Device and method for transmitting data on a wireless network

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for announcing BSS parameter updates of a wireless link received by an MLD by broadcasting, receiving and / or sending BSS parameter updates using different wireless links even if the MLD does not listen to parameter updates on a specific link. The MLD can update the BSS parameters of the wireless link and use the wireless link according to the updated BSS parameters (for example, after performing a channel switch). According to some embodiments, a STA in an AP MLD sends an information element (IE) that includes BSS parameter updates associated with different STAs (operating on different wireless links) in the AP MLD.

Description

[0001] Related references

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 975,342, filed on February 12, 2020, with Attorney Docket No. MUSI-20-0034, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of wireless communications. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for updating operating parameters in a wireless network. Background Art

[0004] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims listed below and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0005] Modern electronic devices often use Wi-Fi to wirelessly send and receive data with other electronic devices, and many of these devices are "dual-band" devices, which include at least two wireless transceivers capable of operating in different frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). In most cases, wireless devices can only communicate on a single frequency band at a time. For example, older and lower-power devices, such as battery-powered devices, typically operate on the 2.4 GHz band. Newer devices and those that require greater bandwidth typically operate on the 5 GHz band. The availability of the 6 GHz band is a recent development that offers higher performance, lower latency, and faster data rates.

[0006] In some cases, the use of a single frequency band may not meet the bandwidth requirements of a particular device. Therefore, some developing methods for wireless communications increase the communication bandwidth by operating on multiple frequency bands simultaneously (technically referred to as link aggregation or multi-link operation). Multi-link operation can provide higher network throughput and greater network flexibility compared to traditional wireless communication technologies.

[0007] In most cases, non-AP MLD will not enable all links at a given time to save power unless the traffic demand is relatively high. Non-AP MLD can operate on different channels based on channel conditions (such as traffic volume, channel capabilities, bandwidth, etc.) and can switch between channels as needed. MLD can monitor different links and perform basic operations such as traffic volume indication and BSS parameter update.

[0008] For these reasons, although a non-AP MLD can be associated with a wireless AP over multiple links, at a given time, the non-AP MLD may only actively listen for parameter updates on a single link. For example, the non-AP MLD may have only a single link enabled, which is monitored for updates and used to perform basic operations, while other links are in a reduced power or doze state. When a BSS parameter update is sent over one of these links, the non-AP MLD may not receive the parameter update and may not be able to use the wireless link associated with the parameter update, which is problematic. Summary of the invention

[0009] Therefore, embodiments according to the present invention relate to an announcement and provision of BSS parameter updates for a radio link received by an MLD by broadcasting or receiving the BSS parameter updates using different radio links even if the MLD is not listening for parameter updates on a particular link. The MLD can advantageously update the BSS parameters of the radio link, and use the radio link after the BSS parameter update (e.g., after performing a channel switch). According to some embodiments, a STA in an AP MLD sends an information element (IE) that includes BSS parameter updates associated with different STAs (operating on different radio links) in the AP MLD.

[0010] According to a described embodiment, a method for transmitting data on a wireless network is disclosed. The method includes, at a first wireless station (STA) of an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD), wirelessly sending a beacon frame to a first STA of a non-AP MLD on a first wireless link of the wireless network, wherein a second wireless link of the wireless network carries communication between a second STA of the non-AP MLD and a second STA of the AP MLD, and the beacon frame includes an indication of a basic service set (BSS) parameter update and an identifier of the second wireless link, and at the second STA of the AP MLD, wireless communication is performed with the second STA of the non-AP MLD on the second wireless link according to the BSS parameter update.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the updated BSS parameters are carried in an Extended Channel Switch Announcement information (ECSA) information element (IE) of a multilink information IE.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update includes a beacon interval and a timing synchronization function (TSF) offset between the first radio link and the second radio link for performing a channel switch on the second radio link.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update includes a new channel number and a channel switch count for performing a channel switch on the second radio link.

[0014] According to some embodiments, a second STA of a non-AP MLD may stop transmitting on the second wireless link after receiving a beacon frame including an extended channel switch announcement (ECSA) information element (IE) having a channel switch count set to 0.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update includes a BSS color change, and the method further includes disabling the BSS color of the wireless network until the BSS color change is completed.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update comprises a change sequence number, wherein a change in the value of the change sequence number indicates a critical update of the second radio link.

[0017] According to some embodiments, critical updates include extended channel switch announcements (EDCA), BSS color change announcements, EDCA parameter modifications, multi-user (MU) EDCA parameter set elements, and modifications of spatial reuse parameter set elements.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update includes changing a sequence number, wherein a change in the value of the changed sequence number causes the non-MLD second STA to enter an awake state.

[0019] According to another embodiment, a method for transmitting data on a wireless network is disclosed. The method includes, at a first wireless station (STA) of a non-access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD), accessing a beacon frame sent by a first STA of an AP MLD, wherein the first STA of the non-AP MLD and the first STA of the AP MLD perform wireless communication on a first wireless link, wherein a second wireless link carries communication between a second STA of the non-AP MLD and a second STA of the AP MLD, and the beacon frame includes an indication of a BSS parameter update and an identifier of the second wireless link, and at the second STA of the non-AP MLD, wireless communication is performed on the second wireless link with the second STA of the AP MLD according to the BSS parameter update.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the updated BSS parameters are carried in an Extended Channel Switch Announcement (ECSA) Information Element (IE) of the Multilink Information IE.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update includes a beacon interval, and a timing synchronization function (TSF) offset between the first radio link and the second radio link for performing a channel switch on the second radio link.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update includes a new channel number and a channel switch count for performing a channel switch on the second radio link.

[0023] According to some embodiments, a second STA that is not an AP MLD may stop transmitting on the second radio link after receiving a beacon frame including an extended channel switch announcement (ECSA) information element (IE) with a channel switch count set to zero.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update includes a BSS color change, and further includes disabling the BSS color of the wireless network until the BSS color change is completed.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update comprises a change sequence number, wherein a change in the value of the change sequence number indicates a critical update for the second radio link.

[0026] According to some embodiments, critical updates include extended channel change announcement (EDCA), BSS color change announcement, EDCA parameter modification, modification of multi-user (MU) EDCA parameter set elements and spatial reuse parameter set elements.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter update includes changing a sequence number, wherein the changing of the value of the sequence number causes the non-MLD second STA to enter an awake state.

[0028] According to different embodiments, an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) for sending data on a wireless network is disclosed. The AP MLD includes: a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to send and receive data on the wireless network; a memory for storing data; and a processor for wirelessly sending a beacon frame to a first STA of a non-AP MLD on a first wireless network of the wireless network using the first transceiver, wherein a second STA of the non-AP MLD and a second STA of the AP MLD use a second transceiver to perform wireless communication on a second wireless link of the wireless network, and the beacon frame includes an indication of a BSS parameter update and an identifier of the second wireless link, and wireless communication is performed with the second STA of the non-AP MLD on the second wireless link using the second transceiver according to the BSS parameter update.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the BSS parameter updates are carried in management frames. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention:

[0031] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary multi-link IE for sending and / or announcing BSS parameter updates for multi-link devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 A transmission timing diagram of an exemplary wireless transmission in which a STA of an AP MLD sends data on link 1 to announce / send a BSS parameter update of link 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the AP MLD operates on exemplary wireless links link 1 and link 2.

[0033] Figure 3 is an exemplary wireless transmission in which a non-AP MLD monitors Link 1 for a BSS parameter update according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the non-AP MLD stops transmitting on Link 2 after receiving ECSA information announcing a BSS parameter update.

[0034] Figure 4 is a transmission timing diagram of an exemplary wireless transmission for performing multi-link BSS parameter update for aligned TBTTs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 51 is a transmission and timing diagram of an AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the AP MLD includes an AP MLD of STA1 running on a wireless link 1 and an AP MLD of STA2 running on a wireless link 2, wherein STA2 of the AP MLD broadcasts a beacon frame on link 2, and the beacon frame includes a change sequence field for announcing a BSS parameter update.

[0036] Figure 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary computer-implemented process for sending / announcement of BSS parameter updates for MLD according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary computer-implemented process for receiving BSS parameter updates at an MLD according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 A block diagram depicts an exemplary computer system platform upon which embodiments of the invention may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Several embodiments will be referenced in detail. Although the subject matter will be described in conjunction with alternative embodiments, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to those embodiments. On the contrary, the claimed subject matter is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

[0040] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are described in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or their equivalents. In other cases, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects and features of the subject matter.

[0041] Portions of the following detailed description are presented and discussed in terms of methods. Although the diagrams (e.g., Figure 6-7 ) discloses its steps and sequence, but these steps and sequence are exemplary. The embodiments are very suitable for executing various other steps or variations of the steps listed in the flowcharts of the drawings of this document, and can be executed in a sequence different from that depicted and described in this document.

[0042] Certain parts of the detailed description may be presented in terms of processes, steps, logic blocks, processing and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits that can be performed on computer memory. These descriptions and representations are means used by technicians in the field of data processing to most effectively convey the essence of their work to other technicians in the field of the art. Here, programs, computer-executed steps, logic blocks, processes, etc. are generally considered to be self-consistent sequences of steps or instructions that lead to desired results. These steps are steps that require physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has been proven that it is sometimes convenient to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., mainly for general reasons.

[0043] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless expressly stated otherwise, as will be apparent from the following discussion, it should be understood that throughout the discussion, terms such as "access," "configure," "coordinate," "store," "transmit," "authenticate," "identify," "request," "report," "determine," and the like are used to refer to the operations and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0044] Some embodiments are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions (e.g., program modules) executed by one or more computers or other devices. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Typically, in various embodiments, the functionality of the program modules can be combined or distributed as desired.

[0045] Novel technology for EHT multi-link BSS parameter update

[0046] As used herein, the term "EHT" generally refers to a new generation of wireless communications (e.g., Wi-Fi) known as Extremely High Throughput (EHT), and is defined in accordance with the IEEE802.11be standard. The term station (STA) generally refers to an electronic device capable of sending and receiving data via Wi-Fi. A multi-link device (MLD) such as an AP MLD or non-AP MLD may include multiple wireless access points / non-access point stations for communicating and / or performing multi-link operations over different wireless links.

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for announcing BSS parameter updates for a radio link received by an MLD by broadcasting, receiving and / or sending BSS parameter updates using different radio links even if the MLD is not listening for parameter updates on a particular link. The MLD may update BSS parameters for the radio link and use the radio link according to the updated BSS parameters (e.g., after a channel switch). According to some embodiments, a STA in an AP MLD sends an information element (IE) that includes BSS parameter updates associated with different STAs (operating on different radio links) in the AP MLD.

[0048] Figure 1 An exemplary diagram depicting an exemplary multilink IE 100 encapsulating BSS parameters (e.g., information elements) for configuring different wireless links (a wireless link other than the link used by the wireless STA to send the IE) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The optional sub-element field 105 in the multilink IE contains an extended channel switch announcement (ECSA) IE. When a non-AP MLD does not monitor an associated wireless link, the non-AP MLD may not be able to receive or track the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) on the link and the TBTT indicating when the link will switch to another channel. In addition, the TBTT refers to the channel switch time (e.g., in the channel switch count field), and the optional sub-element field 105 in the multilink IE 100 can contain a beacon interval (BI) and a timing synchronization function (TSF) offset between the two links to track the TBTT. In this way, the non-AP MLD can successfully communicate with the AP MLD after the channel switch based on the BI and the TSF offset.

[0049] Figure 2Depicting exemplary wireless transmissions of STAs of an AP MLD operating on exemplary wireless links Link 1 and Link 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 In the example of , exemplary STAs (e.g., STA1 and STA2) of the AP MLD broadcast beacon frames on channel 1 using link 1. Beacon frame 205 broadcast by STA1 on channel 1 includes a multi-link IE indicating: Link ID = Link 2; Beacon Interval (BI) = 100 milliseconds; TSF Offset = 50 milliseconds; New Channel Number = Channel 2. Subsequently, Beacon frame 210 is broadcast by STA1 of the MLD AP on channel 1 using link 1, and the Beacon frame 210 includes a decremented Channel switch count (Channel switch count = 2). The final Beacon frame 215 sent before the channel switch is broadcast by STA1 of the MLD AP on channel 1 using link 1, and the final Beacon frame 215 includes a decremented Channel switch count (Channel switch count = 1). In this example, after sending the Beacon frame 215, STA2 performs a channel switch to switch the operating channel from Channel 1 to Channel 2 as indicated by the Beacon frames 205, 210, and 215. The beacon frame is received by the non-AP MLD, which accesses the ECSA information related to the channel switching of STA2 encapsulated in the multi-link IE carried by the beacon frame. The non-AP MLD advantageously tracks the TBTT and can communicate with STA2 of the AP MLD through link 2 using channel 2 after STA2 of the AP MLD switches to channel 2.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the channel switch mode field in the ECSA IE (of the multi-link IE) is set to 1 to force the non-AP MLD associated with the AP MLD to stop transmitting on the link to be switched until the channel switch occurs. If a non-directional multi-gigabit (DMG) STA that is not an independent basic service set (IBSS) receives a channel switch mode field with a value of 1, the non-DMG STA will not send any more frames on the channel until the planned channel switch occurs.

[0051] like Figure 3As depicted in the exemplary wireless transmission 300 of FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, the non-AP MLD monitors BSS parameter updates on link 1, and after receiving the ECSA information with the channel switching mode set to 1, until the channel switching count is set to 0 (time period 320), the non-AP MLD stops transmitting on link 2. The beacon frame 305 broadcast by STA1 on channel 1 includes a multi-link IE indicating: link ID = link 2; new channel number = channel 2; channel switching count = 3; and channel switching mode = 1. The non-AP MLD monitors only the BSS parameter updates of link 1, and after receiving the ECSA information with the channel switching mode set to 1, until the channel switching count is set to 0, it stops sending data on link 2.

[0052] Figure 4 An exemplary wireless transmission 400 for performing a multi-link BSS parameter update for aligned TBTTs according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. STA1 and STA2 of the AP MLD have a negligible TSF difference, so the optional sub-element field in the multi-link IE can only contain the ECSA IE without any TSF offset information. Figure 4 In the example of , a beacon frame 405 broadcast by STA1 on channel 1 includes a multilink IE indicating: link ID = link 2, new channel number = channel 2, channel switch count = 3, and channel switch mode = 0. Subsequently, a beacon frame 410 is broadcast by STA1 of the MLD AP on link 1, and the beacon frame 410 includes a reduced channel switch count (channel switch count = 2). A final beacon frame 415 sent before the channel switch is broadcast by STA1 of the MLD AP on link 1, and the final beacon frame 415 includes a reduced channel switch count (channel switch count = 1). The channel switch mode field in the ECSA IE is set to 0 or 1. The ECSA IE optionally includes a TSF offset field set to 0.

[0053] According to other embodiments, a multi-link IE (e.g., Figure 1 The BSS Color Change Announcement (BCCA) carried in the optional sub-element field of the multi-link IE 100 shown, the multi-link parameter update is communicated to the wireless STA, for example, the optional sub-element field (e.g., optional sub-element field 105) in the depicted multi-link IE 100 can contain the beacon interval (BI) and TSF offset between the two wireless links to track TBTT. Importantly, when the BI and TSF offset are not present in the multi-link IE, the BSS color is disabled until the BSS color indicated by the BCCA changes.

[0054] According to some embodiments, a STA ("STA1") in the AP MLD may send a change sequence IE to indicate a change in system information within the BSS associated with another STA ("STA2") in the AP MLD. For example, the change sequence IE may be carried in an optional sub-element field of a multi-link IE, such as Figure 1 As shown. The Change Sequence field in the Multi-Link Change Sequence IE is defined as an unsigned integer (initialized to 0) that is incremented when a critical update occurs in any element within a beacon frame sent on a link indicated by a link ID associated with another STA in the AP MLD (e.g., STA2). STA1 in the AP MLD increases the value of the Change Sequence field in the next beacon frame (modulo 256), which is sent to indicate a critical update of any element within a beacon frame sent on a link indicated by a link ID associated with another STA in the AP MLD (e.g., STA2). If the STA of the AP MLD sends BSSIDs in multiple BSSID sets, the AP MLD includes the Change Sequence field in the beacon and probe response frames for each unsent BSSID in the same multiple BSSID sets. The Change Sequence field of other STAs of the AP MLD can be carried in the MLD Parameters subfield in the Reduced Neighbor Report element corresponding to the STA.

[0055] The critical updates indicated by the Change Sequence field may include, but are not limited to, extended channel switch announcements, BSS color change announcements, modifications of EDCA parameters, modifications of MU EDCA parameter set elements, and modifications of spatial reuse parameter set elements. The STA in the AP MLD that sends the Change Sequence may also classify other changes in the beacon frame as critical updates as needed.

[0056] According to some embodiments, when a STA of a non-AP MLD is in power saving mode ("sleep") and the AP MLD has data to send to the STA, the AP may indicate that it has buffered data for DL ​​operations to the STA using a different wireless link associated with the non-AP MLD. When a STA of the non-AP MLD ("STA1") receives a Change Sequence field containing a different value than the previously received Change Sequence field, another STA of the non-AP MLD ("STA2") must be in an awake state to receive the next beacon frame transmitted on the link indicated in the Link ID field, or must queue a probe request frame for transmission to the STA in the AP MLD. The probe request frame may be sent to STA1 in the AP MLD or STA2 in the AP MLD. After receiving the corresponding probe request frame, the AP MLD provides updated BSS parameter information by sending a probe response frame. The non-AP MLD stores a record of the most recently received "Change Sequence" field value for each STA of the AP MLD with which it establishes multi-link communication. After waking up, the non-AP MLD receives the next beacon frame transmitted on the link indicated in the Link ID field and configures operations on the link accordingly.

[0057] Figure 5 The transmission timing diagram 500 depicts an AP MLD according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes STA1 operating on wireless link 1 and STA2 operating on wireless link 2. STA2 of the AP MLD broadcasts beacon frames 505, 510, 515, and 520 on link 2, which include a change sequence field. The value of the change sequence field in beacon frame 520 is different from the value of the change sequence field in the previous beacon frames 505, 510, and 515, thereby indicating a critical update of the operating parameters of link 2. However, as Figure 5 As shown, when the beacon frames 505, 510 and 515 are transmitted by STA2 of the AP MLD, STA2 of the non-AP MLD associated with the link 2 is in a sleep state (not awakened).

[0058] Advantageously, the beacon frames 525, 530, 535, and 540 broadcast by STA1 of the AP MLD indicate link 2 (e.g., using a link identification (ID)) and include a change sequence field. The beacon frames 525 and 530 include a change sequence field having a value of 1. The value of the change sequence field carried in the beacon frame 535 is incremented (change sequence field=2), thereby indicating a critical update of the operating parameters of the link identified by the link ID field (link 2). STA1 of the non-AP MLD (not shown) receives the beacon frames 525, 530, 535, and 540 broadcast by STA1 of the AP MLD, and causes STA2 of the non-AP MLD to enter an "awake" state, whereupon the beacon frames (e.g., beacon frames 535 and 540) can be received by STA2 of the non-AP MLD. In this way, when STA2 is awakened, STA2 of the non-AP MLD receives a critical update to the BSS parameters, and STA2 of the non-AP MLD can communicate with STA2 of the AP MLD using the updated operating parameters. Alternatively, when STA2 of non-AP MLD is awakened, it may send a probe request frame to STA2 of AP MLD to receive a critical update.

[0059] According to some embodiments, STAs in an AP MLD may use, for example, an On-channel Tunnel (OCT) request frame to send management frames related to BSS parameters of different STAs in the AP MLD. The On-channel Tunnel request frame allows a STA of a multi-band device to encapsulate a MAC management protocol data unit (MMPDU) for transmission to a MAC subplayer management entity (MLME) of a peer STA within the same multi-band device. In this case, the multi-band element of the OCT request frame may be replaced with another element dedicated to multi-link operation (e.g., a multi-link element).

[0060] Figure 6 An exemplary sequence of computer-implemented steps is depicted for a process 600 for sending a BSS parameter update on a first radio link to update BSS parameters of a second radio link of a multi-link device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 In the flowchart, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD perform wireless communications on the first and second wireless links.

[0061] In step 605, a beacon frame is wirelessly sent to a first STA of a non-AP MLD on a first wireless link of a wireless network via a first STA of an AP MLD. The beacon frame identifies a second wireless link (e.g., using a link ID), and announces and / or includes a basic service set (BSS) parameter update for the second wireless link. The link ID and the BSS parameter update may be carried in an EDCA (e.g., in an optional sub-element field) multi-link IE. The EDCA multi-link IE may include a channel number, a channel switch count, a channel switch mode and / or a change sequence, for example, to indicate a channel switch or other BSS parameter update (e.g., a BSS color change announcement), a modification of an EDCA parameter, a modification of a MU EDCA parameter set element, a modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, etc.). According to some embodiments, in step 605, a management frame is sent instead of a beacon frame. For example, a management frame may be carried in an OCT request frame.

[0062] In step 610, if the beacon frame sent in step 605 indicates that a BSS parameter update for the second radio link is available but does not include a BSS parameter update, the non-AP MLD may choose to send a probe request frame to the AP MLD to receive the update.

[0063] In step 615, according to the BSS parameter update, the second STA of the AP MLD performs wireless communication with the second STA of the non-AP MLD on the second wireless link.

[0064] Figure 7 An exemplary sequence of computer-implemented steps is depicted for a process 700 for receiving a BSS parameter update on a first radio link to update BSS parameters of a second radio link of a multi-link device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 In the flowchart, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD perform wireless communications on the first and second wireless links.

[0065] In step 705, a beacon frame is received from a first STA of an APMLD on a first wireless link of a wireless network via a first STA of a non-AP MLD. The beacon frame identifies a second wireless link (e.g., using a link ID), and announces and / or includes a BSS parameter update for the second wireless link. The link ID and the BSS parameter update may be in an EDCA multi-link IE (e.g., in an optional sub-element field). The EDCA multi-link IE may include a channel number, a channel switch count, a channel switch mode and / or a change sequence, e.g., to indicate a channel switch or other BSS parameter update (e.g., a BSS color change announcement), a modification of EDCA parameters, a modification of a MU EDCA parameter set element, a modification of a spatial reuse parameter set element, etc.). According to some embodiments, in step 705, a management frame is received instead of a beacon frame. For example, a management frame may be carried in an OCT request frame.

[0066] In step 710, the non-AP MLD is optionally awakened from a sleep state to receive a beacon frame including a BSS parameter update in response to the beacon frame received in step 705; optionally, in step 715, the non-AP MLD optionally queues a probe request frame to send it to the AP MLD requesting a BSS parameter update.

[0067] In step 720, if the beacon frame sent in step 705 indicates that a basic service set (BSS) parameter update for the second radio link is available but does not explicitly include a BSS parameter update, the non-AP MLD may send a probe request frame to the AP MLD requesting the update.

[0068] In step 725, according to the BSS parameter update, the second STA of the non-AP MLD performs wireless communication with the second STA of the AP MLD on the second wireless link.

[0069] Exemplary Computer Control System

[0070] Figure 8An exemplary wireless device 800 is depicted in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic system capable of communicating on multiple wireless links (e.g., using multi-link operation) in a wireless network. The wireless device 800 is an MLD including multiple wireless stations, such as an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD. The system is used to announce BSS parameter updates for wireless links received by the MLD by broadcasting, receiving and / or sending BSS parameter updates using different wireless links even if the MLD is not listening for parameter updates on a particular link. The associated MLD may update the BSS parameters for the wireless link and use the wireless link according to the updated BSS parameters (e.g., after performing a channel switch). According to some embodiments, a STA in an AP MLD transmits an IE including a BSS parameter update associated with a different STA in the AP MLD (operating on a different wireless link) for reception by a non-AP MLD. The non-AP MLD may continue to communicate with the AP MLD using the updated BSS parameters.

[0071] The wireless device 800 includes a processor 805 for running software applications and optionally an operating system. The memory 810 may include read-only memory and / or random access memory, for example, to store applications and data used by the processor 805 and data received or sent by the transceivers 820, 825, and 830. The wireless device 800 may include less memory and / or random access memory. According to some embodiments, the wireless device 800 may include fewer or more transceivers. The transceivers 820, 825, 830 communicate with other electronic devices on a wireless network (e.g., WLAN) and generally operate according to IEEE standards (e.g., IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ay, IEEE 802.11be, etc.).

[0072] The wireless device 1600 includes a processor 1605 for running software applications and optionally an operating system. The memory 1610 may include read-only memory and / or random access memory, for example, to store applications and data used by the processor 1605 and data received or sent by the transceivers 1620, 1625, and 1630. According to some embodiments, the wireless device 1600 may include less memory or more transceivers. The transceivers 1620, 1625, 1630 communicate with other electronic devices on a wireless network (e.g., WLAN) and generally operate according to IEEE standards (e.g., IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ay, IEEE802.11be, etc.).

[0073] Thus, embodiments of the present invention are described. Although the present invention has been described in the context of specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention should not be construed as limited to such embodiments but should be construed in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting data on a wireless network, comprising: At a first wireless station of an access point multi-link device, a beacon frame is wirelessly transmitted over a first wireless link of the wireless network to a first station of a non-access point multi-link device, wherein a second wireless link of the wireless network carries communications between a second station of the non-access point multi-link device and a second station of the access point multi-link device, and the beacon frame comprises: a first change sequence field associated with the first wireless link and a second change sequence field associated with the second wireless link, wherein the first change sequence field or the second change sequence field is incremented when a critical update of a basic service set operating parameter of the corresponding wireless link occurs; and At the second station of the access point multi-link device, wireless communication is performed with the second station of the non-access point multi-link device over the second wireless link based on the critical update.

2. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The critical update is carried in an extended channel switch announcement information element of a multilink information element.

3. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The critical update includes: a beacon frame interval; and a timing synchronization function offset between the first radio link and the second radio link for performing a channel switch on the second radio link.

4. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The critical update includes: a new channel number; and a channel switching count, which is used to perform channel switching on the second wireless link.

5. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The second station of the non-access point multi-link device may stop transmitting on the second radio link after receiving a beacon frame including an extended channel switch announcement information element with a channel switch count set to zero.

6. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The critical update includes a basic parameter set color change, and further includes disabling a basic service set color of the wireless network until the basic service set color change is completed.

7. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The critical update comprises: changing a sequence number, wherein a change in a value of the modified sequence number indicates a critical update of the second radio link.

8. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The key update includes at least one of the following: extended channel switching announcement; basic parameter set color change announcement; extended channel switching announcement parameter modification; multi-user extended channel switching announcement parameter set element; and modification of spatial reuse parameter set elements.

9. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The critical update includes a modified sequence number, wherein a change in the modified sequence number value causes the second station of the non-access point multi-link device to enter an awake state.

10. A method for transmitting data on a wireless network, comprising: At a first wireless station of a non-access point multi-link device, accessing a beacon frame transmitted by the first station of the access point multi-link device, wherein the first station of the non-access point multi-link device and the first station of the access point multi-link device communicate wirelessly over a first wireless link, a second wireless link carries communications between a second station of the non-access point multi-link device and a second station of the access point multi-link device, and the beacon frame comprises: a first change sequence field associated with the first wireless link and a second change sequence field associated with the second wireless link, wherein the first change sequence field or the second change sequence field is incremented when a critical update of a basic service set operating parameter of the corresponding wireless link occurs; At the second station of the non-access point multi-link device, wireless communication is performed with the second station of the access point multi-link device over the second wireless link based on the critical update.

11. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The critical update is carried in an extended channel switch announcement information element of a multilink information element.

12. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network according to claim 10, wherein: The critical update includes: a beacon frame interval; and a timing synchronization function offset between the first radio link and the second radio link for performing a channel switch on the second radio link.

13. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The critical update includes: a new channel number; and a channel switching count, which is used to perform channel switching on the second wireless link.

14. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network according to claim 10, wherein: The second station of the non-access point multi-link device may stop transmitting on the second radio link after receiving a beacon frame including an extended channel switch announcement information element with a channel switch count set to zero.

15. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The critical update includes a basic parameter set color change, and further includes disabling a basic service set color of the wireless network until the basic service set color change is completed.

16. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The critical update comprises: changing a sequence number, wherein a change in a value of the modified sequence number indicates a critical update of the second radio link.

17. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that: The critical update includes at least one of the following: an extended channel switch announcement; Basic parameter set color change announcement; extended channel switching announcement parameter modification; multi-user extended channel switching announcement parameter set elements; and modification of spatial reuse parameter set elements.

18. The method for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The critical update includes a modified sequence number, wherein a change in the modified sequence number value indicates that the second station of the non-access point multi-link device causes the second station to enter an awake state.

19. An access point multi-link device for transmitting data on a wireless network, comprising: a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to transmit and receive data over the wireless network; A memory for storing data; as well as A processor operable to: wirelessly transmitting a beacon frame to a first station of a non-access point multi-link device over a first wireless link of the wireless network using the first transceiver, wherein a second station of the non-access point multi-link device wirelessly communicates with a second station of the access point multi-link device over a second wireless link of the wireless network using the second transceiver, wherein the beacon frame comprises: a first change sequence field associated with the first wireless link and a second change sequence field associated with the second wireless link, wherein the first change sequence field or the second change sequence field is incremented when a critical update occurs to a basic service set operating parameter of the corresponding wireless link; and Based on the critical update, wireless communication is performed with the second station of the non-access point multi-link device over a second wireless link using the second transceiver.

20. The access point multi-link device for transmitting data on a wireless network as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that: The critical update is carried in a management frame.

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