Method and related device for sending and receiving wireless data by non-AP MLD

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and related apparatus for transmitting and receiving wireless data by a non-AP Multi-Link Device (MLD). Embodiments of the present invention provide improved multilink operation on EML links. A non-AP Multi-Link Device (MLD) supporting enhanced multi-link multi-radio (EMLMR) operation announces the number of spatial streams it supports for reception or transmission after the initial frame exchange during EMLMR operation (MLD-level capabilities). MLD-level capabilities on EMLSR links are defined so that EMLMR-capable devices can improve / optimize their performance based on their computing capabilities and RF design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communications. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for enhanced multi-link (EML) operation in a wireless network. Background Art

[0002] Modern electronic devices often use Wi-Fi to wirelessly send and receive data between other electronic devices. Many of these electronic devices are "dual band" devices, including 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 via one frequency band at a time. For example, older low-power devices (e.g., battery-powered devices) typically operate on the 2.4 GHz band. Newer devices and devices that require greater bandwidth typically operate on the 5 GHz band. Recently, the 6 GHz band has become available, which can provide higher performance, lower latency, and faster data rates.

[0003] Using a single frequency band may not meet the bandwidth or latency requirements of some devices. Therefore, some wireless communication methods are being developed to increase communication bandwidth by operating on multiple frequency bands simultaneously (technically known as link aggregation or multi-link operation). Advantageously, multi-link operation can provide higher network throughput and improved network flexibility compared to traditional technologies for wireless communication.

[0004] A non-AP (STA) multi-link device (MLD) can operate in enhanced multi-link multi-radio (EMLMR) mode on a specified set of enabled links to improve performance. The set of enabled links to which EMLMR mode is applied may be referred to as an EMLMR link. When a non-AP MLD associates with an AP MLD, EMLMR mode is enabled for the non-AP MLD immediately after association. The non-AP MLD can use up to the number of spatial streams indicated in the EMLMR Rx NSS subfield of the element to receive PPDUs on the link where the initial frame exchange occurs. The non-AP MLD can use up to the number of spatial streams indicated in the EMLMR Tx NSS subfield of the element to transmit PPDUs on the link where the initial frame exchange occurs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide improved multilink operation over EMLMR links. A non-AP MLD supporting EMLMR operation can announce the number of supported spatial streams for reception (e.g., MLD-level capabilities) after receiving an initial frame exchange during EMLMR operation. By defining MLD-level capabilities for operation over EMLMR links, EMLMR-supporting devices can improve / optimize their performance based on their computing capabilities and RF design. For example, if one link with two spatial streams (corresponding to the per-link spatial stream capability of the EMLMR link) has a bandwidth of 320 MHz in the 6 GHz band, and another EMLMR link with two spatial streams (corresponding to the per-link spatial stream capability) has a bandwidth of 160 MHz in the 5 GHz band, then based on the device processing / computing capability, after the initial frame exchange on the EMLMR link in the 6 GHz band, the two spatial streams can be used for the 320 MHz bandwidth, and based on the device processing / computing capability, after the initial frame exchange on the 5 GHz band, four spatial streams can be used for the 160 MHz (5 GHz) bandwidth by combining the two spatial streams of each EMLMR link in the 5 GHz band and the 6 GHz band.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for a non-access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) to receive wireless data is provided. The method includes: associating with an AP MLD; enabling an enhanced multi-link (EML) operation mode on multiple EML links; sending a frame to the AP MLD, the frame indicating a combination of a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and a maximum number of spatial streams (NSS) supported for a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) of a specific bandwidth, for receiving the PPDU through the EML operation; and receiving the PPDU from the AP MLD on a first EML link among the multiple EML links, wherein the number of spatial streams used is not greater than the maximum number of spatial streams supported by the combination of the MCS and the maximum NSS for the specific bandwidth of the corresponding PPDU in the EML operation mode, as indicated in the frame.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for a non-AP MLD to transmit wireless data is provided. The method includes: associating with an AP MLD; enabling EML mode on multiple EML links; sending a frame to the AP MLD, the frame indicating a combination of an MCS and a maximum number of spatial streams (NSS) supported and used in a PPDU of a specific bandwidth, for transmitting the PPDU through an EML operation; and sending a PPDU to the AP MLD on a first EML link among the multiple EML links, wherein the number of spatial streams used is not greater than a value supported by the combination of the MCS and the maximum NSS in the PPDU transmitted using the specific bandwidth under the EML operation, as indicated in the frame.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for performing wireless communications over multiple EML links is provided. The apparatus includes: a processor, a memory coupled to the processor and configured to store data, and multiple radio modules configured to perform EML operations over the multiple EML links. The processor is configured to: associate with an AP MLD; enable EML mode over the multiple EML links; send a frame to the AP MLD, the frame indicating a combination of an MCS and a supported maximum NSS used for a PPDU having a specific bandwidth using the EML operation; receive a first PPDU from the AP MLD over a first EML link among the multiple EML links, wherein the number of spatial streams is not greater than a value supported by the combination of the MCS and the maximum NSS corresponding to the specific bandwidth indicated in the frame; and send a second PPDU to the AP MLD over a second EML link among the multiple EML links, wherein the number of spatial streams is not greater than a value supported by the combination of the MCS and the maximum NSS corresponding to the specific bandwidth indicated in the frame.

[0009] Through the improved multi-link operation on the EMLMR link provided by the present invention, a non-AP MLD supporting EMLMR operation announces MLD-level EML capability, which enables a device with EMLMR capability to improve / optimize its performance according to its computing capability and RF design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] 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:

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram of exemplary EHT-MCS and NSS fields for performing wireless transmission using the EMM LMR mode of operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary Rx / Tx EHT-MCS mapping subfield of an exemplary EHT-MCS and NSS field for performing wireless transmission using the EMLMR mode of operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flow chart depicting the steps of an exemplary computer-implemented process for automatically indicating MLD capabilities and performing EMMLR operations in a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary computer system platform upon which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments. Although the subject matter has been described in conjunction with various embodiments, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the claimed subject matter is intended to cover various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which should be included within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

[0016] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth 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. Well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various aspects and features of the subject matter.

[0017] Parts of the following detailed description are presented and discussed in terms of methods. Although in the figures (e.g., Figure 3 ) discloses the steps and their order of the method, but such steps and order are merely exemplary. The embodiment is also suitable for performing various other steps or variations of the steps listed in the accompanying flowchart in an order different from that described herein.

[0018] Some parts of the detailed description may be presented as procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits performed on computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art of data processing to most effectively convey the content of their work to others skilled in the art. The procedures, computer-implemented steps, logic blocks, processes, etc. herein are generally considered to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. These steps are steps that require physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, these physical quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. Sometimes, primarily for common reasons, it has proven convenient to represent these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc.

[0019] It should be remembered, 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 in the following discussion, it should be understood that discussions throughout using terms such as "access," "configure," "coordinate," "store," "send," "authenticate," "identify," "request," "report," "determine," and the like refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulate and transform data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within a computer system's registers 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.

[0020] Some embodiments may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions (e.g., program modules) executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Generally, the functionality of the program modules can be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

[0021] Enhanced multi-link multi-radio capability and operation mode scheme

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention provide improved multilink operation on EMLMR links. A non-APMLD supporting EMLMR operation declares supported combinations of the number of spatial streams and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) values ​​(e.g., MLD-level capabilities) for receiving or transmitting on one of multiple EMLMR links during EMLMR operation. By defining MLD-level capabilities for EMLMR operation on EMLMR links, EMLMR-capable devices can improve / optimize their performance based on their computing capabilities and RF design.

[0023] Figure 1An exemplary Supported EHT Capabilities EHT-MCS and NSS Set field 100 in the extremely high throughput (EHT) capabilities element according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, indicating the spatial stream capabilities corresponding to each MCS value for reception or transmission in EMLMR mode of operation. A STA supporting the EMLMR mode of operation can use the Supported EML Capabilities EHT-MCS and NSS Set field in an EML operation mode notification frame to indicate the supported EHT-MCS and spatial stream combinations for reception and transmission during the EMLMR mode of operation, which are MLD-level EML capabilities. The Supported EHT-MCS and NSSSet field in the EHT Capabilities element corresponding to per-link capabilities (e.g., when the EMLMR operation mode is disabled) indicates the EHT-MCS and spatial stream combinations supported by the STA for receiving the initial frame exchange from the AP MLD. These are link-level capabilities.

[0024] Figure 1 The EHT-MCS MAP 105a-105f depicted in FIG. 105a corresponds to a plurality of Rx EHT-MCS MAP and Tx EHT-MCS MAP subfields (eg, each subfield having a length of 4 bytes, in FIG. 105b ). Figure 1 4), and may optionally include (e.g., corresponding to Figure 1 In the table of 0 or 4 bytes) multiple Rx EHT-MCS mapping and Tx EHT-MCS mapping subfields corresponding to bandwidths of 160MHz and 320MHz. Figure 1In the example shown in FIG5 , the Rx EHT-MCS Map subfield 105a indicates the maximum number of spatial streams and MCS value combinations corresponding to the STA for receiving PPDUs with a bandwidth equal to or less than 80 MHz in EMLMR mode. The Tx EHT-MCS Map subfield 105b indicates the maximum number of spatial streams and MCS value combinations supported by the STA for transmitting PPDUs with a bandwidth equal to or less than 80 MHz in EMLMR mode. The Rx EHT-MCS Map subfield 105c indicates the maximum number of spatial streams and MCS value combinations supported by the STA for receiving PPDUs with a bandwidth of 160 MHz in EMLMR mode. The Tx EHT-MCS Map subfield 105d indicates the maximum number of spatial streams and MCS value combinations supported by the STA for transmitting PPDUs with a bandwidth of 160 MHz in EMLMR mode. The Rx EHT-MCS Map subfield 105e indicates the maximum number of spatial streams and MCS value combinations supported by the STA for receiving PPDUs with a bandwidth of 320 MHz in EMLMR mode. The Tx EHT-MCS Map subfield 105f indicates the maximum number of spatial streams and MCS value combinations supported by the STA for transmitting a PPDU with a 320 MHz bandwidth in the EMLMR mode.

[0025] Figure 2 An exemplary EHT-MCS mapping subfield of a Tx / Rx EHT-MCS mapping 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The MAX EHT-MCS mapping subfields 205a-205h for n spatial streams (SS) (e.g., each subfield having a length of 4 bits) indicate the maximum number (n) of spatial streams (SS) and each supported EHT-MCS (set) value combination for different bandwidths supported by the MLD device in EMLMR mode of operation. Figure 2 In the example shown, the value of the Max EHT-MCS subfield for n=8 SS is encoded as shown in Table I below.

[0026] Table I

[0027]

[0028]

[0029] based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an MLD device supporting EMLMR mode may declare its EML capability to send and receive data on an EMLMR link using the EMLMR mode of operation. Figure 1The supported bandwidth included in the EMLMR "Supported EHT-MCS and NSS Sets" field 100, the supported MCS and maximum number of spatial streams corresponding to the bandwidth can be used in Figure 2 The EHT-MCS mapping subfields 205a-205h depicted in FIG. Figure 2 In the example, EHT-MCS map 205a represents a combination of an MCS set value and a maximum of 1SS, EHT-MCS map 205b represents a combination of an MCS set value and a maximum of 2SS, EHT-MCS map 205c represents a combination of an MCS set value and a maximum of 3SS, EHT-MCS map 205d represents a combination of an MCS set value and a maximum of 4SS, EHT-MCS map 205e represents a combination of an MCS set value and a maximum of 5SS, EHT-MCS map 205f represents a combination of an MCS set value and a maximum of 6SS, EHT-MCS map 205g represents a combination of an MCS set value and a maximum of 7SS, and EHT-MCS map 205h represents a combination of an MCS set value and a maximum of 8SS. EMLMR transmission and reception of an EMLMR link can be performed using a combination of the supported MCS and the maximum number of spatial streams for a given bandwidth.

[0030] When a non-AP MLD operating in EMLMR mode uses its per-link spatial stream capabilities to receive or send an initial frame from or to an AP MLD on one of the EMLMR links, after the initial frame exchange on the EMLMR link, the non-AP MLD uses the following capabilities until the end of the frame exchange sequence initiated by the initial frame exchange:

[0031] 1. The ability to receive PPDUs with the following number of spatial streams, where the number of spatial streams (NSS) is up to the value indicated in the "Max EHT-MCS for n SS" subfield of the "Rx EHT-MCS Mapping" subfield in the "Supported EHT-MCS and NSS Sets" field corresponding to a given bandwidth and EHT-MCS. The maximum receive NSS for a given EHT-MCS is equal to the maximum number of spatial streams, where the value of "Max EHT-MCS for n SS" (also expressed as the maximum number of spatial streams supported by the maximum EHT-MCS) indicates support for that EHT-MCS. For example, a non-AP MLD indicates support for a Max EHT-MCS of 9 for 4SS and a Max EHT-MCS of 11 for 2SS. When the given EHT-MCS is 8, the maximum receive NSS for the given EHT-MCS 8 is 4.

[0032] 2. The ability to transmit PPDUs with a maximum number of spatial streams, where the number of spatial streams is up to the value indicated in the "Max EHT-MCS for n SS" subfield of the "Supported EHT-MCS and NSS Sets" field corresponding to a given bandwidth and EHT-MCS. The maximum transmit NSS for a given EHT-MCS is equal to the maximum number of spatial streams, for which the value of "Max EHT-MCS for n SS" indicates support for that EHT-MCS. For example, a non-AP MLD indicates support for a Max EHT-MCS of 9 for 4SS and a Max EHT-MCS of 11 for 2SS. When the given EHT-MCS is 8, the maximum receive NSS for the given EHT-MCS 8 is 4.

[0033] A non-AP MLD supporting EMLMR operation announces its EMLMR capabilities, which correspond to one or more specific parameters, such as bandwidth, MCS, etc. For example, the EMLMR capabilities may include the capabilities shown in Table II below.

[0034]

[0035] Table II

[0036] Figure 3 is a flow chart of the steps of an exemplary computer-implemented process 300 for automatically instructing an MLD device to perform an EMLMR operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] At step 305, the non-AP MLD is associated with the AP MLD, where both devices are capable of EML operations.

[0038] The non-AP MLD enables Enhanced Multi-Link Multi-Radio (EMLMR) mode on multiple links at step 310. The enabled links may be referred to as EMLMR links.

[0039] In step 315, the non-AP MLD transmits a frame to the AP MLD that may indicate the number of supported spatial streams corresponding to different MCSs for receiving data in EMLMR operation over multiple supported bandwidths. The frame may include an EHT-MCS and NSS Set field having an Rx EHT-MCS Map subfield and a Tx EHT-MCS Map subfield that map the maximum number of spatial streams to an MCS supported by a specific bandwidth corresponding to at least one EMLMR link. According to some embodiments, the frame may also include bandwidth capabilities (e.g., NSS and MCS) when EMLMR mode is not enabled.

[0040] In step 320, the non-AP MLD receives a PPDU from the AP MLD via the EMLMR link using the MCS and NSS supported by the bandwidth of the EMLMR link indicated in the frame, and / or sends a PPDU to the AP MLD via the EMLMR link using the MCS and NSS supported by the bandwidth of the EMLMR link indicated in the frame. The non-AP MLD can send and / or receive multiple PPDUs using multiple EMLMR links based on the capabilities indicated in the frame sent in step 315.

[0041] Exemplary Computer Control System

[0042] Figure 4 An exemplary wireless device 400 that can be used to implement embodiments of the present invention is depicted. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multi-link wireless device that is capable of automatically indicating EMLMR capabilities in novel frame exchanges according to embodiments of the present invention. The wireless device 400 generally includes two or more radio modules for wireless communication. For example, the wireless device can indicate support for EMLMR operations, including its ability to use a number of spatial streams for reception or transmission during EMLMR operations. In addition, if the EMLMR link sets have different maximum bandwidths, MLD-level capabilities can be defined so that devices with EMLMR capabilities can improve / optimize performance based on computing capabilities and RF design. EMLMR capabilities can be determined by, respectively, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The EHT-MCS and NSS Set fields are shown with the Rx / Tx EHT-MCS Map subfield.

[0043] Wireless device 400 includes a processor 405 for running software applications and (optionally) an operating system. Memory 410 may include read-only memory and / or random access memory, for example, to store applications and data (e.g., a table of index values) used by processor 405, as well as data received or transmitted by radio modules 415 and 420. Radio modules 415 and 420 can communicate with other electronic devices over a wireless network (e.g., WLAN) using multiple spatial streams (e.g., multiple antennas) and generally operate in accordance with IEEE standards (e.g., IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ay, IEEE 802.11be, etc.). Radio modules 415 and 420 can perform multi-link operations, such as multi-link EMLMR operations. Depending on the embodiment, wireless device 400 may include more than two radio modules. For example, a radio module (e.g., radio modules 415 and 420) can be configured to transmit and / or receive data using multiple different spatial streams based on the device's capabilities.

[0044] While the present invention has been described in the context of the specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be construed as limited by those embodiments but should be construed in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for a non-access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) to receive wireless data, the method comprising: Associated with AP MLD; Enable Enhanced Multi-Link Multi-Radio (EMLMR) mode of operation on multiple EMLMR links; Sending a frame to the AP MLD, the frame indicating a combination of a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and a maximum number of spatial streams (NSS) supported for a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) of a specific bandwidth, for receiving the PPDU through the EMLMR operation; as well as receiving the PPDU from the AP MLD on a first link of the plurality of EMLMR links, wherein the number of used spatial streams is no greater than a maximum number of spatial streams supported by the MCS and maximum NSS combination for the particular bandwidth of the PPDU in the EMLMR mode of operation indicated in the frame; Wherein a maximum number of spatial streams supported using the EMLMR operation mode is equal to or less than a total number of spatial streams supported corresponding to per-link spatial stream capabilities on the plurality of EMLMR links.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing an initial frame exchange with the AP MLD using per-link spatial stream capability on the first link among the plurality of EMLMR links, wherein the PPDU is received from the AP MLD on the first link in response to performing the initial frame exchange.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the frame includes MCS and NSS set fields, the MCS and NSS set fields including combinations of different MCSs and maximum number of spatial streams supported by the specific bandwidth.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the MCS and NSS Set field includes a plurality of Rx EHT-MCS Map subfields that map a maximum number of spatial streams to an MCS supported by a specific bandwidth corresponding to at least one of the plurality of EMLMR links.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of EMLMR links include a second link, and wherein the first link and the second link use different pluralities of Rx EHT-MCS mapping subfields for different bandwidths.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: The non-AP MLD includes multiple radio modules operating at different frequencies and is configured to perform EMLMR operations.

7. A method for transmitting wireless data by a non-AP MLD, the method comprising: Associated with AP MLD; Enable EMLMR mode on multiple EMLMR links; Sending a frame to the AP MLD, the frame indicating a combination of an MCS and a maximum number of spatial streams (NSS) used in a PPDU of a specific bandwidth, for sending the PPDU through the EMLMR operation; as well as transmitting the PPDU to the AP MLD over a first link of the plurality of EMLMR links, wherein the number of spatial streams used is no greater than a value supported by a combination of an MCS and a maximum NSS in the PPDU transmitted using a particular bandwidth under the EMLMR operation as indicated in the frame; The maximum number of spatial streams supported using the EMLMR operation mode is equal to or less than the total number of spatial streams supported corresponding to the per-link capability on the plurality of EMLMR links.

8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising performing an initial frame exchange with the AP MLD on the first link of the plurality of EMLMR links, using an MCS and an NSS supported by a bandwidth of the first link under the EMLMR operation indicated in the frame, wherein the PPDU is sent to the AP MLD on the first link in response to performing the initial frame exchange.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein: The frame includes an MCS and a maximum NSS, which include a mapping of different MCSs supported by different bandwidths and a maximum number of spatial streams supported.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the MCS and maximum NSS include a plurality of Tx EHT-MCS mapping subfields that map a maximum number of spatial streams to an MCS supported by a specific bandwidth corresponding to at least one of the plurality of EMLMR links.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of EMLMR links further include a second link, and wherein the first link and the second link use different Tx EHT-MCS mapping subfields for different bandwidths.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein: The non-AP MLD includes multiple radio modules operating at different frequencies and is configured to perform EMLMR operations.

13. An apparatus for wireless communication over a plurality of EMLMR links, the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory, coupled to the processor and configured to store data; as well as a plurality of radio modules for performing EMLMR operations on the plurality of EMLMR links, and wherein the processor is operable to: Associated with AP MLD; enabling EMLMR mode on the plurality of EMLMR links; Sending a frame to the AP MLD, the frame indicating a combination of an MCS and a maximum supported NSS to be used for a PPDU with a specific bandwidth operated using the EMLMR; as well as receiving a first PPDU from the AP MLD on a first link of the plurality of EMLMR links, wherein the number of spatial streams is no greater than a value supported by a combination of an MCS and a maximum NSS for the specific bandwidth indicated in the frame; as well as Sending a second PPDU to the AP MLD on a second link of the plurality of EMLMR links, wherein the number of spatial streams is no greater than a value supported by a combination of an MCS and a maximum NSS corresponding to the specific bandwidth indicated in the frame; The maximum number of spatial streams supported using the EMLMR operation mode is equal to or less than the total number of spatial streams supported corresponding to the per-link capability on the plurality of EMLMR links.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: The processor is further operable to perform an initial frame exchange with the AP MLD using per-link spatial stream capability on the first link of the plurality of EMLMR links, wherein the first PPDU is received from the AP MLD on the first link in response to the initial frame exchange.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: The processor is further operable to send an initial frame to the AP MLD on the second link of the plurality of EMLMR links using an MCS and an NSS supported by a bandwidth of the second link under the EMLMR operation indicated in the frame, wherein the second PPDU is sent to the AP MLD on the second link in response to the initial frame exchange.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: The step of sending the frame to the AP MLD further includes sending an EHT-MCS and NSS set field, the field including a mapping of different MCSs to a maximum number of supported spatial streams.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: The EHT-MCS and NSS Set field includes multiple Rx EHT-MCS mapping subfields and Tx EHT-MCS mapping subfields, each of which maps the maximum number of spatial streams to the MCS supported by a specific bandwidth corresponding to at least one EMLMR link.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: The frame further indicates at least one of: a maximum number of sounding dimensions for performing a sounding process on a particular link using the EMLMR operation; a beamformer spatial stream indicating a maximum number of spatial streams received in an EHT sounding null data packet (NDP) on the particular link using the EMLMR operation; and the maximum dimension of compressed beamforming on a particular link using the EMLMR operation.

Images