Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and device, which can obtain which link belongs to which link group and can be applied to a WiFi system. The method comprises the following steps: a first multi-link device (MLD) generates a first frame and transmits the first frame. The first frame comprises a first field, the first field is used for indicating the relationship between a first link and at least one link group, the first link is any one of at least one link established by the first MLD and a second MLD, and the link group comprises one or more of at least one link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Enhanced multilink operation can be performed between multi-link devices (MLDs). Exemplarily, enhanced multilink operation includes enhanced multilink single-radio (EMLSR) operation and enhanced multilink multi-radio (EMLMR) operation. In EMLSR operation, a station (STA) MLD can listen on multiple links but can only communicate on one link at a time. In EMLMR operation, a STA MLD can listen on multiple links and can communicate on multiple links.

[0003] For STA MLDs that support EMLMR operations, EMLMR operations are applied to link groups. For example, it can be specified that a first link can initiate frame switching, and other links within the link group to which the first link belongs cannot initiate frame switching. However, existing technologies cannot determine which link group(s) the first link belongs to, or which link groups(s) include the first link, making it impossible to execute the above specification and thus preventing the successful execution of EMLMR operations.

[0004] In other words, the industry has not yet provided a corresponding solution on how to determine which links belong to which link groups. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can determine which links belong to which link groups.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: a first MLD generating a first frame and sending the first frame. The first frame includes a first field, which indicates the relationship between a first link and at least one link group. The first link is any one of at least one links established between the first MLD and a second MLD, and a link group includes one or more of the at least one links.

[0008] Based on the communication method described in the first aspect, the first MLD generates a first frame including a first field and sends it to the second MLD. The first field indicates the relationship between a first link and at least one link group. The first link is any one of the at least one links established by the first MLD and the second MLD, and a link group includes one or more of the at least one links. Thus, by flexibly indicating the relationship between one or more links and one or more link groups through the first frame, the second MLD can determine the link group to which the first link belongs, the links included in the link group, and which links belong to which link group, thereby successfully performing the EMLMR operation.

[0009] In one possible design approach, the first field can be carried within the Per-STA Profile field of each site configuration of a multi-link element. This allows for indication of the link group a link belongs to at the link level, indicating which link(s) belong to which link(s). Compared to indicating the link group at the multi-link device level, which only indicates the existence of one link group, indicating the link group at the link level offers greater flexibility.

[0010] In one possible design, the first field can be used to indicate whether the first link belongs to a first link group, wherein at least one link group is the first link group. Thus, the link group a link belongs to can be indicated at the link level, and can be omitted when the link is not established; each link can be indicated using 1 bit.

[0011] In one possible design approach, the first field can be used to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs. Thus, the link group can be indicated at the link level, and each link can belong to a different link group. It can also indicate multiple link groups to which the first link belongs, rather than being limited to indicating only one link group.

[0012] In one possible design, the first field can be a bitmap. This facilitates indicating multiple link groups at the link level, with each link belonging to a different link group. It can also indicate multiple link groups to which the first link belongs, rather than being limited to indicating only one link group. Furthermore, the effective length of the bitmap can be consistent with the number of link groups, facilitating parsing by the receiving end (second MLD), especially when the first link belongs to multiple link groups, making parsing by the receiving end (e.g., the second MLD) more convenient.

[0013] In one possible design, the first frame may also include a second field, which can be used to indicate whether the first field appears. Thus, when the second field indicates that the first field does not appear, the receiving end does not need to parse the first field, thereby saving parsing time.

[0014] In one possible design approach, the second field can be carried within the Per-STA Profile field of the multi-link element's per-site configuration. The first field indicates link-level operational information, and the second field, indicating whether the first field appears, can also be at the link level.

[0015] In one possible design, the second field, in addition to indicating that the first field does not appear, can also be used to indicate that at least one link does not belong to any link group in at least one link group. Thus, by adding an interpretation to the case where the first field does not appear, the number of bits required to indicate all cases can be saved.

[0016] In one possible design, the first frame may also include a third field, which can be used to indicate the number of at least one link group. Thus, the length or effective length of the first field can be determined based on the number of link groups, facilitating parsing by the receiving end (e.g., a second MLD).

[0017] In one possible design approach, the third field can carry the common information field for the multi-link element. The number of link groups is information at the multi-link device level, and the third field can be set at the multi-link device level.

[0018] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: receiving a first frame, and obtaining, based on the first frame, the relationship between a first link and at least one link group. The first frame includes a first field indicating the relationship between the first link and at least one link group; the first link is any one of at least one links established between a first MLD and a second MLD; and a link group includes one or more of the at least one links.

[0019] In one possible design, the first field can be used to indicate whether the first link belongs to a first link group, wherein at least one link group is the first link group.

[0020] In one possible design approach, the first field can be used to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0021] In one possible design approach, the first field can be a bitmap.

[0022] In one possible design approach, the first frame may also include a second field, which can be used to indicate whether the first field appears.

[0023] In one possible design approach, the second field could be carried within the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element's per-site configuration.

[0024] In one possible design, the second field can also be used to indicate that at least one link does not belong to any link group in at least one link group, provided that the first field does not appear.

[0025] In one possible design approach, the first frame may also include a third field, which may be used to indicate the number of at least one link group.

[0026] In one possible design approach, the third field could carry the common information field of the multi-link element.

[0027] In one possible design approach, the first field can carry the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

[0028] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication method described in the second aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module.

[0030] The processing module is used to generate the first frame. The transceiver module is used to send the first frame. The first frame includes a first field, which indicates the relationship between a first link and at least one link group. The first link is any one of at least one links established between a first MLD and a second MLD. A link group includes one or more of the at least one links.

[0031] In one possible design, the first field can be used to indicate whether the first link belongs to a first link group, wherein at least one link group is the first link group.

[0032] In one possible design approach, the first field can be used to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0033] In one possible design approach, the first field can be a bitmap.

[0034] In one possible design approach, the first frame may also include a second field, which can be used to indicate whether the first field appears.

[0035] In one possible design approach, the second field could be carried within the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element's per-site configuration.

[0036] In one possible design, the second field can also be used to indicate that at least one link does not belong to any link group in at least one link group, provided that the first field does not appear.

[0037] In one possible design approach, the first frame may also include a third field, which may be used to indicate the number of at least one link group.

[0038] In one possible design approach, the third field could carry the common information field of the multi-link element.

[0039] In one possible design approach, the first field can carry the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

[0040] It should be noted that the transceiver module described in the third aspect may include a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is used to receive data and / or signaling from the second MLD; the sending module is used to send data and / or signaling to the second MLD. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module.

[0041] Optionally, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device described in the third aspect can perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0042] It should be noted that the communication device described in the third aspect may be the first MLD, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the first MLD, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0043] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the third aspect can be referenced to the technical effects of the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module is used to receive a first frame. The processing module is used to obtain, based on the first frame, the relationship between a first link and at least one link group. The first frame includes a first field indicating the relationship between the first link and at least one link group. The first link is any one of at least one links established between a first MLD and a second MLD, and a link group includes one or more of the at least one link.

[0045] In one possible design, the first field can be used to indicate whether the first link belongs to a first link group, wherein at least one link group is the first link group.

[0046] In one possible design approach, the first field can be used to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0047] In one possible design approach, the first field can be a bitmap.

[0048] In one possible design approach, the first frame may also include a second field, which can be used to indicate whether the first field appears.

[0049] In one possible design approach, the second field could be carried within the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element's per-site configuration.

[0050] In one possible design, the second field can also be used to indicate that at least one link does not belong to any link group in at least one link group, provided that the first field does not appear.

[0051] In one possible design, the first frame may also include a third field, which may be used to indicate the number of at least one link group.

[0052] In one possible design approach, the third field could carry the common information field of the multi-link element.

[0053] In one possible design approach, the first field can carry the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

[0054] It should be noted that the transceiver module described in the fourth aspect may include a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is used to receive data and / or signaling from the first MLD; the sending module is used to send data and / or signaling to the first MLD. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module.

[0055] Optionally, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device described in the fourth aspect can perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0056] It should be noted that the communication device described in the fourth aspect may be a second MLD, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the second MLD, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0057] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fourth aspect can be referenced to the technical effects of the communication method described in any possible implementation of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a processor coupled to a memory for storing computer programs.

[0059] The processor is used to execute a computer program stored in memory so that the communication method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects is executed.

[0060] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an input / output port. The transceiver can be used by the communication device to communicate with other devices.

[0061] It should be noted that the input port can be used to implement the receiving function involved in the first and second aspects, and the output port can be used to implement the transmitting function involved in the first and second aspects.

[0062] In this application, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may be a first MLD or a second MLD, or a chip or chip system disposed inside the first MLD or the second MLD.

[0063] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in any of the implementations of the first to second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0064] A sixth aspect provides a communication system. This communication system includes the communication apparatus as described in the third aspect and the communication apparatus as described in the fourth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system includes the communication apparatus as described in the fifth aspect for implementing the method as described in the first aspect and the communication apparatus as described in the fifth aspect for implementing the method as described in the second aspect. Exemplarily, the communication system includes a first MLD and a second MLD.

[0065] In a seventh aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising logic circuitry and input / output ports. The logic circuitry is used to implement the processing functions described in the first and second aspects, and the input / output ports are used to implement the transmission and reception functions described in the first and second aspects. Specifically, the input ports can be used to implement the receiving functions described in the first and second aspects, and the output ports can be used to implement the transmitting functions described in the first and second aspects.

[0066] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data that implement the functions involved in the first and second aspects.

[0067] This chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0068] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first to second aspects is performed.

[0069] Ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects to be executed. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system.

[0071] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of the first MLD and the second MLD provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 3 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD and STA MLD provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating communication between a multi-link device and other devices, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a basic version of a multi-link element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a STA Info field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a STA Control field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another frame structure for the STA Info field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another frame structure of the STA Control field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of another STA Info field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of another STA Control field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of another STA Control field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of another STA Control field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a Common Info field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0087] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems, such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems, etc.

[0089] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. The terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply differences.

[0090] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0091] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "example" is intended to present the concept in a specific manner.

[0092] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0093] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 1 The communication system illustrated herein is used as an example to illustrate a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a first MLD and a second MLD. The number of first MLDs can be one or more, and the number of second MLDs can be one or more.

[0095] The first MLD is a device that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has wireless transceiver capabilities, or a chip or chip system that can be installed in the terminal. The first MLD can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The first MLD can communicate with an access point (AP) MLD or other STA MLDs or single-link devices. For example, the first MLD can be any communication device capable of communicating with an access point (AP) and thus with a WLAN. Optionally, the first MLD can be a multi-link device supporting the 802.11 series of protocols.

[0096] For example, the first MLD in the embodiments of this application can be a mobile phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a netbook, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a machine-type communication (MTC) terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city (e.g., a smart water meter, a smart electricity meter, a smart air monitoring node, etc.), or a smart home. Wireless terminals in the home (such as game consoles, projectors, smart cameras, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), in-vehicle terminals, and RSUs with terminal functions. Access terminals can be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, etc.

[0097] For example, the first MLD in the embodiments of this application can be a delivery terminal in smart logistics (e.g., a device that can monitor the location of goods vehicles, a device that can monitor the temperature and humidity of goods, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart agriculture (e.g., a wearable device that can collect relevant data on poultry and livestock, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart buildings (e.g., smart elevators, fire monitoring equipment, and smart meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart healthcare (e.g., a wearable device that can monitor the physiological state of people or animals, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart transportation (e.g., smart buses, smart vehicles, shared bicycles, charging pile monitoring equipment, smart traffic lights, smart monitoring and smart parking equipment, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart retail (e.g., vending machines, self-checkout machines, unmanned convenience stores, self-service ordering machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, etc.), and a wireless terminal in smart office (e.g., printers, projectors, etc.). For example, the first MLD of this application may be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip or on-board unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the method provided in this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip or on-board unit.

[0098] The second MLD can be a device located on the network side of the communication system and equipped with wireless transceiver capabilities, or a chip or chip system that can be installed on the device, providing wireless communication functionality for the first MLD. This AP MLD includes, but is not limited to: access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, such as home gateways, routers, servers, switches, bridges, etc.; evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home-evolved Node Bs, or home Node Bs, HNBs), baseband units (BBUs), wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission and reception points (TRPs or transmission points, TPs), etc., and can also be 5G, such as New Radio (NR). In a radio (NR) system, the gNB, or transmission point (TRP or TP), is an antenna panel of a base station (including multiple antenna panels) in a 5G system. Alternatively, it can be a network node constituting the gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU), a roadside unit (RSU) with base station functionality, etc. Optionally, the second MLD can be a multi-link device supporting the 802.11 series of protocols.

[0099] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to... Figure 1 For any two nodes shown, the specific implementation can be found in the following method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0100] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other communication systems. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0101] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram for ease of understanding only; other devices may also be included in this communication system. Figure 1It was not drawn in the middle.

[0102] To make the embodiments of this application clearer, the following provides a unified introduction to some contents and concepts related to the embodiments of this application.

[0103] 1. Multi-link device (MLD)

[0104] A multi-link device (MLD) can also be called a multi-band device. For example, an MLD can implement wireless communication by conforming to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards. For instance, it can conform to Extremely High Throughput (EHT) standards, or conform to or be compatible with IEEE 802.11be, thereby enabling communication with other devices. These other devices may be multi-link devices or not, such as single-link devices. The 802.11 series of protocols may include, but are not limited to: IEEE 802.11be, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, the next-generation standard IEEE 802.11be, and future standard evolutions.

[0105] For example, the frequency bands in which multi-link devices operate may include, but are not limited to, sub-1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and high-frequency 60GHz. MLDs can communicate through multiple channels on the same frequency band. These multiple frequency bands or channels can be collectively referred to as multi-link. Multi-link communication can improve peak throughput, reduce service transmission latency, and thus increase the communication rate between MLDs.

[0106] Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the first MLD and the second MLD provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0107] A multi-link device may include one or more affiliated sites. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the first MLD includes stations 11 to n1, and the second MLD includes stations 12 to n2. The first MLD and the second MLD communicate via links 1 to n, where n is an integer greater than 1. One end of link 1 connects to station 11 of the first MLD, and the other end connects to station 12 of the second MLD. Similarly, one end of link n connects to station n1 of the first MLD, and the other end connects to station n2 of the second MLD.

[0108] In this application embodiment, the term "belonging site" refers to a logically defined site. The phrase "multi-link device includes belonging site" is also briefly described as "multi-link device includes site." The belonging site can be an Access Point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). In this application embodiment, the above... Figure 1 The first MLD in the communication system shown can be a multi-link device belonging to a non-AP STA. Figure 1 The second MLD in the communication system shown can be a multi-link device belonging to an AP.

[0109] For ease of description, this application refers to multi-link devices belonging to AP sites as AP MLD, or multi-link AP, or multi-link AP device, or access point AP. Multi-link devices belonging to non-AP STA sites are referred to as STAMLD, or multi-link STA, or multi-link STA device, or STA MLD, etc.

[0110] In some embodiments, before data transmission, two multi-link devices (e.g., AP MLD, STA MLD) can negotiate or communicate the correspondence between link IDs and a link or stations on a link, or the AP MLD can use broadcast management frames, such as beacon frames, to indicate the correspondence between link IDs and a link or stations on a link. Therefore, only the link ID needs to be carried in data transmission, eliminating the need to transmit large amounts of signaling information to indicate links or stations on links, thus reducing signaling overhead and improving transmission efficiency.

[0111] It should be noted that the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the following scenarios: scenarios where the first MLD is a STA MLD and the second MLD is an AP MLD (e.g. Figure 1 (As shown); Scenes where the first MLD is a STA MLD and the second MLD is a STA MLD; Scenes where the first MLD is an AP MLD and the second MLD is a STA MLD; Scenes where the first MLD is an AP MLD and the second MLD is an AP MLD.

[0112] 2. STA MLD, AP MLD

[0113] Figure 3 , Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP MLD and STAMLD provided in the embodiments of this application. The explanation is based on the example where both the AP MLD and STAMLD include two stations. The 802.11 standard focuses on the 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layer portions of the AP MLD and STAMLD.

[0114] like Figure 3 As shown, the AP MLD includes AP1 and AP2. AP1 and AP2 are independent of each other in the low MAC and PHY layers, and also independent in the high MAC layer. The STA MLD includes STA1 and STA2. STA1 and STA2 are independent of each other in the low MAC and PHY layers, and also independent in the high MAC layer.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, the AP MLD includes AP1 and AP2. AP1 and AP2 are independent in the low MAC layer and PHY layer, but share the high MAC layer. The STA MLD includes STA1 and STA2. STA1 and STA2 are independent in the low MAC layer and PHY layer, but share the high MAC layer.

[0116] like Figure 3 or Figure 4 As shown, AP MLD and STA MLD can communicate via Link 1 and Link 2. Link 1 connects to AP1 of AP MLD at one end and to STA1 of STA MLD at the other end. Link 2 connects to AP2 of AP MLD at one end and to STA2 of STA MLD at the other end.

[0117] Of course, the STA MLD can employ an independent high MAC layer structure, while the AP MLD employs a shared high MAC layer structure. Alternatively, the STA MLD can employ a shared high MAC layer structure, while the AP MLD employs an independent high MAC layer structure. For example, either the high MAC layer or the low MAC layer can be implemented by a processor in the chip system of the multi-link device, or they can be implemented by different processing modules in a single chip system.

[0118] For example, the multi-link device in the embodiments of this application can be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For instance, it can be a device with two or more antennas. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of antennas included in the multi-link device. In the embodiments of this application, the multi-link device can allow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, and even allow the same data packets to be transmitted on different links; it can also disallow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, but allow services of different access types to be transmitted on different links.

[0119] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a multi-link device communicates with other devices, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0120] like Figure 5 As shown, AP MLD 501 communicates with STA 502, STA MLD 503, and STA MLD 504. AP MLD 501 includes its subordinate APs AP501-1 to AP501-3. STA MLD 503 includes its subordinate STAs 503-1 and STA503-2. STA MLD 504 includes its subordinate STAs 504-1 and STA 504-2. STA 502 is a single-link device. AP MLD can communicate with STA MLD 503 via links 1 and 3, with STA MLD 504 via links 2 and 3, and with STA 502 via link 1.

[0121] STA 502 operates in the 2.4GHz band. STA 503-1 operates in the 2.4GHz band, and STA 503-2 operates in the 6GHz band. STA 504-1 operates in the 5GHz band, and STA 504-2 operates in the 6GHz band. AP 501-1, operating in the 2.4GHz band within the AP MLD, can communicate with STA 502 and STA 503-1 in STA MLD 503 via link 1. AP 501-2, operating in the 5GHz band within the AP MLD, can communicate with STA 504-1, operating in the 5GHz band within STA MLD 504 via link 2. AP 501-3, operating in the 6GHz band within AP MLD 501, can communicate with STA 503-2, operating in the 6GHz band within STA MLD 503 via link 3, and can also communicate with STA 504-2 in STA MLD 504 via link 3.

[0122] It should be noted that, Figure 5This illustration focuses on the AP MLD supporting three frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz), with each band corresponding to one link. The AP MLD 501 can operate on one or more links from link 1, link 2, or link 3. On the AP or STA side, a link can be understood as a station operating on that link. In practical applications, the AP MLD and STA MLD can also support more or fewer frequency bands, meaning they can operate on more or fewer links. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0123] 3. Multi-link (ML)

[0124] For example, a multi-link device has the ability to transmit and receive in multiple frequency bands. These multiple frequency bands may include, but are not limited to, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. Access and transmission on each frequency band is referred to as a single link, and access and transmission on multiple frequency bands is referred to as multi-link.

[0125] This allows for the use of greater bandwidth for data transmission, thereby significantly improving throughput and robustness.

[0126] 4. Receive link, transmit link

[0127] The commonality between EMLSR and EMLMR operations lies in the fact that, during listening (e.g., listening to information or frames to be listened to, such as beacon frames), the number of receive channels is A; during data transmission, the number of receive channels is B, where B > A. One link can be associated with one or more channels (channels include receive channels and transmit channels). A set of links used in EMLMR operations can be called an EMLMR link set. In this embodiment, the EMLMR link set is simply referred to as a link set.

[0128] Receive Link: When a link in an EMLMR link group receives a frame indicating that it is required to perform a receive operation, such as a request-to-send (RTS) frame, that link is called the receive link. Other links in the EMLMR link group can (according to certain rules, such as if other links are not currently exchanging frames) switch their respective receive channels to this receive link to perform the subsequent receive operation.

[0129] Transmitting Link: When a link in an EMLMR link group receives a frame indicating that it is required to perform a transmission operation, such as a clear to send (CTS) frame, that link is called the transmitting link. Other links in the EMLMR link group can (according to certain rules, such as if other links are not currently performing frame switching) switch their respective transmission channels to this transmitting link to perform the subsequent transmission operation.

[0130] 5. Frame structure of the basic variant multi-link element

[0131] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a basic version of a multi-link element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0132] like Figure 6 As shown, a basic version of a multi-link element may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following fields: Element ID, Length, Element ID Extension, Multi-Link Control, Common Info, and Link Info. The Element ID and Element ID Extension fields are used to identify the basic version of the multi-link element. The settings of the Element ID and Element ID Extension fields can be unique to distinguish it from other elements. For example, the Element ID field can be set to 255, and the Element ID Extension field can be set to a value not used by other elements. The Length field can be used to indicate the length of the basic version of the multi-link element.

[0133] The Multi-Link Control fields mentioned above may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following fields: Type, Reserved, and one or more Present fields. Multiple Present fields may also be collectively referred to as a Presence Bitmap field. For Basic variant Multi-Link elements, the Type field can be set to 0.

[0134] For example, the Presence Bitmap field may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following fields: MLD MAC Address Present, Link ID InfoPresent, Change Sequence Present, MLD Capabilities Present, Enhanced Multilink Capabilities Present, and Reserved. These present fields can be used to indicate whether a field in the Common Info field exists. For example, a Present field set to 1 indicates that the corresponding field appears, and a Present field set to 0 indicates that the corresponding field does not appear.

[0135] For example, the Common Info field may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following fields: MLD MAC Address, Link ID Info, ChangeSequence, MLD Capabilities, and Enhanced Multilink Capabilities.

[0136] The MLD Capabilities field may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following fields: Maximum Number of Simultaneous Links, Single Responses Scheduling (SRS) Support, and Reserved.

[0137] The EML Capabilities field may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following fields: EMLSR Support, EMLSR Delay, EMLMR Support, and EMLMR Delay.

[0138] For example, the Link Info field may include, but is not limited to, one or more fields (or sub-elements) such as: zero or more Per-STA Profile sub-elements. Optionally, the Link Info field may also include vendor-specific fields (or sub-elements).

[0139] For example, a Per-STA Profile sub-element may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following fields: Subelement ID, Length, STA Control, STA Info, and STA Profile. The Subelement ID field can be used to identify the Per-STA Profile sub-element. The Subelement ID field of a Per-STA Profile sub-element can be set to 0. The Length field can be used to indicate the length of the Per-STA Profile sub-element.

[0140] The STA Control field may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following fields (or subfields): Link ID, Complete Profile, MAC Address Present, Beacon Interval Present, Delivery Traffic Indication Map (DTIM) Info Present, Non-simultaneous Transmit and Receive (NSTR) Link Pair Present, NSTR Bitmap Size, and other subfields.

[0141] The Link ID field identifies the corresponding link. The Complete Profile field indicates whether the Basic variant Multi-Link element includes complete information for that link. MAC AddressPresent, Beacon Interval Present, and NSTR Link Pair Present indicate whether the STA MAC Address, Beacon Interval, and NSTR Indication Bitmap fields appear in the STA Info field, respectively. The DTIM Info Present field indicates whether the DTIM Count and DTIM Period appear in the STA Info field. The NSTR BitmapSize field indicates whether the NSTR Indication Bitmap field is 8 bits or 16 bits long when it appears in the STA Info field.

[0142] Optionally, the STA Profile field may include zero or more elements.

[0143] It should be noted that the frame format of the basic version of the multi-link element is not limited to... Figure 6 As shown, this application does not limit the specific format of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0144] The following will combine Figures 7-16 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0145] For example, Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method can be applied to... Figure 1 Communication between any two nodes shown.

[0146] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0147] S701, the first MLD generates the first frame.

[0148] For example, the first frame includes a first field indicating the relationship between a first link and at least one link group. The first link is any one of at least one links established between a first MLD and a second MLD, and a link group includes one or more of the at least one links.

[0149] Combination Figure 2 Taking n=3 as an example, the links established between the first MLD and the second MLD include link 1, link 2, and link 3. Assume at least one link group includes link group 1 and link group 2. The first link is link 1, and the first field can be used to indicate the relationship between link 1 and link group 1 and link group 2. The first link is link 2, and the first field can be used to indicate the relationship between link 2 and link group 1 and link group 2. The first link is link 3, and the first field can be used to indicate the relationship between link 3 and link group 1 and link group 2.

[0150] For example, the relationship between the first link and the link group can include the first link belonging to the link group and the first link not belonging to the link group.

[0151] For example, the link group may be referred to as an EMLMR link set, but this application embodiment does not limit it in this way.

[0152] Optionally, the first frame includes information indicating the relationship between at least one link and at least one link group between the first MLD and the second MLD, wherein the at least one link includes the first link. For example, the first frame includes information indicating the relationship between link 1, link 2, and link 3 and link group 1 and link group 2.

[0153] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of links between the first MLD and the second MLD, or the number of link groups in at least one link group.

[0154] In one possible design approach, the first field can be used to indicate whether the first link belongs to the first link group.

[0155] Optionally, at least one link group is the first link group.

[0156] For example, the number of at least one link group is one, and the first field can be used to indicate whether the first link belongs to or does not belong to the first link group.

[0157] For example, setting the first field to 0 indicates that the first link does not belong to the first link group; setting the first field to 1 indicates that the first link belongs to the first link group. Alternatively, setting the first field to 1 indicates that the first link does not belong to the first link group; setting the first field to 0 indicates that the first link belongs to the first link group.

[0158] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the first field is set to 0, indicating that the first link does not belong to the first link group; and the first field is set to 1, indicating that the first link belongs to the first link group.

[0159] Combination Figure 2Taking n=3 as an example, the links between the first MLD and the second MLD include link 1, link 2, and link 3. Assuming at least one link group is link group 1, for link 1, the first field is set to 1; for link 2, the first field is set to 0; and for link 3, the first field is set to 1. That is, the first field indicates that link 1 belongs to link group 1, link 2 does not belong to link group 1, and link 3 belongs to link group 1. The first field also indicates that link group 1 includes link 1 and link 3, but does not include link 2.

[0160] In one possible design approach, the first field can be used to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0161] Optionally, at least one link may include a first link.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first field may be used to indicate the index or identifier of the link group described in the first link.

[0163] For example, the link group to which the first link belongs is indicated at least by means of methods 1 to 4 described below.

[0164] Method 1, referring to Table 1, takes the case where the number of at least one link group is one (e.g., link group 1). The first field can occupy 1 bit. Setting the first field to 0 indicates that the first link does not belong to link group 1 (equivalent to link group 1 not including the first link). Setting the first field to 1 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1, or belongs to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 including the first link). This application embodiment will be described using this example.

[0165] Alternatively, setting the first field to 0 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1. Setting the first field to 1 indicates that the first link does not belong to link group 1; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0166] Table 1

[0167] First field meaning 0 Not belonging to link group 1 1 Belongs to link group 1

[0168] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of bits occupied by the first field. For example, it can occupy 3 bits, with the first field set to 000 indicating that it does not belong to link group 1, and the first field set to 001 indicating that it belongs to link group 1. As another example, it can occupy 8 bits, with the first field set to 00000000 indicating that it does not belong to link group 1, and the first field set to 00000001 indicating that it belongs to link group 1. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application do not limit the meaning indicated by the value of the first field, but only require it to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0169] Thus, for the case where the number of at least one link group is one, the first field can be determined in the manner shown in Method 1.

[0170] Method 2, referring to Table 2-1, considers cases where there are multiple link groups, and the first link does not belong to multiple link groups simultaneously (or the first link belongs to one link group). Taking a case where there are two link groups (e.g., link group 1 and link group 2) as an example: Assuming the first field occupies 2 bits, setting it to 00 indicates that the first link does not belong to any of the link groups or does not belong to any link group (equivalent to any link group not including the first link). Setting it to 01 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 or to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 including the first link). Setting it to 10 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 2 or to the link group with index or identifier 2 (equivalent to link group 2 including the first link). The remaining bits are reserved. Of course, the first field can occupy 3 or more bits, depending on the meaning it conveys.

[0171] In other words, the first link does not belong to any link group, or belongs to link group 1 or link group 2; that is, the first link does not belong to both link group 1 and link group 2 at the same time.

[0172] Furthermore, when the number of at least one link group is three, the first field is set to 11, which can indicate that the first link belongs to link group 3, or to the link group with index or identifier 3.

[0173] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the meaning indicated by the value of the first field. For example, when the number of at least three link groups is three, a first field of 00 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 or to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 including the first link). A first field of 01 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 2 or to the link group with index or identifier 2 (equivalent to link group 2 including the first link). A first field of 10 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 3 or to the link group with index or identifier 3 (equivalent to link group 3 including the first link). A first field of 11 indicates that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group or does not belong to any link group. The embodiments of this application do not limit the meaning indicated by the value of the first field, but only to the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0174] Table 2-1

[0175] First field meaning 00 Not belonging to any link group 01 Belongs to link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 11 Reserved

[0176] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of bits occupied by the first field. For example, it can occupy 3 bits, with the first field set to 000 to indicate that it does not belong to any link group, the first field set to 001 to indicate that it belongs to link group 1, the first field set to 010 to indicate that it belongs to link group 2, and the rest reserved. As another example, it can occupy 8 bits, which will not be elaborated here.

[0177] Optionally, the bit length of the first field can be related to the number of link groups, or the bit length occupied by the first field can be a fixed value.

[0178] For example, when the number of at least one link group is six, the first field can occupy 3 bits. Alternatively, the length of the first bit can be fixed at 8 bits. The specific meaning of each value of the first field can be found in Table 2-2, and will not be repeated here.

[0179] Table 2-2

[0180]

[0181] It should be noted that the portions of the tables provided in the examples of this application may be reserved or used for other purposes, and are not limited here.

[0182] It should be noted that the method described in Method 2 can be used whether the number of link groups is more or less. This application embodiment will not elaborate on the value of the first field, the meaning of each value, and the number of bits occupied when the number of link groups is more or less.

[0183] Thus, for cases where there are multiple link groups and the first link does not belong to multiple link groups at the same time (or the first link does not belong to at least two link groups at the same time), the method shown in Method 2 can be adopted.

[0184] Method 3, referring to Table 3-1, addresses the case where there are multiple link groups, and the first link simultaneously belongs to multiple link groups (or simultaneously belongs to at least two link groups). Taking a case where there are two link groups (e.g., link group 1 and link group 2) as an example, the first field can occupy 2 bits. Setting the first field to 00, 01, or 10 represents the same meaning as in Method 2. Specifically, setting the first field to 11 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 and link group 2, or belongs to link groups with indices or identifiers of 1 and 2 (equivalent to link group 1 and link group 2 both including the first link). Of course, the first field can occupy 3 or more bits, depending on the meaning it conveys.

[0185] In other words, the first link does not belong to any link group, or belongs to link group 1, or to link group 2, or belongs to both link group 1 and link group 2.

[0186] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the meaning of the values ​​of the first field, but only to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0187] Table 3-1

[0188] First field meaning 00 Not belonging to any link group 01 Belongs to link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 11 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0189] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of bits occupied by the first field. For example, it can occupy 3 bits, with the first field set to 000 indicating that it does not belong to any link group, the first field set to 001 indicating that it belongs to link group 1, the first field set to 010 indicating that it belongs to link group 2, the first field set to 011 indicating that it belongs to both link group 1 and link group 2, and the rest reserved. As another example, it can occupy 8 bits, which will not be elaborated here. The embodiments of this application do not limit the meaning indicated by the value of the first field, but only require it to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0190] Optionally, the bit length of the first field can be related to the number of link groups, or the bit length occupied by the first field can be a fixed value.

[0191] For example, when the number of at least three link groups is 3, the first field can occupy 3 bits. Alternatively, the length of the first bit can be fixed at 8 bits. The specific meaning of each value of the first field can be found in Table 3-2, and will not be repeated here.

[0192] Table 3-2

[0193]

[0194] It should be noted that the method described in Method 3 can be used whether the number of link groups is more or less. This application embodiment will not elaborate on the value of the first field, the meaning of each value, and the number of bits occupied when the number of link groups is more or less.

[0195] Thus, for cases where there are multiple link groups and the first link belongs to multiple link groups simultaneously (or the first link belongs to at least two link groups simultaneously), the first field can be determined using the method shown in Method 3. Additionally, for cases where there are multiple link groups and the first link does not belong to multiple link groups simultaneously (or the first link does not belong to at least two link groups simultaneously), the method shown in Method 3 can also be used.

[0196] In Method 4, when there are multiple link groups, each first bit in the first field, from left to right or from right to left, represents an indication. This first bit may include multiple bits.

[0197] For example, the first bit can occupy 2 bits, such as when there are at least three link groups. 00 indicates that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group or does not belong to any link group (equivalent to any link group not including the first link). 01 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1, or belongs to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 including the first link). 10 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 2, or belongs to the link group with index or identifier 2 (equivalent to link group 2 including the first link). 11 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 3, or belongs to the link group with index or identifier 3 (equivalent to link group 3 including the first link). Of course, the first bit can occupy 3 or more bits, as long as it conveys the corresponding meaning.

[0198] For example, when the number of at least six link groups is 6, the first bit can occupy 3 bits. 000 indicates that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group or does not belong to any link group. 001 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 or to the link group with index or identifier 1. 010 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 2 or to the link group with index or identifier 2. Similarly, 110 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 6 or to the link group with index or identifier 6. Of course, the first bit of the first field can occupy 4 or more bits, depending on how well it conveys the intended meaning.

[0199] Optionally, the length of the first bit can be related to the number of link groups, or the length of the first bit can be a fixed value. For example, the length of the first bit is fixed at 8 bits.

[0200] It should be noted that this application embodiment does not elaborate on the value of the first bit, the meaning of each value, and the number of bits occupied when the number of link groups is more or less.

[0201] Referring to Table 4-1, taking the case where there are at least two link groups (e.g., link group 1 and link group 2) as an example, from left to right (as shown in Table 4-1) or from right to left, the first bit can occupy 2 bits, with each 2 bits representing an indication. The first field can occupy 2 bits or an integer multiple of 2 bits. For example, from left to right, a first field of 00 indicates that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group or does not belong to any link group. A first field of 01 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 or the link group with index or identifier 1, but does not belong to link group 2 (equivalent to link group 1 including the first link, and link group 2 not including the first link). A first field of 10 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 2 or the link group with index or identifier 2, but does not belong to link group 1 or the link group with index or identifier 2 (equivalent to link group 1 not including the first link, and link group 2 including the first link). Setting the first field to 0110 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 and link group 2, or to the link group with index or identifier 1 and 2 (equivalent to both link group 1 and link group 2 including the first link).

[0202] Table 4-1

[0203] First field meaning 00 Not belonging to any link group 01 Belongs to link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 0110 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0204] In other words, the first link does not belong to any link group, or belongs to link group 1, or to link group 2, or belongs to both link group 1 and link group 2.

[0205] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the meaning of the values ​​of the first field, but only to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0206] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of bits occupied by the first field. For example, the first field can occupy 6 bits. Setting the first field to 000000 indicates that it does not belong to any link group, setting the first field to 010000 indicates that it belongs to link group 1, setting the first field to 100000 indicates that it belongs to link group 2, setting the first field to 011000 indicates that it belongs to both link group 1 and link group 2, and the rest are reserved. As another example, it can occupy 8 bits, which will not be elaborated here. The embodiments of this application do not limit the meaning indicated by the value of the first field, but only require that it can indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

[0207] Furthermore, this application does not limit the format of the first field. For example, consider a scenario where the number of at least two link groups (e.g., link group 1 and link group 2). Each first bit has an indicative meaning; for example, the first bit occupies 2 bits: 00 indicates not belonging to a link group, 01 indicates the first link belongs to link group 1, and 10 indicates the first link belongs to link group 2. Each first bit corresponds to one link group; for example, the first first bit corresponds to link group 1, the second first bit corresponds to link group 2, and so on. This application does not limit this.

[0208] For example, the first bit occupies 2 bits. Taking left to right as an example, the first field being set to 0000 indicates that it does not belong to any link group. The first field being set to 0100 indicates that it belongs to link group 1 and does not belong to link group 2. In 0100, the first 2 bits 01 indicate that the first link belongs to link group 1, and the second 2 bits 00 indicate that it does not belong to link group 2. The first field being set to 0010 indicates that it does not belong to link group 1 and belongs to link group 2. In 0010, the first 2 bits 00 indicate that it does not belong to link group 1, and the second 2 bits 10 indicate that the first link belongs to link group 2. The first field being set to 0110 indicates that it belongs to both link group 1 and link group 2. In 0110, the first 2 bits 01 indicate that it belongs to link group 1, and the second 2 bits 10 indicate that the first link belongs to link group 2.

[0209] Referring to Table 4-2, taking an example where there are at least three link groups (e.g., link group 1, link group 2, and link group 3), from left to right (as shown in Table 4-2) or from right to left, the first bit can occupy 2 bits, with each 2 bits representing an indication. The first field can occupy 2 bits or an integer multiple of 2 bits. See Table 4-2 for details, which are similar to those in Table 4-1 and will not be elaborated further here.

[0210] Table 4-2

[0211] First field meaning 00 Not belonging to any link group 01 Belongs to link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 11 Belongs to link group 3 0110 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2 0111 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 3 1011 Belongs to Link Group 2 and Link Group 3 011011 Belongs to Link Group 1, Link Group 2 and Link Group 3

[0212] Optionally, the bit length of the first field can be related to the number of link groups. For example, if at least the number of link groups is N, where N is a positive integer, the bits occupied by the first field are N times the number of the first bit. Alternatively, the bit length of the first field can be a fixed value.

[0213] For example, when the number of at least one link group is four, the first bit can occupy 3 bits, and the first field can occupy 3 bits or an integer multiple of 3 bits. Alternatively, the length of the first bit can be fixed at 15 bits, which will not be elaborated on here.

[0214] It should be noted that the method described in Method 4 can be used whether the number of link groups is more or less. This application embodiment will not elaborate on the value of the first field, the meaning of each value, and the number of bits occupied when the number of link groups is more or less.

[0215] Thus, for cases where there are multiple link groups and the first link belongs to multiple link groups simultaneously (or the first link belongs to at least two link groups simultaneously), the first field can be determined in a similar manner to that shown in Method 4. Additionally, for cases where there are multiple link groups and the first link does not belong to multiple link groups simultaneously (or the first link does not belong to at least two link groups simultaneously), the method shown in Method 4 can also be used.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first field may be a bitmap.

[0217] Optionally, the bit length of the first field can be related to the number of link groups; for example, the number of bits in the bitmap can be equal to the number of link groups.

[0218] For example, from left to right (or right to left), a value of 0 for the first bit indicates that the first link does not belong to link group 1 or does not belong to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 not including the first link), and a value of 1 for the first bit indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 or belongs to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 including the first link). Similarly, a value of 0 for the second bit indicates that the first link does not belong to link group 2 (equivalent to link group 2 not including the first link), and a value of 1 for the second bit indicates that the first link belongs to link group 2 (equivalent to link group 2 including the first link). And so on, a value of 0 for the nth bit indicates that the first link does not belong to link group n (equivalent to link group n not including the first link), and a value of 1 for the nth bit indicates that the first link belongs to link group n (equivalent to link group n including the first link). The embodiments of this application are illustrated by examples.

[0219] Alternatively, a value of 0 for the first bit indicates that the link belongs to link group 1, and a value of 1 for the first bit indicates that the link does not belong to link group 1. Other values ​​are similar, and this application does not limit this.

[0220] For example, the link group to which the first link belongs is indicated at least by means of methods 5 to 7 described below.

[0221] Method 5, in conjunction with Table 5, takes the number of at least one link group as an example (e.g., link group 1). The first field can occupy 1 bit. A bit map of 0 indicates that the first link does not belong to link group 1 or does not belong to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 not including the first link). A bit map of 1 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 or belongs to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 including the first link).

[0222] Table 5

[0223] First field meaning 0 Not belonging to any link group 1 Belongs to link group 1

[0224] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of bits occupied by the first field. For example, when the number of at least one link group is one, the first field can occupy 3 bits, with the first field set to 000 indicating that it does not belong to any link group, and the first field set to 100 indicating that it belongs to link group 1 (taking left to right as an example). As another example, it can occupy 8 bits, with the first field set to 00000000 indicating that it does not belong to any link group, and the first field set to 10000000 indicating that it belongs to link group 1.

[0225] Thus, for the case where the number of at least one link group is one, the first field can be determined in the manner shown in Method 5.

[0226] Method 6, referring to Table 6-1, addresses the case where there are multiple link groups, and the first link does not belong to multiple link groups simultaneously (or the first link belongs to one link group). Taking a case where there are two link groups (e.g., link group 1 and link group 2) as an example: The first field occupies 2 bits. Taking the bitmap from left to right as an example, a bitmap of 00 indicates that the first link does not belong to any of the link groups or does not belong to any link group (equivalent to any link group not including the first link). A bitmap of 10 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 or to the link group with index or identifier 1 (equivalent to link group 1 including the first link). A bitmap of 01 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 2 or to the link group with index or identifier 2 (equivalent to link group 2 including the first link). Of course, the first field can occupy 3 or more bits, as long as it effectively conveys the corresponding meaning.

[0227] In other words, the first link does not belong to any link group, or belongs to link group 1 or link group 2; that is, the first link does not belong to both link group 1 and link group 2 at the same time.

[0228] Table 6-1

[0229] First field meaning 00 Not belonging to any link group 10 Belongs to link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 2

[0230] For example, referring to Table 6-2, when the number of at least one link group is multiple, let's take the case where the number of at least one link group is three (e.g., link group 1, link group 2, and link group 3). The specific meaning of each value in the first field can be found in Table 6-2, which is similar to the explanation in Table 6-1, and will not be repeated here.

[0231] Table 6-2

[0232] First field meaning 000 Not belonging to any link group 100 Belongs to link group 1 010 Belongs to link group 2 001 Belongs to link group 3

[0233] It should be noted that the method described in Method 6 can be used whether the number of link groups is more or less. This application embodiment does not elaborate on the values ​​of the first field, the meaning of each value, and the number of bits occupied when the number of link groups is more or less. In addition, this application embodiment does not limit the number of bits occupied by the first field.

[0234] Thus, for cases where there are multiple link groups and the first link does not belong to multiple link groups at the same time (or the first link does not belong to at least two link groups at the same time), the method shown in Method 6 can be adopted.

[0235] Method 7, referring to Table 7-1, addresses the case where there are multiple link groups, and the first link can belong to multiple link groups simultaneously (or belong to at least two link groups simultaneously). Taking a case where there are two link groups (e.g., link group 1 and link group 2) as an example, the first field can occupy 2 bits. Bitmap values ​​of 00, 10, and 01 represent the same meanings as in Method 6. Bitmap value 11 indicates that the first link belongs to link group 1 and link group 2, or to link groups with indices or identifiers of 1 and 2 (equivalent to link group 1 and link group 2 both including the first link). Of course, the first field can occupy 3 or more bits, depending on the meaning it conveys.

[0236] In other words, the first link does not belong to any link group, or belongs to link group 1, or to link group 2, or belongs to both link group 1 and link group 2.

[0237] Table 7-1

[0238] First field meaning 00 Not belonging to any link group 10 Belongs to link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 2 11 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0239] For example, referring to Table 7-2, when the number of at least one link group is multiple, let's take the case where the number of at least one link group is three (e.g., link group 1, link group 2, and link group 3). The specific meaning of each value in the first field can be found in Table 7-2, which is similar to the explanation in Table 7-1, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] It should be noted that the method described in Method 7 can be used whether the number of link groups is more or less. This application embodiment does not elaborate on the values ​​of the first field, the meaning of each value, and the number of bits occupied when the number of link groups is more or less. In addition, this application embodiment does not limit the number of bits occupied by the first field.

[0241] Table 7-2

[0242] First field meaning 000 Not belonging to any link group 100 Belongs to link group 1 010 Belongs to link group 2 001 Belongs to link group 3 110 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2 101 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 3 011 Belongs to Link Group 2 and Link Group 3 111 Belongs to Link Group 1, Link Group 2 and Link Group 3

[0243] Thus, for cases where there are multiple link groups and the first link belongs to multiple link groups simultaneously (or the first link belongs to at least two link groups simultaneously), the method shown in Method 7 can be used. Additionally, for cases where there are multiple link groups and the first link does not belong to multiple link groups simultaneously (or the first link does not belong to at least two link groups simultaneously), the method shown in Method 7 can also be used.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first field may be carried in the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

[0245] For example, a multilink element may include a base version of the multilink element, such as Figure 6 As shown.

[0246] For example, combining Figure 2 and Figure 6 For link 1, the first field can be carried in the Per-STA Profile x field. Similarly, for link 2, the first field can be carried in the Per-STA Profile y field. The same applies to links 3 through n, and will not be elaborated further here. Of course, this embodiment does not limit which Per-STA Profile field the first field for each link is carried in.

[0247] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the frame format of the multi-link element. The first field can be carried in the multi-link element of other frame formats. The embodiments of this application use... Figure 6 The frame format shown is used as an example for explanation.

[0248] Optionally, the first frame may include a Basic variant Multi-Link element, the Basic variant Multi-Link element field includes a Link Info field, the Link Info field includes a Per-STA Profile field for each site configuration, the Per-STA Profile field includes a STA Info field for site information, and the STA Info field includes a first field.

[0249] In other words, combining Figure 6 The first field can be carried in the STA Info field of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0250] Optionally, the first frame may include a Basic variant Multi-Link element, the Basic variant Multi-Link element field includes a Link Info field, the Link Info field includes a Per-STA Profile field for each site configuration, the Per-STA Profile field includes a STA Control field for site information, and the STA Control field includes a first field.

[0251] In other words, combining Figure 6 The first field can be carried in the STA Control field of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first field may be referred to as the EMLMR Link SetIndication field. Optionally, this may correspond to the case where the first field indicates whether the first link belongs to the first link group.

[0253] For example, combined Figure 8 The EMLMR Link Set Indication field can be contained within the STA Info field.

[0254] Furthermore, by way of example, in combination Figure 9 The EMLMR Link Set Indication field can be contained within the STA Control field.

[0255] In other embodiments, the first field may be referred to as the EMLMR Link SetIdentifier field. Optionally, this may correspond to modes 1 through 4.

[0256] For example, combined Figure 10The EMLMR Link Set Identifier field can be contained within the STA Info field.

[0257] Furthermore, by way of example, in combination Figure 11 The EMLMR Link Set Identifier field can be contained within the STA Control field.

[0258] In some other embodiments, the first field may be referred to as the EMLMR Link Set Bitmap field. Optionally, this may correspond to methods 5 through 7.

[0259] For example, combined Figure 12 The EMLMR Link Set Bitmap field can be contained within the STA Info field.

[0260] Furthermore, by way of example, in combination Figure 13 The EMLMR Link Set Bitmap field can be contained within the STA Control field.

[0261] In one possible design, if the first field indicates that the first link belongs to two or more link groups, then the first link belongs to a union link group, which is the union of two or more link groups.

[0262] For example, suppose there are two link groups, namely link group 1 {link 1, link 2} and link group 2 {link 1, link 3}. The union of link group 1 and link group 2 is {link 1, link 2, link 3}. Then link 1 belongs to the union link group {link 1, link 2, link 3}.

[0263] For example, the first link is either a sending link or a receiving link.

[0264] Thus, if the first link belongs to two or more link groups, using the union link group for the first link can solve the problem of not being able to determine the current link group for the first link when it belongs to two or more link groups, such as not knowing whether to use link group 1 or link group 2 to perform the operation.

[0265] In one possible design approach, the first frame may also include a second field, which can be used to indicate whether the first field appears.

[0266] For example, the second field may occupy 1 bit, and setting the second field to 0 indicates that the first field does not appear, while setting the second field to 1 indicates that the first field appears. Alternatively, setting the second field to 1 indicates that the first field does not appear, while setting the second field to 0 indicates that the first field appears.

[0267] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application are illustrated by setting the second field to 0 to indicate that the first field does not appear, and setting the second field to 1 to indicate that the first field appears.

[0268] Optionally, the first frame may include a first field and a second field.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second field may be used in conjunction with methods 1 to 7 described above.

[0270] For example, when the second field is used in conjunction with method 1 above, refer to Table 8. If the second field is set to 0, the first field will not appear. If the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be found in method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0271] Table 8

[0272] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing 1 0 Not belonging to any link group 1 1 Belongs to link group 1

[0273] For example, when the second field is used in conjunction with method 2 above, refer to Table 9 (taking the combination with Table 2-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to method 2 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] Table 9

[0275] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Reserved

[0276] For example, when the second field is used in conjunction with method 3 above, refer to Table 10 (taking the combination with Table 3-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to method 3 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] Table 10

[0278] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0279] For example, when the second field is used in conjunction with method 4 above, refer to Table 11 (taking the combination with Table 4-1 as an example). If the second field is set to 0, the first field will not appear. If the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to method 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] Table 11

[0281] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 0110 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0282] For example, when the second field is used in conjunction with method 5 above, refer to Table 12. If the second field is set to 0, the first field will not appear. If the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be found in method 5 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0283] Table 12

[0284] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing 1 0 Not belonging to any link group 1 1 Belongs to link group 1

[0285] For example, when the second field is used in conjunction with method 6 above, refer to Table 13 (taking the combination with Table 6-1 as an example). If the second field is set to 0, the first field will not appear. If the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to method 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0286] Table 13

[0287] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 1 1 01 Belongs to link group 2

[0288] For example, when the second field is used in conjunction with method 7 above, refer to Table 14 (taking the combination with Table 7-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to method 7 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] Table 14

[0290] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 1 1 01 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0291] In some embodiments, if the second field indicates that the first field does not appear, the second field is also used to indicate that the first link does not belong to any of the link groups in at least one link group.

[0292] In other words, if the second field indicates that the first field does not appear, the second field can indirectly indicate that the first link does not belong to any link group in at least one link group.

[0293] Optionally, if the second field is also used to indicate that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, the first field may not be used to indicate that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, or the first field may be used to indicate that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group.

[0294] For example, the second field can be used in conjunction with method 1 above. The absence of the first field indicates that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, as shown in Table 15-1. The presence of the first field indicates that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, as shown in Table 15-2. Setting the second field to 0 means the first field does not appear and the first link does not belong to any link. Setting the second field to 1 means the meaning of each value of the first field can be found in method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0295] Table 15-1

[0296] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 1 Belongs to link group 1

[0297] Table 15-2

[0298] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 0 Not belonging to any link group 1 1 Belongs to link group 1

[0299] For example, the second field can be used in conjunction with method 2 above. When the first field is not used to indicate that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 16-1 (taking it in conjunction with Table 2-1 as an example). When the first field is used to indicate that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 16-2 (taking it in conjunction with Table 2-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear and the first link does not belong to any link. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to in method 2 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0300] Table 16-1

[0301] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Reserved

[0302] Table 16-2

[0303] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Reserved

[0304] Similarly, for example, the second field can be used in conjunction with method 3 above. For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 17-1 (taking Table 3-1 as an example). For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 17-2 (taking Table 3-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear and the first link does not belong to any link. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to in method 3 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0305] Table 17-1

[0306] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0307] Table 17-2

[0308] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0309] Similarly, for example, the second field can be used in conjunction with method 4 above. For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 18-1 (using Table 4-1 as an example). For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 18-2 (using Table 4-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear and the first link does not belong to any link. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be found in method 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0310] Table 18-1

[0311] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 0110 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0312] Similarly, for example, the second field can be used in conjunction with method 5 above. For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 19-1 (using Table 5-1 as an example). For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 19-2 (using Table 5-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear and the first link does not belong to any link. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be found in method 5 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0313] Table 18-2

[0314] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 01 Belongs to link group 1 1 10 Belongs to link group 2 1 0110 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0315] Table 19-1

[0316] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link 1 1 Belongs to link group 1

[0317] Table 19-2

[0318] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link 1 0 Not belonging to any link group 1 1 Belongs to link group 1

[0319] Similarly, for example, the second field can be used in conjunction with method 6 above. For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 20-1 (using Table 6-1 as an example). For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 20-2 (using Table 6-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear and the first link does not belong to any link. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be found in method 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0320] Table 20-1

[0321] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 1 1 01 Belongs to link group 2

[0322] Table 20-2

[0323] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 1 1 01 Belongs to link group 2

[0324] Similarly, for example, the second field can be used in conjunction with method 7 above. For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 21-1 (using Table 7-1 as an example). For the indication that the first link does not belong to any of the at least one link group, refer to Table 21-2 (using Table 7-1 as an example). When the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear and the first link does not belong to any link. When the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be found in method 7 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0325] Table 21-1

[0326] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 1 1 01 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0327] Table 21-2

[0328] Second field First field meaning 0 Not appearing Not belonging to any link group 1 00 Not belonging to any link group 1 10 Belongs to link group 1 1 01 Belongs to link group 2 1 11 Belongs to Link Group 1 and Link Group 2

[0329] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, if the meaning indicated by the value of the first field is not explained, the value of the first field may be reserved or used for other purposes. For example, in Table 15-1, the meaning indicated by the value of the first field being 0 is not explained; the value of the first field being 0 may indicate that it is reserved or used for other purposes.

[0330] In one possible design approach, the second field carries the Per-STA Profile field for each site configuration of the Multi-Link element.

[0331] For example, combining Figure 2 and Figure 6 For link 1, the second field can be carried in the Per-STA Profile x field. Similarly, for link 2, the second field can be carried in the Per-STA Profile y field. The same logic applies to links 3 through n, and will not be elaborated further here. Of course, this embodiment does not limit which Per-STA Profile field the second field for each link is carried in.

[0332] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the frame format of the multi-link element, and the second field can be carried in the multi-link element of other frame formats. The embodiments of this application use... Figure 6 The frame format shown is used as an example for explanation.

[0333] Optionally, the first frame may include a Basic variant Multi-Link element, the Basic variant Multi-Link element field includes a Link Info field, the Link Info field includes a Per-STA Profile field for each site configuration, the Per-STA Profile field includes a STA Control field for site information, and the STA Control field includes a second field.

[0334] In other words, combining Figure 6 The second field can be carried in the STA Control field of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0335] In some embodiments, the second field may be referred to as the EMLMR Link SetIdentifier Present field. Optionally, this may correspond to the case where the second field is combined with methods 1 to 4.

[0336] For example, combined Figure 14 The EMLMR Link Set Identifier Present field can be contained within the STAControl field.

[0337] In other embodiments, the second field may be referred to as the EMLMR LinkSet Bitmap Present field. Optionally, this may correspond to the case where the second field is combined with methods 5 to 7, for example, when the first field is a bitmap.

[0338] For example, combined Figure 15 The EMLMR Link Set Bitmap Present field can be contained within the STAControl field.

[0339] Optionally, when the second field is combined with the first field, the second field can be contained in the STA Control field, and the first field can be contained in the STA Info field.

[0340] For example, the EMLMR Link Set Identifier Present field is contained in the STA Control field, and the EMLMR Link Set Identifier field can be contained in the STA Info field.

[0341] For example, the EMLMR Link Set Identifier Present field can be contained within the STA Control field, and the EMLMR Link Set Identifier field can also be contained within the STA Control field.

[0342] For example, the EMLMR Link Set Bitmap Present field is contained in the STA Control field, while the EMLMRLink Set Bitmap field can be contained in the STA Info field.

[0343] For example, the EMLMR Link Set Bitmap Present field can be contained within the STA Control field, and the EMLMRLink Set Bitmap field can be contained within the STA Control field.

[0344] In one possible design approach, the first frame may also include a third field, which can be used to indicate the number of at least one link group.

[0345] Optionally, the first frame includes a first field, or the first frame includes a first field and a second field, or the first frame includes a first field and a third field, or the first frame includes a first field, a second field, and a third field.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first MLD or the second MLD may determine the length of the first field or the effective length of the first field based on the third field.

[0347] For example, assuming the third field indicates that the number of at least one link group is 1, the first field can occupy at least 1 bit. For example, the length of the first field is specified to be 8 bits, and the effective length of the first field is 1 bit.

[0348] In method 2, assuming the third field indicates at least 3 link groups, the first field can occupy at least 2 bits. For example, the length of the first field can be 6 bits, and the effective length of the first field is 2 bits.

[0349] In the corresponding method 4, assuming the third field indicates that the number of at least one link group is 3, the first field can occupy 2 bits or an integer multiple of 2 bits. For example, the length of the first field can be 6 bits, and the effective length of the first field can be 2 bits, 4 bits, or 6 bits.

[0350] In method 7, assuming the third field indicates at least 3 link groups, the first field can occupy at least 3 bits. For example, the length of the first field can be 6 bits, and the effective length of the first field is 3 bits.

[0351] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not elaborate on the length or effective length of the first field corresponding to each method.

[0352] In some embodiments, the third field may carry the Common Info field of the Multi-Link element.

[0353] For example, a multilink element may include a base version of the multilink element, such as Figure 6 As shown.

[0354] Optionally, the first frame may include a Basic variant Multi-Link element, the Basic variant Multi-Link element field may include a Common Info field, and the Common Info field may include a third field.

[0355] In other words, combining Figure 6 The third field can be contained in the Common Info field of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0356] In some embodiments, the third field may be referred to as the Number of EMLMR LinkSets field.

[0357] For example, combined Figure 16 The Number of EMLMR Link Sets field can be contained within the Common Info field.

[0358] Optionally, the first MLD may support EMLMR operation mode.

[0359] In one possible design approach, the first field can be used to indicate whether the first link and one or more second links belong to a link group.

[0360] Optionally, the first frame may include a first field.

[0361] Optionally, the second link is a link other than the first link among at least one link established between the first MLD and the second MLD.

[0362] For example, the links established between the first MLD and the second MLD include link 1, link 2 and link 3. When the first link is link 1, the second link is link 2 or link 3. When the first link is link 2, the second link is link 1 or link 3.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first field may include one or more bits. Optionally, the first field may be a bitmap.

[0364] For example, setting the bit corresponding to the second link to 0 indicates that the first link and the second link do not belong to the same link group, while setting the bit corresponding to the second link to 1 indicates that the first link and the second link belong to the same link group. This application will illustrate this example in its embodiments.

[0365] Alternatively, for example, setting the bit corresponding to the second link to 1 indicates that the first link and the second link do not belong to the same link group, while setting the bit corresponding to the second link to 0 indicates that the first link and the second link belong to the same link group.

[0366] For example, referring to Table 22, taking a total of 5 links as an example, namely links 1 to 5. The first field corresponding to link 1 indicates whether link 1 belongs to the same link group as links 2 to 5. For example, if the first field is 1100, taking from left to right, the bit corresponding to link 2 is 1, the bit corresponding to link 3 is 1, the bit corresponding to link 4 is 0, and the bit corresponding to link 5 is 0. Then the first field indicates that link 1 belongs to the same link group as links 2 and 3, while links 1, 4, and 5 do not belong to the same link group. The first fields corresponding to links 2 to 5 are similar and will not be described further here.

[0367] Table 22

[0368]

[0369] It should be noted that the first field corresponding to the first link does not necessarily indicate whether the link itself belongs to the same link group. In the bit map, there is no restriction on whether the first link's bit position exists in the first field.

[0370] Optionally, when the first field contains a bit position of the first link, the value of the bit position corresponding to the first link is not restricted, such as it can be 1 or 0.

[0371] For example, referring to Table 23, taking a scenario with 5 links and the first link having a bit position value of 1, representing links 1 to 5 respectively. The first field corresponding to link 1 indicates whether link 1 belongs to the same link group as links 2 to 5. For example, if the first field is 11100, taking a left-to-right approach, the bit corresponding to link 1 is 1, the bit corresponding to link 2 is 1, the bit corresponding to link 3 is 1, the bit corresponding to link 4 is 0, and the bit corresponding to link 5 is 0. This indicates that link 1 belongs to the same link group as links 2 and 3, while links 1, 4, and 5 do not belong to the same link group. The first fields corresponding to links 2 to 5 are similar and will not be described further here.

[0372] Table 23

[0373]

[0374] In some embodiments, the first field may be carried in the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

[0375] For example, combined Figure 6 The first field can be carried in the STA Info field, STA Control field, or STA Profile of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0376] Optionally, the first field can be called the EMLMR Link Bitmap field. Optionally, this can correspond to the case where the first field indicates whether the first link and one or more second links belong to a link group.

[0377] Optionally, the first frame may include a first field and a second field.

[0378] In some embodiments, the second field may indicate whether the first field (e.g., a first field indicating whether the first link and one or more second links belong to a link group) appears.

[0379] For example, the second field can be used in conjunction with the first field used to indicate whether the first link and one or more second links belong to a link group. Referring to Table 24 (taking Table 22 as an example), if the second field is set to 0, the first field will not appear. If the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to in Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0380] Table 24

[0381]

[0382] If the second field indicates that the first field does not appear, then the second field is also used to indicate that the first link does not belong to any of the link groups in at least one link group. For example, the second field can be used in conjunction with the first field, which indicates whether the first link and one or more second links belong to a link group. Referring to Table 25 (taking Table 22 as an example), if the second field is set to 0, the first field does not appear and the first link does not belong to any link. If the second field is set to 1, the meaning of each value of the first field can be referred to in Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0383] Table 25

[0384]

[0385] In some embodiments, the second field may be carried in the STA Control field or STAInfo field of the multi-link element.

[0386] Optionally, the second field may be referred to as EMLMR Link BitmapPresent.

[0387] Combination Figure 6 The second field can be carried in the STA Control field of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0388] Combination Figure 6 The second field can be carried in the STA Info field of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0389] Optionally, when the second field is combined with the first field, the EMLMR Link Bitmap Present field is contained within the STA Control field, and the EMLMR Link Bitmap field can be contained within the STA Info field. Alternatively, the EMLMR Link Bitmap Present field is contained within the STA Control field, and the EMLMR Link Bitmap field can be contained within the STA Control field. Alternatively, the EMLMR Link Bitmap Present field is contained within the STA Control field, and the EMLMR Link Bitmap field can be contained within the STA Profile field.

[0390] Alternatively, when the second field is combined with the first field, the EMLMR Link Bitmap Present field may be contained within the STA Info field, and the EMLMR Link Bitmap field may also be contained within the STA Info field. Alternatively, the EMLMR Link Bitmap Present field may be contained within the STA Info field, and the EMLMR Link Bitmap field may also be contained within the STA Control field. Alternatively, the EMLMR Link Bitmap Present field may be contained within the STA Info field, and the EMLMR Link Bitmap field may also be contained within the STA Profile field.

[0391] In one possible design approach, the first frame may also include a fourth field, which can be used to indicate the length of the first field.

[0392] For example, the length of the first field can be determined based on the number of links. For instance, if there are 5 links, the length of the first field can be determined to be 4 bits, but this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0393] Optionally, the fourth field can be carried in the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

[0394] Combination Figure 6 The fourth field can be carried in the Per-STA Profile field of the multi-link element in the basic version.

[0395] Optionally, the fourth field can be called the EMLMR Link Bitmap Size.

[0396] In some embodiments, the first frame may include a first field and a fourth field.

[0397] In some embodiments, the first frame may include a first field, a second field, and a fourth field.

[0398] Optionally, if the second field indicates that the first field does not appear, then the fourth field may also not appear. This facilitates parsing.

[0399] It should be noted that when the first MLD does not support EMLMR operation mode, the first, second, third, and fourth fields can all be absent or set to 0.

[0400] S702, the first MLD sends the first frame. Correspondingly, the second MLD receives the first frame.

[0401] For details on the implementation of the first frame, please refer to S701 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0402] For example, the first frame can be a (Re)Association Request frame. The first MLD can send the first frame to the second MLD during a multi-link (Re)setup process. Accordingly, the second MLD receives the first frame from the first MLD.

[0403] S703, the second MLD obtains the relationship between the first link and at least one link group based on the first frame.

[0404] For example, assume that the links between the first MLD and the second MLD include link 1, link 2, and link 3, and there are two link groups, such as link group 1 and link group 2. The first frame includes a first field corresponding to link 1, link 2, and link 3, respectively indicating the relationship between link 1 and link groups 1 and 2, the relationship between link 2 and link groups 1 and 2, and the relationship between link 3 and link groups 1 and 2. Thus, the second MLD can obtain the relationship between link 1 and link groups 1 and 2, the relationship between link 2 and link groups 1 and 2, and the relationship between link 3 and link groups 1 and 2 based on the first frame. For example, link 1 belongs to link group 1, link 2 belongs to link groups 1 and 2, and link 3 belongs to link group 2. This is equivalent to link group 1 including link 1 and link 2, and link group 2 including link 2 and link 3.

[0405] In this way, we can determine which links belong to which link groups and successfully execute EMLMR operations.

[0406] In some embodiments, the second MLD obtains the relationship between the first link and at least one link group based on the first field included in the first frame.

[0407] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 Taking n=3 as an example, this corresponds to the case where the first field indicates whether the first link belongs to the first link group. Assume the first field of the Per-STA Profile x field (corresponding to link 1) is 1, the first field of the Per-STA Profile y field (corresponding to link 2) is 0, and the first field of the Per-STA Profile z field (… Figure 6 In (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 3), the first field is 1. The second MLD can obtain that link 1 belongs to the first link group (e.g., link group 1), link 2 does not belong to the first link group, and link 3 belongs to the first link group. The first link group includes link 1 and link 2, but does not include link 3.

[0408] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 Taking n=3 as an example, corresponding to method 2 above. Assuming the first field occupies 3 bits, the first field of the Per-STA Profile x field (corresponding to link 1) is 001, the first field of the Per-STA Profile y field (corresponding to link 2) is 001, and the first field of the Per-STA Profile z field (… Figure 6 In (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 3), the first field is 010, and the number of link groups is 2. The second MLD can obtain that link 1 belongs to link group 1, link 2 belongs to link group 1, and link 3 belongs to link group 2. Link group 1 includes link 1 and link 2 but does not include link 3, and link group 2 includes link 3 but does not include link 1 and link 2.

[0409] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 Taking n=3 as an example, corresponding to method 4 above. Assume the first field in the Per-STA Profile x field (corresponding to link 1) is 01, the first field in the Per-STA Profile y field (corresponding to link 2) is 10, and the first field in the Per-STA Profile z field (… Figure 6 In (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 3), the first field is 0110, and the number of link groups is 2. The second MLD can obtain that link 1 belongs to link group 1, link 2 belongs to link group 2, and link 3 belongs to both link group 1 and link group 2; link group 1 includes link 1 and link 3, but does not include link 2; link group 2 includes link 2 and link 3, but does not include link 1.

[0410] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 Taking n=3 as an example, corresponding to method 6 above. Corresponding to the example shown in Table 6-1, assuming the first field of the Per-STA Profile x field (corresponding to link 1) is 10, the first field of the Per-STA Profile y field (corresponding to link 2) is 10, and the first field of the Per-STA Profile z field (… Figure 6 In (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 3), the first field is 01, and the number of link groups is 2. The second MLD can obtain that link 1 belongs to link group 1, link 2 belongs to link group 1, and link 3 belongs to link group 2. Link group 1 includes link 1 and link 2 but does not include link 3, and link group 2 includes link 3 but does not include link 1 and link 2.

[0411] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 Taking n=3 as an example, corresponding to method 7 above. Corresponding to the example shown in Table 7-1, assuming the first field of the Per-STA Profile x field (corresponding to link 1) is 01, the first field of the Per-STA Profile y field (corresponding to link 2) is 10, and the first field of the Per-STA Profile z field (… Figure 6 In (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 3), the first field is 11, and the number of link groups is 2. The second MLD can obtain that link 1 belongs to link group 2, link 2 belongs to link group 1, and link 3 belongs to both link group 1 and link group 2; link group 1 includes link 2 and link 3, but does not include link 1; link group 2 includes link 1 and link 3, but does not include link 2.

[0412] In this way, the second MLD can obtain the link group to which the link belongs and the links included in the link group, and can successfully execute the EMLMR operation.

[0413] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not elaborate on the first frame or first field corresponding to other methods, more or fewer link groups, or more or fewer link numbers.

[0414] In some embodiments, the second MLD obtains the relationship between the first link and at least one link group based on the first field and the second field included in the first frame.

[0415] For example, the second MLD can determine whether the first field appears based on the second field. If the first field appears, the relationship between the first link and at least one link group is obtained based on the first field. If the first field does not appear, there is no indication of the relationship between the first link and at least one link group. Alternatively, if the first field does not appear, the first link does not belong to any link group.

[0416] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 Taking n=5 as an example, the second field is used in combination with the first field corresponding to method 6 above (corresponding to Table 13). Assume the second field in the Per-STA Profile x field (corresponding to link 1) is 0; the second field in the Per-STA Profile y field (corresponding to link 2) is 1, and the first field is 10; the Per-STA Profile z field ( Figure 6 In the Per-STA Profile k field (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 3), the second field is 1 and the first field is 01; Figure 6 (Not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 4) The second field is 1, and the first field is 10; Per-STA Profile t field ( Figure 6 In (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 5), the second field is 1 and the first field is 01; the number of link groups is 2. The second MLD can obtain that link 2 belongs to link group 1, link 3 belongs to link group 2, link 4 belongs to link group 1, and link 5 belongs to link group 2; link group 1 includes link 2 and link 4, but does not include link 3 and link 5; link group 2 includes link 3 and link 5, but does not include link 2 and link 4.

[0417] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 Taking n=5 as an example, the second field is used in combination with the first field corresponding to method 6 above (corresponding to Table 20-1). Assume the second field in the Per-STA Profile x field (corresponding to link 1) is 0; the second field in the Per-STA Profile y field (corresponding to link 2) is 1, and the first field is 10; the Per-STA Profile z field ( Figure 6In the Per-STA Profile k field (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 3), the second field is 1 and the first field is 01; Figure 6 (Not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 4) The second field is 1, and the first field is 10; Per-STA Profile t field ( Figure 6 In (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 5), the second field is 1 and the first field is 01; the number of link groups is 2. The second MLD can obtain that link 1 does not belong to link 1 and link 2, link 2 belongs to link group 1, link 3 belongs to link group 2, link 4 belongs to link group 1, and link 5 belongs to link group 2; link group 1 includes link 2 and link 4, but does not include link 1, link 3, and link 5; link group 2 includes link 3 and link 5, but does not include link 1, link 2, and link 4.

[0418] In this way, the second MLD can obtain the link group to which the link belongs and the links included in the link group, and can successfully execute the EMLMR operation.

[0419] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not elaborate on the first frame or first field corresponding to other methods, more or fewer link groups, or more or fewer link numbers.

[0420] In some embodiments, the second MLD obtains the relationship between the first link and at least one link group based on the first field, the second field and the third field included in the first frame.

[0421] For example, the second MLD can determine the length of the first field or the effective length of the first field based on the third field.

[0422] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 Taking n=3 as an example, this corresponds to the case where the first field indicates whether the first link belongs to the first link group. Assuming the first field is 8 bits long and the third field indicates the number of link groups as 1, in the Per-STA Profile x field (corresponding to link 1), the second field is 1 and the first field is 00000001; in the Per-STA Profile y field (corresponding to link 2), the second field is 1 and the first field is 000000000; in the Per-STA Profile z field (… Figure 6 In (not shown in the image) (corresponding to link 3), the second field is 1 and the first field is 00000001.

[0423] The second MLD can determine that the effective length of the first field is 1 bit based on the number of link groups being 1. Thus, the second MLD can read only the last 1 bit from left to right of the first field to obtain that link 1 belongs to the first link group (e.g., link group 1), link 2 does not belong to the first link group, and link 3 belongs to the first link group; the first link group includes link 1 and link 3, but does not include link 2.

[0424] In this way, the second MLD can obtain the link group to which the link belongs and the links included in the link group, and can successfully perform EMLMR operations. In addition, it can save latency.

[0425] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not elaborate on the first frame or first field corresponding to other methods, more or fewer link groups, or more or fewer link numbers.

[0426] The communication method provided in this application involves a first MLD generating a first frame including a first field and sending it to a second MLD. The first field indicates the relationship between a first link and at least one link group. The first link is any one of the at least one links established by the first MLD and the second MLD, and a link group includes one or more of the at least one links. Thus, by flexibly indicating the relationship between one or more links and one or more link groups through the first frame, the second MLD can determine the link group to which the first link belongs and the links included in the link group based on the first frame, thereby obtaining which links belong to which link groups and successfully performing EMLMR operations.

[0427] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0428] The above combination Figures 7-16 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail below. Figures 17-18 The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail.

[0429] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram of a communication device that can be used to execute the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1700 can be a first MLD or a second MLD, or it can be a chip or other component with corresponding functions applied in the first MLD or the second MLD. Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 1700 may include a processor 1701 and a transceiver 1703. It may also include a memory 1702. The processor 1701 is coupled to the memory 1702 and the transceiver 1703, and can be connected via a communication bus. The processor 1701 can also be used independently.

[0430] The following is combined Figure 17 A detailed description of each component of the communication device 1700 is provided below:

[0431] Processor 1701 is the control center of communication device 1700. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 1701 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0432] The processor 1701 can perform various functions of the communication device 1700 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1702 and calling data stored in the memory 1702.

[0433] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 1701 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 17 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the diagram.

[0434] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 1700 may also include multiple processors, for example... Figure 17 The processors 1701 and 1704 are shown. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. Here, "processor" can refer to one or more communication devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0435] Memory 1702 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage communication device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage communication device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage communication devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. Memory 1702 may be integrated with processor 1701 or exist independently, and may be connected via the input / output port of communication device 1700. Figure 17 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to processor 1701, and this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0436] For example, the input port can be used to implement the receiving function performed by the first MLD or the second MLD in any of the above method embodiments, and the output port can be used to implement the sending function performed by the first MLD or the second MLD in any of the above method embodiments.

[0437] The memory 1702 stores the software program that executes the solution of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1701. Specific implementation methods described above can be found in the following method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0438] Transceiver 1703 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, when communication device 1700 is a first MLD, transceiver 1703 can be used to communicate with a second MLD. As another example, when communication device 1700 is a second MLD, transceiver 1703 can be used to communicate with a first MLD. Furthermore, transceiver 1703 may include a receiver and a transmitter. Figure 17 (Not shown separately). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function. The transceiver 1703 can be integrated with the processor 1701 or exist independently, and is connected via the input / output port of the communication device 1700 (…). Figure 17 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to processor 1701, and this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0439] It should be noted that, Figure 17The structure of the communication device 1700 shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. Actual communication devices may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0440] Among them, the action of the first MLD in steps S701 and S702 above can be performed by Figure 17 The processor 1701 in the communication device 1700 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 1702 to execute the instruction first MLD.

[0441] The action of the second MLD in step S703 above can be performed by... Figure 17 The processor 1701 in the communication device 1700 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 1702 to execute the instruction second MLD. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0442] When the communication device is a first MLD, the communication device 1700 can execute any one or more possible design schemes involved in the first MLD in the above method embodiments; when the communication device is a second MLD, the communication device 1700 can execute any one or more possible design schemes involved in the second MLD in the above method embodiments.

[0443] It should be noted that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0444] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. For ease of explanation, Figure 18 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0445] The communication device 1800 includes a transceiver module 1801 and a processing module 1802. The communication device 1800 may be the first MLD or the second MLD in the aforementioned method embodiments. The transceiver module 1801, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transceiver functions performed by the first MLD or the second MLD in any of the above method embodiments.

[0446] It should be noted that the transceiver module 1801 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module. Figure 18 (Not shown in the image). The receiving module is used to receive data and / or signaling from other devices; the transmitting module is used to send data and / or signaling to other devices. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module. The transceiver module can consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver unit, a transceiver interface, or a communication interface.

[0447] The processing module 1802 can be used to implement the processing functions executed by the first MLD or the second MLD in any of the above method embodiments. The processing module 1802 can be a processor.

[0448] In this embodiment, the communication device 1800 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to a specific ASIC, circuitry, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 1800 can employ... Figure 17 The communication device shown is in the form of 1700.

[0449] for example, Figure 17 The processor 1701 in the communication device 1700 shown can execute the communication method in the above method embodiment by calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1702.

[0450] Specifically, Figure 18 The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 1801 and the processing module 1802 can be obtained through Figure 17 The processor 1701 in the communication device 1700 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1702 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 18 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1802 can be achieved through... Figure 17 The processor 1701 in the communication device 1700 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1702 to implement this. Figure 18 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1801 can be obtained through Figure 17 This is achieved through the transceiver 1703 in the communication device 1700 shown.

[0451] Since the communication device 1800 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-described communication method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above-described method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0452] In one possible design scheme, Figure 18 The communication device 1800 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 7 The function of the first MLD in the communication method shown.

[0453] The processing module 1802 is used to generate the first frame. The transceiver module 1801 is used to send the first frame. The first frame includes a first field, which indicates the relationship between a first link and at least one link group. The first link is any one of at least one links established between a first MLD and a second MLD. A link group includes one or more of the at least one links.

[0454] Processing module 1802 can be used to support the communication device in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments. Specifically, it can perform... Figure 7 The processing actions performed by the first MLD. For example, to support the first MLD in performing S701, the generation of the first frame, and / or any other one or more possible design schemes for the techniques described herein.

[0455] Transceiver module 1801 is used to support communication between the first MLD and other communication devices, and can be specifically executed. Figure 7 The sending and / or receiving actions performed by the first MLD. For example, supporting the first MLD to perform the operation of sending the first frame in S702, and / or any other one or more possible design schemes for the techniques described herein.

[0456] It should be noted that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0457] Optionally, the communication device 1800 may also include a storage module. Figure 18 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1802 executes the program or instructions, it enables the communication device 1800 to perform operations. Figure 7 The function of the first MLD in the communication method shown.

[0458] It should be noted that the communication device 1800 may be the first MLD, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed on the first MLD, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0459] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 1800 can be referenced. Figure 7 The technical effects of the communication method shown will not be elaborated here.

[0460] In another possible design scheme, Figure 18 The communication device 1800 shown is applicable to Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the execution Figure 7 The function of the second MLD in the communication method shown.

[0461] The transceiver module 1801 is used to receive the first frame. The processing module 1802 is used to obtain the relationship between the first link and at least one link group based on the first frame. The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate the relationship between the first link and at least one link group. The first link is any one of the at least one links established by the first MLD and the second MLD. A link group includes one or more of the at least one links.

[0462] Processing module 1802 can be used to support the communication device in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments. Specifically, it can perform... Figure 7 The processing actions performed by the second MLD. For example, to support the second MLD in performing the operation involved in S703 of obtaining the relationship between the first link and at least one link group based on the first frame, and / or any other one or more possible design schemes for the technology described herein.

[0463] Transceiver module 1801 is used to support communication between the second MLD and other communication devices, and can specifically execute... Figure 7 The sending and / or receiving actions performed by the second MLD. For example, supporting the second MLD to perform the operation of receiving the first frame in S702, and / or any other one or more possible design configurations for the techniques described herein.

[0464] It should be noted that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, the communication device 1800 may further include a storage module ( Figure 18 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1802 executes the program or instructions, it enables the communication device 1800 to perform operations. Figure 7 The function of the second MLD in the communication method shown.

[0465] It should be noted that the communication device 1800 may be a second MLD, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed on the second MLD, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0466] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 1800 can be referenced. Figure 7 The technical effects of the communication method shown will not be elaborated here.

[0467] This application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first MLD and a second MLD. The first MLD is used to execute the actions of the first MLD in the above method embodiments; the specific execution methods and processes can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0468] The second MLD is used to execute the actions of the second MLD in the above method embodiments. The specific execution methods and processes can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0469] This application provides a chip system including logic circuits and input / output ports. The logic circuits can be used to implement the processing functions involved in the communication method provided in this application, and the input / output ports can be used for the transmit / receive functions involved in the communication method provided in this application.

[0470] For example, the input port can be used to implement the receiving function of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, and the output port can be used to implement the sending function of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0471] For example, the processor in communication device 1700 can be used to perform, for example, but not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver in communication device 1700 can be used to perform, for example, but not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. The aforementioned devices can be disposed on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, the processor can be further divided into an analog baseband processor and a digital baseband processor. The analog baseband processor can be integrated with the transceiver on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor can be disposed on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be integrated with multiple application processors (e.g., but not limited to, graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip can be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Whether the various devices are disposed independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the specific needs of the product design. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the specific implementation of the aforementioned devices.

[0472] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data that implement the functions involved in the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0473] This chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0474] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium that includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method provided in this application to be performed.

[0475] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method provided in this application to be executed.

[0476] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0477] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0478] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0479] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0480] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0481] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0482] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0483] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0484] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0485] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0486] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0487] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0488] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A first multi-link device (MLD) generates a first frame; wherein the first frame includes a first field, the first field being used to indicate the relationship between a first link and multiple link groups, the first link being any one of at least one link established by the first MLD and a second MLD, and one of the multiple link groups including one or more of the at least one link; Send the first frame.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first field is used to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first field is a bitmap.

4. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a second field, which indicates whether the first field appears.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second field carries the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-3 and 5, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a third field, which indicates the number of the plurality of link groups.

7. The communication method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third field carries the Common Info field, which contains general information about the Multi-Link element.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 2-3, 5, and 7, characterized in that, The first field carries the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The second multi-link device (MLD) receives a first frame; wherein the first frame includes a first field, the first field being used to indicate the relationship between a first link and multiple link groups, the first link being any one of at least one link established between the first MLD and the second MLD, and one of the multiple link groups including one or more of the at least one link; Based on the first frame, the relationship between the first link and the at least one link group is obtained.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first field is used to indicate the link group to which the first link belongs.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first field is a bitmap.

12. The communication method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a second field, which indicates whether the first field appears.

13. The communication method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second field carries the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

14. The communication method according to any one of claims 9-11 and 13, characterized in that, The first frame also includes a third field, which indicates the number of the plurality of link groups.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The third field carries the Common Info field, which contains general information about the Multi-Link element.

16. The communication method according to any one of claims 10-11, 13, and 15, characterized in that, The first field carries the Per-STA Profile field of the Multi-Link element for each site configuration.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor coupled to a memory; The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-16 to be executed.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-16 to be performed.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-16 to be executed.

Images