Multiple link communication method, communication device and communication system

Description

1 / 93 MULTIPLE LINK COMMUNICATION METHOD, COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

[0001] This application claims priority over Chinese Patent Application No. 202310305592.7, filed with the Administration The National Intellectual Property Office of China issued a document on March 24, 2023, entitled "MULTI-LINK COMMUNICATION METHOD". COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technologies and, in particular, to a multi-link communication method, a communication device and a communication system. BACKGROUND

[0003] A multi-link device (MLD) is a device that has a plurality of stations operating simultaneously in different frequency bands or channels, respectively. When performing a multi-link establishment operation on a link, a non-AP access point (AP) multi-link device can implement association with an AP multi-link device (AP MLD) and simultaneously establish a plurality of links.

[0004] For example, an AP MLD can include a co-located AP MLD and a non-co-located AP MLD. A co-located AP MLD can be understood as one where the MAC layer and the PHY layer of the AP MLD are located on the same physical device. A non-co-located AP MLD can be understood as one where the upper medium access control (MAC), the lower MAC, and a physical layer (PHY) of the AP MLD are not located on the same physical device, and the upper and lower MAC of the AP MLD are connected via a wired or wireless interface. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 8 / 118 2 / 93

[0005] In some scenarios (such as software upgrade and maintenance and device failure), the colocated MLD AP or the AP Non-co-located MLD needs to be terminated. Therefore, how to terminate co-located or non-co-located AP MLD is a problem that needs to be solved urgently. SUMMARY

[0006] The modalities of this application disclose a multi-link communication method, a communication device and a communication system, to implement the termination of a A colocated AP MLD or a non-co-located AP MLD, such that a non-AP MLD associated with the colocated AP MLD or the non-co-located AP MLD performs the core service set (BSS) transition over time.

[0007] According to a first aspect, one embodiment of this request provides a method of multi-link communication. The method is applied to a first communication device. The method includes: Determine a first communication frame, where the first communication frame includes identification information of a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD) and first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a termination time of the first AP MLD; and send the first communication frame.

[0008] In this embodiment of this application, the first communication device can be an AP, the AP is affiliated with the first AP MLD, and the AP can be called the affiliated AP. The first AP MLD can be a co-located AP MLD or a non-co-located AP MLD. The first communication frame can be a signaling frame, and when the first AP MLD needs to be terminated, the first communication frame can be sent using an affiliated AP to indicate that the first AP MLD should be terminated and indicate the termination time of the first AP MLD, so that a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD can perform the BSS transition. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 9 / 118 3 / 93 time, and the first AP MLD can be terminated or removed, thus implementing the termination of the first AP MLD.

[0009] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a method of multi-link communication. The method is applied to a second communication device. The method includes: Receive a first communication frame, where the first communication frame includes identification information of a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD) and first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a termination time of the first AP MLD; and analyze the first communication frame.

[0010] In this embodiment of this application, the second communication device can be a STA, and the STA is affiliated with a non-AP MLD. The first AP MLD can be a colocated AP MLD or a non-colocated AP MLD. When the first AP MLD needs to be terminated, the first communication frame can be sent using an affiliated AP, to indicate that the first AP MLD should be terminated and to indicate the termination time of the first AP MLD, so that a non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD can perform the BSS transition in time, and the first AP MLD can be terminated or removed, thus implementing the termination of the first AP MLD.

[0011] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first communication frame also includes a sixth indication piece of information, and the sixth indication piece of information indicates a candidate neighboring node that performs the BSS transition.

[0012] In this mode of this request, the sixth piece of information may include information about a neighboring MLD AP of the first MLD AP or a neighboring AP of an affiliated AP of the first MLD AP. When the first MLD AP needs to be terminated, the first communication frame may be sent using the AP. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 10 / 118 4 / 93 affiliate of the first AP MLD, to indicate the shutdown time of the first AP MLD and the candidate neighboring node that performs the BSS transition, so that the MLD not associated with the first AP MLD performs the BSS transition. It should be noted that the first communication frames sent by all APs affiliated with the first AP MLD may contain sixth indication information that is not completely the same.

[0013] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first AP MLD is a non-co-located AP MLD.

[0014] In this mode of this request, the first AP MLD is a non-co-located AP MLD, that is, the first indication information in the first communication frame indicates a termination time for the non-co-located AP MLD, thus implementing the termination of the non-co-located AP MLD.

[0015] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first AP MLD is a colocated AP MLD, and the first communication frame also includes identification information of a non-colocated AP MLD to which the colocated AP MLD is affiliated.

[0016] In this embodiment of this application, the first AP MLD is a colocated AP MLD, that is, the first identifying information in the first communication frame indicates a termination time of the colocated AP MLD, thus implementing the termination of the colocated AP MLD. The identifying information of the non-colocated AP MLD may include a MAC address of the non-colocated AP MLD, and the first communication frame carries the identifying information of the non-colocated AP MLD, to indicate whether the colocated AP MLD is affiliated with a non-colocated AP MLD, so that a non-colocated AP MLD that receives the first communication frame determines the non-colocated AP MLD to which the colocated AP MLD is affiliated, and the non-colocated AP MLD can be transferred to another AP MLD. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 11 / 118 5 / 93 colocalized in AP MLD not colocalized.

[0017] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first indication information includes the first duration, and the first duration indicates that the first AP MLD is terminated after the first duration.

[0018] In this type of request, a unit of the first duration can be a time unit (TU), that is, the first indication information indicates a number of time units after which the first AP MLD is terminated.

[0019] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the identification information of the first AP MLD and the first indication information are included in a multi-link reconfiguration element of the first communication frame.

[0020] In this embodiment of this application, the first communication frame may be a signaling frame, the signaling frame carries a multi-link reconfiguration element, and the identification information of the first AP MLD and the first indication information are included in the multi-link reconfiguration element. When the first AP MLD is a non-co-located AP MLD, the non-co-located AP MLD includes the multi-link reconfiguration element in a signaling frame sent on a link where each affiliated AP of each co-located AP MLD affiliated to the non-co-located AP MLD is located, to indicate that the non-co-located AP MLD should be terminated. When the first AP MLD is a co-located AP MLD, the co-located AP MLD includes the multi-link reconfiguration element in a signaling frame sent on a link where each affiliated AP of the co-located AP MLD is located, to indicate that the co-located AP MLD should be terminated.

[0021] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first frame of Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 12 / 118 6 / 93 communication also includes at least one of the following: indication information that indicates a termination reason for the first AP MLD and one or more neighbor reporting elements, where the one or more neighbor reporting elements include information about a neighboring AP access point of an AP affiliated with the first AP MLD.

[0022] In this modality of this request, the first communication frame can be a function frame that is defined to indicate that the first AP MLD has been terminated. For example, the first communication frame can be an AP MLD termination announcement frame. The communication frame can include a reason code and one or more neighbor reporting elements, and the reason code indicates the reason for the termination of the first AP MLD. When the first AP MLD needs to be terminated, the first AP MLD can include the reason code and one or more neighbor reporting elements in the first communication frame sent by the affiliated AP, to indicate the non-AP MLD associated with the first AP MLD to perform the BSS transition based on one or more neighbor reporting elements.It can be understood that the neighbor reporting elements carried in the first communication frames sent by all affiliated APs of the first MLD AP may not be completely the same.

[0023] According to a third aspect, one embodiment of this application provides a multi-link communication method. The method is applied to a first non-co-located MLD AP. The method includes:

[0024] The first non-co-located MLD AP generates a BSS transition management (BTM) request frame, where the BTM request frame includes identifying information for a second non-co-located MLD AP; and the first non-co-located MLD AP sends the BTM request frame using an affiliated AP. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 13 / 118 7 / 93

[0025] In this modality of this request, when the first non-co-located AP MLD needs to be terminated, the first non-co-located AP MLD may include the indication information of the second non-co-located AP MLD in the generated BTM request frame, to indicate that a non-AP MLD associated with the first non-co-located AP MLD may be transferred to the second non-co-located AP MLD, so that the first non-co-located AP MLD may be terminated or removed. It may be understood that the BTM request frame may be generated by the first non-co-located AP MLD, or the BTM request frame may be generated by a co-located AP MLD affiliated with the first non-co-located AP MLD, or the BTM request frame may be generated by an AP affiliated with the first non-co-located AP MLD. This is not limited in this request.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect, one embodiment of this application provides a multi-link communication method. The method is applied to a non-AP MLD. The method includes: Receive a BTM request frame from an affiliated AP, where the affiliated AP is affiliated with a first non-co-located MLD AP, and the BTM request frame includes an identifier of a second non-co-located MLD AP; and analyze the BTM request frame.

[0027] In this mode of this request, when the first non-co-located AP MLD needs to be terminated, the first non-co-located AP MLD may include the information indicating the second non-co-located AP MLD in the generated BTM request frame, to indicate that a non-AP MLD associated with the first non-co-located AP MLD may be transferred to the second non-co-located AP MLD, so that the first non-co-located AP MLD may be terminated or removed.

[0028] With reference to the third or fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, an address information field of the BTM request frame includes information of Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 14 / 118 8 / 93 Identification of the first non-co-located AP MLD.

[0029] In this mode of this request, the address information field of the BTM request frame may include an address1 field, an address2 field, and an address3 field, where the address1 of the BTM request frame may be defined as a broadcast address, and the address3 of the BTM frame may be defined as the MAC address of the first non-co-located MLD AP. For the non-AP MLD (e.g., a non-AP UHR MLD) associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP, after receiving the BTM request frame, the non-AP UHR MLD performs the BSS transition based on the BTM request frame. For a pre-EHT STA and a non-AP EHT MLD, since the address3 of the BTM frame is not an identifier of a corresponding BSS, the pre-EHT STA and the EHT Non-co-located MLD APs discard the BTM request frame after receiving the broadcast BTM request frame. The first non-co-located MLD AP includes the identification information of the first non-co-located MLD AP in address 3 of the BTM request frame, to indicate the non-AP MLD UHR associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP to perform the BSS transition.

[0030] With reference to the third aspect or the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the BTM request frame also includes at least one of the following: information included in BSS termination, link removal information and link transition information, where the information included in BSS termination indicates whether a BSS associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP is terminated, the link removal information indicates whether a link associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP should be removed and the link transition information indicates whether the transition should be performed between different co-located MLD APs affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP.

[0031] With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the method also includes: send a second communication frame, where the second Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 15 / 118 The 9 / 93 communication framework includes a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element, and the reduced neighbor report element includes information about at least one affiliated AP of a colocated MLD AP affiliated with the first non-colocated MLD AP.

[0032] In this embodiment of this application, the second communication frame may be a signaling frame or a newly defined broadcast frame used to broadcast an RNR. The first non-co-located MLD AP may include information about at least one affiliated AP of the first non-co-located MLD AP in the second communication frame that broadcasts through the affiliated AP of the first non-co-located MLD AP, so that the non-AP MLD associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP can obtain information about a neighboring co-located MLD AP without performing channel scanning.

[0033] With reference to the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the method also includes: to receive a second communication frame, where the second communication frame includes a reduced neighbor reporting element, and the reduced neighbor reporting element includes information about at least one affiliated AP of a colocated MLD AP affiliated with the first non-colocated MLD AP.

[0034] In this embodiment of this application, the second communication frame may be a signaling frame or a newly defined broadcast frame used to broadcast an RNR. The first non-co-located MLD AP may include information about at least one affiliated AP of the first non-co-located MLD AP in the second communication frame that broadcasts through the affiliated AP of the first non-co-located MLD AP, so that the non-AP MLD associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP can obtain information about a neighboring co-located MLD AP without performing channel scanning.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, a modality of this Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 16 / 118 The 10 / 93 application provides a multi-link communication method. The method is applied to a first communication device. The method includes: Receive a polling request frame, where the polling request frame includes information indicating a first colocated MLD AP and a second indication that the first colocated MLD AP is affiliated with a third non-colocated MLD AP, and the second indication indicates to poll the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates to poll a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates to poll the first colocated MLD AP and a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates to poll a colocated MLD AP affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP; and send a polling response frame.

[0036] In this mode of this request, the first communication device can be an AP, and the AP is affiliated with the first colocated MLD AP or the AP is affiliated with a colocated MLD AP of the third non-colocated MLD AP. After receiving the probe request frame, the third non-colocated MLD AP can respond with the probe response frame using an affiliated AP. A non-AP MLD includes, in the probe request frame sent by a STA, the second indication information indicating a probe scope of the probe request frame, so that the non-AP MLD can probe, using the second indication information, information about a colocated MLD AP adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP.

[0037] According to a sixth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a method of multi-link communication. The method is applied to a second communication device. The method Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 17 / 118 11 / 93 includes: Send a polling request frame, where the polling request frame includes information indicating a first colocated MLD AP and a second indication that the first MLD AP is affiliated with a third non-colocated MLD AP, and the second indication indicates to poll the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates to poll a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates to poll the first colocated MLD AP and a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates to poll a colocated MLD AP affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP; and receive a polling response frame.

[0038] In this modality of this request, the second communication device may be an STA, and the STA is affiliated with a non-AP MLD. The non-AP MLD includes, in the probe request frame sent by the STA, the second indication information indicating a probe scope of the probe request frame, so that the non-AP MLD can probe, using the second indication information, information about a colocated AP MLD adjacent to the first colocated AP MLD.

[0039] With reference to the fifth or sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, when the second indication information indicates the probing of a colocated AP MLD affiliated with the third non-colocated AP MLD, the probing response frame includes the third indication information, and the third indication information indicates a quantity of colocated AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-colocated AP MLD.

[0040] In this modality of this request, when the third non-co-located AP MLD includes many co-located AP MLDs Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 18 / 118 12 / 93 affiliates, if the survey response frame includes information on all colocated AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-co-located AP MLD, the signaling overheads are high. In this case, the survey response frame can include statistical information on the third non-co-located AP MLD, and does not need to carry information on all colocated AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-co-located AP MLD, so that signaling overheads can be reduced. For example, the survey response frame can include the number of colocated AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-co-located AP MLD.

[0041] With reference to the fifth or sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the survey request form also includes identification information for the third non-co-located MLD AP.

[0042] With reference to the fifth or sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the probe request frame also includes a service set identifier SSID.

[0043] According to a seventh aspect, one embodiment of this request provides a method of multi-link communication. The method is applied to a first communication device. The method includes: determine a third communication frame, where the third communication frame includes a fourth indication piece of information, and the fourth indication piece of information indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be removed from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the fourth indication piece of information indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be transitioned from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP to a fifth non-colocated MLD AP; and send the third communication frame.

[0044] In this type of application, the first communication device can be an AP, the AP is affiliated to the second AP MLD. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 19 / 118 The first 13 / 93 AP is colocated, and the second colocated AP MLD is affiliated with the fourth non-colocated AP MLD. The fifth non-colocated AP MLD and the fourth non-colocated AP MLD are two different non-colocated AP MLDs. For example, the fifth non-colocated AP MLD could be a non-colocated AP MLD neighbor of the fourth AP MLD. The third communication frame could be a signaling frame, and the third communication frame could be generated by the AP, or it could be generated by the second colocated AP MLD.When the second colocated MLD AP needs to be removed from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the second colocated MLD AP needs to be transitioned from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to the fifth non-colocated MLD AP, the second colocated MLD AP can include the fourth indication information in the communication frame sent using an affiliated AP, to use the fourth indication information to indicate the second colocated MLD AP to be removed from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP or to indicate the second colocated MLD AP to be transitioned from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to the fifth non-colocated MLD AP, so that a non-AP MLD associated with the second colocated MLD AP or the fourth non-colocated MLD AP can perform the BSS transition or the timely link transition.

[0045] According to an eighth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a method of multi-link communication. The method is applied to a second communication device. The method includes: receive a third communication frame, where the third communication frame includes a fourth indication piece of information, and the fourth indication piece of information indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be removed from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the fourth indication piece of information indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be transitioned from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP to a fifth non-colocated MLD AP; and analyze the third communication frame. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 20 / 118 14 / 93

[0046] In this embodiment of this application, the second communication device may be a STA, and the STA is affiliated with a non-AP MLD. The second colocated MLD AP is affiliated with the fourth non-colocated MLD AP. The fifth non-colocated MLD AP and the fourth non-colocated MLD AP are two different non-colocated MLD APs. For example, the fifth non-colocated MLD AP may be a non-colocated MLD AP neighbor of the fourth MLD AP. The third communication frame may be a signaling frame, and the third communication frame may be generated by the AP, or it may be generated by the second colocated MLD AP.When the second colocated MLD AP needs to be removed from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the second colocated MLD AP needs to be transitioned from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to the fifth non-colocated MLD AP, the second colocated MLD AP can include the fourth indication information in the third communication frame sent using an affiliated AP, to use the fourth indication information to indicate the second colocated MLD AP to be removed from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP or to indicate the second colocated MLD AP to be transitioned from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to the fifth non-colocated MLD AP, so that a non-AP MLD associated with the second colocated MLD AP or the fourth non-colocated MLD AP can perform the BSS transition or the timely link transition.

[0047] With reference to the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the third communication frame also includes a fifth indication piece of information, and the fifth indication piece of information indicates a removal time of the second colocated MLD AP from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the fifth indication piece of information indicates a transition time from the second colocated MLD AP from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to the fifth non-colocated MLD AP.

[0048] In this modality of this request, the second AP MLD colocated may include the fifth indication information in Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 21 / 118 15 / 93 third communication frame, to indicate the removal time of the second colocated MLD AP from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP or to indicate the transition time from the second colocated MLD AP from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to the fifth non-colocated MLD AP, so that the non-AP MLD associated with the second colocated MLD AP or the fourth non-colocated MLD AP can perform the BSS transition or the link transition in time.

[0049] With reference to the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the fifth indication information includes the second duration, and the second duration indicates that the second colocated AP MLD is removed from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD after the second duration, or the second duration indicates that the second colocated AP MLD is transferred from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD to the fifth non-colocated AP MLD after the second duration.

[0050] With reference to the seventh or eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the third communication frame also includes identification information for the second colocated MLD AP and identification information for the fourth non-colocated MLD AP.

[0051] According to a ninth aspect, one embodiment of this request provides a method of multi-link communication. The method is applied to a first communication device. The method includes: Determine a second communication frame, where the second communication frame includes a reduced neighbor reporting element, and the reduced neighbor reporting element includes information about at least one affiliated AP of a colocated MLD AP affiliated to a non-colocated MLD AP; and send the second communication frame.

[0052] In this application modality, the first communication device can be an AP, the AP is affiliated with a colocated MLD AP, and the colocated MLD AP is affiliated with a non-co-located MLD AP. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 22 / 118 16 / 93 colocated. The colocated MLD AP includes, in the second communication frame that is broadcast by the affiliated AP, information about a colocated MLD AP that is adjacent to the colocated MLD AP and that is affiliated with the same non-colocated MLD AP, so that a non-AP MLD can obtain information about the neighboring colocated MLD AP without performing channel scanning.

[0053] According to a tenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a method of multi-link communication. The method is applied to a second communication device. The method includes: Receive a second communication frame, where the second communication frame includes a reduced neighbor reporting element, and the reduced neighbor reporting element includes information about at least one affiliated AP of a colocated MLD AP affiliated to a non-colocated MLD AP; and analyze the second communication frame.

[0054] In this embodiment of this application, the second communication device may be a STA, and the STA is affiliated with a non-AP MLD. The co-located MLD AP includes, in the second communication frame that is broadcast by the affiliated AP, information about a co-located MLD AP that is adjacent to the co-located MLD AP and that is affiliated with the same non-co-located MLD AP, so that a non-AP MLD can obtain information about the neighboring co-located MLD AP without performing channel scanning.

[0055] According to an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0056] According to a twelfth aspect, one embodiment of this application provides a communication device, Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 23 / 118 17 / 93 configured to perform the method according to the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The communication device includes a unit to perform the method according to the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0057] According to a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0058] According to a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0059] According to a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0060] According to a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the sixth aspect or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the sixth aspect or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 24 / 118 18 / 93

[0061] According to a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the seventh aspect or any possible implementation of the seventh aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the seventh aspect or any possible implementation of the seventh aspect.

[0062] According to an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the eighth aspect or any possible implementation of the eighth aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the eighth aspect or any possible implementation of the eighth aspect.

[0063] According to a nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the ninth aspect or any possible implementation of the ninth aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the ninth aspect or any possible implementation of the ninth aspect.

[0064] According to a twentieth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus, configured to perform the method according to the tenth aspect or any possible implementation of the tenth aspect. The communication apparatus includes a unit for performing the method according to the tenth aspect or any possible implementation of the tenth aspect.

[0065] From the eleventh to the twentieth aspect, the communication apparatus may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. For specific descriptions of the transceiver unit and the processing unit, see the apparatus embodiments provided below. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 25 / 118 19 / 93

[0066] According to a twenty-first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a processor, configured to perform the method according to any of the first to tenth aspects or any possible implementation. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a program stored in a memory. When the program is executed, the method is performed according to any of the first to tenth aspects or any possible implementation.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the memory is located inside the communication device.

[0069] In this embodiment of this application, the processor and memory may alternatively be integrated into one device, i.e., the processor and memory may alternatively be integrated together.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a transceiver, and the transceiver is configured to receive a signal or send a signal.

[0071] According to a twenty-second aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, the logic circuit is configured to determine a first communication frame and the interface is configured to transmit the first communication frame.

[0072] It may be understood that, for the communication apparatus according to the twenty-second aspect, reference is made to the first aspect or to the following specific implementations.

[0073] According to a twenty-third aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 26 / 118 20 / 93 the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, the interface is configured to insert a first communication frame, and the logic circuit is configured to analyze the first communication frame.

[0074] It may be understood that, for the communication apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect, reference is made to the second aspect or to the following specific implementations.

[0075] According to a twenty-fourth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication device. The communication device includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, the logic circuit is configured to generate a BTM request frame and the interface is configured to emit the BTM request frame.

[0076] According to a twenty-fifth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, the interface is configured to input a BTM request frame, and the logic circuit is configured to parse the BTM request frame.

[0077] It can be understood that, for communication devices according to the twenty-fourth aspect and the twenty-fifth aspect, they refer to the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the following specific implementations.

[0078] According to a twenty-sixth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, and the interface is configured to insert a probe request frame and output a probe response frame.

[0079] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 27 / 118 21 / 93 the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, and the interface is configured to output a probe request frame and insert a probe response frame.

[0080] It can be understood that, for communication devices according to the twenty-sixth aspect and the twenty-seventh aspect, they refer to the fifth aspect, the sixth aspect, or the following specific implementations.

[0081] According to a twenty-eighth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, the logic circuit is configured to determine a third communication frame and the interface is configured to emit the third communication frame.

[0082] According to a twenty-ninth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, the interface is configured to input a third communication frame, and the logic circuit is configured to analyze the third communication frame.

[0083] It can be understood that, for communication devices according to the twenty-eighth aspect and the twenty-ninth aspect, they refer to the seventh aspect, the eighth aspect, or the following specific implementations.

[0084] According to a thirtieth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, the logic circuit is configured to determine a second communication frame, and the interface is configured to transmit the second communication frame.

[0085] According to a thirty-first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus includes a logic circuit and an interface, Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 28 / 118 22 / 93 the logic circuit is coupled to the interface, the interface is configured to insert a second communication frame, and the logic circuit is configured to analyze the second communication frame.

[0086] It can be understood that, for communication devices according to the thirtieth aspect and the thirty-first aspect, they refer to the ninth aspect, the tenth aspect or the following specific implementations.

[0087] According to a thirty-second aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is configured to store a computer program and, when the computer program is run on a computer, the method according to any of the first to tenth aspects or any possible implementation is realized.

[0088] According to a thirty-third aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program and, when the computer program is run on a computer, the method is performed according to any of the first to tenth aspects or any possible implementation.

[0089] According to a thirty-fourth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the method is performed according to any one of the first to tenth aspects or any possible implementation.

[0090] According to a thirty-fifth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect or any possible implementation. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 29 / 118 23 / 93 of the first aspect, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method according to the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Alternatively, the first communication device is configured to perform the method according to the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method according to the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. Alternatively, the first communication device is configured to perform the method according to the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method according to the sixth aspect or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect.Alternatively, the first communication device is configured to perform the method according to the seventh aspect or any possible implementation of the seventh aspect, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method according to the eighth aspect or any possible implementation of the eighth aspect. Alternatively, the first communication device is configured to perform the method according to the ninth aspect or any possible implementation of the ninth aspect, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method according to the tenth aspect or any possible implementation of the tenth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] The attached drawings are described below in embodiments of this application.

[0092] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a communication system architecture according to one modality of this request; FIG. 2 is a diagram of one way to connect a multi-link AP and a multi-link STA according to one embodiment of this request; Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 30 / 118 24 / 93 FIG. 3a shows a scenario in which an MLD AP communicates with a non-AP MLD according to one of the request modes; FIG. 3b shows a scenario in which an MLD AP communicates with a non-AP MLD according to one of the request modes; FIG. 4 is a diagram of a communication system architecture according to one modality of this request; FIG. 5 is an interaction diagram of a multi-link communication method according to one modality of this request; FIG. 6a is a diagram of a multi-link reconfiguration element according to one embodiment of this request; FIG. 6b is a diagram of another element of multiple reconfiguration links according to one embodiment of this request; FIG. 7a is a diagram of a first communication framework according to one modality of this request; FIG. 7b is a diagram of another first communication frame according to one embodiment of this request; FIG. 8 is a diagram of a neighbor reporting element according to one modality of this request; FIG. 9 is a diagram of a frame format according to one embodiment of this application; FIG. 10 is an interaction diagram of another multi-link communication method according to one modality of this request; FIG. 11 is a diagram of a BTM request frame according to one modality of this request; FIG. 12 is an interaction diagram of yet another multi-link communication method according to one modality of this request; FIG. 13 is a diagram of a multi-linked probe request element according to one modality of this request; FIG. 14 is an interaction diagram of yet another multi-link communication method according to one modality of this request; Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 31 / 118 25 / 93 FIG. 15 is an interaction diagram of yet another multi-link communication method according to one modality of this request; FIG. 16 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application; FIG. 17 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application; and FIG. 18 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES

[0093] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in this application, we describe this application in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0094] In this descriptive report, in the claims and in the accompanying drawings of this application, the terms first, second and similar (not limited to first and second) are intended only to distinguish between different objects, but do not indicate a specific order. Furthermore, terms such as include and have and any other variants thereof are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, processes, methods, systems, products or devices that include a series of steps or units are not limited to the steps or units listed, but may instead optionally include steps or units that are not listed or may optionally include other steps or units inherent in those processes, methods, products or devices.

[0095] “Modality” mentioned in this descriptive report means that specific characteristics, structures or features described in combination with the modality may be included in at least one modality of this application. The phrase shown in various locations in this specification may not necessarily mean the same modality and is not an independent or optional modality exclusive of another. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 32 / 118 26 / 93 modality. A person skilled in the art can understand explicitly and implicitly that modalities described in this descriptive report can be combined with other modalities.

[0096] In this request, at least one (piece) means one or more, a plurality of means two or more, at least two (pieces) means two, three or more, and / or is used to describe an association relationship between associated objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can indicate the following three cases: Only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist, where A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, or indicates that two relationships can exist, for example, only A exists and only B exists. When A and B are not mutually exclusive, this can indicate that three relationships exist, for example, only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist. A / character generally indicates an OR relationship between the associated objects. Furthermore, at least one of the following items (pieces) or a similar expression means any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c could represent a, b, c, “aeb”, “aec”, “bec”, or “a, bec”.

[0097] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to a WLAN system, for example, WiFi. For example, the methods provided in embodiments of this application are applicable to a wireless local area network system for IEEE 802.11 series protocols, for example, 802.11a / b / g protocol, 802.11n protocol, 802.11ac protocol, 802.11ax protocol, 802.11be protocol or Wi-Fi 7 or EHT protocol, and a next-generation protocol such as Wi-Fi 8, UHR and Wi-Fi AI. The technical solutions provided in embodiments of this application can also be applied to a wireless personal area network (WPAN) based on UWB technology, a detection system and the like. For example, the methods provided in embodiments of this application are also Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 33 / 118 27 / 93 applicable to IEEE 802.15 series protocols, such as the 802.15.4a protocol, the 802.15.4z protocol, the 802.15.4ab protocol, and a future generation of the UWB WPAN protocol. No examples are listed here.The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application may be additionally applied to the following communication systems, for example, an Internet of Things (IoT) system, a Vehicle-to-X (V2X) system, and a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, or may be applied to a device in the Internet of Vehicles, an Internet of Things node, a sensor or similar in the Internet of Things (IoT), a smart camera, a smart remote control or a smart water / electricity meter in a smart home, a sensor in a smart city or similar, or are applicable to a long-term evolution (LTE) system, a 5th-generation (5G) communication system, a new emerging communication system in future communication development, or similar.

[0098] The WLAN system can provide high-rate and low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of WLAN application scenarios, the WLAN system should be used in more scenarios or sectors, for example, the Internet of Things sector, the Internet of Vehicles sector, the banking sector, corporate offices, stadium exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, supermarkets, squares, streets, production workshops, and warehouses. Certainly, a device (e.g., an access point or a station) that supports WLAN communication or sensing can be a sensor node (e.g., a smart water meter, a smart electricity meter, or a smart air sensing node) in a smart city, a smart device (e.g., a smart camera, a projector, Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 34 / 118 28 / 93 a display screen, a television, a stereo, a refrigerator or a washing machine) in a smart home, a node in the Internet of Things, an entertainment terminal (e.g., a wearable device such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR)), a smart device (e.g., a printer, a projector, a speaker or a stereo) in a smart office, an Internet of Vehicles device in the Internet of Vehicles, infrastructure (e.g., a vending machine, a self-service navigation console in a supermarket, a self-service checkout or a self-service ordering machine) in a daily life scenario, a device in a large sports or music venue, or similar.For example, the access point and station can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, Internet of Things nodes, sensors or similar Internet of Things devices, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water / electricity meters in smart homes, or sensors in smart cities.

[0099] Although the embodiments of this application primarily use a WLAN as an example, especially a network applied to the IEEE 802.11 series standards, for example, a system supporting Wi-Fi 7 which may also be called extremely high throughput (EHT) or a system supporting Wi-Fi 8 which may also be called ultra-high reliability (UHR) or ultra-high reliability and throughput (UHRT), a person skilled in the art will readily understand that various aspects of the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, for example, Bluetooth, a high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard that is similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard and is used Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 35 / 118 29 / 93 primarily in Europe), a wide area network (WAN) or other network known or developed in the future.

[00100] A multi-link device (MLD) is a device that has a plurality of stations (such as APs or non-AP STAs) operating simultaneously on different frequency bands or channels, respectively. When the channel spacing between two stations in a multi-link device is large enough, the two stations cannot interfere with each other and can operate independently. If one of any two stations can transmit and the other station can receive simultaneously, it can be said that there is support for simultaneous transmitting and receiving (STR) capability between the two stations; otherwise, it is said that there is non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving (NSTR) capability between the two stations. The multi-link device includes a plurality of affiliated stations.An affiliated station can be a physical station or a logical station. Each station can operate on a link, a frequency band, a channel, or similar. The affiliated station can be an AP or a non-AP STA. For ease of description, in embodiments of this application, a multi-link device whose affiliated station is an AP may be referred to as a multi-link AP, a multi-link AP device, or a multi-link AP device (AP multi-link device, AP MLD); and a multi-link device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA is referred to as a multi-link STA, a multi-link STA device, or a multi-link STA device (STA multi-link device), or a multi-link device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA is referred to as a non-AP multi-link AP, a non-AP multi-link device, or a device of. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 36 / 118 30 / 93 Non-AP Multi-Link Device (non-AP MLD). The multi-link device (which may be a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD in this document) is a communication apparatus with a wireless communication function. The communication apparatus may be an entire device or may be a chip, a processing system, or similar installed throughout the device. The device in which the chip or processing system is installed may implement methods and functions in the embodiments of this application under the control of the chip or processing system.

[00101] The multi-link device (MLD) may conform to the 802.11 series protocols to implement wireless communication, for example, conforming to Extremely High Throughput (EHT) or conforming to and being based on 802.11be, or being compatible with and supporting 802.11be, to implement communication with another device. Of course, the other device may be a multi-link device or it may not be a multi-link device.

[00102] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a communication system architecture according to one embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 1, an MLD AP includes an AP 1, an AP 2,..., and an AP n, and a non-AP MLD includes a STA 1, a STA 2,..., and a STA n. In this case, n is a positive integer. The MLD AP and the non-AP MLD can perform parallel communication through a link 1, a link 2,..., and a link n. STA 1 in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP 1 in the MLD AP. STA 2 in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP 2 in the MLD AP. STA n in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP n in the MLD AP. Therefore, one or more STAs in the non-AP MLD and one or more APs in the MLD AP can communicate after establishing an association relationship. The frequency bands in which multi-link devices (including MLD APs and non-AP MLDs) operate may include, Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 37 / 118 31 / 93, but are not limited to, sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz high frequencies. For example, the methods provided in embodiments of this application are applicable to, but are not limited to, single-user uplink / downlink transmission, multi-user uplink / downlink transmission, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, where X may represent everything), and device-to-device (D2D). For example, V2X may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[00103] FIG. 2 is a diagram of one way to connect a multi-link AP and a multi-link STA according to one embodiment of this application. The 802.11 standard focuses on parts of the 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layer in a multi-link device. Therefore, FIG. 2 shows only examples of PHY and MAC layers.

[00104] As shown in FIG. 2, a multi-link device (e.g., a multi-link AP and a multi-link STA) may include a physical layer (PHY) (PHY#1, PHY#2, and PHY#n shown in FIG. 2) and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The physical layer may be used to process a physical layer signal, and the MAC layer may be used to process a MAC layer signal. The MAC layer may be further divided into a high-MAC layer (high MAC shown in FIG. 2) and a plurality of low-MAC layers (low MAC#1 and low MAC#2 up to low MAC#n shown in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of APs included in the multi-link AP are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and share the MAC layer. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 38 / 118 32 / 93 superior; and a plurality of STAs included in the multi-link STA are independent of each other at the lower MAC layer and the PHY layer, and share the upper MAC layer. The upper MAC layer is connected separately to the plurality of lower MAC layers, i.e., the upper MAC layer is shared by a plurality of links. For example, the upper MAC layer mainly performs operations such as allocation, encryption, and decryption of a sequence number (sequence number, SN) and a packet number (packet number, PN) of a MAC service data unit (MAC service data unit, MSDU). For example, the lower MAC layer mainly performs operations such as mounting, channel access, packet sending, and receipt acknowledgment of a MAC protocol data unit (MAC protocol data unit, MPDU) of a respective link.

[00105] In FIG. 2, PHY#1, lower MAC#1 and upper MAC#1 in the multi-link AP can be considered as AP#1, PHY#2, lower MAC#2 and upper MAC#2 can be considered as AP#2,..., and PHY#n, lower MAC#n and upper MAC#n can be considered as AP#n. In other words, it can be understood that the multi-link AP includes n AP entities. A similar situation exists in the multi-link STA. To be more specific, the upper MAC in the multi-link STA is also shared by a plurality of links; and PHY#1, lower MAC#1 and upper MAC are considered as STA#1, PHY#2, lower MAC#2 and upper MAC are considered as STA#2,..., and PHY#n, The lower MAC address (MAC#n) and the upper MAC address (MAC#1) are considered as STA#n. In other words, it can be understood that the multi-link STA includes n STA entities. As shown in FIG. 2, PHY#1 of AP#1 in the multi-link AP and PHY#1 of STA#1 in the multi-link STA operate on the same channel, and AP#1 in the multi-link AP and STA#1 in the multi-link STA implement communication through a single link (e.g., link#1 shown in FIG. 2); PHY#2 of AP#2 in the multi-link AP and PHY#2 of STA#2 in the STA Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 39 / 118 33 / 93 of multiple links operate on the same channel, and AP#2 in the multi-link AP and STA#2 in the multi-link STA implement communication through a link (link#2 shown in FIG. 2); and PHY#n of AP#n in the multi-link AP and PHY#n of STA#n in the multi-link STA operate on the same channel, and AP#n in the multi-link AP and STA#n in the multi-link STA implement communication through a link (link#n shown in FIG. 2).

[00106] For example, both the upper MAC layer and the lower MAC layer can be implemented by a processor on a multi-link device system-on-chip, or they can be implemented by different software processing modules on a system-on-chip. Examples are not enumerated in the embodiments of this application. It can be understood that FIG. 2 can be understood as the multi-link device divided into functional modules, and the modules shown in FIG. 2 can be implemented in a hardware form, or can be implemented in a software functional module form, or similar. The PHY and MAC layers shown in FIG. 2 can be understood as a logical function division. During actual implementation, there may be another way of division. In FIG. 2, n may be equal to 1, or n is an integer greater than 1, or something similar.

[00107] The upper MAC layer can also be called the MLD upper MAC sublayer, and the lower MAC layer can also be called the lower MAC sublayer. MLD (MLD lower MAC sublayer). In addition to a respective MAC address on each link, each multi-link device also has an MLD MAC address. The architecture shown in FIG. 2 is used as an example. The upper MAC layer can be uniquely identified using a corresponding MLD MAC address. The lower MAC layer can be uniquely identified using a corresponding link MAC address. For example, lower MAC#1 and MAC#2 can... Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 40 / 118 34 / 93 correspond respectively to the MAC addresses of the respective links.

[00108] For example, the multi-link device in the embodiments of this application may be a single-antenna device or it may be a multi-antenna device, for example, it may be a device with more than two antennas. The number of antennas included in the multi-link device is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[00109] The frequency bands in which the multi-link device operates may include, but are not limited to, sub 1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz and high frequency 60 GHz. FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b are two communication diagrams between a multi-link device and another device on a wireless local area network via a plurality of links.

[00110] FIG. 3a shows a scenario in which an AP MLD 101 communicates with a non-AP MLD 102. The AP MLD 101 includes affiliated AP 101-1 and AP 101-2; the non-AP MLD 102 includes affiliated STA 102-1 and STA 102-2; and the AP MLD 101 and the non-AP MLD 102 perform parallel communication through a link 1 and a link 2.

[00111] For example, FIG. 3b shows a scenario in which an AP MLD 101 communicates with a non-AP MLD 102, a non-AP MLD 103, and a STA 104. The AP MLD 101 includes an affiliated AP 101-1 and an affiliated AP 101-3; the non-AP MLD 102 includes three affiliated STAs: STA 102-1, STA 102-2, and STA 102-3; the non-AP MLD 103 includes two affiliated STAs: STA 103-1 and STA 103-2; and STA 104 is a single link device and includes a STA 104-1. AP MLD 101 can communicate separately with MLD non-AP 102 via link 1, link 2, and link 3; communicate with MLD non-AP 103 via link 2 and link 3; and communicate with STA 104 via link 1. In one example, STA 104 operates in a 2.4 GHz frequency band; in MLD non-AP 103, STA 103-1 operates in a 5 GHz frequency band, and STA 103-2 operates in a 6 GHz frequency band; and in MLD non-AP 102... Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 41 / 118 35 / 93 a STA 102-1 operates in a frequency band of 2.4 GHz, the STA STA 102-2 operates in a 5 GHz frequency band, and STA 102-3 operates in a 6 GHz frequency band. AP 101-1 operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band on AP MLD 101 can communicate uplink or downlink data with STA 104 and STA 102-1 on non-AP MLD 102 via link 1. AP 1012 operating in the 5 GHz frequency band on AP MLD 101 can communicate uplink or downlink data via link 2 with STA 103-1 operating in the 5 GHz frequency band on non-AP MLD 103, and can also communicate uplink or downlink data via link 2 with STA 102-2 operating in the 5 GHz frequency band on MLD 103. Not AP 102. AP 101-3 operating in the 6 GHz frequency band on AP MLD 101 can communicate, via link 3, uplink or downlink data with STA 102-3 operating in the 6 GHz frequency band on MLD 101. AP 102, and can also communicate, via link 3, uplink or downlink data with STA 103-2 on the non-AP MLD.

[00112] FIG. 3a shows that the MLD AP supports only two frequency bands. In FIG. 3b, an example where the MLD AP 101 supports only three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), each frequency band corresponding to a link, and the MLD AP 101 can operate on one or more of link 1, link 2, or link 3 is used for illustration. On the AP or STA side, a link can also be understood as a station operating on the link. During actual application, the MLD AP and the non-AP MLD can support more or fewer frequency bands, i.e., the MLD AP and the non-AP MLD can operate on more or fewer links. This is not limited in the modes of this application. FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b are only simple diagrams and do not constitute any limitation to the scope of protection of modes of this application.

[00113] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a system architecture. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 42 / 118 36 / 93 of communication according to an embodiment of this application. The architecture shown in FIG. 4 includes a UHR system, an EHT system, and a system prior to EHT (e.g., referred to as pre-EHT). It can be understood that lines, dashed lines, or similar lines with different thicknesses shown in FIG. 4 are used to represent different transmission paths. Generally, an interface between a distributed system and a MAC layer can be called a distributed system service access point (DS). A MAC address can be used to identify a SAP MAC address, distributed system access function (DSAF), or service access point (SAP MAC) (SAP MAC for short, e.g., a SAP MAC 1 to a SAP MAC 7 shown by seven black dots in FIG. 4). A MAC address can uniquely identify a SAP MAC address. It may be understood that a manner of representation (e.g., representation using a black dot) and a location of representation (e.g., a location of the black dot) of the SAP MAC address shown in FIG. 4 are merely examples and should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this application. An interface between an upper MAC layer (for example, a radio resource control (RRC) layer) and a lower MAC layer is shown by a thick solid line in FIG. 4.

[00114] A non-collocated AP MLD may also be called a logical AP MLD. A collocated AP MLD may also be called a physical AP MLD. For ease of description, the following uses the non-collocated AP MLD and the collocated AP MLD as an example to describe methods provided in embodiments of this application.

[00115] In one example, since the data from a pre-EHT STA is associated with an affiliated AP, all data related to the pre-EHT STA needs to be received and sent using a SAP MAC (by Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 43 / 118 37 / 93 example, MAC SAP 1, MAC SAP 3, MAC SAP 4 and MAC SAP 6 shown in FIG. 4) of a corresponding affiliated AP. As shown in FIG. 4, for pre-EHT STA data or data sent to the pre-EHT STA, an AP can process the data using a higher MAC layer of non-multi-link device (non-MLD) (e.g., MAC SAP 1, MAC SAP 3, MAC SAP 4 and MAC SAP 6 shown in FIG. 4).

[00116] In another example, since the data from a non-AP EHT MLD is associated with a co-located AP MLD, all data related to the non-AP EHT MLD must be received and sent using a MAC SAP (e.g., MAC SAP 2 and MAC SAP 5 shown in FIG. 4) from a corresponding co-located AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 4, for data from the non-AP EHT MLD or data sent to the non-AP EHT MLD, a co-located AP MLD can perform data processing using an upper MAC sublayer of the AP MLD (e.g., MAC SAP 2 and MAC SAP 5 shown in FIG. 4) and then perform data processing using a lower MAC sublayer of the AP MLD. Each lower MAC sublayer of the AP MLD can correspond to a PHY. For example, for a colocated MLD A AP, the lower MAC sublayers of the MLD AP sequentially correspond to PHY 1 (which can also be called link 1 or PHY corresponding to link 1),..., and PHY N (which may also be called link N or PHY corresponding to a link N); and for a colocalized AP MLD B, the lower MAC sublayers of the AP MLD may sequentially correspond to PHY 1 (which may also be called link 1 or PHY corresponding to link 1),..., and PHY M (which may also be called link M or PHY corresponding to a link M), where A and B are used to distinguish between different colocalized AP MLDs, and M and N are both positive integers.

[00117] In another example, since the data from a non-AP UHR MLD is associated with a non-co-located AP MLD, all data related to the non-AP UHR MLD needs to be received and sent. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 44 / 118 38 / 93 using a MAC SAP (e.g., MAC SAP 7 shown in FIG. 4) from a corresponding non-co-located AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 4, for non-AP UHR MLD data or data sent to the non-AP UHR MLD, a non-co-located AP MLD processes the data using an upper MAC sublayer of the AP MLD and then delivers the data to a related TID and link mapping or link merging module via an interface between the upper MAC sublayer and a lower MAC sublayer.

[00118] For example, the division of function of the upper MAC sublayer and the lower MAC sublayer of the non-co-located MLD AP may depend on whether a traffic identifier (TID) can be mapped to links of different co-located MLD APs. For example, when a traffic identifier (TID) can be mapped to links of different co-located MLD APs, a block ACK (BA) session of the TID needs to be maintained in the upper MAC sublayer of the non-co-located MLD AP, and the session can be updated based on BA information fed back by a corresponding co-located MLD AP.

[00119] It can be understood that a functional block of upper MAC sublayer AP MLD can be colocated in a colocated AP MLD, or it can be colocated in an access point controller, or it can be colocated in a portal (portal, or referred to as gateway), or similar. A way to define an upper MAC sublayer of a non-colocated AP MLD is not limited in modalities of this request. An upper MAC sublayer AP MLD and a lower MAC sublayer AP MLD can communicate with each other using a network cable or other technology. For example, a plurality of AP MLDs colocated together and affiliated with the non-colocated AP MLD may not be located on the same device.

[00120] For example, a non-co-located AP MLD can be understood as an AP MLD including a plurality of AP MLDs. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, p. 45 / 118 39 / 93 colocated. Alternatively, a non-colocated AP MLD can be understood as a device configured to centrally or uniformly manage (or control) a plurality of colocated AP MLDs.

[00121] The relationship between a MAC address of an MLD and a MAC address of a link affiliated with the MLD shown in FIG. 2 is used as an example. In this case, there is also a similar relationship between a non-co-located MLD AP and a co-located MLD AP. For example, each non-co-located MLD AP has a non-co-located MLD MAC address (e.g., the upper MAC sublayer of the non-co-located MLD AP shown in FIG. 4), an MLD MAC address of a co-located MLD AP affiliated with the non-co-located MLD AP, and a MAC address of a link affiliated with the co-located MLD AP. It can be understood that the non-co-located MLD MAC address can be understood as a MAC address of the upper MAC sublayer of the MLD AP shown in FIG. 4 (e.g., the MAC address of the upper MAC sublayer of the MLD AP can identify the SAP MAC 7).Furthermore, n colocalized AP MLDs affiliated with a non-colocated AP MLD may also be referred to as if the non-colocated AP MLD included the n colocalized AP MLDs, or the non-colocated AP MLD corresponded to the n colocalized AP MLDs, or similar.

[00122] It can be understood that the relationship between a non-co-located AP MLD and a co-located AP MLD may be described differently as the standard progresses. Therefore, the description of the relationship between a non-co-located AP MLD and a co-located AP MLD is not limited to the modalities of this application.

[00123] In embodiments of this application, a first communication device may be an AP, and a second communication device may be a STA. Alternatively, in a possible implementation, a first communication device may be a non-co-located MLD AP, and a second communication device may be a non-AP MLD associated with the non-co-located MLD AP. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 46 / 118 40 / 93

[00124] In the communication system shown in FIG. 4, an AP MLD can include a co-located AP MLD and a non-co-located AP MLD. A non-AP EHT MLD is associated with the co-located AP MLD, and a non-AP UHR MLD can be associated with the non-co-located AP MLD. However, in some scenarios (such as software upgrades and maintenance and device failure), the co-located AP MLD or the non-co-located AP MLD needs to be terminated. Therefore, how to terminate the co-located AP MLD or the non-co-located AP MLD is a problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[00125] In view of this, an embodiment of this application provides a multi-link communication method, so as to implement the termination of a colocated MLD AP or a non-colocated MLD AP, so that a non-AP MLD associated with the colocated MLD AP or the non-colocated MLD AP can perform the BSS transition in time.

[00126] FIG. 5 is an interaction diagram of a multi-link communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 5, for descriptions of a non-co-located MLD AP, a co-located MLD AP, a non-AP MLD, and similar methods, see the previous descriptions. Details are not described in the method shown in FIG. 5. It may be understood that although a relay node is not involved in the method shown below, a person skilled in the art may learn that when a receiving party and a sending party communicate with each other, a forwarding operation can be performed using the relay node. As shown in FIG. 5, the method includes the following steps.

[00127] 501: An AP determines a first communication frame, where the first communication frame includes identification information of a first AP MLD and first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a termination time of the first AP MLD. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 47 / 118 41 / 93

[00128] For example, the AP may be an AP affiliated with a colocated MLD AP, affiliated with a non-colocated MLD AP, or the AP may be an AP affiliated with a colocated MLD AP, and the AP may also be referred to as an affiliated AP. The first MLD AP may be a non-colocated MLD AP or a colocated MLD AP. When the first MLD AP is a colocated MLD AP, the first communication frame also includes identifying information of a non-colocated MLD AP to which the colocated MLD AP is affiliated.

[00129] For example, the identification information for the first MLD AP may include a MAC address of the first MLD AP or an ID of the first MLD AP.

[00130] Optionally, the first communication frame also includes a sixth piece of information, and this sixth piece of information indicates a candidate neighboring node that performs the BSS transition. For example, the sixth piece of information may include information about an MLD AP neighboring the first MLD AP or an AP neighboring an affiliated AP of the first MLD AP. When the first MLD AP needs to be terminated, the first communication frame may be sent using the affiliated AP of the first MLD AP to indicate the termination time of the first MLD AP and the candidate neighboring node that performs the BSS transition, so that a non-AP MLD associated with the first MLD AP performs the BSS transition. It should be noted that the first communication frames sent by all affiliated APs of the first MLD AP may contain sixth pieces of information that are not completely identical.

[00131] In a possible implementation, the first indication information includes the first duration, and the first duration indicates that the first AP MLD is terminated after the first duration. For example, one unit of the first duration is a time unit (TU), meaning the first indication information indicates a number of time units after the Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 48 / 118 42 / 93 which is the first AP MLD that is completed.

[00132] Optionally, before sending the first communication frame, the AP can obtain further communication frames. One way the AP obtains the first communication frame is that the AP generates the first communication frame, or the AP obtains the first communication frame from a co-located MLD AP or a non-co-located MLD AP. For example, when the first MLD AP is a non-co-located MLD AP, and the non-co-located MLD AP needs to be terminated, the non-co-located MLD AP can send an instruction to a co-located MLD AP affiliated with the non-co-located MLD AP, so that the co-located MLD AP affiliated with the non-co-located MLD AP generates the first communication frame; or the non-co-located MLD AP sends, using a co-located MLD AP affiliated with the non-co-located MLD AP, an instruction to an affiliated AP affiliated with the co-located MLD AP, so that the affiliated AP generates the first communication frame.

[00133] Based on the system architecture shown in FIG. 4, it can be understood that different co-located MLD APs may have different software / hardware / software-hardware combination modules (e.g., MAC and PHY layers), and different APs within the same co-located MLD AP may also have different software / hardware / software-hardware combination modules (e.g., different MAC and PHY layers). In this case, it can be understood that the first communication frame is generated by the module. Alternatively, during a specific implementation, different APs within a co-located MLD AP may share the same processor. In this case, it can be understood that the first communication frame is generated by the processor. Alternatively, when an upper MAC sublayer of a non-co-located MLD AP is located independently on a controller, the controller may generate the first communication frame. Furthermore, after generating the first Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 49 / 118 43 / 93 communication frame, the controller can send the first communication frame to the AP.

[00134] 502: The AP sends the first communication frame and, correspondingly, a STA receives the first communication frame.

[00135] 503: STA analyzes the first communication framework.

[00136] For example, the STA is affiliated with a non-AP MLD. The non-AP MLD can determine, based on the identification information of the first AP MLD, whether the non-AP MLD is associated with the first AP MLD. When the non-AP MLD is associated with the first AP MLD, the non-AP MLD performs the BSS transition. For example, the non-AP MLD can be transferred to the candidate neighboring node indicated by the sixth indication information.

[00137] In this modality of this request, the first indication information may indicate that a colocated MLD AP or a non-colocated MLD AP must be terminated, in order to implement the closure of the colocated MLD AP or the non-colocated MLD AP, so that a non-AP MLD associated with the colocated MLD AP or the non-colocated MLD AP can perform the BSS transition in time.

[00138] For example, for the first communication frame, this modality of this request also provides the following implementations.

[00139] Implementation 1: The first communication frame can be a signaling frame, and the identification information of the first AP MLD, the first indication information, and the sixth indication information are included in a reconfiguration multi-link element of the first communication frame.

[00140] For example, when a non-co-located MLD AP determines that the non-co-located MLD AP needs to be terminated, the non-co-located MLD AP can send a signaling frame on a link in which each affiliated AP of each co-located MLD AP... Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 50 / 118 44 / 93 affiliated with the non-co-located MLD AP is located where the signaling frame carries a reconfiguration multi-link element to indicate a non-co-located MLD associated with the non-co-located MLD AP to perform the BSS transition. Alternatively, when a co-located MLD AP needs to be terminated, the co-located MLD AP can include a reconfiguration multi-link element in a signaling frame sent on a link where each affiliated AP of the co-located MLD AP is located, to indicate a non-AP MLD associated with the co-located MLD AP to perform the BSS transition.

[00141] For example, FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b each show an example of a multi-link reconfiguration element according to one embodiment of this request. As shown in FIG. 6a, when the first AP MLD is a non-collocated AP MLD, the multi-link reconfiguration element may include a non-collocated AP MLD MAC address field, a termination timer field, Non-collocated AP MLD termination timer and, optionally, one or more neighbor reporting sub-elements. The non-collocated AP MLD identification information is carried in the non-collocated AP MLD MAC address field. The first identifying information is carried in the non-collocated AP MLD termination timer field. The sixth identifying information is carried in the neighbor reporting sub-element.

[00142] Optionally, the multi-link reconfiguration element may also include a co-located AP MLD MAC address field, and the co-located AP MLD MAC address field carries identification information of a current co-located AP MLD affiliated with the non-co-located AP MLD.

[00143] For example, the multi-link reconfiguration element may also include a presence bitmap, and the presence bitmap indicates whether the element Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 51 / 118 The 45 / 93 multi-link reconfiguration bitmap includes the following fields: co-located AP MLD MAC address field, non-co-located AP MLD MAC address field, and non-co-located AP MLD termination timer field. For example, the presence bitmap includes a non-collocated AP MLD MAC address present field and a non-collocated AP MLD termination timer present field. The non-collocated AP MLD MAC address present field indicates whether the multi-link reconfiguration element includes the non-collocated AP MLD MAC address field, and the non-collocated AP MLD termination timer present field indicates whether the multi-link reconfiguration element includes the non-collocated AP MLD termination timer field.

[00144] As shown in FIG. 6b, when the first AP MLD is a co-located AP MLD, the reconfiguration multi-link element also includes identification information for a non-co-located AP MLD to which the co-located AP MLD is affiliated. In other words, the reconfiguration multi-link element may include a co-located AP MLD MAC address field, a non-co-located AP MLD MAC address field, and a co-located AP MLD termination timer field. The identification information for the co-located AP MLD is carried in the MAC address field of the co-located AP MLD. The identification information for the non-co-located AP MLD to which the co-located AP MLD is affiliated is carried in the MAC address field of the non-co-located AP MLD. The first identifying information is carried in the co-located AP MLD termination timer. The sixth identifying information is carried in the neighboring reporting sub-element.

[00145] For example, the multi-link element of Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 52 / 118 46 / 93 reconfiguration may also include a presence bitmap, and the presence bitmap indicates whether the reconfiguration multi-link element includes the following fields: co-located AP MLD MAC address field, non-co-located AP MLD MAC address field, non-co-located AP MLD termination timer field, and co-located AP MLD termination timer field. For example, the presence bitmap includes a co-located AP MLD termination timer present field, and the co-located AP MLD termination timer field indicates whether the reconfiguration multi-link device includes the co-located AP MLD termination timer field.

[00146] It can be understood that, in some implementations, the multi-link reconfiguration element may include a non-co-located AP MLD termination timer field and a co-located AP MLD termination timer field. The multi-link reconfiguration element may use the non-co-located AP MLD termination timer field to indicate that a non-co-located AP MLD has been terminated and use the co-located AP MLD termination timer field to indicate that a co-located AP MLD has been terminated.

[00147] For example, the multi-link reconfiguration element listed above may also include a field specifically included in a multi-link reconfiguration element defined by a protocol. For example, as shown in FIG. 6a or FIG. 6b, the multi-link reconfiguration element may include an element ID (e.g., element ID=255), a length, an element ID extension (e.g., element ID extension=107), a multi-link control field, a common info field, and a link info field. For example, the multi-link control field may include Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 53 / 118 47 / 93 a type (for example, type=2), a reserved field, and a presence bitmap, and the presence bitmap indicates whether related information in the common info field is present. For example, the common info field may include a common info length field and at least one MLD MAC address field (MAC address of an MLD that sends a multi-link reconfiguration element), a co-located AP MLD MAC address field, a co-located AP MLD termination timer field, a non-co-located AP MLD MAC address field, and a non-co-located AP MLD termination timer field.Optionally, the multi-link reconfiguration element may also include one or more per-STA profile fields, and the per-STA profile field may include a sub-element ID (e.g., sub-element ID=0), a length, a STA control field, and a STA info field.

[00148] For example, the STA control field includes one or more link ID fields, a complete profile field, a STA MAC address present field, an AP removal timer present field, an operation update type field, an operation parameters present field, and a reserved field. The link ID field indicates an identifier of a corresponding link. The complete profile field indicates whether a complete profile is requested. The STA MAC address present field indicates whether the STA information field includes a MAC address of a corresponding STA. The AP removal timer present field indicates whether the STA information field includes an AP removal timer field. The operation update type field (4 bits) indicates a multi-link operation update type, where 1 Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 54 / 118 48 / 93 indicates an operation parameter update, and 1 to 15 are reserved values. The "Operation parameters present" field indicates whether the STA information field includes an operation parameter field.

[00149] For example, the STA information field includes one or more of an STA info length field, an STA MAC address field, an AP removal timer field, and an operation parameters field. The STA info length field indicates the length of the STA information field. The STA MAC address field indicates the MAC address of a corresponding STA. The AP removal timer field indicates the number of target beacon transmission times (TBTT) after which a corresponding AP is removed. The operation parameters field includes a presence indication field and an operation parameters info field. The presence indication field indicates whether the operation parameters field includes a corresponding field.For example, the presence indication field includes a Maximum MPDU Length Present field (indicating whether the operation parameters field includes a Maximum MPDU Length field) and an Aggregated MSDU (A-MSDU) Maximum MSDU Length Present field (indicating whether the operation parameters field includes a Maximum A-MSDU Length field). The operation parameters information field includes a Maximum MPDU Length field (indicating a maximum MPDU length), an A-MSDU Length field (indicating a maximum A-MSDU length), and a padding field (used to carry a padding bit of 0). Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 55 / 118 49 / 93

[00150] It can be understood that a sequence of fields shown in FIG. 6a or FIG. 6b is not limited in the modalities of this application. It can be understood that the way of dividing the fields, sub-elements or elements in this application modality is merely an example. During a specific implementation, there may be another way of dividing for different information in the communication frame. This is not limited in the modalities of this application.

[00151] Implementation 2: The first communication frame is a function frame defined to indicate that the first AP MLD has been terminated. For example, the first communication frame could be an AP MLD termination announcement frame.

[00152] In this implementation, the first communication frame may not include the identification information of the first AP MLD. For example, when the first AP MLD is a non-co-located AP MLD, the first communication frame may be a non-co-located AP MLD termination announcement frame, indicating that the non-co-located AP MLD has been terminated. The first communication frame is sent by an affiliated AP from a co-located AP MLD affiliated to a non-co-located AP MLD, and a non-co-located MLD receiving the first communication frame can determine, using the affiliated AP corresponding to a transmitter address of the first communication frame, the co-located AP MLD to which the affiliated AP is affiliated and the non-co-located AP MLD to which the co-located AP MLD is affiliated, so as to determine that the non-co-located AP MLD is terminated.For example, if the non-AP MLD that receives the first communication frame is associated with the non-co-located MLD AP (e.g., a non-AP UHR MLD), the non-AP MLD performs the BSS transition.

[00153] For example, when the first AP MLD is an AP MLD Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 56 / 118 In a 50 / 93 colocated system, the first communication frame can be a collocated AP MLD termination announcement frame, indicating that the colocated AP MLD has been terminated. The first communication frame is sent by an affiliated AP to a colocated AP MLD, and a non-AP MLD receiving the first communication frame can determine, using the affiliated AP corresponding to a transmitter address of the first communication frame, the colocated AP MLD to which the affiliated AP is affiliated, thus determining that the colocated AP MLD is terminated. For example, if the non-AP MLD receiving the first communication frame is associated with the colocated AP MLD (e.g., a non-AP EHT MLD), the non-AP MLD performs the BSS transition.

[00154] For example, the first communication frame also includes, or may separately include, at least one of the following: indication information (which may also be called a reason code) indicating a termination reason for the first AP MLD and one or more neighbor reporting elements. One or more neighbor reporting elements include information about a neighboring access point AP of an AP affiliated with the first AP MLD. In other words, the first communication frame may include at least one of the identification information of the first AP MLD, the first indication information, the indication information indicating the termination reason for the first AP MLD, and one or more neighbor reporting elements.

[00155] For example, as shown in FIG. 7a, when the first AP MLD is a non-co-located AP MLD, the first communication frame may include one or more of a category, an action, a reason code, an included non-co-located AP MLD termination field, a termination time, one or more neighbor reporting elements, and a non-co-located AP MLD MAC address. The reason code may indicate a termination reason for the AP MLD. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 57 / 118 51 / 93 non-co-located. For example, the reason code can be set to a newly defined reason code to indicate termination of the non-co-located MLD AP or maintenance of the non-co-located MLD AP. For example, when the reason code is set to a first value, the reason code indicates termination of the non-co-located MLD AP. When the reason code is set to a second value, the reason code indicates maintenance of the non-co-located MLD AP. The included termination of the non-co-located MLD AP indicates whether the non-co-located MLD AP was terminated. The termination time indicates a termination time of the non-co-located MLD AP. One or more neighbor reporting elements include information about a neighbor AP of an affiliated AP of a co-located MLD AP affiliated to the non-co-located MLD AP, to recommend an optional BSS transition neighbor for a non-AP MLD associated with the non-co-located MLD AP.

[00156] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the neighbor reporting element includes the following elements: element identifier (element ID), length (length), BSS identifier (BSSID), BSSID information (info), operational class (operational class), channel number (channel number), physical layer type (PHY type), and optional subelement (optional subelement), for example, multi-link basic subelement (basic subelement).

[00157] The BSSID field indicates a BSSID corresponding to a reported neighboring AP. The BSSID information field indicates information related to a reported BSSID. The operational class field and the channel number field indicate a channel to which the reported BSSID belongs. The PHY type field indicates a physical layer type of an AP corresponding to the reported BSSID.

[00158] Optionally, the BSSID information field may include the following fields: AP reachability, security, key scope, capabilities, mobility domain, high Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 58 / 118 52 / 93 throughput, very high throughput, fine timing measurement (FTM), high efficiency, extended range BSS (ER BSS), collocated AP, unsolicited probe response active, member of extended service set with 2.4 / 5 GHz colocalized AP, on-channel tunneling (OCT) supported with reporting AP, collocated with 6 GHz AP, and reserved field.

[00159] For example, as shown in FIG. 7b, when the first AP MLD is a colocated AP MLD, the first communication frame may include one or more of a category, an action, a reason code, an included field for colocated AP MLD termination, a termination time, one or more neighbor reporting elements, and a colocated AP MLD MAC address. The reason code may indicate a reason for colocated AP MLD termination. For example, the reason code may be set to a newly defined reason code to indicate colocated AP MLD termination or colocated AP MLD maintenance. For example, when the reason code is set to a third value, the reason code indicates colocated AP MLD termination. When the reason code is set to a fourth value, the reason code indicates colocated AP MLD maintenance.The included termination of the colocated MLD AP indicates whether the colocated MLD AP has been terminated. The termination time indicates a termination time for the colocated MLD AP. One or more neighbor reporting elements include information about a neighboring AP of an AP affiliated with the colocated MLD AP, to recommend an optional BSS transition neighbor for a non-AP MLD associated with the colocated MLD AP. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 59 / 118 53 / 93

[00160] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a frame format according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 9, a MPDU can include one or more of the following fields: frame control, duration, address1, address2, address3, sequence control, Quality of Service (QoS) control, high throughput control (HT control), frame body, and frame check sequence (FCS). The address1 field indicates a receiver address (RA). Address2 indicates a transmitter address (TA). Address3 indicates a BSSID of an existing BSS, i.e., an address of an affiliated AP (which is an AP in an AP MLD). For a management frame, address3 can be used for frame filtering. For example, the address3 of the frame sent by the AP is set to a BSSID corresponding to the AP.The STA can learn, based on address 3, whether the frame belongs to this BSS and, if not, discard it.

[00161] Terminating a non-co-located MLD AP causes a non-AP MLD associated with the non-co-located MLD AP to perform the BSS transition. Therefore, one embodiment of this request further provides a multi-link communication method, to indicate a non-AP MLD associated with a non-co-located MLD AP to perform the BSS transition.

[00162] FIG. 10 is an interaction diagram of another multi-link communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 10, for descriptions of a non-co-located MLD AP, a co-located MLD AP, a non-AP MLD, and similar methods, see the previous descriptions. Details are not described in the method shown in FIG. 10. It may be understood that although a relay node is not involved in the method shown below, a person skilled in the art may learn that when a receiving party and a Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 60 / 118 54 / 93 sending parts communicate with each other, a forwarding operation can be performed using the relay node. As shown in FIG. 10, the method includes the following steps.

[00163] 1001: A first non-co-located AP MLD generates a BTM request frame, where the BTM request frame includes identification information for a second AP MLD.

[00164] For example, the second AP MLD and the first non-co-located AP MLD are different AP MLDs. For example, the second AP MLD may be a neighboring non-co-located AP MLD of the first non-co-located AP MLD or a co-located AP MLD. When the first non-co-located AP MLD needs to be terminated, the first non-co-located AP MLD may generate the BTM request frame and include the identification information of the second AP MLD in the BTM request frame, to indicate a non-AP MLD (e.g., a non-AP UHR MLD) associated with the first non-co-located AP MLD to be transferred to the second AP MLD. It should be noted that BTM request frames sent by different affiliated APs may contain different information about the second AP MLD.

[00165] It may be understood that the BTM request frame may alternatively be generated by a co-located MLD AP affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP, or it may be generated by an AP affiliated with a co-located MLD AP affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP. This is not limited to this request.

[00166] It can be understood that the BTM request frame shown in this embodiment of this request is merely an example. In another possible implementation, a new UHR action frame is defined to indicate that the non-AP UHR MLD should perform the BSS transition. For ease of description, in this embodiment of this request, the BTM request frame is used as an example to describe the method provided in this embodiment of this request.

[00167] In one possible implementation, an address information field in the BTM request frame includes identifying information for the first non-co-located MLD AP. For example, Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 61 / 118 55 / 93 The identification information of the first non-co-located MLD AP may include a MAC address of the first non-co-located MLD AP, and the address information field of the BTM request frame may include an address1 field, an address2 field, and an address3 field. The address1 field of the BTM request frame may be defined as a broadcast address, and the address3 field of the BTM frame is defined as the MAC address of the first non-co-located MLD AP. For non-AP MLDs (e.g., UHR MLDs) (AP) associated with the first non-co-located AP MLD, after receiving the BTM request frame, the non-AP UHR MLD performs the BSS transition based on the BTM request frame. For a pre-EHT STA and a non-AP EHT MLD, since the address3 of the BTM frame is not a corresponding BSS identifier, the pre-EHT STA and the non-AP EHT MLD discard the BTM request frame after receiving the broadcast BTM request frame.

[00168] It can be understood that, in this embodiment of this request, a non-AP MLD UHR associated with a non-co-located MLD AP can receive a management frame in which address3 is defined as a BSSID of a corresponding link, or it can receive a management frame in which address3 is defined as a MAC address of the non-co-located MLD AP.

[00169] In this implementation, the first non-co-located AP MLD includes the identification information of the first non-co-located AP MLD in address 3 of the BTM request frame, to indicate the non-AP UHR MLD associated with the first non-co-located AP MLD to perform the BSS transition.

[00170] It can be understood that when a co-located MLD AP is terminated, but an affiliated AP is not terminated, the co-located MLD AP can also set the BTM request frame address3 to identification information of the co-located MLD AP and broadcast in the BTM request frame using the affiliated AP of the co-located MLD AP, to indicate a non-AP MLD (e.g., a non-AP EHT MLD) associated with the MLD AP. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 62 / 118 56 / 93 colocated to perform the BSS transition. In this case, the non-AP EHT MLD performs the BSS transition after receiving the BTM request frame, and a pre-EHT STA and a non-AP UHR MLD discard the BTM request frame after receiving the BTM request frame.

[00171] For example, the BTM request frame also includes at least one of the following: BSS termination information, link removal information, and link transition information, where the BSS termination information indicates whether a BSS associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP is terminated, the link removal information indicates whether a link associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP should be removed (i.e., a link on which the BTM frame is received), and the link transition information indicates whether the transition should be performed between different co-located MLD APs affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP.

[00172] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a BTM request frame according to one modality of this request. The BTM frame may include at least one of the following: category, radio network management operation, dialogue credential, request mode, disassociation timer, validity interval, BSS termination duration, session info, and list of BSS transition candidates. The list of BSS transition candidates is optional.The request mode can include at least one of the following: preferred candidate list included, abridge, disassociation imminent, BSS termination included, extended service set (ESS), disassociation imminent, link removal, and link transition. The termination field of the... Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 63 / 118 57 / 93 The included BSS indicates whether a BSS is disabled. For a non-AP UHR MLD, the included BSS termination field has the following meanings, for example, it can indicate whether a BSS of an affiliated AP (e.g., an AP that sends the BTM request frame) has been terminated, or it can indicate whether all BSSs of a co-located AP MLD have been terminated, or it can indicate whether all BSSs of a non-co-located AP MLD have been terminated. The link removal information indicates whether a link should be removed (e.g., a link on which the BTM request frame is received). Therefore, in a UHR system, the link transition information, the information included in the BSS termination, and the link removal information can indicate whether the BSS transition should be performed between different non-co-located AP MLDs together or the link transition between different co-located AP MLDs together on the same non-co-located AP MLD.

[00173] For example, when the first non-co-located MLD AP is terminated, the first non-co-located MLD AP needs to broadcast the BTM request frame on all links of all co-located MLD APs affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP. In this case, the included BSS termination field is set to 1, the link removal field is set to 0, and the link transition field is set to 0. After receiving the BTM frame, the non-AP MLD UHR performs the BSS transition. After receiving the BTM request frame, the pre-EHT STA and the non-AP EHT MLD discard the BTM request frame and do not perform the BSS transition.

[00174] 1002: The first non-co-located MLD AP sends the BTM request frame using an affiliated AP, and correspondingly, the non-AP MLD receives the BTM request frame.

[00175] It can be understood that, in this modality of this request, the BTM request form can alternatively be generated by the affiliated AP, or the BTM request form is generated by Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 64 / 118 58 / 93 MLD of the co-located AP affiliated with the first MLD of the non-co-located AP. For example, when the first non-co-located MLD AP needs to be terminated, the first non-co-located MLD AP can send an instruction to the co-located MLD AP affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP or to the affiliated AP, so that the co-located MLD AP or the affiliated AP generates the BTM request frame.

[00176] 1003: The MLD does not AP analyze the BTM request frame.

[00177] For example, the non-AP MLD can perform the BSS transition based on the BTM request frame. For example, the non-AP MLD can be transferred to a second non-co-located AP MLD based on the BTM request frame.

[00178] For example, the non-AP MLD can still send a BTM response frame using an affiliated STA of the non-AP MLD. The BTM response frame can be generated by the STA or it can be generated by the non-AP MLD to which the STA is affiliated.

[00179] In one implementation, the multi-link communication method shown in FIG. 10 may also include step 1004.

[00180] 1004: The first non-co-located MLD AP sends a second communication frame using an affiliated AP, and correspondingly, the non-AP MLD receives the second communication frame using a STA. The second communication frame includes a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element, and the reduced neighbor report element includes information about at least one affiliated AP of a co-located MLD AP neighbor affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP.

[00181] For example, the second communication frame may be a signaling frame or a newly defined broadcast frame. The affiliated AP may be affiliated with a third co-located MLD AP, and the third co-located MLD AP is affiliated with the first MLD AP. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pages 65 / 118 59 / 93 non-co-located. At least one affiliated AP is affiliated with a co-located MLD AP that is on the first non-co-located MLD AP and is adjacent to the third co-located MLD AP; that is, the affiliated AP that sends the second communication frame and at least one affiliated AP are affiliated with different co-located MLD APs on the same non-co-located MLD AP. The first non-co-located MLD AP can instruct all affiliated APs of the third co-located MLD AP to broadcast in the second communication frame, where the second communication frame includes the RNR element, and the RNR element carries information about at least one affiliated AP of the co-located MLD AP that is adjacent to the third co-located MLD AP and is affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP.

[00182] After receiving the second communication frame, the non-AP MLD can obtain information about the neighboring colocated MLD AP based on the second communication frame.

[00183] It can be understood that the methods shown in FIG. 5 can be combined with the method shown in FIG. 10. For example, when a non-co-located AP MLD needs to be terminated, the non-co-located AP MLD can use a first communication frame to indicate a termination time of the non-co-located AP MLD and an optional neighbor reporting sub-element and / or send a BTM request frame to indicate a non-co-located MLD associated with the non-co-located AP MLD to perform the BSS transition.

[00184] A non-AP UHR MLD can choose to be associated with a colocated AP MLD or a non-colocated AP MLD. When a non-colocated AP MLD or a colocated AP MLD associated with a non-AP UHR MLD is terminated, the non-AP UHR MLD can be transferred to a neighboring non-colocated AP MLD or a neighboring colocated AP MLD. Generally, the non-AP MLD needs to query a current non-colocated AP MLD or a colocated AP MLD to obtain information related to the neighboring colocated AP MLD or Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 66 / 118 60 / 93 perform channel scanning in order to select the transition to the neighboring co-located MLD AP. Therefore, one embodiment of this application further provides a multi-link communication method to provide related information from a neighboring co-located MLD AP to a non-AP MLD UHR.

[00185] FIG. 12 is an interaction diagram of yet another multi-link communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 12, for descriptions of a non-co-located MLD AP, a co-located MLD AP, a non-AP MLD, and similar methods, see the previous descriptions. Details are not described in the method shown in FIG. 12. It may be understood that although a relay node is not involved in the method shown below, a person skilled in the art may learn that when a receiving party and a sending party communicate with each other, a forwarding operation can be performed using the relay node. As shown in FIG. 12, the method includes the following steps.

[00186] 1201: A STA sends a probe request frame and, correspondingly, an AP receives the probe request frame.

[00187] The investigation request form includes identifying information for a first colocated MLD AP and second identifying information, and the first colocated MLD AP is affiliated with a third non-colocated MLD AP. The second identifying information indicates the scope of the investigation request. For example, the second identifying information indicates probing the first colocated MLD AP. Alternatively, the second identifying information indicates probing a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP. Alternatively, the second identifying information indicates probing the first colocated MLD AP and a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, page 67 / 118 61 / 93 colocalized and adjacent to the first colocalized AP MLD. Alternatively, the second indication information indicates the investigation of a colocalized AP MLD affiliated with the third non-colocated AP MLD.

[00188] For example, the STA is an STA affiliated with a non-AP MLD. For example, a non-AP UHR MLD sends the polling request frame using the STA. The AP is affiliated with the first colocated AP MLD or the AP is affiliated with a colocated AP MLD of the third non-colocated AP MLD.

[00189] For example, the probe request frame can be a newly defined probe request frame. For example, the probe request frame can be called a protected probe action frame and is used to probe information about a given colocated MLD AP and a colocated MLD AP that is adjacent to the colocated MLD AP and that is affiliated with the same non-colocated MLD AP.

[00190] For example, the probe request form may also include at least one piece of non-co-located third-party AP MLD identification information and a service set identifier (SSID).

[00191] For example, the probe request frame includes at least one of the following: a category, an action, an SSID, and one or more probe request multi-link elements.

[00192] For example, the multi-link probe request element may include a probe scope field, and the probe scope carries the second piece of information indicating the probe scope of the probe request frame. For example, if the probe scope field is set to x1, this indicates that the probe request frame will be used to probe for information about Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pages 68 / 118 62 / 93 the first colocated AP MLD. For another example, if the probe scope field is set to x2, this indicates that the probe request frame is used to probe information about the first colocated AP MLD and a colocated AP MLD that is adjacent to the first colocated AP MLD and that is affiliated with the same non-colocated AP MLD (i.e., the third non-colocated AP MLD). For another example, if the probe scope field is set to x3, this indicates that the probe request frame is used to probe information about a A colocalized AP MLD that is adjacent to the first colocalized AP MLD and is affiliated with the third non-colocated AP MLD. For another example, if the probe scope field is set to x4, this indicates that the probe request frame will be used to probe information about all non-co-located third-party MLDs (i.e., probe all MLDs affiliated with the non-co-located third-party MLD).

[00193] It can be understood that x1, x2, x3, and x4 indicate different values ​​of the probe's scope field, that is, x1, x2, x3, and x4 can be understood as different values. For example, x1 can be 0, x2 can be 1, x3 can be 2, and x4 can be 3; or x1, x2, x3, and x4 can be other values. The values ​​of x1, x2, x3, and x4 are not limited in this application.

[00194] For example, the multi-link probe request element also includes an AP MAC address field. Non-co-located MLD, and the identification information of the third non-co-located MLD AP are carried in the AP MAC address field. MLD not colocalized.

[00195] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a multi-link probe request element according to one embodiment of this request. As shown in FIG. 13, the multi-link probe request element includes at least one element ID (e.g., element ID=255), a length, and an element ID extension. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 69 / 118 63 / 93 extension) (for example, element ID extension=107), a multi-link control field, a common info field, and a link info field. For example, the multi-link control field can include a type (for example, type=1), a reserved field, and a presence bitmap. For example, the type can include 3 bits and the reserved field can include 1 bit. The presence bitmap can include 12 bits and indicates whether related information in the common info field is present. For example, 1 bit in the presence bitmap indicates whether an MLD AP ID field is present, 1 bit in the presence bitmap indicates whether the non-co-located MLD AP MAC address field is present, and 1 bit in the presence bitmap indicates whether the polling scope field is present.

[00196] For example, the common info field may include a common info length field and at least one MLD MAC address field (used to carry a MAC address of the first colocated MLD AP), the non-colocated MLD AP MAC address field, and the probe scope field. For example, the link info field may further include one or more per-STA profile fields, and the per-STA profile field may include a sub-element ID (e.g., sub-element ID=0), a length, a STA control field, and a STA info field. The STA control field includes a link ID field, a complete profile requested field, and a reserved field. For example, the link ID field may include 4 bits, the complete profile requested field may include 1 bit, and the reserved field may include 11 bits.

[00197] 1202: The AP sends a poll response frame and, correspondingly, the STA receives the poll response frame. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 70 / 118 64 / 93

[00198] For example, after receiving the polling request frame, the third non-co-located MLD AP can send the polling response frame using an affiliated AP of a co-located MLD AP.

[00199] For example, the survey response frame includes a survey result from the survey request frame. For example, when the second indication information indicates the surveying of the first colocated MLD AP, the survey response frame includes information about the first colocated MLD AP. When the second indication information indicates the surveying of a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP, the survey response frame includes information about one or more colocated MLD APs that are adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP and that are affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP.When the second indication piece of information indicates the surveying of the first colocated MLD AP and a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP, the survey response frame includes information about the first colocated MLD AP and information about one or more colocated MLD APs that are adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP and that are affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP. When the second indication piece of information indicates the surveying of a colocated MLD AP affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP, the survey response frame may include information about one or more colocated MLD APs affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP.

[00200] In a possible implementation, when the second indication piece of information indicates probing a colocated AP MLD affiliated with a third non-colocated AP MLD, the probing response frame includes the third indication piece of information, and the third indication piece of information indicates a Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 71 / 118 65 / 93 quantity of colocated AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-co-located AP MLD.

[00201] When the third non-co-located AP MLD includes many affiliated co-located AP MLDs, if the survey response frame includes information on all co-located AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-co-located AP MLD, the signaling overheads are high. In this case, the survey response frame can include statistical information about the third non-co-located AP MLD, and does not need to carry information on all co-located AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-co-located AP MLD, so that the signaling overheads can be reduced. For example, the survey response frame can include the number of co-located AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-co-located AP MLD.

[00202] In this modality of this request, the non-AP MLD includes, in the survey request form sent by the STA, the second indication information that indicates the scope of the survey, so that the non-AP MLD can survey, using the second indication information, information about a colocalized AP MLD adjacent to the first colocalized AP MLD.

[00203] In one possible implementation, the probe request frame may include the SSID but does not include the identification information of the first colocated MLD AP and the second referral information. In this implementation, by using the SSID included in the probe request frame that is broadcast by the STA, the non-AP MLD may receive the probe response frame that has the same SSID as the probe request frame and that is answered by an AP, where the probe response frame includes information about the AP and information about a colocated MLD AP to which the AP is affiliated. The non-AP MLD may obtain information about one or more neighboring colocated MLD APs using one or more received probe response frames. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 72 / 118 66 / 93

[00204] In this implementation, the probe request frame sent by the MLD does not need to carry only the SSID, so that signaling overheads can be reduced.

[00205] FIG. 14 is an interaction diagram of yet another multi-link communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 14, for descriptions of a non-co-located MLD AP, a co-located MLD AP, a non-AP MLD, and similar methods, see the previous descriptions. Details are not described in the method shown in FIG. 14. It may be understood that although a relay node is not involved in the method shown below, a person skilled in the art may learn that when a receiving party and a sending party communicate with each other, a forwarding operation can be performed using the relay node. As shown in FIG. 14, the method includes the following steps.

[00206] 1401: An AP sends a third communication frame and, correspondingly, a STA receives the third communication frame. The third communication frame may include a fourth indication, and the fourth indication indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be removed from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the fourth indication indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be transitioned from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP to a fifth non-colocated MLD AP.

[00207] For example, the AP is affiliated with the second colocated MLD AP, and the second colocated MLD AP is affiliated with the fourth non-colocated MLD AP. The fifth non-colocated MLD AP and the fourth non-colocated MLD AP are two different non-colocated MLD APs. For example, the fifth non-colocated MLD AP could be a neighboring non-colocated MLD AP of the fourth MLD AP.

[00208] For example, the third communication frame can be generated by the AP or it can be generated by the second AP MLD. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 73 / 118 67 / 93 colocated. When the second colocated MLD AP needs to be removed from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the second colocated MLD AP needs to be transferred from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to the fifth non-colocated MLD AP, the AP sends the third communication frame to indicate a non-AP MLD associated with the second colocated MLD AP to perform the BSS transition or to indicate a non-AP MLD associated with the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to perform the link transition.

[00209] For example, the third communication frame may also include, separately or in addition, a fifth indication, and the fifth indication indicates a removal time of the second colocated MLD AP from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the fifth indication indicates a transition time from the second colocated MLD AP from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP to the fifth non-colocated MLD AP. In other words, the fourth and fifth indications in the third communication frame indicate the second colocated MLD AP to be removed from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP and indicate the removal time of the second colocated MLD AP from the fourth non-colocated MLD AP. Alternatively, the fourth and fifth indications in the third communication frame indicate the second AP MLD colocalized to be transited from the fourth AP MLD non-colocated to the fifth AP MLD non-colocated, and indicate the transit time of the second AP MLD colocalized from the fourth AP MLD not colocalized for the fifth AP MLD not colocalized.

[00210] For example, the fifth indication information includes the second duration, and the second duration indicates that the second colocalized AP MLD is removed from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD after the second duration. Alternatively, the second duration indicates that the second colocalized AP MLD is transferred from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD to the fifth non-colocated AP MLD after the second duration. For example, a duration unit of Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 74 / 118 68 / 93 seconds is a TU.

[00211] 1402: STA analyzes the third communication framework.

[00212] For example, the STA is affiliated with a non-AP MLD. After receiving the third communication frame, a non-AP MLD UHR associated with the fourth non-co-located MLD AP can perform the link transition. For example, the non-AP MLD UHR can transition a link between the non-AP MLD UHR and the second co-located MLD AP to another neighboring co-located MLD AP affiliated with the fourth non-co-located MLD AP. Alternatively, after receiving the third communication frame, the non-AP MLD of the UHR can perform the BSS transition. For example, the non-AP MLD UHR can transition a BSS to a neighboring MLD AP.

[00213] In one possible implementation, the non-AP MLD can determine, based on a transmitter address of the third communication frame, the AP that sends the third communication frame, to determine the second colocalized MLD AP to which the AP is affiliated and the fourth non-AP colocalized MLD to which the second colocalized MLD AP is affiliated.

[00214] In another possible implementation, the third communication frame also includes identification information for the second colocated MLD AP and identification information for the fourth non-colocated MLD AP. The non-AP MLD can determine the second colocated MLD AP and the fourth non-colocated MLD AP based on the identification information for the second colocated MLD AP and the identification information for the fourth non-colocated MLD AP.

[00215] In this modality of this request, the fourth indication information may indicate that the second colocated AP MLD should be removed from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD or indicate that the second colocated AP MLD should be transferred from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD to the fifth non-colocated AP MLD, so that the non-AP MLD associated with the second colocated AP MLD or the fourth non-colocated AP MLD can perform the transition. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 75 / 118 69 / 93 BSS or time link transition.

[00216] In one possible implementation, the fourth indication piece of information indicates that the second colocated AP MLD will be terminated, and the fifth indication piece of information indicates a termination time for the second colocated AP MLD. Alternatively, the fourth indication piece of information indicates that the fourth non-colocated AP MLD will be terminated, and the fifth indication piece of information indicates a termination time for the fourth non-colocated AP MLD. Alternatively, the fourth indication piece of information indicates that the second colocated AP MLD will be removed from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD, and the fifth indication piece of information indicates the time of removal of the second colocated AP MLD from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD.Alternatively, the fourth indication piece of information indicates the second colocated AP MLD to be transited from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD to the fifth non-colocated AP MLD, and the fifth indication piece of information indicates the transit time of the second colocated AP MLD from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD to the fifth non-colocated AP MLD.

[00217] For example, the third communication frame may be a signaling frame, and the fourth indication information and the fifth indication information may be included in a multi-link reconfiguration element of the third communication frame. For example, the multi-link reconfiguration element may include a reconfiguration type field and a reconfiguration timer field. The reconfiguration type field indicates a reconfiguration type, and the reconfiguration type includes any of the following: termination of a non-co-located MLD AP, termination of a co-located MLD AP, removal of a co-located MLD AP from a non-co-located MLD AP, and transition of a co-located MLD AP from a current non-co-located MLD AP to a new non-co-located MLD AP. The reconfiguration timer field indicates how long after a Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 76 / 118 70 / 93 The event corresponding to the reconfiguration type occurs. In other words, the fourth indication information is carried in the reconfiguration type field, and the fifth indication information is carried in the reconfiguration timer field.

[00218] For example, if the reconfiguration type field is set to y1, it indicates that a colocated MLD AP should be terminated; if the reconfiguration type field is set to y2, it indicates that a non-co-located MLD AP should be terminated; if the reconfiguration type field is set to y3, it indicates that a colocated MLD AP should be removed from a current non-co-located MLD AP, i.e., the colocated MLD AP is no longer affiliated with any non-co-located MLD AP after that; and if the reconfiguration type field is set to y4, it indicates that a colocated MLD AP should be transferred from a current non-co-located MLD AP to a new non-co-located MLD AP.

[00219] It can be understood that y1, y2, y3, and y4 indicate different values ​​of the reconfiguration type field, that is, y1, y2, y3, and y4 can be understood as different values. For example, the reconfiguration type field includes 2 bits, where y1 can be 0, y2 can be 1, y3 can be 2, and y4 can be 3; or y1, y2, y3, and y4 can be other values. The values ​​of y1, y2, y3, and y4 are not limited in this request.

[00220] It can be understood that both the removal of a co-located MLD AP from a non-co-located MLD AP and the transition of a co-located MLD AP from a current non-co-located MLD AP to a new non-co-located MLD AP cause a non-AP MLD associated with the current non-co-located MLD AP to perform the BSS transition. Therefore, y3 and y4 can be the same value, i.e., when a co-located MLD AP must be removed from a current non-co-located MLD AP or a co-located MLD AP must be transferred from a current non-co-located MLD AP to a new non-co-located MLD AP, the reconfiguration type field can be set Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 77 / 118 71 / 93 as y3, to indicate a non-AP MLD associated with the current non-co-located AP MLD to perform the BSS transition.

[00221] It can be understood that the fields included in the multi-link reconfiguration element can be shown in FIG. 6a or FIG. 6b. For specific descriptions of the multi-link reconfiguration element, refer to the previous related descriptions or a related standard or protocol. Details are not described again in this document.

[00222] FIG. 15 is an interaction diagram of yet another multi-link communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 15, for descriptions of a non-co-located MLD AP, a co-located MLD AP, a non-AP MLD, and similar methods, see the previous descriptions. Details are not described in the method shown in FIG. 15. It may be understood that although a relay node is not involved in the method shown below, a person skilled in the art may learn that when a receiving party and a sending party communicate with each other, a forwarding operation can be performed using the relay node. As shown in FIG. 15, the method includes the following steps.

[00223] 1501: An AP sends a second communication frame, and correspondingly, a STA receives the second communication frame. The second communication frame includes a reduced neighbor reporting element, and the reduced neighbor reporting element includes information about at least one affiliated AP of a colocated MLD AP affiliated to a non-colocated MLD AP.

[00224] For example, the AP is an affiliated AP of a co-located MLD AP affiliated to a non-co-located MLD AP. The second communication frame can be a signaling frame or a newly defined broadcast frame. Each affiliated AP of the co-located MLD AP includes a reduced neighbor reporting element in the second communication frame, where the reporting element Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 78 / 118 Reduced Neighbor 72 / 93 includes information about at least one affiliated AP of a colocated MLD AP that is adjacent to the colocated MLD AP and that is affiliated with the same non-colocated MLD AP as the colocated MLD AP.

[00225] 1502: STA analyzes the second communication framework.

[00226] For example, the STA is affiliated with a non-AP MLD. After receiving the second communication frame, the non-AP MLD can determine, based on the second communication frame, information about at least one affiliated AP and information about the co-located MLD AP to which at least one affiliated AP is affiliated.

[00227] In this mode of this request, the colocated MLD AP includes, in the second communication frame that is broadcast by the affiliated AP, information about the colocated MLD AP that is adjacent to the colocated MLD AP and that is affiliated with the same non-colocated MLD AP, so that the non-AP MLD can obtain information about the neighboring colocated MLD AP without performing channel scanning.

[00228] It can be understood that the methods provided in embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and a combination sequence can be determined based on the specific implementation. The embodiments of this application are not enumerated. For example, the methods shown in at least two of FIGS. 5, 10, 12, 14, and 15 are combined. To be more specific, when a non-co-located AP MLD needs to be terminated, the method shown in FIG. 5 can be used to indicate that the non-co-located AP MLD should be terminated, the method shown in FIG. 10 can be used to indicate a non-AP MLD associated with the non-co-located AP MLD to perform the BSS transition, and the non-AP MLD can obtain information about a neighboring co-located AP MLD using the method shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 15 and perform the BSS transition based on the information about the neighboring co-located AP MLD. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 79 / 118 73 / 93

[00229] A communication device supplied in an embodiment of this application is described below.

[00230] In this application, the communication device is divided into functional modules based on the embodiment of the previous method. For example, each functional module corresponding to each function can be obtained by division, or two or more functions can be integrated into a processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in a hardware form or it can be implemented in a software functional module form. It is worth noting that, in this application, the module division is an example and is merely a logical function division. During actual implementation, there may be another way of division. Communication devices in embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.

[00231] FIG. 16 is a diagram of the structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 16, the communication apparatus includes a processing unit 1601 and a transceiver unit 1602. The transceiver unit 1602 may implement a corresponding communication function, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform data processing. For example, the transceiver unit 1602 may also be called a communication interface, communication unit, or similar.

[00232] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the AP in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the AP or a component (such as a chip or a system) that may be configured on the AP, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending from the AP in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the AP in the prior method embodiment. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pages 80 / 118 74 / 93

[00233] For example, processing unit 1601 is configured to determine a first communication frame; and transceiver unit 1602 is configured to transmit the first communication frame.

[00234] It can be understood that transceiver unit 1602 can send the first communication frame to a STA, or transceiver unit 1602 can send the first communication frame from processing unit 1601 to another component in the AP. Descriptions related to the output of another frame by the transceiver unit are similar. The details are not described below again.

[00235] In some other embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the STA in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the STA or a component (such as a chip or a system) that may be configured on the STA, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending the STA in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the STA in the prior method embodiment.

[00236] Transceiver unit 1602 is configured to insert a first communication frame; and processing unit 1601 is configured to analyze the first communication frame.

[00237] It may be understood that, for specific descriptions of the communication frame analysis by processing unit 1601, refer to the modality of the previous method. Details are not described again in this document.

[00238] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the first non-co-located MLD AP in the previous method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 81 / 118 75 / 93 first non-co-located MLD AP or a component (such as a chip or a system) that can be configured on the first non-co-located MLD AP, transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending from the first non-co-located MLD AP in the previous method mode, and processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the first non-co-located MLD AP in the previous method mode.

[00239] For example, processing unit 1601 is configured to generate a BTM request frame; and transceiver unit 1602 is configured to emit the BTM request frame.

[00240] It can be understood that transceiver unit 1602 can send the BTM request frame to a non-AP MLD, or transceiver unit 1602 sends the BTM request frame from processing unit 1601 to an affiliated AP of the MLD AP.

[00241] For example, transceiver unit 1602 is still configured to transmit a second communication frame.

[00242] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the non-AP MLD in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the non-AP MLD or a component that may be configured on the non-AP MLD, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending the non-AP MLD in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the non-AP MLD in the prior method embodiment.

[00243] Transceiver unit 1602 is configured to insert a BTM request frame; and processing unit 1601 is configured to parse the BTM request frame.

[00244] For example, the 1602 transceiver unit is still Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 82 / 118 76 / 93 configured to insert a second communication panel.

[00245] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the AP in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the AP or a component (such as a chip or a system) that may be configured on the AP, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending from the AP in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the AP in the prior method embodiment.

[00246] For example, transceiver unit 1602 is configured to insert a polling request frame and output a polling response frame.

[00247] It can be understood that transceiver unit 1602 can send the probe response frame to a STA, or transceiver unit 1602 outputs the probe response frame from processing unit 1601 to another component in the AP. Descriptions related to the output of another frame by the transceiver unit are similar. The details are not described below again.

[00248] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the STA in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the STA or a component (such as a chip or a system) that may be configured on the STA, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending the STA in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the STA in the prior method embodiment.

[00249] Transceiver unit 1602 is configured to emit a probe request frame and insert a frame of Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 83 / 118 77 / 93 survey response.

[00250] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the AP in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the AP or a component (such as a chip or a system) that may be configured on the AP, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending from the AP in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the AP in the prior method embodiment.

[00251] For example, processing unit 1601 is configured to determine a third communication frame; and transceiver unit 1602 is configured to transmit the third communication frame.

[00252] It can be understood that transceiver unit 1602 can send the third communication frame to a STA, or transceiver unit 1602 outputs the third communication frame from processing unit 1601 to another component in the AP. Descriptions related to the output of another frame by the transceiver unit are similar. The details are not described below again.

[00253] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the STA in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the STA or a component (such as a chip or a system) that may be configured on the STA, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending the STA in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the STA in the prior method embodiment.

[00254] Transceiver unit 1602 is configured to Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 84 / 118 78 / 93 insert a third communication frame; and processing unit 1601 is configured to analyze the third communication frame.

[00255] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the AP in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the AP or a component (such as a chip or a system) that may be configured on the AP, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending from the AP in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the AP in the prior method embodiment.

[00256] For example, processing unit 1601 is configured to determine a second communication frame; and transceiver unit 1602 is configured to transmit the second communication frame.

[00257] It can be understood that transceiver unit 1602 can send the second communication frame to a STA, or transceiver unit 1602 outputs the second communication frame from processing unit 1601 to another component in the AP. Descriptions related to the output of another frame by the transceiver unit are similar. The details are not described below again.

[00258] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform actions performed by the STA in the prior method embodiment. In this case, the communication device may be the STA or a component (such as a chip or a system) that may be configured on the STA, the transceiver unit 1602 is configured to perform operations related to receiving and sending the STA in the prior method embodiment, and the processing unit 1601 is configured to perform operations related to processing the STA in the Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 85 / 118 79 / 93 previous method modality.

[00259] Transceiver unit 1602 is configured to insert a second communication frame; and processing unit 1601 is configured to analyze the second communication frame.

[00260] Optionally, the communication device may also include a storage unit. The storage unit may be configured to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1601 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit, so that the communication device implements the embodiments of the previous method.

[00261] It may be understood that specific descriptions of the transceiver unit and processing unit described in embodiments of this application are merely examples. For specific functions, execution steps, or similar of the transceiver unit and processing unit, please refer to the previous method embodiments. Details are not described again in this document.

[00262] In the previous embodiments, for descriptions of the first communication frame, the BTM request frame, the probe request frame, the probe response frame, the second communication frame, the third communication frame, and the like, refer to the descriptions in the previous method embodiments. Details are not described again in this document.

[00263] The above describes the communication device in this embodiment of this application. A possible product form of the communication device is described below. It should be understood that a product in any form that has the functions of the communication device described in FIG. 16 falls within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. It should also be understood that the following description is merely an example and does not limit a product form of the communication device in embodiments of this application. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 86 / 118 80 / 93 order.

[00264] In one possible implementation, in the communication apparatus shown in FIG. 16, the processing unit 1601 may be one or more processors; and the transceiver unit 1602 may be a transceiver or the transceiver unit 1602 may be a sending unit and a receiving unit, where the sending unit may be a transmitter, the receiving unit may be a receiver, and the sending unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one device, for example, a transceiver. In this embodiment of this application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, or similar. The way of connecting the processor and the transceiver is not limited in embodiments of this application. In a process of carrying out the previous method, a process of sending information in the previous method may be understood as a process of outputting information by the processor. When emitting the information, the processor sends the information to a transceiver, so that the transceiver transmits the information.After the information is emitted by the processor, further processing may be necessary before the information reaches the transceiver. Similarly, a process of receiving information in the previous method can be understood as a process of receiving input information by the processor. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the information and inserts it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, further processing may be required before the information is received by the processor.

[00265] As shown in FIG. 17, a communication device 170 includes one or more 1720 processors and one 1710 transceiver.

[00266] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the AP in the previous method embodiment. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 87 / 118 81 / 93

[00267] Processor 1720 is configured to determine a first communication frame; and transceiver 1710 is configured to send the first communication frame.

[00268] In some other embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar tasks performed by the STA in the previous method embodiment.

[00269] Transceiver 1710 is configured to receive a first communication frame; and processor 1720 is configured to analyze the first communication frame.

[00270] It may be understood that specific descriptions of the transceiver and processor described in embodiments of this application are merely examples. For specific functions, execution steps, or similar of the transceiver and processor, please refer to the previous embodiments of the method. Details are not described again in this document.

[00271] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be a non-co-located MLD AP or a component that may be configured on the non-co-located MLD AP. For example, processor 1720 may be configured to generate a BTM request frame; and transceiver 1710 may be configured to send the BTM request frame (e.g., send the BTM request frame to an AP).

[00272] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be a non-AP MLD or a component that can be configured on the non-AP MLD. For example, transceiver 1710 may be configured to receive a BTM request frame (e.g., receive the BTM request frame from an STA); and processor 1720 may be configured to parse the BTM request frame.

[00273] In some other forms of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the AP in the method mode. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pages 88 / 118 82 / 93 previous.

[00274] Transceiver 1710 is configured to receive a polling request frame and send a polling response frame.

[00275] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the STA in the embodiment of the previous method.

[00276] Transceiver 1710 is configured to send a probe request frame and receive a probe response frame.

[00277] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the AP in the previous method embodiment.

[00278] Processor 1720 is configured to determine a third communication frame; and transceiver 1710 is configured to send the third communication frame.

[00279] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the STA in the embodiment of the previous method.

[00280] Transceiver 1710 is configured to receive a third communication frame; and processor 1720 is configured to analyze the third communication frame.

[00281] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the AP in the previous method embodiment.

[00282] Processor 1720 is configured to determine a second communication frame; and transceiver 1710 is configured to send the second communication frame.

[00283] In some other forms of this request, the device Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 89 / 118 Communication mode 83 / 93 can be configured to perform steps, functions, or similar tasks performed by STA in the previous method.

[00284] Transceiver 1710 is configured to receive a second communication frame; and processor 1720 is configured to analyze the second communication frame.

[00285] In the previous embodiments, for descriptions of the first communication frame, the BTM request frame, the probe request frame, the probe response frame, the second communication frame, the third communication frame, and the like, refer to the descriptions in the previous method embodiments. Details are not described again in this document.

[00286] In various implementations of the communication device shown in FIG. 17, the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter; the receiver is configured to perform a receiving function (or operation), and the transmitter is configured to perform a transmitting function (or operation). Furthermore, the transceiver is configured to communicate with another device / appliance via a transmission medium.

[00287] Optionally, the communication device 170 may also include one or more memories 1730, configured to store program instructions and / or data. The memory 1730 is coupled to the processor 1720. The coupling in this embodiment of this application may be an indirect coupling or a communication connection between devices, units or modules in electronic, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules. The processor 1720 may cooperate with the memory 1730. The processor 1720 may execute the program instructions stored in the memory 1730. Optionally, at least one or more memories may be included in the processor.

[00288] A specific means of connection between the transceiver Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pages 90 / 118 84 / 93 In this embodiment of the application, the 1710 memory, the 1720 processor, and the 1730 memory are not limited to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the 1730 memory, the 1720 processor, and the 1710 transceiver are connected via a 1740 bus as shown in FIG. 17. The bus is represented by a bold line in FIG. 17. One way of connecting other components is merely an example for description and is not limited to this. The bus can be classified as an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of representation, only one bold line represents the bus in FIG. 17, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[00289] In this embodiment of this 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 logic device or transistor, a discrete hardware component, or similar. The processor may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional or similar processor. The steps of the methods disclosed with reference to embodiments of this application may be performed directly by a hardware processor or may be performed by using a combination of hardware in the processor and a software module or similar.

[00290] In embodiments of this application, memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 91 / 118 85 / 93 a portable read-only memory (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory, CD-ROM). Memory is any storage medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of an instruction or a data structure and that can be read and / or written by a computer (for example, the communication apparatus shown in this application). However, this application is not limited to this. Memory in the embodiments of this application may alternatively be a circuit or any other apparatus that can implement a storage function and is configured to store program instructions and / or data.

[00291] For example, the 1720 processor is primarily configured to process a communication protocol and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute a software program, and process data from the software program. The 1730 memory is primarily configured to store a software program and data. The 1710 transceiver may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is primarily configured to: perform the conversion between a baseband signal and a radio frequency signal and process the radio frequency signal. The antenna is primarily configured to receive and transmit a radio frequency signal in the form of an electromagnetic wave. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, or a keyboard, is primarily configured to: receive data that is entered by a user and transmit data to the user.

[00292] After the communication device is turned on, the 1720 processor can read the software program in memory 1730, interpret and execute instructions from the software program, and process data from the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the 1720 processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and then sends a baseband signal to a radio frequency circuit. The Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 92 / 118 The 86 / 93 radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then sends a radio frequency signal through the antenna in the form of an electromagnetic wave. When data is sent 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 sends the baseband signal to the 1720 processor. The 1720 processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[00293] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuit and antenna can be arranged independently of the processor that performs baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuit and antenna can be arranged remotely and independently of the communication device.

[00294] It may be understood that the communication apparatus shown in this embodiment of this application may alternatively include more components than those shown in FIG. 17, or similar ones. This is not limited in this embodiment of this application. The preceding methods performed by the processor and the transceiver are merely examples. For specific steps performed by the processor and the transceiver, refer to the methods described above.

[00295] In another possible implementation, in the communication apparatus shown in FIG. 16, the processing unit 1601 may be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver unit 1602 may be an input / output interface, or may be called a communication interface, interface circuit, interface, or similar. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 1602 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit may be an output interface and the receiving unit may be an input interface. The sending unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one unit, by Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 93 / 118 87 / 93 example, an input / output interface. As shown in FIG. 18, a communication device shown in FIG. 18 includes a logic circuit 1801 and an interface 1802. In other words, the processing unit 1601 can be implemented using the logic circuit 1801, and the transceiver unit 1602 can be implemented using the interface 1802. The logic circuit 1801 can be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit, a system on a chip (SoC), or similar. The interface 1802 can be a communication interface, an input / output interface, a pin, or similar. For example, FIG. 18 shows an example in which the communication device is a chip. The chip includes the logic circuit 1801 and the interface 1802.

[00296] In this embodiment of this application, the logic circuit and the interface may alternatively be coupled together. A specific way of connecting the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment of this application.

[00297] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the AP in the previous method embodiment.

[00298] For example, logic circuit 1801 is configured to determine a first communication frame; and interface 1802 is configured to emit the first communication frame.

[00299] In some other embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the STA in the previous method embodiment.

[00300] For example, interface 1802 is configured to insert a first communication frame; and logic circuit 1801 is configured to analyze the first communication frame.

[00301] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions, or similar actions performed by the first non-co-located MLD AP in the previous method embodiment. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 94 / 118 88 / 93

[00302] For example, logic circuit 1801 is configured to generate a BTM request frame; and interface 1802 is configured to emit the BTM request frame.

[00303] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the non-AP MLD in the prior method embodiment.

[00304] For example, interface 1802 is configured to insert a BTM request frame; and logic circuit 1801 is configured to parse the BTM request frame.

[00305] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the AP in the previous method embodiment.

[00306] For example, interface 1802 is configured to insert a polling request frame and issue a polling response frame.

[00307] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the STA in the embodiment of the previous method.

[00308] For example, interface 1802 is configured to issue a polling request frame and insert a polling response frame.

[00309] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the AP in the previous method embodiment.

[00310] For example, logic circuit 1801 is configured to determine a third communication frame; and interface 1802 is configured to output the third communication frame.

[00311] In some other forms of this application, the communication device can be configured to perform steps, Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 95 / 118 89 / 93 functions or similar performed by STA in the previous method.

[00312] For example, interface 1802 is configured to insert a third communication frame; and logic circuit 1801 is configured to analyze the third communication frame.

[00313] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the AP in the previous method embodiment.

[00314] For example, logic circuit 1801 is configured to determine a second communication frame; and interface 1802 is configured to output the second communication frame.

[00315] In some other embodiments of this application, the communication device may be configured to perform steps, functions or similar actions performed by the STA in the previous method embodiment.

[00316] For example, interface 1802 is configured to insert a second communication frame; and logic circuit 1801 is configured to analyze the second communication frame.

[00317] It may be understood that specific descriptions of the logic circuit and interface in this embodiment of this application are merely examples. For specific functions, implementation steps, or similar of the logic circuit and interface, please refer to the previous method embodiments. Details are not described again in this document.

[00318] In the previous embodiments, for descriptions of the first communication frame, BTM request frame, probe request frame, probe response frame, third communication frame, second communication frame and the like, refer to the descriptions in the previous method embodiments. Details are not described again in this document.

[00319] It can be understood that the communication device shown in this embodiment of this application can implement the Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 96-118 90 / 93 methods provided in embodiments of this application in a hardware form, or may implement the methods provided in embodiments of this application in a software form. This is not limited to embodiments of this application.

[00320] One embodiment of this application further provides a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system includes an AP and a STA, and the AP and STA can be configured to perform the method according to any of the preceding embodiments. Alternatively, the wireless communication system includes a non-co-located MLD AP and a non-AP MLD, and the non-co-located MLD AP and the non-AP MLD can be configured to perform the method according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[00321] In addition, this application also provides a computer program. The computer program is used to implement an operation and / or processing performed by the AP in the method provided in this application.

[00322] This application also provides a computer program. The computer program is used to implement an operation and / or processing performed by STA in the method provided in this application.

[00323] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer code. When the computer code is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform an operation and / or processing performed by the AP in the method provided in this application.

[00324] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer code. When the computer code is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform an operation and / or processing performed by the STA in the method provided in this application. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 97 / 118 91 / 93

[00325] This application further provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or computer program is run on a computer, an operation and / or processing performed by the AP in the method provided in this application is carried out.

[00326] This application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or computer program is run on a computer, an operation and / or processing performed by STA in the method provided in this application is carried out.

[00327] In the various embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described embodiment of the apparatus is only an example. For instance, the division into units is merely a logical function division and may be another division during actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented. Furthermore, the mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[00328] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed across a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on an actual requirement to implement the technical effect of the solutions provided in Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pages 98 / 118 92 / 93 modalities of this request.

[00329] Furthermore, functional units in embodiments of this application may be integrated into a processing unit, or each of the units may exist physically alone, or two or more units are integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in a hardware form or may be implemented in the form of a software functional unit.

[00330] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a functional software unit and sold or used as a standalone product, the unit may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of this application essentially, or the part that contributes to the conventional technology, or all or some of the technical solutions may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored on a readable storage medium and includes various instructions to instruct a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device or similar) to perform all or some of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of this application.Readable storage media includes any medium that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[00331] The preceding descriptions are only specific implementations of this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any variation or substitution readily perceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of protection of Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pp. 99 / 118 93 / 93 claims. Petition 870250098260, dated 10 / 28 / 2025, pages 100 / 118

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. Multi-link communication method, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: determining a first communication frame, wherein the first communication frame comprises indication information of a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD) and first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a termination time of the first AP MLD; and sending the first communication frame.

2. Multi-link communication method, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: receiving a first communication frame, wherein the first communication frame comprises indication information of a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD) and first indication information, and the first indication information indicates a termination time of the first AP MLD; and analyzing the first communication frame.

3. Method, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the first AP MLD is a non-co-located AP MLD.

4. Method, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the first AP MLD is a colocated AP MLD, and the first communication frame further comprises information indicating a non-colocated AP MLD to which the colocated AP MLD is affiliated.

5. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the first indication information comprises the first duration, and the first duration indicates that the first AP MLD is terminated after the first duration.

6. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the indication information of Petition 870250085844, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, page 13 / 20 2 / 7 first AP MLD and the first indication information are comprised in a multi-link reconfiguration element of the first communication frame.

7. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the first communication frame further comprises at least one of the following: indication information indicating a termination reason of the first AP MLD, and one or more neighbor reporting elements, wherein the one or more neighbor reporting elements comprise information about a neighboring access point AP of an AP affiliated to the first AP MLD.

8. Multi-link communication method, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: generating, by a first non-co-located MLD AP, a Basic Services Set Transition Management (BSS) request frame, wherein the BTM request frame comprises information indicating a second non-co-located MLD AP; and sending, by the first non-co-located MLD AP, the BTM request frame using an affiliated AP.

9. Multi-link communication method, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the method is applied to a multi-link device without a non-AP MLD access point, and comprises: receiving a Basic Services Set (BSS) transition management request frame (BTM) from an affiliated AP, wherein the affiliated AP is affiliated to a first non-co-located MLD AP, and the BTM request frame comprises indication information of a second non-co-located MLD AP; and parsing the BTM request frame.

10. Method, according to claim 8 or 9, CHARACTERIZED in that an address information field of the BTM request form comprises information from Petition 870250085844, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, page 14 / 20 3 / 7 indicating the first non-co-located AP MLD.

11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the BTM request frame further comprises at least one of the following: information included in BSS termination, link removal information, and link transition information, wherein the information included in BSS termination indicates whether a BSS associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP is terminated, the link removal information indicates whether a link associated with the first non-co-located MLD AP should be removed, and the link transition information indicates whether the transition should be performed between different co-located MLD APs affiliated with the first non-co-located MLD AP.

12. Method, according to any one of claims 8, 10 and 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the method further comprises: sending a second communication frame, wherein the second communication frame comprises a reduced neighbor reporting element, and the reduced neighbor reporting element comprises information about at least one affiliated AP of a colocated MLD AP affiliated to the first non-colocated MLD AP.

13. Method, according to any one of claims 9 to 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the method further comprises: receiving a second communication frame, wherein the second communication frame comprises a reduced neighbor reporting element, and the reduced neighbor reporting element comprises information about at least one affiliated AP of a colocated MLD AP affiliated to the first non-colocated MLD AP.

14. Multi-link communication method, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: receiving a probe request frame, wherein the probe request frame comprises information indicating a first colocated MLD AP and a second piece of information from Petition 870250085844, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, page.15 / 20 4 / 7 indication, the first colocated AP MLD is affiliated with a third non-colocated AP MLD, and the second indication information indicates to probe the first colocated AP MLD, or the second indication information indicates to probe a colocated AP MLD that is affiliated with the third non-colocated AP MLD and that is adjacent to the first colocated AP MLD, or the second indication information indicates to probe the first colocated AP MLD and a colocated AP MLD that is affiliated with the third non-colocated AP MLD and that is adjacent to the first colocated AP MLD, or the second indication information indicates to probe a colocated AP MLD affiliated with the third non-colocated AP MLD; and send a probe response frame.

15. Multi-link communication method, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: sending a probe request frame, wherein the probe request frame comprises information indicating a first colocated MLD AP and a second indication that the first MLD AP is affiliated with a third non-colocated MLD AP, and the second indication indicates probing the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates probing a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates probing the first colocated MLD AP and a colocated MLD AP that is affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP and that is adjacent to the first colocated MLD AP, or the second indication indicates probing a colocated MLD AP affiliated with the third non-colocated MLD AP; and receiving a probe response frame.

16. Method, according to claim 14 or 15, CHARACTERIZED in that when the second indication information indicates probing a colocated AP MLD affiliated with Petition 870250085844, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, page 16 / 20 5 / 7 third non-colocated AP MLD, the probing response frame comprises a third indication information, and the third indication information indicates a quantity of colocated AP MLDs affiliated with the third non-colocated AP MLD.

17. Method, according to any one of claims 14 to 16, CHARACTERIZED in that the drilling request form further includes information indicating the third non-co-located AP MLD.

18. Method, according to any one of claims 14 to 17, CHARACTERIZED in that the probe request frame further comprises a service set identifier SSID.

19. Multi-link communication method, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: determining a third communication frame, wherein the third communication frame comprises a fourth indication piece of information, and the fourth indication piece of information indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be removed from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the fourth indication piece of information indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be transited from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP to a fifth non-colocated MLD AP; and sending the third communication frame.

20. Multi-link communication method, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: receiving a third communication frame, wherein the third communication frame comprises a fourth indication piece of information, and the fourth indication piece of information indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be removed from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP, or the fourth indication piece of information indicates a second colocated MLD AP to be transited from a fourth non-colocated MLD AP to a fifth non-colocated MLD AP; and analyzing the third communication frame.

21. Method according to claim 19 or 20, Petition 870250085844, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, pp. 17 / 20 6 / 7 CHARACTERIZED in that the third communication frame further comprises a fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information indicates a removal time of the second colocalized AP MLD from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD, or the fifth indication information indicates a transition time of the second colocalized AP MLD from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD to the fifth non-colocated AP MLD.

22. Method according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED in that the fifth indication information comprises the second duration, and the second duration indicates that the second colocalized AP MLD is removed from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD after the second duration, or the second duration indicates that the second colocalized AP MLD is transferred from the fourth non-colocated AP MLD to the fifth non-colocated AP MLD after the second duration.

23. Method, according to any one of claims 19 to 22, CHARACTERIZED in that the third communication frame further includes information indicating the second colocated AP MLD and information indicating the fourth non-colocated AP MLD.

24. Communication apparatus, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a unit configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. Communication apparatus, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions; and the processor is configured to execute the instructions, so that the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23 is realized.

26. Communication apparatus, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a logic circuit and an interface, wherein the logic circuit is coupled to the interface; and the interface is configured to input and / or output code instructions, and the logic circuit is configured to execute the code instructions, in such a way that the method as defined in any of claims 1 to 23 is carried out.

27. Computer-readable storage medium, CHARACTERIZED in that the computer-readable storage medium is configured to store a computer program and, when the computer program is executed, the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23 is performed.

28. Computer program, characterized in that when the computer program is executed, the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23 is performed.

29. Communication system, CHARACTERIZED in that the communication system comprises a first communication apparatus and a second communication apparatus; and the first communication apparatus is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 and 3 to 7, and the second communication apparatus is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 2 to 7; or the first communication apparatus is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 8 and 10 to 12, and the second communication apparatus is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 9 to 11 and 13; or the first communication apparatus is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 14 and 16 to 18, and the second communication apparatus is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 15 to 18;or the first communication device is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 19 and 21 to 23, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 20 to 23. Petition 870250085844, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, pp. 19 / 20;

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