Method and apparatus for handling distributed system mapping changes in multi-access point system
By performing context transfer and distributed system mapping change procedures in a multi-access point system, the problem of mapping changes for non-access point workstations between different access points is solved, achieving seamless handover and communication continuity, and improving the system's flexibility and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480024957.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-23
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-25
AI Technical Summary
In multi-access point systems, existing technologies cannot effectively handle changes in the distribution system mapping of non-access point workstations across different access points, especially when these mapping changes are not achieved through reassociation.
By performing context transfer and distribution system mapping change procedures after a non-access point workstation switches from one access point to another, it ensures that mapping changes are not handled through reassociation, including the transfer of context parameters and mapping notifications.
It enables seamless switching in multi-access point systems while maintaining communication continuity, reduces latency and interruptions caused by reassociation, and improves system flexibility and efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN121014250A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for processing distribution system (DS) mapping changes in a multiple access point (MAP) system. [Background Technology]
[0002] A distributed system (DS) provides a way to connect multiple access points (APs). For example, a first AP and a second AP are connected to the DS. A first non-access point workstation (STA) associated with the first AP can communicate with a second non-AP STA associated with the second AP through the first AP, the DS, and the second AP. Before the DS sends data to a target non-AP STA, it needs to know which AP the target non-AP STA is using to access the DS. When a non-AP STA moves from a first location within the service area of the first AP to a second location within the service area of the second AP, a reassociation service can be invoked to move the non-AP STA's current association from the first AP to the second AP. Furthermore, DS mapping changes are communicated to the DS via the reassociation process to inform the DS of the mapping between the non-AP STA and the second AP.
[0003] With the development of Wi-Fi technology, Map-Mapped Systems (MAPs) were proposed. In a MAP system, multiple Access Points (APs) (e.g., AP Multilink Devices (MLDs)) coordinate to provide services to Non-Access Point Stations (STAs) (e.g., Non-AP MLDs). When a Non-AP STA (e.g., Non-AP MLD) moves from a first location within the service area of a first AP (e.g., AP MLD) in the MAP system to a second location within the service area of a second AP (e.g., AP MLD) in the same MAP system, moving the Non-AP STA's current association from the first AP to the second AP is not a reassociation because the two APs are within the same MAP system. The MAP system should provide an alternative method to implement DS mapping changes instead of reassociation. [Summary of the Invention]
[0004] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for processing distribution system (DS) mapping changes in a multiple access point (MAP) system.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an exemplary distributed system (DS) mapping change method is disclosed. This exemplary DS mapping change method includes: after a non-AP STA switches from a first access point (AP) in a multi-access point (MAP) system to a second AP in the MAP system, performing a context transfer procedure to transfer the context of the first AP to the second AP, wherein the context includes traffic parameters between the non-AP STA and the first AP; and performing a DS mapping change procedure to notify the DS non-AP STA of the mapping between the DS and the second AP, wherein the DS mapping change procedure does not involve reassociation processing.
[0006] According to a second aspect of the invention, an exemplary multi-access point (MAP) system is disclosed. This exemplary MAP system includes a first access point (AP) and a second AP. After a non-AP workstation (non-AP STA) switches from the first AP to the second AP, the MAP system is configured to perform a context transfer procedure to transfer the context of the first AP to the second AP, and to perform a distribution system (DS) mapping change procedure to notify the DS of the mapping between the non-AP STA and the second AP. The context includes traffic parameters between the non-AP STA and the first AP. The DS mapping change procedure does not involve re-association processing.
[0007] These, and other objectives of the invention, will undoubtedly become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in conjunction with various figures and diagrams. [Attached Image Description]
[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a first DS mapping modification method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wireless communication system before the DS mapping change is completed.
[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wireless communication system after the DS mapping change is completed.
[0012] Figure 5 It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wireless communication system after roaming is complete.
[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a second DS mapping modification method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a wireless communication system before the context transfer is complete.
[0015] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the wireless communication system configuration after a non-AP STA switches other links of one AP to another AP.
[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a third DS mapping modification method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the wireless communication system configuration after a single-link non-AP device switches the link of one AP to another AP.
[0019] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wireless communication system before the DS mapping change is completed.
[0020] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wireless communication system after the DS mapping change is completed.
Detailed Implementation Methods
[0021] Certain terms are used in the following description and claims to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that electronics manufacturers may use different names to refer to a component. This document is not intended to distinguish between components with different names but identical functions. In the following description and claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as "including, but not limited to...". Furthermore, the term "coupled" is intended to indicate an indirect or direct electrical connection. Thus, if one device is coupled to another device, the connection can be a direct electrical connection or an indirect electrical connection via other devices and connections.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system 100 can be a Wi-Fi system conforming to the IEEE 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8) standard or a next-generation Wi-Fi standard. The wireless communication system 100 includes a MAP system 102, which includes multiple access points (APs). For simplicity, only... Figure 1The diagram shows two APs, 106 and 108. Additionally, non-AP STA104 is associated with AP 106 of MAP system 102. It should be noted that the APs of MAP system 102 can be AP MLDs with multiple links operating on different RF bands and capable of simultaneous operation, or they can be non-MLD APs. Therefore, MAP system 102 supporting the proposed DS mapping change scheme can be formed by multiple AP MLDs, multiple non-MLD APs, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, APs 106 and 108 are implemented by AP MLDs with different Media Access Control (MAC) addresses (labeled "AP MLD 1 (MAC=XX)" and "AP MLD 2 (MAC=YY)"). For example, one AP MLD may have two affiliated APs (labeled "AP1" and "AP2"), and another AP MLD may have two affiliated APs (labeled "AP3" and "AP4"). Furthermore, a common MLD (labeled "CMLD") is embedded within an AP MLD to coordinate MAP operations between MLDs, including authentication, key distribution / update, etc. Multiple AP MLDs may be non-co-located and connected via a backhaul link, with the CMLD coordinating them into a single MAP system. In this embodiment, non-AP STA 104 is implemented by a non-AP MLD comprising two affiliated STAs (labeled "STA 1" and "STA 2"). Therefore, the non-AP STA (e.g., non-AP MLD) 104 is connected to the AP (e.g., AP...) via multiple links (labeled "Link 1" and "Link 2") 110 and 112. MLD)106. When a non-AP STA 104 moves from its current location P1 to a different location P2, the non-AP STA 104 can request a transition from AP 106 to AP 108. Since AP 106 and 108 are both within the same MAP system 102, the proposed DS mapping change scheme can be used to handle the DS mapping change without re-association.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a first DS mapping change method according to an embodiment of the present invention. When a non-AP STA (non-APMLD) 104 moves from its current position P1 to a different position P2, as... Figure 1 As shown, non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 initiates a transition (i.e., roaming) from one AP (AP MLD) 106 to another AP (AP MLD) 108 via link addition (or link switching). This link is established (labeled "Link 2") 112 (step S202) between non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 108. Figure 3As shown. In this embodiment, the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 initiates the transition (i.e., roaming) by establishing at least one second link between the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and the AP (AP MLD) 108, while maintaining at least one first link between the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and the AP (APMLD) 106. Figure 3 As shown, the two links 110 and 112 are connected to different APs 106 and 108, respectively.
[0024] Any phase between the initial and final phases of roaming can be considered part of a transition phase. For example, before a DS mapping change, the phase where multiple links from a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) are connected to different APs (AP MLDs) can be considered part of a transition phase. Another example is the phase after a DS mapping change where multiple links from a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) are connected to different APs (AP MLDs) can be considered another part of a transition phase.
[0025] Transitions may trigger DS mapping changes. Therefore, when a transition is initiated by a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104, actions can be taken to determine whether a DS mapping change is necessary. For example, the DS mapping change decision is made by APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108 (MAP system 102). Another example is that the DS mapping change decision is based on a recommendation or instruction sent from a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 to APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108 (MAP system 102). Yet another example is that the DS mapping change decision is based on negotiation between a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108 (MAP system 102).
[0026] When DS mapping changes are required, execute Figure 3 The illustrated context transfer procedure transfers the context of AP (AP MLD) 106 to AP (AP MLD) 108 (step S204). Context transfer can be determined by AP (AP MLD) 106 or requested by AP (AP MLD) 108. Context transfer is transparent to non-AP STAs (non-AP MLDs) 104. The context includes traffic parameters between non-AP STAs (non-AP MLDs) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 106. For example, the context may include sequence number (SN), packet number (PN), reordering buffer status, etc.
[0027] After the context transfer process is initiated, a DS mapping change procedure is executed to notify the DS non-access point workstation (non-AP MLD) 104 of the mapping between it and the access point (AP MLD) 108 (step S206). This DS mapping change procedure does not involve re-association processing. After the DS mapping change procedure is completed, the DS knows that the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is mapped to the AP (AP MLD) 108 and can communicate with the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 through the AP (AP MLD) 108. The DS mapping state may be transparent to the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104, or the APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108 may provide the DS mapping state to the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104.
[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, after the DS mapping change process is completed, the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 has two links 110 and 112 connected to different APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108. Therefore, before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is disconnected from the AP (AP MLD) 106, link 110 remains connected between the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and the AP (AP MLD) 106, and can still be used for data transmission, where data transmission through link 110 is expected to have a significant delay.
[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the downlink (DL) data (e.g., remaining MAC Service Data Units (MSDUs)) cached in the AP (AP MLD) 106 is transmitted to the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 via link 110, such as... Figure 4 As shown.
[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the DL data (e.g., remaining MSDUs) cached in the AP (AP MLD) 106 is forwarded to the AP (AP MLD) 108, and then transmitted to the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 via link 112, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown.
[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the DL data cached in the AP (AP MLD) 108 is transmitted to the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 only via link 112, such as... Figure 4 As shown.
[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is transmitted to the AP (AP MLD) 108 via link 112, such as... Figure 4 As shown.
[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the UL data cached in the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is transmitted to the AP (AP MLD) 106 via link 110, and then forwarded to the AP (AP MLD) 108, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown.
[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, repeated transmissions may occur via multiple links during the transition phase. Specifically, after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the UL data cached in the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is transmitted to the AP (AP MLD) 104 via link 112, and the same UL data is transmitted to the AP (AP MLD) 106 via link 110, and then forwarded to the AP (AP MLD) 108, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown.
[0035] After the context transfer process and DS mapping change process are completed, the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 deletes / disconnects the link with the AP (AP MLD) 106 to complete the roaming (step S208). Figure 5 As shown, there is no active link between non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 106; all DL / UL traffic originates from / is destined for AP (AP MLD) 108. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 may remain in the transition phase to connect to multiple links of different APs (AP MLDs) 106, 108 in the MAP system 102. However, the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 may not remain in the transition phase for too long. In some embodiments of the invention, a time limit may be declared by APs (AP MLDs) 106 / 108, and the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 checks the time limit to determine when to delete link 110. When the time limit is met, the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 deletes link 110 to disconnect from AP (AP MLD) 106. In some embodiments of the invention, the time limit may be checked by APs (AP MLDs) 106 / 108 to determine when to forcibly delete the link.
[0036] Regarding the first DS mapping change method, the context transfer procedure and the DS mapping change procedure are performed before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106. In another design, the context transfer procedure and the DS mapping change procedure can be performed after the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106.
[0037] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a second DS mapping change method according to an embodiment of the present invention. When a non-access point workstation (non-AP multi-link device, abbreviated as non-AP MLD) 104 moves from its current location P1 to a different location P2, as follows... Figure 1 As shown, non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 initiates a handover from one access point (AP multi-link device, abbreviated as AP MLD) 106 to another AP (AP MLD) 108 through link addition (or link switching), that is, establishing a link (marked as "link 2") 112 (step S602) between non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 108. Figure 7 As shown. In this embodiment, non-APSTA (non-AP MLD) 104 initiates handover (i.e., roaming) by establishing at least one second link between non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 108, while maintaining at least one first link between non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 106. Figure 7 As shown, the two links 110 and 112 are connected to different APs 106 and 108, respectively.
[0038] Any phase between the initial and final phases of roaming can be considered part of a transition phase. For example, the phase where multiple links from a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) are connected to different APs (AP MLDs) can be considered part of a transition phase. Another example is the phase where multiple links from a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) are connected to another AP (AP MLD) before the DS mapping changes; this can be considered another part of the transition phase.
[0039] Handover may trigger DS mapping changes. Therefore, when a handover is initiated by a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104, actions can be taken to determine whether a DS mapping change is necessary. For example, the DS mapping change decision is made by APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108 (MAP system 102). Another example is that the DS mapping change decision is based on a suggestion or instruction sent from a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 to APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108 (MAP system 102). Yet another example is that the DS mapping change decision is based on negotiation between a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108 (MAP system 102).
[0040] When a DS mapping change is required, APs (AP MLDs) 106 and 108 decide not to initiate a context transfer procedure at this time (step S604). Therefore, since there is no DS mapping change at this time, APs (AP MLDs) 106 / 108 can provide the current mapping status to the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104, where the current mapping status indicates that the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 should communicate with the DS through AP (AP MLD) 106.
[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, before non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from AP (AP MLD) 106, it has two links 110 and 112 connected to different APs (AP MLD) 106 and 108. Therefore, before non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from AP (AP MLD) 106, link 110 remains connected between non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 106 and can still be used for data transmission. Since the DS mapping has not changed, data transmission through link 112 is expected to have a greater delay.
[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the downlink (DL) data cached in the AP (AP MLD) 106 is transmitted to the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 only through link 110, such as... Figure 7 As shown.
[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is transmitted to the AP (AP MLD) 106 via link 110, such as... Figure 7 As shown.
[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, the uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is transmitted to the AP (APMLD) 108 via link 112, and then forwarded to the AP (AP MLD) 106, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown.
[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, repeated transmissions can be performed on multiple links. Before the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from the AP (AP MLD) 106, uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is transmitted to the AP (AP MLD) 106 via link 110, and the same UL data is transmitted to the AP (AP MLD) 108 via link 112, and then forwarded to the AP (AP MLD) 106, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown.
[0046] In step S606, non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 decides to switch other links of AP (AP MLD) 106 to AP (AP MLD) 108. For example... Figure 8 As shown, there is no active link between non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 106, and all links 110 and 112 of non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 are connected to the same AP (AP MLD) 108. After non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 disconnects from AP (AP MLD) 106, the following steps are executed: Figure 8The context transfer procedure shown transfers the context of AP (AP MLD) 106 to AP (AP MLD) 108 (step S608). Context transfer can be determined by AP (AP MLD) 106 or requested by AP (AP MLD) 108. Context transfer is transparent to non-AP STAs (non-AP MLDs) 104. The context includes traffic parameters between non-AP STAs (non-AP MLDs) 104 and AP (AP MLD) 106. For example, the context may include SN, PN, reordering buffer status, etc.
[0047] After the context transfer process is initiated, a DS mapping change process is executed to notify the DS non-access point workstation (non-AP MLD) 104 of the mapping between it and the access point (access point multilink device, AP MLD) 108 (step S610). This DS mapping change process does not involve re-association processing. After the DS mapping change process is completed, the DS knows that the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is mapped to the AP (AP MLD) 108 and can communicate with the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 through the AP (AP MLD) 108, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The DS mapping state may be transparent to non-AP STAs (non-AP MLDs) 104, and APs (AP MLDs) 108 can provide the DS mapping state to non-AP STAs (non-AP MLDs) 104. Furthermore, during the context transfer process and the DS mapping change process, APs (AP MLDs) 108 can buffer all downlink and uplink data until the DS mapping change process is complete.
[0048] After the context transfer process and DS mapping change process are completed, the roaming of the non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is completed (step S612). Figure 5 As shown, all downlink / uplink traffic originates from / is destined for AP (AP MLD) 108. In some embodiments of the invention, messages can be sent to non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 after the context transfer process and DS mapping change process are completed. For example, the message may include DS mapping status and context transfer status.
[0049] Regarding the first DS mapping change method and the second mapping change method, a non-AP STA (non-AP MLD) 104 is allowed to have multiple links connected to different APs (AP MLDs) 106, 108 before being disconnected from AP (AP MLD) 106. However, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. In another design, a non-AP STA moving within the MAP system 102 can be a single-link non-AP device. For example, a single-link non-AP device can be a non-multi-link device STA. Another example is that a single-link non-AP device can be a non-AP MLD configured to use only a single link.
[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Wireless communication system 900 may be a Wi-Fi system conforming to the IEEE 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8) standard or a next-generation Wi-Fi standard. Similar to wireless communication system 100, wireless communication system 900 includes a MAP system 102 comprising multiple APs 106 and 108. In this embodiment, a non-AP STA 904 is a single-link non-AP device connected to AP (AP MLD) 106 via a single link (labeled "Link 1") 902. For example, non-AP STA 904 may be a non-AP MLD configured to use only a single link. When non-AP STA 904 moves from its current location P1 to a different location P2, non-AP STA 904 may request a switch from AP 106 to AP 108. Since APs 106 and 108 are both within the same MAP system 102, the proposed DS mapping change scheme can be used to handle DS mapping changes without re-association.
[0051] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the third DS mapping change method according to an embodiment of the present invention. When a non-AP STA904 moves from the current position P1 to a different position P2, as... Figure 9 As shown, non-AP STA904 initiates a transition (i.e., roaming) by switching links from one AP (AP MLD) 106 to another AP (AP MLD) 108. A link 902 is established between non-AP STA904 and AP (AP MLD) 108 (step S1002). Figure 11As shown. Since non-AP STA904 is a single-link non-AP device, after link 902 is established between non-AP STA904 and AP (AP MLD) 108, there is no active link between non-AP STA904 and AP (AP MLD) 106. In other words, non-AP STA904 disconnects from AP (AP MLD) 106 after initiating a transition from one AP (AP MLD) 106 to another AP (AP MLD) 108.
[0052] After the non-AP STA904 is disconnected from the AP (AP MLD) 106, execute Figure 12 The context transfer procedure shown transfers the context of AP (AP MLD) 106 to AP (AP MLD) 108 (step S1004). Context transfer can be determined by AP (AP MLD) 106 or requested by AP (AP MLD) 108. Context transfer is transparent to non-AP STA 904. The context includes traffic parameters between non-AP STA 904 and AP (AP MLD) 106. For example, the context may include SN, PN, reordering buffer status, etc.
[0053] After the context transfer process is initiated, a DS mapping change procedure is executed to notify the DS of the mapping between non-AP STA904 and AP (APMLD) 108 (step S1006), wherein the DS mapping change procedure does not involve reassociation processing. After the DS mapping change procedure is completed, the DS knows that non-AP STA904 is mapped to AP (AP MLD) 108 and can communicate with non-AP STA904 through AP (AP MLD) 108, such as... Figure 13 As shown. The DS mapping state may be transparent to non-AP STA904, and AP (AP MLD) 108 can provide the DS mapping state to non-AP STA904. Furthermore, during the context transfer process and the DS mapping change process, AP (AP MLD) 108 can buffer all downlink and uplink data until the DS mapping change process is complete.
[0054] After the context transfer process and DS mapping change process are completed, roaming of the non-AP STA904 is completed (step S1008). For example... Figure 13 As shown, all downlink / uplink traffic originates from / is destined for AP (AP MLD) 108. In some embodiments of the invention, messages can be sent to non-AP STA 904 after the context transfer process and DS mapping change process are completed. For example, the message may include DS mapping status and context transfer status.
[0055] Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the apparatus and method while retaining the teachings of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing disclosure should be interpreted only within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for changing the mapping of a distribution system (DS), comprising: After a non-AP STA switches from the first access point (AP) in a multi-access-point (MAP) system to the second AP in that MAP system, Perform a context transfer procedure to transfer the context of the first AP to the second AP, where the context includes traffic parameters between the non-APSTA and the first AP; as well as Perform the DS mapping change procedure to notify the DS non-AP STA of the mapping between the second AP; The DS mapping change process does not involve re-association.
2. The DS mapping modification method as described in claim 1, further comprising: In response to a handover initiated by a non-AP STA, determine whether the DS mapping needs to be changed.
3. The DS mapping change method as described in claim 1, wherein the context transfer process and the DS mapping change process are performed before the non-AP STA disconnects from the first AP, and the DS mapping change process is performed after the context transfer process is initiated.
4. The DS mapping change method as described in claim 3, wherein the non-AP STA is a non-AP multilink device (MLD), and the non-AP STA initiates the handover by establishing at least one second link between the non-AP STA and the second AP, while maintaining at least one first link between the non-AP STA and the first AP.
5. The DS mapping change method as described in claim 4, wherein after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-APSTA disconnects from the first AP, the downlink (DL) data cached in the first AP is transmitted to the non-AP STA via at least one first link.
6. The DS mapping change method as described in claim 4, wherein after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-APSTA disconnects from the first AP, the downlink (DL) data cached in the first AP is forwarded to the second AP and then transmitted to the non-AP STA via at least one second link.
7. The DS mapping change method as described in claim 4, wherein after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-APSTA disconnects from the first AP, the downlink (DL) data cached in the second AP is transmitted to the non-AP STA only through at least one second link.
8. The DS mapping change method as described in claim 4, wherein after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-APSTA disconnects from the first AP, the uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA is transmitted to the second AP via at least one second link.
9. The DS mapping change method as described in claim 4, wherein after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-APSTA disconnects from the first AP, the uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA is transmitted to the first AP via at least one first link and then forwarded to the second AP.
10. The DS mapping change method as claimed in claim 4, wherein after the DS mapping change process is completed and before the non-APSTA disconnects from the first AP, uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA is transmitted to the second AP via at least one second link, and the same UL data is transmitted to the first AP via at least one first link and then forwarded to the second AP.
11. The DS mapping modification method as described in claim 4, further comprising: After the DS mapping change process is completed, delete at least one first link between the non-AP STA and the first AP.
12. The DS mapping change method of claim 11, wherein deleting at least one first link between a non-AP STA and the first AP comprises: Inspection time limit; as well as In response to the time limit being met, at least one first link is deleted.
13. The DS mapping change method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the context transfer process and the DS mapping change process are executed after the non-AP STA disconnects from the first AP, and the DS mapping change process is executed after the context transfer process is initiated.
14. The DS mapping change method of claim 13, wherein the non-AP STA is a non-AP multi-link device (MLD), and the non-AP STA initiates the conversion by establishing at least one second link between the non-AP STA and the second AP, while maintaining at least one first link between the non-AP STA and the first AP.
15. The DS mapping change method as claimed in claim 14, wherein before the non-AP STA disconnects from the first AP, downlink (DL) data cached in the first AP is transmitted to the non-AP STA only through the at least one first link.
16. The DS mapping change method of claim 14, wherein before the non-AP STA disconnects from the first AP, uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA is transmitted to the first AP via the at least one first link.
17. The DS mapping change method of claim 14, wherein before the non-AP STA disconnects from the first AP, uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA is transmitted to the second AP via the at least one second link and then forwarded to the first AP.
18. The DS mapping change method of claim 14, wherein before the non-AP STA disconnects from the first AP, uplink (UL) data cached in the non-AP STA is transmitted to the first AP via the at least one first link, and the same UL data is transmitted to the second AP via the at least one second link, and then forwarded to the first AP.
19. The DS mapping change method of claim 13, wherein the non-AP STA is a single-link non-AP device, and the non-AP STA initiates the conversion by establishing a link between the non-AP STA and the second AP.
20. A multiple access point (MAP) system, comprising: A primary access point (AP); and A second AP; When a non-AP STA initiates a transition from the first AP to the second AP, the MAP system is scheduled to perform a context transfer procedure to transfer the context of the first AP to the second AP, and to perform a distributed system (DS) mapping change procedure to notify the DS of the mapping between the non-AP STA and the second AP. This context includes traffic parameters between the non-AP STA and the first AP; Furthermore, this DS mapping change process does not involve reassociation.