to transmit data with no second service identifier at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, where the second operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; changing channel competition parameters of an access type corresponding to a first service identifier of the station to a group with lower channel access opportunities; or if the first frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In the embodiment of the application, whether the first frame comprises the second field is specified or pre-agreed by a protocol, so that the station can clearly and conveniently carry out the operation. Or, if the first frame includes a second field, indicating to the station to perform a different operation. Specifically, if the first frame further includes a second field, the first frame is used for indicating, by the station, to perform the second operation at the silence interval when the station has no data with the second service identifier in the start time of the service phase of any defined target wake-up time to be transmitted. When the second operation is not to send the data of the first service identification; adverse effects on the transmission of data for r-TWT TID can be avoided. When the second operation is to change the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identifier of the station to a group with a lower channel access opportunity, the opportunity for transmitting the data of the first service identifier can be provided while reducing adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier. If the first frame does not include the second field, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for the channel; the station may be caused to transmit data in a timely manner.

In a possible implementation manner, the second frame further includes a third field, where the third field is used to indicate a channel access rule when the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at a start time of a service phase defining a target wake-up time, and the second operation conforms to the channel access rule. Or, the first frame is used for indicating the station to execute the second operation conforming to the channel access rule at any silence interval when the station has no second service identifier data to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service stage.

In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect and the fourth aspect, the data that does not send the first service identifier includes: the channel is not contended in any silence interval, and the channel is contended continuously after the end of any silence interval; not competing for the channel in any silence interval, and starting to compete for the channel after the data of the second service identifier arrives; if the third field indicates that the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of the service phase defining the target wake-up time, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, and after the silence interval is ended, the station can continue to compete, where the second operation is: the channel is not contended in any silence interval, and the channel is contended continuously after the end of any silence interval; or if the third field indicates that the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of the service stage defining the target wake-up time, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but after the data of the second service identifier arrives, the station starts competing for the channel, and the second operation is that: and after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted, starting competing channels. The station prohibits the competition of the channel in the silence interval before obtaining the data of the second service identification to be transmitted.

In this implementation manner, the third field indicates a channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier in the silence interval, and the second operation performed by the station in any silence interval conforms to the channel access rule, which can flexibly indicate the channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station in the silence interval, so as to reduce adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the r-TWT TID.

In a fifth aspect, the present application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: a station receives a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame is used for indicating one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the station, and a third field in the second frame is used for indicating a channel access rule of data of a first service identifier of the station; if the second frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase of the station, and the station performs a third operation at any silence interval, where the third operation conforms to the channel access rule; the third operation includes any one of the following: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a second service identifier or the first service identifier; not transmitting the data of the first service identifier; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of a second service identifier is sent; or if the second frame does not include the second field, the station sends data after competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any defined target wake-up time service stage; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In the embodiment of the application, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier (i.e. non-rTWT TID) of the station, so that the channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station can be flexibly configured, and adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier are reduced.

In a sixth aspect, the present application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: a station receives a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame is used for indicating one or more limited target wake-up time service phases of the station, and a third field in the second frame indicates a channel access rule when the station does not have any data of a second service identifier at the starting time of the limited target wake-up time service phases to be transmitted; if the second frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station when the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase is not enough to transmit the data of the second service identifier, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the station performs a fourth operation at any silence interval, where the fourth operation conforms to the channel access rule; the fourth operation includes any one of the following: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a first service identifier; no data is sent (or no channel contention is performed); after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent, starting competing channels; or if the second frame does not include the second field, the station sends data after competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any defined target wake-up time service stage; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In the embodiment of the application, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rule when the station does not have any data with the second service identifier at the starting time of the service stage of limiting the target wake-up time, so that the channel access rule when the station does not have any data with the second service identifier at the starting time of the service stage of limiting the target wake-up time is flexibly configured, and adverse effects on the transmission of the data with the second service identifier are reduced. If the second frame does not include the second field, the second frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for the channel; the station may be caused to transmit data in a timely manner.

In a seventh aspect, the present application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: the access point sends a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame is used for indicating one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station, and a third field in the second frame is used for indicating a channel access rule of data of a first service identifier of the station; if the second frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase of the station, and the second frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a third operation in the silence interval, where the third operation conforms to the channel access rule; the third operation includes any one of the following: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a second service identifier or the first service identifier; not transmitting the data of the first service identifier; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of a second service identifier is sent; or if the second frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the second frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In the embodiment of the present application, if the second frame further includes a second field, the second frame is used to instruct the station to execute the third operation in the silence interval; adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identity can be avoided. If the second frame does not include the second field, the second frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for the channel; the station may be caused to transmit data in a timely manner.

In an eighth aspect, the present application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: the access point sends a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame is used for indicating one or more limited target wake-up time service phases of a station, and a third field in the second frame indicates a channel access rule when the station has no data of a second service identifier at the starting time of the limited target wake-up time service phases and needs to be transmitted; if the second frame includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the second frame is used to indicate the station to execute a fourth operation in the silence interval, and the fourth operation accords with the channel access rule; the fourth operation includes any one of the following: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a first service identifier; no data is sent (or no channel contention is performed); after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent, starting competing channels; or if the second frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the second frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In the embodiment of the application, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rule when the station does not have any data with the second service identifier at the starting time of the service stage of limiting the target wake-up time, so that the channel access rule when the station does not have any data with the second service identifier at the starting time of the service stage of limiting the target wake-up time is flexibly configured, and adverse effects on the transmission of the data with the second service identifier are reduced.

In a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect and the seventh aspect, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is allowed to compete for a channel in a silence interval, the third operation is: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a second service identifier or the first service identifier; or if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, and the silence interval is over, the third operation is that: not transmitting the data of the first service identifier; or if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but the data of the second service identifier is allowed to compete for the channel after all the data of the first service identifier is transmitted, the third operation is that: and under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, transmitting the data of the second service identifier before transmitting the data of the first service identifier.

In this implementation, the third field indicates a channel access rule for the data of the first service identifier within the silence interval, and the third operation performed by the station in any of the silence intervals conforms to the channel access rule. Adverse effects on the transmission of data for the r-TWT TID may be reduced by a flexible channel access rule indicating that the data for the first traffic identification of the station is within the silence interval.

In a possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect and the eighth aspect, if the third field indicates that the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at a start time of a service phase defining a target wake-up time, the station is allowed to contend for a channel in a silence interval, and the fourth operation is that: after competing for a channel, transmitting data, wherein a service identifier of the data belongs to the first service identifier; if the third field indicates that the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of the service phase defining the target wake-up time, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, and after the silence interval is ended, the station can continue to compete, and the fourth operation is that: no data is sent; or if the third field indicates that the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of the service stage defining the target wake-up time, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but after the data of the second service identifier arrives, the station starts competing for the channel, and the fourth operation is that: and after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted, starting competing channels. The station prohibits the competition of the channel in the silence interval before obtaining the data of the second service identification to be transmitted.

In this implementation manner, the third field indicates a channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier in the silence interval, and the fourth operation performed by the station in any silence interval conforms to the channel access rule, which can flexibly indicate the channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station in the silence interval, so as to reduce adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the r-TWT TID.

In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having a function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the first aspect described above. The communication device may be a communication apparatus, a component of a communication apparatus (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a system-on-a-chip), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware, where the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the transceiver module is configured to receive a first frame, where a first field in the first frame is configured to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the processing module is configured to perform a first operation at any silence interval, where the first operation includes any one of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent; or if the first frame does not include the second field, the processing module is further configured to send data, where a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, where a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

Regarding the technical effects brought about by the various possible embodiments of the ninth aspect, reference may be made to the description of the technical effects of the first aspect or of the various possible embodiments of the first aspect.

In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having a function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the second aspect described above. The communication device may be a communication apparatus, a component of a communication apparatus (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a system-on-a-chip), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware, where the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the transceiver module is configured to receive a first frame, where a first field in the first frame is configured to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and in a case where the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase does not have data of a second service identifier to be transmitted, the processing module is configured to perform a second operation at any silence interval, where the second operation includes any one of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; changing channel competition parameters of an access type corresponding to a first service identifier of the station to a group with lower channel access opportunities; or if the first frame does not include the second field, the processing module is further configured to send data, where a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, where a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

In one possible implementation, the second operation is not sending data of the first service identity; the processing module is further configured to contend for a channel after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent in the time indicated by the any silence interval; or the processing module is further configured to contend for a channel after the end of any silence interval.

Regarding the technical effects brought about by the various possible embodiments of the tenth aspect, reference may be made to the description of the technical effects of the second aspect or of the various possible embodiments of the second aspect.

In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having a function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the third aspect described above. The communication device may be a communication apparatus, a component of a communication apparatus (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a system-on-a-chip), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware, where the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the processing module is configured to generate a first frame, where a first field in the first frame is configured to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station; the transceiver module is configured to send the first frame; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the first frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a first operation at any silence interval, where the first operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent; or if the first frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

Regarding the technical effects brought about by the various possible embodiments of the eleventh aspect, reference may be made to the description of the technical effects of the third aspect or the various possible embodiments of the third aspect.

In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the fourth aspect described above. The communication device may be a communication apparatus, a component of a communication apparatus (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a system-on-a-chip), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware, where the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the processing module is configured to generate a first frame, where a first field in the first frame is configured to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station; the transceiver module is configured to send the first frame; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the first frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a second operation at any silence interval if the station needs to transmit data with no second service identifier at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, where the second operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; changing channel competition parameters of an access type corresponding to a first service identifier of the station to a group with lower channel access opportunities; or if the first frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

Regarding the technical effects brought about by the various possible embodiments of the twelfth aspect, reference may be made to the description of the technical effects of the fourth aspect or the various possible embodiments of the fourth aspect.

In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having a function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the fifth aspect described above. The communication device may be a communication apparatus, a component of a communication apparatus (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a system-on-a-chip), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware, where the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the transceiver module is configured to receive a second frame, where a first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station, and a third field in the second frame indicates a channel access rule of data of a first service identifier of the station; if the second frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase of the station, and the processing module is configured to perform a third operation at the any silence interval, where the third operation conforms to the channel access rule; the third operation includes any one of the following: transmitting data, wherein a service identifier of the data belongs to a second service identifier or the first service identifier; not transmitting the data of the first service identifier; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of a second service identifier is sent; or if the second frame does not include the second field, the processing module is configured to send data after competing for a channel, where a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, where a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

Regarding the technical effects brought about by the various possible embodiments of the thirteenth aspect, reference may be made to the description of the technical effects of the fifth aspect or the various possible embodiments of the fifth aspect.

In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus having a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the sixth aspect described above. The communication device may be a communication apparatus, a component of a communication apparatus (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a system-on-a-chip), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware, where the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the transceiver module is configured to receive a second frame, where a first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station, and a third field in the second frame indicates a channel access rule when the station has no data of any second service identifier at a start time of the defined target wake-up time service phases; if the second frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the processing module is configured to perform, in the silence interval, a fourth operation when the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase does not have data of the second service identifier to be transmitted, where the fourth operation conforms to the channel access rule; the fourth operation includes any one of the following: transmitting data, wherein a service identifier of the data belongs to a first service identifier; no data is sent (or no channel contention is performed); after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent, starting competing channels; or if the second frame does not include the second field, the processing module is configured to send data after competing for a channel, where a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, where a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

Regarding the technical effects brought about by the communication apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, reference may be made to the description of the technical effects of the embodiments of the sixth aspect.

In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus having a function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the seventh aspect described above. The communication device may be a communication apparatus, a component of a communication apparatus (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a system-on-a-chip), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware, where the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the processing module is configured to generate a second frame, where a first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station, and a third field in the second frame indicates a channel access rule of data of a first service identifier of the station; the transceiver module is configured to send the second frame; if the second frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase of the station, and the second frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a third operation in the silence interval, where the third operation conforms to the channel access rule; the third operation includes any one of the following: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a second service identifier or the first service identifier; not transmitting the data of the first service identifier; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of a second service identifier is sent; or if the second frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the second frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

Regarding the technical effects brought about by the communication apparatus of the fifteenth aspect, reference may be made to the description of the technical effects of the embodiments of the seventh aspect.

In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the eighth aspect described above. The communication device may be a communication apparatus, a component of a communication apparatus (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a system-on-a-chip), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware, where the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the transceiver module is configured to send a second frame, where a first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station, and a third field in the second frame indicates a channel access rule when the station has no second service identifier at a start time of the defined target wake-up time service phases and needs to transmit data; if the second frame includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the second frame is used to indicate, when the station does not have data of a second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the station to perform a fourth operation at the silence interval, where the fourth operation conforms to the channel access rule; the fourth operation includes any one of the following: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a first service identifier; no data is sent (or no channel contention is performed); after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent, starting competing channels; or if the second frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the second frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point. Or, the second frame is used for indicating that the station does not need to transmit the data of the second service identifier at the starting time of any defined target wake-up time service stage, and executing the fourth operation in the silence interval.

Regarding the technical effects brought about by the communication apparatus of the sixteenth aspect, reference is made to the description of the technical effects of the embodiment of the eighth aspect.

In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication device, the communication device including a processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method as shown in any of the possible implementations of the first to eighth aspects.

In the embodiment of the present application, in the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information (or signals) in the above method may be understood as a process of outputting information based on instructions of a processor. In outputting the information, the processor outputs the information to the transceiver for transmission by the transceiver. This information, after being output by the processor, may also need to be subjected to other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it to the processor. Further, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may need to be further processed before being input to the processor.

Operations such as sending and/or receiving, etc., referred to by a processor, may be generally understood as processor-based instruction output if not specifically stated or if not contradicted by actual or inherent logic in the relevant description.

In implementation, the processor may be a processor dedicated to performing the methods, or may be a processor that executes computer instructions in a memory to perform the methods, such as a general-purpose processor. For example, the processor may also be configured to execute a program stored in the memory, which when executed, causes the communication device to perform the method as described above in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device. In one possible implementation, the memory is located within the communication device.

In one possible implementation, the processor and the memory may also be integrated in one device, i.e. the processor and the memory may also be integrated together.

In one possible implementation, the communication device further comprises a transceiver for receiving signals or transmitting signals, etc.

In an eighteenth aspect, the present application provides another communication device including a processing circuit and an interface circuit for acquiring data or outputting data; the processing circuitry is configured to perform the respective method as shown in any of the possible implementations of the first to eighth aspects described above.

In a nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium having stored therein a computer program comprising program instructions which when executed cause a computer to perform the method as set forth in any of the possible implementations of the first to eighth aspects above.

In a twentieth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising a computer program comprising program instructions which, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as shown in any of the possible implementations of the first to eighth aspects above.

In a twenty-first aspect, the present application provides a communication system comprising a communication device according to any possible implementation of the ninth or ninth aspect and a communication device according to any possible implementation of the eleventh or eleventh aspect. Alternatively, the communication system comprises a communication device as described in the tenth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the tenth aspect, and a communication device as described in the twelfth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the twelfth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system comprises a communication device as described in the thirteenth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the thirteenth aspect, and a communication device as described in the fifteenth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the fifteenth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system comprises a communication device as described in any possible implementation manner of the fourteenth or fourteenth aspect and a communication device as described in any possible implementation manner of the sixteenth or sixteenth aspect.

Drawings

In order to more clearly describe the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the background art, the following description will describe the drawings that are required to be used in the embodiments of the present application or the background art.

Fig. 1 is a WLAN communication system provided in the present application;

FIG. 2A is an example of a TWT element field provided by the present application;

FIG. 2B is an example of a silence interval element field provided by the present application;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a non-AP EHT STA agreed upon with an AP using an r-TWT SP according to the present application;

FIG. 4 is a channel access flow chart based on r-TWT mechanism provided by the application;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of another channel access based on r-TWT mechanism provided by the present application;

fig. 6 is a flow chart of interaction of a channel access method provided by the application;

fig. 7 is a flowchart of another channel access method interaction provided in the present application;

fig. 8 is a flow chart of another channel access method interaction provided by the present application;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another TWT element domain according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another TWT element domain according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another interaction of a channel access method provided by the present application;

Fig. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device 130 according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device 140 according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

The terms first and second and the like in the description, the claims and the drawings of the present application are used for distinguishing between different objects and not for describing a particular sequential order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. Such as a process, method, system, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of steps or elements is not limited to the list of steps or elements but may include other steps or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Reference herein to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Those of skill in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

The terminology used in the following embodiments of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used in the specification of the present application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. It should also be understood that the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure refers to and encompasses any or all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. For example, "a and/or B" may represent: only a, only B and both a and B are present, wherein a, B may be singular or plural. The term "plurality" as used in the present application means two or more.

The terminology and technical solutions involved in the embodiments of the present application will be described first.

1. Access point and station

The embodiments of the present application will be described primarily with respect to deploying WLAN networks, and in particular networks employing the IEEE 802.11 system standard, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that aspects of the present application may be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, high performance wireless LAN (high performance radio LAN, HIPERLAN), a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.1 standard and used primarily in europe, as well as Wide Area Networks (WANs), personal area networks (personal area network, PANs) or other now known or later developed networks. Accordingly, the various aspects provided by the present application may be applicable to any suitable wireless network, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used.

The embodiment of the application can also be applied to wireless local area network systems such as an internet of things (internet of things, ioT) network or an internet of vehicles (V2X). Of course, embodiments of the present application may also be applicable to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (frequency division duplex, FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (time division duplex, TDD), universal mobile telecommunication systems (universal mobile telecommunication system, UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (worldwide interoperability for microwave access, wiMAX) communication systems, fifth generation (5th generation,5G) communication systems, and future sixth generation (6th generation,6G) communication systems.

The above-mentioned communication system to which the present application is applied is merely illustrative, and the communication system to which the present application is applied is not limited thereto, and is generally described herein, and will not be described in detail.

Referring to fig. 1, the WLAN communication system shown in fig. 1 is an example of a wireless communication system that can be used in the technical solution provided in the present application. The communication system includes an Access Point (AP), one or more STAs (only STA1 and STA2 are shown). The access point and the STA support WLAN protocols, which may include ieee802.11be (or referred to as Wi-Fi 7, eht protocol), and may also include protocols of IEEE802.11ax, IEEE802, 11ac, etc. Of course, with the continuous evolution and development of communication technology, the WLAN protocol may also include the next generation protocol of ieee802.11be, and the like. Taking WLAN as an example, the device implementing the method of the present application may be an access point or STA in the WLAN, or a chip or processing system installed in the access point or STA. As shown in fig. 1, STA1 and STA2 in the basic service set may perform channel contention to preempt channel resources.

An access point is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication using WLAN protocols and with the capability to communicate with other devices in a WLAN network, such as stations or other access points. Of course, it is also possible to have a function of communicating with other devices. In a WLAN system, one or more Access Point (AP) class stations and one or more non-AP class stations (none access point station, non-AP STAs) are included. For ease of description, access point type stations are referred to herein as Access Points (APs), and non-access point type stations are referred to herein As Stations (STAs).

The access point may be a complete machine device, or may be a chip or a processing system installed in the complete machine device. Devices mounting these chips or processing systems may implement the methods and functions of embodiments of the present application under the control of the chip or processing system (i.e., the AP). The AP in the embodiment of the present application is a device for providing Services for Stations (STAs), and may support 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, wi-Fi8, or the next generation thereof. For example, the AP may be a communication entity such as a communication server, router, switch, bridge, etc. The APs may include macro base stations, micro base stations (also referred to as small stations), pico base stations, femto base stations, relay stations, access points, gnbs, transmission reception points (transmission reception point, TRP), evolved Node bs (enbs), radio network controllers (radio network controller, RNCs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node bs, HNBs), base Band Units (BBUs), wiFi Access Points (APs), access backhaul integration (integrated access and backhaul, IABs), and the like. The AP may of course also be a chip and a processing system in these various forms of devices, so as to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application.

A station is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication using WLAN protocols and has the ability to communicate with other stations or access points in a WLAN network. For example, the STA is any communication device that allows a user to communicate with the AP and further communicate with the WLAN, and the communication device may be a complete device, or may be a chip or a processing system installed in the complete device. Devices mounting these chips or processing systems may implement the methods and functions of embodiments of the present application under the control of the chip or processing system (i.e., site). The STA may include a mobile phone, a Mobile Station (MS), a tablet (pad), a computer with a wireless transceiving function (e.g., a notebook computer), a Virtual Reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (augmented reality, AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control (industrial control), a wireless terminal in self-driving (self-driving), a wireless terminal in telemedicine (remote media), a wireless terminal in smart grid (smart grid), a wireless terminal in transportation security (transportation safety), a wireless terminal in smart city (smart city), a wireless terminal in smart home (smart home), a subscriber unit (subscriber unit), a cellular phone (cellular phone), a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (personal digital assistant, PDA) computer, a tablet, a laptop (portable), a machine type communication (machine type communication, MTC) terminal, and the like. The docking station may include various handheld devices, vehicle mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication capabilities. Alternatively, the station may be a handheld device (handheld device) with a wireless communication function, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, or a terminal in the internet of things, a terminal in the internet of vehicles, a 5G or a terminal in a communication system that evolves after 5G, or the like, which is not limited in the present application. Stations may support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, wi-Fi 8, or the next generation thereof.

2. Target wake time (target wakeup time, TWT) element field

r-TWT is a new mechanism for guaranteeing low latency services derived from existing broadcast TWT (broadcast TWT) based on IEEE 802.11 ax.

Under the 802.11be standard, there are many real-time applications (real time application, RTA) for non-AP EHT STAs (hereinafter may be simply EHT STAs). The non-AP EHT STA refers to a non-AP STA supporting the 802.11be standard. Traffic for these real-time applications has very stringent latency requirements (stringent latency requirements) based on which the r-TWT mechanism is proposed. Under the r-TWT mechanism, the AP issues r-TWT information via a beacon (beacon) frame or probe response (probe response) frame, which may indicate one or more r-TWT Service Phases (SPs), and one or more silence intervals (quit intervals). Hereinafter r-TWT service phase is abbreviated as r-TWT SP. The r-TWT information is indicated in the TWT element field.

Fig. 2A is an example of a TWT element field provided by the present application. As shown in fig. 2A, the TWT element field includes: element identification (Element ID), length, control field, TWT parameter information (TWTParameter Information); wherein the element identifier occupies one byte, the length occupies one byte, the control field occupies one byte, the byte occupied by the TWT parameter information is variable in length, namely the number of bytes occupied by the TWT parameter information is variable. As shown in fig. 2A, the control field may include: a no data page indication (NDPPaging Indicator), a Response PM Mode, a negotiation type (Negotiation type), TWT information frame inhibit (TWTInformation Frame Disabled), a wake up duration unit (WakeDuration Unit), a link identification bitmap presence indication (Link ID Bitmap Present), a reservation (Reserved); wherein the negotiation type occupies 2 bits, and the other subdomains occupy 1 bit. As shown in fig. 2A, the TWT parameter information includes: broadcast TWT parameter set 1 (Broadcast TWT Parameter Set 1), broadcast TWT parameter set 2 (Broadcast TWT Parameter Set) and other broadcast TWT parameter sets (not shown).

Referring to fig. 2A, broadcasting TWT parameter set 1 includes: request type (RequestType), target wake Time (TargetWake Time), minimum TWT wake Time length (NominalMinimum TWT Wake Duration), TWT wake interval mantissa (TWTWake Interval Mantissa), broadcast TWT information (Broadcast TWT Info), r-TWT traffic information (Restricted TWT Traffic Info); wherein r-TWT service information is optional (optional), and the number under each sub-field included in the broadcast TWT parameter set 1 represents the number of bytes occupied by the sub-field. Referring to fig. 2A, broadcasting TWT information includes: a TWT service information subdomain presence indication (Restricted TWT Traffic Info Present), a reservation (Reserved), a Broadcast TWT identification (Broadcast TWT ID), a Broadcast TWT duration (Broadcast TWT Persistence) is defined, the Broadcast TWT information comprising a number below each subdomain representing the number of bits occupied by that subdomain. Referring to fig. 2A, if the broadcast TWT parameter set 1 includes r-TWT service information, the r-TWT service information includes: traffic control information (TrafficInfo Control), r-TWT downstream TID bitmap (Restricted TWT DL TID Bitmap), r-TWT upstream TID bitmap (Restricted TWT UL TID Bitmap). Referring to fig. 2A, the service information control subfield includes: a downlink TID bitmap valid (DL TID Bitmap Valid), an uplink TID bitmap valid (UL TID Bitmap Valid), a Reserved (Reserved), and a number below each sub-field included in the traffic information control sub-field indicates the number of bits occupied by the sub-field.

The STA and AP may negotiate a target wake time service phase (r-TWTservice period, r-TWT TID) via an r-TWT downstream TID bitmap and an r-TWT upstream TID bitmap. Alternatively, the r-TWT traffic information subdomain is used by the STA and AP to negotiate upstream/downstream r-TWT TIDs and non-rTWT TIDs. One r-TWT service information subdomain corresponds to one r-TWT SP. In the present application, the r-TWT TID refers to one or more Uplink (UL) TIDs and Downlink (DL) TIDs that are preferentially served by STAs in the r-TWT SP. Of all TIDs of the STA, other TIDs than the r-TWT TID are referred to as non-rTWT TIDs. The r-TWT TID may be understood as one or more TIDs (including downstream TID and upstream TID) that the STA prefers to service in the r-TWT SP negotiated with the AP. For example, each bit in the r-TWT downstream TID bitmap (one byte) corresponds to one downstream TID, the downstream TID corresponding to a bit with a value of 1 is r-TWT TID (downstream TID), and the downstream TID corresponding to a bit with a value of 0 is non-rTWT TID. For example, each bit in the r-TWT uplink TID bitmap (one byte) corresponds to one uplink TID, the uplink TID corresponding to a bit with a value of 1 is r-TWT TID (uplink TID), and the uplink TID corresponding to a bit with a value of 0 is non-rTWT TID (uplink TID).

The TWT parameter information includes one or more broadcast TWT parameter sets, such as broadcast TWT parameter set 1 and broadcast TWT parameter set 2 shown in fig. 2A. A broadcast TWT suggestion subfield (Broadcast TWT Recommendation) in the request type field of each broadcast TWT parameter set is used to indicate the TWT type specified by the broadcast TWT parameter set. The broadcast TWT suggestion subfield has a value of 4 indicating that this set of broadcast TWT parameters corresponds to an r-TWT. This request type is introduced by IEEE 802.11be and therefore cannot be understood by legacy stations. Referring to fig. 2A, if one broadcast TWT parameter set corresponds to one r-TWT, an r-TWT service information subfield presence indication subfield (Restricted TWT Traffic Info Present) including one bit in a broadcast TWT information subfield (Broadcast TWT Info) in a TWT element field. The r-TWT service information subfield presence indication subfield has a value of 1, representing that the TWT element field contains the r-TWT service information subfield (Restricted TWT Traffic Info) shown in fig. 2A. The r-TWT service information subfield presence indication subfield has a value of 0, which means that the TWT element field does not contain the r-TWT service information subfield shown in the figure. The Broadcast TWT identification (Broadcast TWT ID) subdomain represents the identification number of the TWT group. In fig. 2A, the meaning of the subfields or fields may be referred to a related standard, such as the 802.11 family of protocols.

Fig. 2B is an example of a silence interval element field provided by the present application. As shown in fig. 2B, the quiet interval element field includes: element identification (Element ID) field, length field, quiet count (quiet) field, quiet period (quiet period) field, quiet Length (quiet duration) field, quiet offset (quiet offset) field. In fig. 2A, the meaning of the subfields or fields may be referred to a related standard, such as the 802.11 family of protocols. The silence interval (QI) element field may be included in a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or the like. The beacon frame, probe response frame, etc. may include both a TWT element field and a silence interval element field. The TWT element fields and silence interval element fields may be considered as two elements in a beacon frame, a probe response frame, and the like. The station may determine a start time and a duration of one or more silence intervals from the silence interval element field. Referring to fig. 2B, the silence length indicates a duration of a silence interval, and the silence count and the silence offset may be used to determine a start time of the silence interval.

3. Principle of r-TWT

A non-AP EHT STA desiring to use an r-TWT SP needs to first establish an r-TWT agreement (r-TWT association) with the AP to join one or more r-TWT groups (e.g., the AP groups by broadcasting a TWT ID). The AP and the different STAs may establish an r-TWT agreement, respectively. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the interaction of a non-AP EHT STA with an AP desiring to use an r-TWT SP in accordance with the present application. As shown in fig. 3, the interaction procedure of a non-AP EHT STA desiring to use an r-TWT SP with an AP is as follows: extremely high throughput station 1 (EHT STA 1) sends an r-TWT setup application frame (r-TWT Setup Request Frame) to an extremely high throughput access point (EHT AP); after receiving the r-TWT setup request frame, the EHT AP replies an r-TWT setup response frame (r-TWT Setup Response Frame) to the EHT STA 1. For example, a non-AP EHT STA establishes an r-TWT agreement with the AP once, adding at most one r-TWT group. That is, the non-AP EHT STA transmits an r-TWT setup request frame to join at most one r-TWT group. If a non-AP EHT STA needs to join multiple r-TWT groups, then multiple r-TWT agreements need to be established with the AP, one r-TWT group at a time. The r-TWT setup request frame and the r-TWT setup response frame include an r-TWT service information subfield (Restricted TWT Traffic Info), see FIG. 2A. The r-TWT service information subdomain (Restricted TWT Traffic Info) contains downlink and uplink service identifier (TID) indications, namely an r-TWT downlink TID bitmap and an r-TWT uplink TID bitmap in fig. 2A. The non-AP EHT STA negotiates r-TWT TIDs with the AP via the r-TWT traffic information subdomain. For example, each bit in the r-TWT downstream TID bitmap (one byte) corresponds to one downstream TID, the downstream TID corresponding to a bit with a value of 1 is r-TWT TID (downstream TID), and the downstream TID corresponding to a bit with a value of 0 is non-rTWT TID. For example, each bit in the r-TWT uplink TID bitmap (one byte) corresponds to one uplink TID, the uplink TID corresponding to a bit with a value of 1 is r-TWT TID (uplink TID), and the uplink TID corresponding to a bit with a value of 0 is non-rTWT TID (uplink TID). The manner in which the non-AP EHT STA negotiates r-TWT TIDs with the AP via the r-TWT traffic information subdomain may be referred to in the relevant standards, e.g., 802.11 series protocols, which are not described herein.

After the non-AP EHT STA joins one or more r-TWT groups, the r-TWT SP may be used.

For convenience in describing the scheme of the present application, the stations involved in the present application are mainly classified into three types, the first type is EHTSTA belonging to the r-TWT group, the second type is EHTSTA not belonging to the r-TWT group, and the third type is non-very high throughput station (non-ETH STA). In the present application, EHTSTAs belonging to the r-TWT group may be referred to as r-TWT scheduling STAs (r-TWT scheduled STA). Wherein, the first class station and the second class station are stations supporting the 802.11be standard, namely ETH STA. non-ETH STAs (i.e., class three stations) refer to stations that do not support the 802.11be standard, such as legacy stations. The first class of sites and the second class of sites are distinguished from the perspective of whether the sites belong to (or can use) a certain r-TWT SP. If a site belongs to (or can be used for) a r-TWT SP, the site is of a first class for the r-TWT SP. Or, if a station joins an r-TWT group corresponding to a certain r-TWT SP, the station is a first type station for the r-TWT SP. If a site does not belong to (or cannot be used by) a r-TWT SP, the site is a second class of sites for that r-TWT SP. Or, if a station does not join an r-TWT group corresponding to a certain r-TWT SP, the station is a second type station for the r-TWT SP. The EHTSTA may determine whether to be subordinate (may simply be referred to as belonging) to the r-TWT SP indicated by the beacon frame or probe response frame by broadcasting a TWT identification (Broadcast TWT ID) subfield in the TWT element field in the beacon frame or probe response frame transmitted by the AP. The broadcast TWT identification subfield represents the identification number of the TWT group. The EHTSTA may determine, when the identification number of the TWT group indicated by the broadcast TWT identification subfield belongs to the r-TWT group to which the EHT STA joins, an r-TWT SP corresponding to the identification number of the TWT group to which the EHT STA belongs. The TWT element field in a beacon frame or probe response frame sent by an AP may indicate one or more r-TWT SPs, each corresponding to an identification number of a TWT group. For example, a plurality of broadcast TWT parameter sets in the TWT element field each correspond to one r-TWT SP, and the broadcast TWT identity in each broadcast TWT parameter set represents an identity number of a TWT group corresponding to the r-TWT SP to which the broadcast TWT parameter set corresponds.

Fig. 4 is a channel access flow chart based on r-TWT mechanism provided by the application. The channel access flow shown in fig. 4 illustrates the principle of the r-TWT mechanism. As shown in fig. 4, an extremely high throughput access point (EHT AP) transmits a Beacon frame (Beacon) indicating the start time of one or more r-TWT SPs, in which the EHTAP may set a silence interval (quench interval) aligned with the start time of the r-TWT SP for a duration of 1 millisecond (ms); EHTSTA 1 belonging to the r-TWT group may ignore the silence interval, i.e. contend for the channel after the start of r-TWT SP, and transmit the data frame after contending for the channel; EHTSTA 2 and non-ETH STA 3, which do not belong to the r-TWT group, need to keep silence according to the silence interval. The duration of the silence interval is typically less than the length of time of the r-TWT SP. The silence interval aligned with the start time of the r-TWT SP refers to a silence interval having the same start time as the start time of the r-TWT SP. The start time of a plurality of silence intervals and the duration of each silence interval may be indicated in the beacon frame. Only one first class of stations (i.e., EHTSTA 1 within the r-TWT group), one second class of stations (i.e., EHTSTA 2 not within the r-TWT group), and one third class of stations (i.e., non-ETH STA 3) are shown in fig. 4. It should be understood that one or more first class stations, one or more second class stations, and one or more third class stations may be included in an actual WLAN system, and the present application is not limited to the number of the various classes of stations.

The r-TWT mechanism also requires that r-TWT scheduling STAs (e.g., EHTSTA 1 belonging to the r-TWT group) must transmit data of the upstream non-rtwtt TID after the data transmission of the upstream r-TWT TID is completed within the time specified by the overall r-TWT SP. In other words, the r-TWT mechanism also requires that the r-TWT scheduling STA cannot transmit data of the non-rTWT TID after competing for the channel for the time specified by the entire r-TWT SP until the data transmission of the upstream r-TWT TID is completed. In the application, the data of r-TWT TID refers to the data of r-TWT TID of the service identifier, and the data of non-rTWT TID refers to the data of non-rTWT TID of the service identifier. That is, the data of r-TWT TID means that the service identification belongs to r-TWT TID, and the data of non-rTWT TID means that the service identification belongs to non-rTWT TID. Referring to fig. 4, after EHTSTA 1 belonging to the r-TWT group competes for a channel in the r-TWT SP, a data frame 1 is first transmitted, where the data frame 1 is data of an uplink r-TWT TID; after the data transmission of the uplink r-TWT TID is completed (namely, the data frame 1 is completed), the data of the uplink non-r-TWT TID is transmitted, namely, the data frame 2. In fig. 4, acknowledgement frame 1 is sent by the AP for data frame 1 and acknowledgement frame 2 is sent by the AP for data frame 2.

As can be seen from fig. 4, the first class of stations (i.e., r-TWT scheduled STAs) may ignore the silence interval, i.e., contend for the channel after the start of the r-TWT SP; a second class of stations (e.g., EHTSTA 2 that does not belong to the r-TWT group) and a third class of stations (e.g., non-ETH STA 3) need to remain silent according to the silence interval. This reduces the number of STAs competing for the channel within the basic service set (basic service set, BSS) and increases the probability that EHT STAs with low latency traffic will pick up the channel. Since the silence interval is negligible to the first class of stations (i.e., r-TWT scheduled STAs), the operations performed by the first class of stations when the beacon frame (or other frame) transmitted by the AP indicates the silence interval are the same as those performed by the first class of stations when the beacon frame (or other frame) transmitted by the AP does not indicate the silence interval. For example, the beacon frame shown in fig. 4 includes a first field for indicating one or more r-TWT SPs of an EHT STA (any one of the first class of stations), and may or may not include a second field indicating a quiet interval of the EHT STA, the quiet interval having a start time identical to a start time of any one of the r-TWT SPs (belonging to the r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field). In this example, since the silence interval is negligible to the first type of station (i.e., the r-TWT scheduled STA), the operation performed by the first type of station when the beacon frame includes the second field is the same as the operation performed by the first type of station when the beacon frame does not include the second field. That is, the first class of stations is not concerned whether the beacon frame includes the second field. It will be appreciated that for an AP, whether the second field is included in the beacon frame (or other frame) sent by the AP is of no significance to the first class of stations.

The AP may carry r-TWT SP information in a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a TWT Setup (Setup) frame, or other frames. In the present application, description will be made taking an example that a beacon frame carries r-TWT SP information.

4. Channel contention

Stations in the BSS may contend for the channel to preempt channel resources. As shown in fig. 1, STA1 and STA2 in the basic service set may perform channel contention to preempt channel resources. One possible way for STAs to contend for a channel is as follows: the STA adopts channel competition parameters 1 as one or more access type competition channels corresponding to r-TWT TIDs, and adopts channel competition parameters 2 as one or more access type competition channels corresponding to non-rTWT TIDs; wherein, the channel contention parameter 1 and the channel contention parameter 2 are any two sets of the plurality of sets of parameters for channel contention of the STA. For example, a station may employ two sets (or sets) of EDCA parameter sets for channel access (or channel contention), one set being an enhanced distributed channel access (enhanced distributed channel access, EDCA) parameter set and the other set being a multi-user (MU) EDCA parameter set. The EDCA parameter set is an example of channel contention parameter 1, and the MU EDCA parameter set is an example of channel contention parameter 2. The station uses MU EDCA parameter set to access the channel, compared with the conventional EDCA parameter set, the station has longer competition waiting time and larger back-off window, so that the priority of the channel access is lower than that of the conventional EDCA parameter set. Optionally, the STA uses a backoff mechanism to contend for the channel for the access type corresponding to the r-TWT TID and/or the access type corresponding to the non-rTWT TID. Illustratively, one or more access types corresponding to the r-TWT TID of the STA perform backoff, and one or more access types corresponding to the non-rTWT TID perform backoff; when one access type is backed off to 0, the access type contends for the channel. The STA's access type performing backoff may be to randomly generate a backoff count value (corresponding to a random window or contention window) and start backoff, and a successful backoff to 0 may consider the access type contending for the channel. For example, the STA detects that a primary channel is idle in performing backoff, and its backoff count value is decremented by 1. In the present application, stations may perform channel contention in any manner, and the present application is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 4, the ap sets a silence interval aligned with a start time for the r-TWT SP in order to ensure that data of the r-TWT TID of the r-TWT scheduling STA (i.e., the first class of stations described above) can be preferentially transmitted. However, by the start time of the r-TWT SP, if a certain r-TWT scheduling STA (belonging to the first class of stations described above) does not have data (data) of the r-TWT TID to be transmitted (e.g. has completed data transmission by random contention before), the r-TWT scheduling STA will continue to contend for the channel according to the existing r-TWT mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart of another channel access based on r-TWT mechanism provided by the present application. In fig. 5, an extremely high throughput access point (EHT AP) transmits a beacon frame (alternatively a probe response frame or other frame) indicating the start time of one or more r-TWT SPs, in which the AP sets a silence interval that is aligned with the start time of the r-TWT SP; the r-TWT schedule STA1 just has no data of the r-TWT TID when the start time of the r-TWT SP is reached, but it still contends for the channel and if it successfully contends for the channel, it will transmit data of the non-rtwtt TID, resulting in that low-latency traffic of other r-TWT schedule STAs having data of the r-TWT TID cannot be transmitted in time. The r-TWT scheduled STA1 and the r-TWT scheduled STA 2 in fig. 5 both belong to the first class of stations described above. In fig. 5, two data frames sent by the r-TWT scheduling STA1 in the r-TWT SP are both data of the non-rtwtt TID, and two acknowledgement frames sent by the AP are sent for two data frames sent by the r-TWT SP. In fig. 5, r-TWT schedule STA1 represents a STA that has just no data of r-TWT TID at the time when the start time of r-TWT SP is reached, but it still channel-contends and successfully contends to the channel, followed by transmitting data of non-rtvt TID; the r-TWT schedule STA 2 represents STAs that have r-TWT TID data to transmit during the quiet interval, but do not rob to the channel.

Referring to fig. 5, if the channel access of the r-TWT scheduling STA1 is successful, the data of the non-rtwtt TID will be sent directly (because the data of the r-TWT TID is not available, and the data transmission of the r-TWT TID specified in the r-TWT mechanism is completed), so that the contention and the data transmission of the non-rtwtt TID preempt the transmission opportunity of the data of the r-TWT TID of another r-TWT scheduling STA (such as STA2 in the figure) and further affect the delay performance of other STAs.

Therefore, there is a need to solve the problem of whether to allow the non-rtwttid of the r-TWT scheduling STA to perform channel access during the silence interval after the start of the r-TWT SP, and the problem of whether the r-TWT scheduling STA allows the r-TWT TID data to perform channel contention when it does not need to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP. The channel access scheme provided by the application can solve the two problems.

The following provides a channel access scheme in connection with the present application in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Example 1

Fig. 6 is a flow chart of interaction of a channel access method provided by the application. As shown in fig. 6, the method interaction flow includes:

601. the access point transmits a first frame.

Accordingly, a station (e.g., an EHT STA) receives a first frame.

A first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake time service phases (r-TWT SP) of the station. The r-TWT group corresponding to the one or more r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field belongs to the r-TWT group that the station joins.

The first frame may be any frame that may indicate r-TWT SP and silence interval, such as a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a TWT Setup (Setup) frame, etc. The first frame may include a TWT element field including a first field as shown in fig. 2A. The first field may be any broadcast TWT parameter set in the TWT element field of the first frame. Referring to fig. 2a, when the negotiation type in the Control field in the TWT element field has a value of 2, it indicates that "TWT parameter information" in the TWT element field is broadcast TWT parameter information. In this case, the "broadcast TWT suggestion field" (Broadcast TWT Recommendation) in the request Type (request Type) field in the broadcast TWT parameter set takes a value of 4, indicating that this broadcast TWT parameter set is a r-TWT parameter set, which indicates a r-TWT SP (i.e., the first field). Each r-TWT SP is uniquely identified by a Broadcast TWT identification (Broadcast TWT ID) field.

The station performs different communication processing according to the first frame. In the application, whether the first frame comprises the second field is specified or agreed in advance by a protocol, so that the station can definitely need to perform the operation. That is, when the first frame includes the second field, which is prescribed or agreed by the protocol, the station performs an operation according to the first frame, and when the first frame does not include the second period, the station performs an operation according to the first frame. For example, when the first frame includes the second field, the station performs the following step 602 according to the first frame; when the first frame does not include the second field, the station performs the following step 603 according to the first frame; wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals for the station, the start time of any silence interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase.

602. If the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, and the station performs the first operation in the any silence interval.

The first operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; and under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with the channel, transmitting the data of the second service identifier before transmitting the data of the first service identifier. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed by the station and the access point, namely r-TWT TID. The first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point. Alternatively, the first service identity belongs to the non-rTWT TID. The data not transmitting the first service identity can be understood as: no data of any non-rtvt TID is transmitted during the silence interval. Before transmitting the data of the first service identifier, transmitting the data of the second service identifier can be understood as: after the station finishes transmitting the data of the r-TWT TID in the silence interval, the station can transmit the data of the non-rTWT TID.

One possible implementation way that the station does not send the data of the first service identity is as follows: the station sets an internal basic service set (intra-BSS) network allocation vector (network allocationvector, NAV) for an access type (AC) corresponding to the non-rtvt TID of the station, and a duration (duration) of the NAV is set to be a time length of the silence interval, which is long in time. The 802.11 standard specifies that the station's AC set the NAV cannot continue to backoff the contention channel. That is, after the station sets the NAV to the AC corresponding to any non-rtvt TID, the AC cannot continue to back off the contention channel (or stop the contention channel). Illustratively, the station sets an intra-BSSNAV for the AC of the first traffic type, the duration of the NAV being set to the time length of the silence interval. The AC corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the AC corresponding to the second service identifier. Thus, the AC corresponding to the first service identifier cannot continuously back off the contention channel, and the AC corresponding to the second service identifier continuously back off the contention channel. After the silence interval ends, the station's AC of the first traffic type continues to contend for the channel. Illustratively, the station sets an intra-BSSNAV for all ACs corresponding to non-rTWT TIDs that do not belong to the ACs corresponding to r-TWT TIDs, and the duration of the NAV is set to the time length of the silence interval. That is, if a certain non-rtwtt TID of the station corresponds to the same AC as a certain r-TWT TID, the station does not set a NAV for the AC, so that the AC corresponding to the r-TWT TID cannot continue to backoff the contention channel in order to avoid causing the same. The station does not set intra-BSSNAV for the AC corresponding to r-TWT TID in the AC corresponding to non-rTWT TID; after any one of the ACs corresponding to both the non-rtwtt TID and the r-TWT TID successfully contends for the channel, the station must first transmit the data of the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC, and may not transmit the data of the non-rtwtt TID corresponding to the AC until the data transmission of the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC is completed. In this implementation, the station may distinguish between an AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID and an AC of the r-TWT TID and set the NAV only for the AC not belonging to the r-TWT TID among the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID. Thus, the situation that the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID cannot continuously contend for the channel can be avoided, and the situation that the AC corresponding to the r-TWT TID cannot continuously backoff for the channel can be avoided; the time delay performance of the r-TWT TID data can be guaranteed.

One possible implementation way that the station does not send the data of the first service identity is as follows: after the AC corresponding to the first service identifier contends to the channel (e.g., backoff to 0), the station does not transmit data of the first service identifier, and reselects a backoff count value to contend for the channel, and keeps the size of the contention window unchanged until the silence interval ends. The AC corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the AC corresponding to the second service identifier, so that the situation that the AC corresponding to the r-TWT TID cannot continuously back off the contention channel can be avoided. If a certain non-rTWT TID corresponds to the same AC with a certain r-TWT TID, the station firstly transmits the data of the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC after the AC successfully competes with the channel, and the data of the non-rTWT TID corresponding to the AC can not be transmitted until the data transmission of the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC is finished. In this implementation, the technical purpose that the station does not send the data of the first service identifier can be achieved, and the competition mechanism of the station does not need to be changed.

One possible implementation way that the station does not send the data of the first service identity is as follows: after the AC corresponding to the first service identifier competes to the channel (i.e., backoff to 0), the station does not transmit the data of the first service identifier, and reselects a backoff count value to compete for the channel; after the back-off count value is backed-off to 0, not transmitting the data of the first service identifier, and selecting one back-off count value again to compete for the channel; and so on until the silence interval ends. The AC corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the AC corresponding to the second service identifier, so that the situation that the AC corresponding to the r-TWT TID cannot continuously back off the contention channel can be avoided. If a certain non-rTWT TID corresponds to the same AC with a certain r-TWT TID, the station firstly transmits the data of the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC after the AC successfully competes with the channel, and the data of the non-rTWT TID corresponding to the AC can not be transmitted until the data transmission of the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC is finished. In this implementation, the technical purpose that the station does not send the data of the first service identifier can be achieved, and the competition mechanism of the station does not need to be changed.

One possible implementation way that the station does not send the data of the first service identity is as follows: so that the AC corresponding to the first traffic identity remains silent (or hangs up, stops back-off contention channels, etc.).

The above describes several possible implementations, but not all possible implementations, of the station not sending the data of the first service identity. It should be understood that any implementation that may enable the station to not send the data of the first service identity (i.e. the data of the non-rtvt TID) falls within the scope of the present application. In the application, the technical purpose of the station not sending the data of the first service identifier is as follows: adverse effects on the transmission of data for r-TWT TIDs are avoided. It is understood that any implementation that achieves this technical aim falls within the scope of protection of the application.

Any of the above-described r-TWT SPs refers to any one of one or more r-TWT SPs of a station indicated by a first field in a first frame. The first frame may further include a second field for indicating one or more silence intervals for the station. The second field may include a silence count, a silence period, a silence length, a silence offset. The second field in the first frame may be a silence interval element field in the first frame, see fig. 2B. The one or more silence intervals indicated by the second field may not be for a certain or some stations, but for all stations. In a possible implementation, the second field only indicates the start time of one or more silence intervals, and does not indicate (or define) to which station or stations these silence intervals belong. The one or more silence intervals indicated by the second field may be considered silence intervals for any station. Alternatively, any station may consider one or more silence intervals indicated by the second field as its own silence interval. In this implementation, it is not necessary to define to which station or stations the silence interval belongs, and resource overhead may be reduced. In one possible implementation, the second field indicates a start time of one or more silence intervals, and indicates (or defines) to which station or stations the one or more silence intervals belong. If one or more silence intervals indicated by the second field belong to a certain station, the station may perform the first operation at any silence interval when the start time of the silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP. If one or more silence intervals indicated by the second field do not belong to a certain station, the station may keep silence according to the one or more silence intervals. In this implementation, it is indicated to which station or stations the silence interval belongs so that the stations utilize the silence interval to reduce latency.

The station may use one or more r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field of the first frame. In other words, the station is subordinate (or belongs) to one or more r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field of the first frame. In still another alternative, the station joins one or more r-TWT groups corresponding to the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field of the first frame. It can be appreciated that for an AP, a station schedules STAs for r-TWTs, i.e., stations belonging to the first category of stations described above. The site shown in fig. 6 is an example of the first type of site described above. It should be understood that any one of the first type of sites may perform the operations or processes performed by the sites in fig. 6. Illustratively, the station determines whether to subordinate to the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field by a broadcast TWT identification subfield in a broadcast TWT element in the first frame. The station may perform the interaction flow of fig. 3 with the AP to establish an r-TWT agreement to join one or more r-TWT groups prior to performing the operations of fig. 6. Wherein each r-TWT group corresponds to one r-TWT SP. The station may determine that the station belongs to the r-TWT SP corresponding to the identification number of the TWT group when the identification number of the TWT group represented by the broadcast TWT identification subfield belongs to the r-TWT group to which the station joins.

It should be appreciated that the conditions for the station to perform the first operation at the silence interval indicated by the second field include: the first frame further includes a second field for indicating one or more silence intervals, the start time of any one of the silence intervals being the same as the start time of any one of the r-TWTs SP indicated by the first field of the first frame. In other words, the conditions for the station to perform the first operation during the silence interval indicated by the second field include: the first frame includes a second field indicating a start time of any one of the silence intervals as the start time of any one of the r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field. The station may determine whether the condition for performing the first operation at the silence interval indicated by the second field is satisfied in a variety of ways, which the present application is not limited to. In the present application, the same start time means that the difference between the start time of any silence interval and the start time of any r-TWT SP is within a certain threshold, and the start time may be regarded as the same, and the present application is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the start times are the same as those of ordinary skill in the art, and it is not limited that they are the same at the same time.

Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: determining whether the first frame includes a second field, wherein a start time of any silence interval indicated by the second field is the same as a start time of one r-TWT SP of the station; if yes, executing a first operation in any silence interval. If the first frame includes the second field, the station may also contend for the AC contention channel for the second service identification within the any silence interval, and after contending for the signal, transmit data for the second service identification.

Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: determining whether to depend on at least one r-TWT SP indicated by a first field in the first frame; determining, after determining that the station belongs to the at least one r-TWT SP indicated by the first field, whether the first frame includes a second field indicating one or more silence intervals; after determining that the first frame includes the second field, determining whether a start time of the silence interval is the same as a start time of any r-TWT SP to which the station belongs; after determining that the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP to which the station belongs, the station performs a first operation at the any silence interval. Optionally, the station identifies the AC contention channel for the second service after determining that the start time of any silence interval indicated by the second field is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP to which the station belongs. If a station determines that it does not belong to the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field in the first frame, the station cannot use the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field.

Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: recording whether the AP sets a corresponding silence interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs; if yes, executing the first operation in the silence interval. If not, the station transmits data after competing for the channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The recording herein may be replaced with determining, judging, etc. If the first frame includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, and the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, the station records that the AP sets a corresponding silence interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs. For an AP, if the AP sets a corresponding silence interval for an r-TWT SP to which a certain station belongs, the AP allows the station to execute a first operation; otherwise, all TIDs of the station are allowed to contend for the channel in the r-TWT SP.

Step 602 may be replaced with: 603. if the first frame does not include the second field, the station transmits data after competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. Here the first frame not including the second field includes two cases: one case is that the first frame does not include any field indicating the silence interval, and another case is that the first frame includes one or more fields indicating the silence interval, but the start time of the silence interval indicated by the one or more fields is different from the start time of each r-TWT SP of the station. An example of the first frame not including the second field is as follows: the first frame includes a field 1, and the start time of each silence interval indicated by the field 1 is different from the start time of each r-TWT SP of the station. If the first frame does not include the second field, all TIDs of the station may contend for the channel in the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs. The first frame does not include a second field indicating that the AP has not set a silence interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs. When the station does not set a silence interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs, the station transmits data after competing for a channel; data competing for the channel can be transmitted in time.

Optionally, after receiving the first frame, the station performs the following operations: determining whether to depend on at least one r-TWT SP indicated by a first field in the first frame; determining, after determining that the station belongs to the at least one r-TWT SP indicated by the first field, whether the first frame includes a second field indicating a silence interval; if the first frame does not include the second field, the station starts competing for the channel at the start time of one r-TWT SP to which it belongs; after competing for the channel, data is transmitted, the service identity of which is either the first service identity or the second service identity. Illustratively, if the first frame does not include the second field, the station's one or more non-rTWT TIDs corresponding to ACs and one or more r-TWT TIDs corresponding to ACs begin contending for the channel at the start time of the r-TWT SP; and when a certain AC competes to a channel, sending the data of the service identifier corresponding to the AC. In this example, if an AC contending for a channel corresponds to an r-TWT TID and a non-rtwtt TID, the station first transmits data for the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC, and then transmits data for the non-rtwtt TID corresponding to the AC.

In one possible implementation manner, the second frame further includes a third field, where the third field is used to indicate a channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station, and the first operation performed by the station at any silence interval conforms to the channel access rule. In other words, the third field indicates an operation performed by the station at any one of the silence intervals. For example, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, and the silence interval may continue to compete after the silence interval is ended, the first operation is that: the data of the first service identifier is not sent in any silence interval; or if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but the data of the second service identifier is allowed to compete for the channel after all the data of the first service identifier is transmitted, the first operation is that: and under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, transmitting the data of the second service identifier before transmitting the data of the first service identifier. This implementation can be seen in embodiment three below. In this implementation, the third field indicates a channel access rule for the data of the first service identification within the silence interval, and the first operation performed by the station at any of the silence intervals conforms to the channel access rule. Adverse effects on the transmission of data for the r-TWT TID may be reduced by a flexible channel access rule indicating that the data for the first traffic identification of the station is within the silence interval.

In describing the principles of r-TWT, the foregoing describes whether including a second field in a beacon frame (or other frame) sent by an AP is of no significance to a first class of stations. In the existing technical solution, the operation performed by the first class station when the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field is the same as the operation performed when the first frame does not include the second field. In the present application, the station performs an operation when the first frame transmitted by the AP includes the second field, different from an operation performed when the first frame does not include the second field. A first field in a first frame sent by the AP is used to indicate one or more r-TWT SPs for the station. If the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of a station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as any r-TWT SP of the station, and the first frame is used to indicate the station to perform the first operation in the any silence interval. If the starting time of each silence interval is different from the starting time of each r-TWT SP of the station, the station transmits data after competing for a channel in the silence interval, and the service identifier of the data is a first service identifier or a second service identifier. Or if the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for the channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier. It is understood that in the present application, it makes sense for the first class of stations whether the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field. The AP may cause the station to perform different operations by transmitting the first frame including the second field and the first frame not including the second field so as to ensure delay performance of the station.

In the embodiment of the application, a station executes a first operation at a silence interval; adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data can be avoided, namely the delay performance of the station transmitting r-TWT TID data is guaranteed.

The technical solution in the first embodiment describes the channel access rule of the non-rtwtt TID of the station (belonging to the first class of stations) and solves the problem of whether to allow the non-rtwtt TID of the r-TWT scheduling STA to perform channel access in the silence interval after the start of the r-TWT SP.

Example two

Fig. 7 is a flow chart of another channel access method according to the present application. As shown in fig. 7, the method interaction flow includes:

701. the access point transmits a first frame.

Accordingly, a station (e.g., an EHT STA) receives a first frame. A first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more r-TWT SPs for the station. Step 701 may refer to step 601.

702. If the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, and the station performs the second operation in any silence interval.

The second operation includes any one of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; the channel competition parameters of the ACs corresponding to the first service identification of the station are changed into a group with lower channel access opportunities. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed by the station and the access point, namely r-TWT TID. The first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point. Alternatively, the first service identity belongs to the non-rTWT TID. The implementation manner in which the station does not transmit the data of the first service identifier may refer to the implementation manner in which the station does not transmit the data of the first service identifier in the first embodiment, which will not be described in detail herein. Any r-TWT SP refers to any one of one or more r-TWT SPs of the station indicated by the first field in the first frame.

Changing the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identifier of the station to a group with a lower channel access opportunity may be understood as: the station adjusts the channel competition parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identification to a lower group. Optionally, the first service identifier (i.e. non-rtvt TID) of the station corresponds to two sets of channel contention parameters of the AC; the station adopts a group of channel competition parameters with higher channel access opportunities as an AC competition channel corresponding to a first service identifier in a non-r-TWT SP; and adopting a group of channel contention parameters with lower channel access opportunities as the AC contention channel corresponding to the first service identifier in the silence interval with the starting time aligned with the starting time of the r-TWT SP. Optionally, the station uses the same set of channel contention parameters for the AC contention channel corresponding to the second service identifier in the non-r-TWT SP and the r-TWT SP. non-r-TWT SP refers to times other than r-TWT SP. For example, a station receives a first frame, a first field of the first frame indicating a certain r-TWT SP of the station; before the starting time of the r-TWT SP, the station adopts an EDCA parameter set as an AC competition channel corresponding to the first service identifier; when the starting time of the r-TWT SP is reached, in the case that no r-TWT TID data needs to be transmitted, if the first frame further includes a second field, the starting time of any silence interval indicated by the second field is the same as the starting time of the r-TWT SP, and the station adopts the MU EDCA parameter set for the AC contention channel corresponding to the first service identifier in any silence interval. The AC corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the AC corresponding to the second service identifier, so that the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the second service identifier can be prevented from being changed into a group with a lower channel access chance. Optionally, the station alters channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the non-rtwtt TID, which do not belong to the AC corresponding to the r-TWT TID, to a group with a lower channel access chance. That is, if a certain non-rtvt TID of a station corresponds to the same AC as a certain r-TWT TID, the station does not change the channel contention parameters of the AC to a group having a lower channel access opportunity, i.e., keeps the channel contention parameters of the AC unchanged. After any one of the ACs corresponding to both the non-rtwtt TID and the r-TWT TID successfully contends for the channel, the station must first transmit the data of the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC, and may not transmit the data of the non-rtwtt TID corresponding to the AC until the data transmission of the r-TWT TID corresponding to the AC is completed. The station changes the channel competition parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identification of the station into a group with lower channel access opportunity; while reducing the adverse impact on the transmission of data for the r-TWT TID, opportunities are provided for transmitting data for the r-TWT TID.

It should be appreciated that the conditions for the station to perform the second operation at any of the silence intervals indicated in the second field include: the first frame includes a second field indicating that the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station indicated by the first field, and the station has no data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of any r-TWT SP. The station may determine whether the condition for performing the second operation at the silence interval indicated by the second field is satisfied in a variety of ways, which the present application is not limited to.

Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: recording whether the first frame comprises a second field, wherein the start time of any silence interval indicated by the second field is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station; judging (or determining) whether the first frame includes a second field at the start time of any one of the r-TWT SPs if no data of any non-rTWT TIDs need to be transmitted; if yes, executing a second operation in any silence interval. In the present application, the first frame including the second field can be understood as: the AP sets a corresponding silence interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs (corresponding to any of the r-TWT SPs described above).

Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: determining whether to depend on at least one r-TWT SP indicated by a first field in the first frame; the station judges (determines) if the start time of any one of the r-TWT SPs to which it belongs does not have any r-TWT TID data to be transmitted in the case of at least one r-TWT SP to which it belongs; if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, and the station performs a second operation in any silence interval. If a station determines that it does not belong to the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field in the first frame, the station cannot use the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field. The station may adopt the technical solution in the first embodiment in the case that the start time of any r-TWT SP has data of r-TWT TID to be transmitted.

Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: recording whether the AP sets a corresponding silence interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs; at the starting time of any r-TWT SP to which the station belongs, if no r-TWT TID data needs to be transmitted, judging whether the AP sets a corresponding silence interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs; if yes, a second operation is performed at the silence interval. If the first frame includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, and the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, the station records that the AP sets a corresponding silence interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs.

Step 702 may be replaced by: 703. if the first frame does not include the second field, the station transmits data after competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. Step 703 may refer to step 603 in fig. 6, which is not described in detail herein.

When the second operation is not to send the data of the first service identifier, the method interaction flow in fig. 7 further includes:

704. after the station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be sent in the time indicated by any silence interval, the station contends for the channel, or after the station ends any silence interval, the station contends for the channel.

After the station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted in the time indicated by any silence interval, competing for the channel; so that the data of the second service identity is transmitted faster. After any silence interval is finished, stations compete for channels; the occupation of the transmission opportunity of the non-rTWT TID service in the r-TWT SP can be avoided, and the priority service weight of the r-TWT TID service is ensured.

After any silence interval described above, the station may understand that the contention channel is: the station does not contend for the channel in any silence interval, and starts contending for the channel after any silence interval is finished. The possible implementation manner that the station does not compete for the channel in any silence interval is: the station sets a NAV for all TIDs, the duration of which is set to the duration of any of the silence intervals described above. In general, the duration of the silence interval is shorter than the duration of the r-TWT SP. If the r-TWT SP aligned with the starting time of any one of the silence intervals is not ended after the end of the silence interval, the station contends for the channel in the r-TWT SP. The station may also use other ways to achieve the goal of not competing for the channel in the silence interval, and the application is not limited to implementations in which the channel is not competing in the silence interval. The operation of the station performing data not transmitting the first traffic identification during the silence interval may be regarded as keeping silence during the silence interval. In the process of keeping silence, if r-TWT TID data arrives (namely, obtaining data of a second service identifier to be sent); one of the following ways may be performed: mode 1, still keeping silent, i.e. not allowing contention channel until channel contention can be restored after the silence interval ends; mode 2, cancel silence state, namely begin competing channel.

In a possible implementation manner, the second frame further includes a third field, where the third field is used to indicate a channel access rule when the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at a start time of a service phase defining a target wake-up time, and the second operation performed by the station at any silence interval conforms to the channel access rule. Alternatively, the second operation performed by the station at any one of the silence intervals is determined by the station according to the third field. Exemplary, the data not transmitting the first service identifier includes two kinds of following: not competing for the channel in any silence interval, and continuing to compete for the channel after the end of any silence interval; and not competing the channel in any silence interval, and starting to compete the channel after the data of the second service identifier arrives. If the third field indicates that the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of the service period defining the target wake-up time, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, and after the silence interval is ended, the station can continue to compete, where the second operation is: not competing for the channel in any silence interval, and continuing to compete for the channel after the end of any silence interval; or if the third field indicates that the station does not have any data of the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of the service stage defining the target wake-up time, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but starts competing for the channel after the data of the second service identifier arrives, and the second operation is that: after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent, starting competing channels. The station prohibits the competition of the channel in the silence interval before obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted. This implementation can be seen in example four below. In this implementation, the third field indicates a channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station, and the channel access rule of the data of the first service identifier of the station may be flexibly configured so as to reduce an adverse effect on transmission of the data of the second service identifier.

In the existing technical solution, the operation performed by the first class station when the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field is the same as the operation performed when the first frame does not include the second field. In the present application, the operation performed by the station when the first frame transmitted by the AP includes the second field is different from the operation performed when the first frame does not include the second field. A first field in a first frame sent by the AP is used to indicate one or more r-TWT SPs for the station. If the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station, and the first frame is used to indicate, by the station, that the station performs the second operation in any silence interval if there is no data with the second service identifier in the start time of any r-TWT SP to be transmitted. Or if the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for the channel, and the service identifier of the data is non-rTWT TID or r-TWT TID. It can be seen that it makes sense for the first class of stations if the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field. The AP may cause the station to perform different operations by transmitting the first frame including the second field and the first frame not including the second field so as to ensure delay performance of the station.

In the embodiment of the application, the station executes the second operation in the silence interval. When the second operation is not to send the data of the first service identification; adverse effects on the transmission of data for r-TWT TID can be avoided. When the second operation is to change the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identifier of the station to a group with a lower channel access opportunity, the opportunity for transmitting the data of the r-TWT TID can be provided while reducing adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the r-TWT TID.

The technical solution in the second embodiment describes a channel access rule of a station (belonging to the first class of stations) that has no r-TWT TID data to transmit, and solves the problem that whether the r-TWT scheduling STA allows the r-TWT scheduling STA to perform channel contention when the r-TWT TID data does not need to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP.

Example III

Fig. 8 is a flow chart of another channel access method according to the present application. As shown in fig. 8, the method interaction flow includes:

801. the access point transmits a second frame.

Accordingly, the station (e.g., EHT STA) receives the second frame. The second frame may be a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or other frame. The first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more r-TWT SPs for the station. The third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rule for the data of the non-rTWT TID of the station. In the application, the channel access rule can be replaced by a channel access mode, a channel competition mode and the like. In other words, the third field indicates a channel access rule of the data of the non-rtvt TID of the station at the silence interval. A third field may be located in the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame, which may be subsequently referred to as an Access Mode (Access Mode) subfield, which may occupy 2 bits. In the present application, an Access Mode (Access Mode) subdomain, i.e., a third field, is introduced in the broadcast TWT parameter set. The first field and the third field may be located in the same broadcast TWT parameter set. The access mode subfield may occupy 2 bits or more of any reservation (Reserved) in the broadcast TWT parameter set. Table 1 shows the meaning of the Access Mode (Access Mode) subdomain values.

TABLE 1

In table 1, allowing non-rtvt TID to contend for the channel in the silence interval can be understood as: the station is allowed to contend for the channel in the quiet interval for transmitting the data of the non-rtvt TID and to transmit the data of the non-rtvt TID after contending for the signal. In other words, the AC corresponding to the non-rtvt TID of the station is allowed to contend for the channel at the quiet interval, and after contending for the channel, the data of the non-rtvt TID is transmitted. Disabling the non-rtvt TID from contending for the channel in the silence interval can be understood as: the station is prohibited from contending for the channel in the quiet interval for data to transmit the non-rtvt TID. In other words, the AC corresponding to the non-rtvt TID of the station is prohibited from competing for the channel at the quiet interval. The non-rTWT TID is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but after the data of the r-TWT TID is completely transmitted, the allowed non-rTWT TID contention channel may be: allowing the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of the station to compete for the channel in the silence interval; after the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID competes with the channel, the data of the r-TWT TID must be transmitted first; after all the data of the r-TWT TID are transmitted, the station is allowed to transmit the data of the non-rTWT TID. The non-rTWT TID is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but after the data of the r-TWT TID is completely transmitted, the allowed non-rTWT TID contention channel may be: before all data of r-TWT TID are transmitted, inhibiting AC corresponding to non-rTWT TID of the station from competing for channels at silent intervals; after all data of the r-TWT TID is transmitted, the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of the station is allowed to compete for the channel in the silence interval.

Optionally, a third field is located in the broadcast TWT information subfield in the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame, which may occupy 2 bits. Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of another TWT element domain according to an embodiment of the application. As shown in fig. 9, the broadcast TWT information subfield includes: a TWT service information subdomain presence indication (Restricted TWT Traffic Info Present), an Access Mode (Access Mode), a Broadcast TWT identification (Broadcast TWT ID), a Broadcast TWT duration (Broadcast TWT Persistence), the Broadcast TWT information comprising a number below each subdomain representing the number of bits occupied by that subdomain. As can be seen from comparing fig. 9 and fig. 2A, the access mode (i.e., the third field) occupies two bits Reserved (Reserved) in the broadcast TWT information subdomain, so that the access mode can be compatible with the existing broadcast TWT parameter set, and the bits are not added. The meaning of each subdomain or field in fig. 9 is the same as that in fig. 2A and is not described here again.

Optionally, a third field is located in a traffic information control (Traffic Info Control) sub-field in the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame, the third field occupying 2 bits. Fig. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of another TWT element domain according to an embodiment of the application. As shown in fig. 10, the service information control subfield includes: a downlink TID bitmap valid (DL TID Bitmap Valid), an uplink TID bitmap valid (UL TID Bitmap Valid), an Access Mode (Access Mode), a Reserved (Reserved), and a number below each sub-domain included in the service information control sub-domain indicates the number of bits occupied by the sub-domain. As can be seen from comparing fig. 10 and fig. 2A, the access mode (i.e., the third field) occupies 2 bits Reserved (Reserved) in the service information control subdomain, so that the access mode can be compatible with the existing broadcast TWT parameter set, and the bits are not added. The meaning of each sub-field or field in fig. 10 is the same as that in fig. 2A, and is not described here. The access mode may also occupy other reserved bits in the broadcast TWT parameter set, and the application is not limited.

802. If the second frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station, and the station performs the third operation in any silence interval.

The third operation conforms to a channel access rule of the data of the non-rtvt TID indicated by the third field. Alternatively, if the second frame further includes a second field, the third operation performed by the station at any silence interval is determined by the third field.

The third operation includes any one of: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, the service identification of which belongs to r-TWT TID or non-rTWT TID; data of the first service identifier is not sent; in the case that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes for the channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent, which can refer to the mode in the first embodiment. After contending for the channel, the transmit data may be: and after the AC corresponding to any TID of the station competes to the channel, transmitting the data of the TID. The implementation manner in which the station does not transmit the data of the first service identifier may refer to the implementation manner in which the station does not transmit the data of the first service identifier in the first embodiment, which will not be described in detail herein.

If the third field in the second frame indicates that the non-rTWT TID is allowed to contend for the channel in the silence interval, the third operation is: after contending for the channel in any of the silence intervals, data is transmitted, the traffic identification of which belongs to the r-TWT TID or the non-rTWT TID.

If the third field in the second frame indicates that the non-rtvt TID is prohibited from contending for the channel in the silence interval and may continue contending after the silence interval ends, the third operation is: and not transmitting the data of the first service identification in any silence interval.

If the third field in the second frame indicates that the non-rtvt TID is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but the r-rtvt TID is allowed to compete for the channel after the data of the r-rtvt TID is completely transmitted, the third operation is: and under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with the channel, transmitting the data of the second service identifier before transmitting the data of the first service identifier.

Step 802 may be replaced with: 803. if the second frame does not include the second field, the station transmits data after competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data belongs to r-TWT TID or non-rTWT TID, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. Step 803 may refer to step 603 in fig. 6, which is not described in detail herein.

In the embodiment of the application, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rule of the non-rTWT TID data of the station, so that the channel access rule of the non-rTWT TID data of the station can be flexibly configured, and adverse effects on the transmission of the r-TWT TID data are reduced.

In the third embodiment, the channel access rule of the data of the non-rtvt TID of the access point designated station is supported. The station performs channel access according to the channel access rule of the non-rTWT TID data appointed by the access point; the method solves the problem of whether the non-rTWT TID of the r-TWT scheduling STA is allowed to carry out channel access or not in a silence interval after the start of the r-TWT SP.

Example IV

Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating another channel access method according to the present application. As shown in fig. 11, the method interaction flow includes:

1101. the access point transmits a second frame.

Accordingly, the station (e.g., EHT STA) receives the second frame. The second frame may be a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or other frame. The first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more r-TWT SPs for the station. The third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rule for the station when there is no data for the r-TWT TID to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP. A third field may be located in the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame, which may be subsequently referred to as an Access Mode (Access Mode) subfield, which may occupy 2 bits. In the present application, an Access Mode (Access Mode) subdomain, i.e., a third field, is introduced in the broadcast TWT parameter set. The first field and the third field may be located in the same broadcast TWT parameter set. The access mode subfield may occupy 2 bits or more of any reservation (Reserved) in the broadcast TWT parameter set. Table 2 shows the meaning of the Access Mode (Access Mode) subdomain values.

TABLE 2

As can be seen from comparing table 1 and table 2, the value meaning of the third field in the fourth embodiment is different from the value meaning of the third field in the third embodiment. The third field in the fourth embodiment may be located in a broadcast TWT information subfield in the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame. The Access Mode (Access Mode) shown in fig. 9 is the third field in the fourth embodiment. The third field in embodiment four may be located in the traffic information control (Traffic Info Control) sub-field in the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame. The Access Mode (Access Mode) shown in fig. 10 is the third field in the fourth embodiment.

1102. If the second frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, and the station performs a fourth operation in any silence interval.

The fourth operation conforms to the channel access rule indicated by the third field when the station has no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP. Or, if the second frame further includes the second field, the station performs the fourth operation in any silence interval according to the third field when the station does not have the data of the second service identifier at the start time of any r-TWT SP to be transmitted.

The fourth operation includes any one of the following: after competing for the channel, transmitting data, the service identification of which belongs to the non-rTWT TID; no data is sent (or no channel contention is performed); after obtaining the data of the second service identification to be transmitted, starting competing channels. After contending for the channel, the transmit data may be: and after the AC corresponding to any TID of the station competes to the channel, transmitting the data of the TID. The station does not transmit data, which may be that the station stops channel contention or that the station remains silent. Optionally, the station sets an intra-BSS NAV for each AC, the duration of the NAV being set to the length of the silence interval.

If the third field in the second frame indicates that no r-TWT TID data needs to be transmitted at the start time of the r-TWT SP, allowing the station to contend for the channel in the silence interval, the fourth operation is: after contending for the channel in any of the silence intervals, data is transmitted, the traffic identification of which belongs to the non-rtvt TID.

If the third field in the second frame indicates that no r-TWT TID data needs to be transmitted at the start time of the r-TWT SP, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, and after the silence interval is ended, the station can continue to contend, and the fourth operation is: no data is transmitted (or no channel contention is performed) during any of the silence intervals.

If the third field in the second frame indicates that the station does not have any r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel in the silence interval, but after the r-TWT TID data arrives, the silence state is canceled, and the channel competition starts, and the fourth operation is that: after obtaining the data of the second service identification to be transmitted, starting competing channels.

Step 1102 may be replaced by: 1103. if the second frame does not include the second field, the station transmits data after competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data belongs to r-TWT TID or non-rTWT TID, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. Step 1103 may refer to step 603 in fig. 6, which is not described in detail herein.

In the embodiment of the application, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rule of the station when the starting time of the r-TWT SP does not have any r-TWT TID data to be transmitted, so that the channel access rule of the station when the starting time of the r-TWT SP does not have any r-TWT TID data to be transmitted can be flexibly configured, and adverse effects on the transmission of the r-TWT TID data are reduced.

In the fourth embodiment, the supporting access point specifies the channel access rule of the station where no r-TWT TID data needs to be transmitted. The station performs channel access according to the channel access rule specified by the access point; the method solves the problem that whether the r-TWT scheduling STA allows the r-TWT TID data to perform channel competition when the starting time of the r-TWT SP is not equal to the time when the r-TWT TID data needs to be transmitted.

In the third and fourth embodiments, the access point issues (carries) the access mode, i.e., the third field, through the transmitted second frame, so that the station performs channel access according to the channel access rule indicated by the access mode. There are two types of release of information with Access Mode (Access Mode) subdomains:

form 1: the AP broadcasts in a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or the like, i.e., in the manner of embodiment three and embodiment four.

Form 2: the station makes a request (request) with the AP when establishing the r-TWT agreement, and the AP decides whether to accept or not accept in response frames (response). For example, the station sends an r-TWT setup request (setup request) frame to the AP, where the r-TWT setup request frame includes an access mode requested by the station, where the access mode indicates a channel access rule for data of a non-rtwtt TID of the station or indicates a channel access rule for the station when there is no data of any r-TWT TID at a start time of the r-TWT SP to be transmitted; the AP replies an r-TWT establishment response (setup response) frame to the station, and replies r-TWT request information including access mode information and parameters thereof of the station to be accepted or not to be accepted in the r-TWT establishment response frame. For example, the AP accepts access mode 1 requested by the station, and in combination with the first embodiment, the station does not send the data of the first service identifier in the silence interval indicated by the second field when the first frame sent by the AP includes the first field and the second field. For another example, in the case where the AP accepts the access mode 2 requested by the station, in combination with the first embodiment, when the first frame sent by the AP includes the first field and the second field, and when the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes for the channel, the station sends the data of the second service identifier before sending the data of the first service identifier. For another example, in the case that the AP accepts the access mode 3 requested by the station and in combination with the second embodiment, the station does not have the data of the second service identifier at the start time of any r-TWT SP to transmit, if the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate a silence interval of the station, the start time of the silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, and the station does not send the data of the first service identifier at the silence interval. For another example, in the case that the AP accepts the access mode 4 requested by the station and in combination with the second embodiment, the station does not have the data of the second service identifier at the start time of any r-TWT SP to be transmitted, if the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate a silence interval of the station, the start time of the silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, and the station changes the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identifier of the station to be a group with a lower channel access opportunity in the silence interval.

The following describes the structure of a communication device capable of implementing the channel access method provided by the embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1200 may correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the station in the above-described method embodiments, or may correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the access point in the above-described method embodiments. The communication device may include a processing module 1210 and a transceiver module 1220. Optionally, a storage unit may be included, which may be used to store instructions (code or programs) and/or data. The processing module 1210 and the transceiver module 1220 may be coupled to the storage unit, for example, the processing module 1210 may read instructions (codes or programs) and/or data in the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The units can be independently arranged or partially or fully integrated. For example, the transceiver module 1220 may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module may be a transmitter and the receiving module may be a receiver. The entity corresponding to transceiver module 1220 may be a transceiver or a communication interface.

In some possible embodiments, the communications apparatus 1200 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the station in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1200 may be a station, or may be a component (e.g., a chip or a circuit) applied to the station. Transceiver module 1220 may be used, for example, to perform all of the receiving or transmitting operations performed by a station in the embodiments of fig. 6, 7, 8, 11, such as step 601 in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, step 701 in the embodiment shown in fig. 7, step 801 in the embodiment shown in fig. 8, step 1101 in the embodiment shown in fig. 11, and/or other processes for supporting the techniques described herein. The processing module 1210 is configured to perform all operations except the transceiving operations performed by the station in the embodiments of fig. 6, 7, 8, and 11, for example, step 602 and step 603 in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, step 702, step 703, and step 704 in the embodiment shown in fig. 7, step 802 and step 803 in the embodiment shown in fig. 8, and step 1102 and step 1103 in the embodiment shown in fig. 11.

In some possible embodiments, the communications apparatus 1200 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the access point in the method embodiments described above. For example, the communication device 1200 may be an access point, or may be a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) that is implemented in an access point. Transceiver module 1220 may be used, for example, to perform all of the receiving or transmitting operations performed by the access point in the embodiments of fig. 6, 7, 8, 11, such as step 601 in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, step 701 in the embodiment shown in fig. 7, step 801 in the embodiment shown in fig. 8, step 1101 in the embodiment shown in fig. 11, and/or other processes for supporting the techniques described herein. The processing module 1210 is configured to perform all operations performed by the access point except for a transceiving operation, for example, an operation of generating a first frame or generating a second frame.

Fig. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device 130 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device in fig. 13 may be the station or the access point.

As shown in fig. 13, the communication device 130 includes at least one processor 1310 and a transceiver 1320.

In some embodiments of the application, processor 1310 and transceiver 1320 may be used to perform functions or operations performed by a station, etc. Transceiver 1320 performs all of the receiving or transmitting operations performed by the stations in the embodiments of fig. 6, 7, 8, 11, for example. The processor 1310 is for example configured to perform all operations performed by the station in the embodiments of fig. 6, 7, 8, and 11, except for the transceiving operations.

In some embodiments of the application, processor 1310 and transceiver 1320 may be used to perform functions or operations performed by an access point, etc. Transceiver 1320 performs all of the receiving or transmitting operations performed by the access point in the embodiments of fig. 6, 7, 8, 11, for example. The processor 1310 is configured to perform all operations performed by the access point except for a transceiving operation, such as an operation of generating a first frame or generating a second frame.

The transceiver 1320 is used to communicate with other devices/apparatus over a transmission medium. Processor 1310 utilizes transceiver 1320 to transmit and receive data and/or signaling and is used to implement the methods of the method embodiments described above. Processor 1310 may implement the functions of processing module 1210 and transceiver 1320 may implement the functions of transceiver module 1220.

Optionally, the transceiver 1320 may include radio frequency circuitry and an antenna, the radio frequency circuitry being primarily used for baseband signal to radio frequency signal conversion and processing of the radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as touch screens, display screens, keyboards, etc., are mainly used for receiving data input by a user and outputting data to the user.

Optionally, the communication device 130 may also include at least one memory 1330 for storing program instructions and/or data. Memory 1330 is coupled to processor 1310. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which may be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms for information interaction between the devices, units, or modules. Processor 1310 may operate in conjunction with memory 1330. Processor 1310 may execute program instructions stored in memory 1330. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

When the communication device 130 is powered on, the processor 1310 may read the software program in the memory 1330, interpret and execute instructions of the software program, and process data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1310 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted, and then outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit, and the radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal outwards in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is transmitted to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives a radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1310, and the processor 1310 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna described above may be provided separately from the processor performing the baseband processing, e.g., in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna may be in a remote arrangement from the communication device.

The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1320, the processor 1310, and the memory 1330 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The embodiment of the present application is shown in fig. 13 with the memory 1330, the processor 1310, and the transceiver 1320 being connected by a bus 1340, which is shown in bold lines in fig. 13, and the connection between other components is merely illustrative and not limiting. The bus may be classified as an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is shown in fig. 13, but not only one bus or one type of bus.

In the embodiment of the present application, the processor may be a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps and logic blocks disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor or the like. The steps of a method disclosed in connection with the embodiments of the present application may be embodied directly in a hardware processor for execution, or in a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor for execution.

Fig. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device 140 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 14, the communication apparatus shown in fig. 14 includes a logic circuit 1401 and an interface 1402. The processing module 1210 in fig. 12 may be implemented by the logic circuit 1401, and the transceiver module 1220 in fig. 12 may be implemented by the interface 1402. The logic 1401 may be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit, a system on chip (SoC) chip, or the like, and the interface 1402 may be a communication interface, an input/output interface, or the like. In the embodiment of the application, the logic circuit and the interface can be coupled with each other. The embodiment of the present application is not limited to the specific connection manner of the logic circuit and the interface.

In some embodiments of the application, the logic and interfaces may be used to perform the functions or operations performed by the stations described above, and the like.

In some embodiments of the application, the logic and interfaces may be used to perform the functions or operations performed by the access points described above, and the like.

The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a computer program or instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the above-described embodiments.

The application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions or a computer program which, when run on a computer, cause the method of the above embodiments to be performed.

The application also provides a communication system comprising the station and the access point.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art will readily recognize that variations or substitutions are within the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of channel access, comprising:

a station receives a first frame, a first field in the first frame being used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases for the station;

if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the station performs a first operation at any silence interval, where the first operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent; or,

If the first frame does not include the second field, the station transmits data after competing for a channel, wherein a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, and the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any defined target wake-up time service stage;

the second service identifier belongs to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to a service identifier of a priority service agreed by the station and the access point.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the access type corresponding to the first service identity is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identity.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second field comprises an element identification field, a length field, a silence count field, a silence period field, a silence length field, a silence offset field.

4. A method of channel access, comprising:

If the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station when the start time of the any defined target wake-up time service phase does not have the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the station performs a second operation in any silence interval, where the second operation includes any one of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; changing channel competition parameters of an access type corresponding to a first service identifier of the station to a group with lower channel access opportunities; or,

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the access type corresponding to the first service identity is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identity.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein when the second operation is not transmitting data of the first service identification, the method further comprises:

and after the station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be sent in the time indicated by any silence interval, competing for a channel, or after the station finishes any silence interval, competing for a channel.

7. The method of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second field comprises an element identification field, a length field, a silence count field, a silence period field, a silence length field, a silence offset field.

8. A method of channel access, comprising:

transmitting a first frame, a first field in the first frame being used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases for a station;

if the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a first operation in any silence interval, and the first operation includes any one of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent; or,

If the first frame does not include a second field, the second field is used for indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the starting time of any silence interval is the same as the starting time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time, the first frame is used for indicating the station to send data after competing for a channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier;

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the access type corresponding to the first service identity is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identity.

10. A method of channel access, comprising:

if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the first frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a second operation at any silence interval if the station needs to transmit data with no second service identifier at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, where the second operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; changing channel competition parameters of an access type corresponding to a first service identifier of the station to a group with lower channel access opportunities; or,

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the access type corresponding to the first service identity is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identity.

12. A communication device, comprising:

a transceiver module configured to receive a first frame, where a first field in the first frame is configured to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases for a station;

if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and a processing module is used to perform a first operation in any silence interval, where the first operation includes any one of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent;

Or if the first frame does not include the second field, the transceiver module is further configured to send data, where a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, where a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase;

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the access type corresponding to the first service identity is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identity.

14. A communication device, comprising:

if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and if the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase does not have data of a second service identifier to be transmitted, the processing module is configured to perform a second operation at any silence interval, where the second operation includes any of the following: data of the first service identifier is not sent; changing channel competition parameters of an access type corresponding to a first service identifier of the station to a group with lower channel access opportunities; or,

If the first frame does not include a second field, the processing module is further configured to send data, where a service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, where a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any service phase defining a target wake-up time;

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the access type corresponding to the first service identity is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identity.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second operation is not sending data of the first service identity;

the processing module is further configured to contend for a channel after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent in the time indicated by the any silence interval; or,

the processing module is further configured to contend for a channel after the end of the any silence interval.

17. A communication device, comprising:

a processing module for generating a first frame, a first field in the first frame for indicating one or more defined target wake-up time service phases for a station;

a transceiver module for transmitting the first frame;

if the first frame further includes a second field, where the second field is configured to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, a start time of any silence interval is the same as a start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the first frame is configured to instruct the station to perform a first operation at any silence interval, where the first operation includes any one of: data of the first service identifier is not sent; under the condition that the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes with a channel, before the data of the first service identifier is sent, the data of the second service identifier is sent; or,

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the access type corresponding to the first service identity is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identity.

19. A communication device, comprising:

a transceiver module for transmitting the first frame;

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the access type corresponding to the first service identity is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identity.