Probe Request Method and Device Based on Multi-Link Communication

Abstract

The present application discloses a probe request method and apparatus based on multi-link communication, and a sending-end device can clearly indicate to a corresponding receiving-end device that it needs to request element information related to key updates. The method includes: the sending-end device generates a probe request frame and sends the probe request frame. The probe request frame includes a probe request variant multi-link element, the probe request variant multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field, when the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a requested element, but the first link information does not include the requested element, the above-mentioned first link information is used to indicate requesting element information related to key updates of the first link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a probe request method and apparatus based on multi-link communication. Background Art

[0002] The next-generation wireless local area network (WLAN) standard is evolving in the direction of continuously increasing throughput. The WLAN system standard is mainly studied and discussed in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard group. The next-generation standard aims at extremely high throughput (EHT), and key technologies may include multi-link (ML) communication.

[0003] The core idea of multi-link communication is to enable WLAN devices that support the next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard, such as EHT devices, to have the ability to transmit and / or receive on multiple frequency bands, so that a larger bandwidth can be used for transmission, thereby improving throughput. For example, the multi-frequency bands mainly include but are not limited to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, or the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. Exemplarily, the access and / or transmission on each frequency band is called a link, and thus the access and / or transmission on multiple frequency bands is called ML. For example, a device that supports multi-link communication is called a multi-link device (MLD). Figure 1a Shown is a simple example of a multi-link communication scenario. For example, there are multiple access points (APs) or stations (STAs) in an MLD device, thus forming an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD. The communication between MLDs is multi-link communication, and Figure 1a Link 1 and Link 2 in it form a multi-link. If an STA wants to know more information about an AP, it can obtain more information about the AP through active scanning. When performing active scanning, the STA can send a probe request frame on each channel where it searches for the AP, and after receiving the probe request frame, the AP can feedback the information required by the STA through a probe response frame.

[0004] However, in the above communication process, how to enable the AP to accurately know the information required by the STA urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a probe request method and apparatus based on multi-link communication, which enables the sending device to clearly indicate the information it needs, enabling the receiving device to accurately feedback the information required by the sending device and improving the efficiency of information interaction.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a probe request method based on multi-link communication. The method includes:

[0007] The sending device generates a probe request frame. The probe request frame includes a probe request variant multi-link element. The probe request variant multi-link element includes first link information. The first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, but the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; the sending device sends the probe request frame.

[0008] The above-mentioned sending device may include a non-AP MLD, or a STA under a non-AP MLD, or a WiFi chip, etc.

[0009] Exemplarily, the first link information can also be referred to as the first per-STA profile sub-element. The first sub-field can be a complete profile sub-field. The second sub-field can be a critical update requested sub-field. Generally, a STA can indicate the element information it needs to request to the corresponding AP through a request element. That is to say, the request element can be used to indicate the element information that needs to be requested. Generally, a STA can get a hint of critical updates of the AP and other APs under the AP MLD to which the AP belongs in a beacon frame. However, the STA cannot know specifically what elements are updated and what the new parameters are for the current update. Therefore, this second sub-field can be used to indicate whether to request element information related to critical updates. In other words, the element information related to critical updates can be element information known to both the sending device and the receiving device. The sending device can learn from the beacon frame that the element information related to critical updates in the receiving device has changed. However, the sending device still needs to request from the corresponding AP through the second sub-field the element information that has changed in the element information related to critical updates.

[0010] It can be understood that the probe request frame shown in this application can also be referred to as a multi-link probe request frame.

[0011] Generally, when the complete profile in the per-STA profile = 0, the critical update requested = 1, and the (extended) request element does not appear in this per-STA profile sub-element, the AP corresponding to this per-STA profile sub-element cannot effectively know whether to feedback element information identical to the frame body and element information related to critical updates, or only feedback element information related to critical updates. However, through the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the sending device can clearly indicate to the corresponding AP that it needs to request element information related to critical updates. At the same time, the corresponding AP can effectively know that it needs to feedback element information related to critical updates. It effectively improves the problem that there may be inconsistent interpretations of link information between the sending device and the receiving device, thereby improving the efficiency of information interaction.

[0012] In a second aspect, the embodiments of this application provide a probe request method based on multi-link communication. The method includes:

[0013] The receiving end device receives a probe request frame, the probe request frame includes a probe request type multi-link element, the probe request type multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the request element is included in the frame body of the probe request frame but the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate to request the element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate to request partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate to request the element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; the receiving end device generates a probe response frame according to the probe request frame and sends the probe response frame.

[0014] For the description of the second aspect, reference can be made to the above first aspect and will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0015] In any possible implementation manner of the first aspect or the second aspect, the request element includes at least one of a common request element or an extended request element.

[0016] The common request element shown in the embodiments of the present application is relative to the extended request element. For example, the structure of the common request element can refer to Figure 2b , and the extended request element can refer to Figure 2c .

[0017] In any possible implementation manner of the first aspect or the second aspect, the probe request type multi-link element further includes second link information, the second link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the second value, and the second link information includes the request element, the second link information is used to indicate to request the element information related to key update of the second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information. The second link information corresponds to the second link.

[0018] In any possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect, the probe request type multi-link element further includes third link information, where the third link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the first value, and the third link information does not include a request element, the third link information is used to indicate that the element information of the requested third link is inherited from the frame body of the probe request frame. The value of the second sub-field being the first value is used to indicate that the element information related to key update of the third link is not requested. The third link information corresponds to the third link.

[0019] It can be understood that the first aspect shown above is illustrated by taking the first link information as an example. The above first aspect can also be replaced with: The sending device generates a probe request frame, where the probe request frame includes a probe request type multi-link element (probe request variant multi-link element). The probe request type multi-link element includes second link information, where the second link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the second value, the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, and the second link information includes the request element, the second link information is used to indicate the element information related to key update of the requested second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate the request for partial information of the first link. The value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate the request for the element information related to key update of the first link. The second link information corresponds to the second link; the sending device sends the probe request frame.

[0020] The above second aspect can also be replaced with:

[0021] The receiving end device receives a probe request frame, where the probe request frame includes a probe request variant multi-link element. The probe request variant multi-link element includes second link information. The second link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value and the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element and the second link information includes the request element, the second link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The second link information corresponds to the second link; the receiving end device generates a probe response frame according to the probe request frame and sends the probe response frame.

[0022] When the first link information in the first aspect or the second aspect is replaced by the second link information, in a possible implementation, the probe request frame further includes the first link information. In another possible implementation, the probe request frame further includes the third link information.

[0023] The description of the first link information, the second link information, or the third link information may refer to the first aspect or the second aspect above.

[0024] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a probe request method based on multi-link communication. The method includes:

[0025] The sending end device generates a probe request frame. The probe request frame includes a probe request variant multi-link element. The probe request variant multi-link element includes first link information. The first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, the first link information includes a request element, and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; the sending end device sends the probe request frame.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a probe request method based on multi-link communication. The method includes:

[0027] The receiving device receives a probe request frame, the probe request frame includes a probe request class multi-link element, the probe request class multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, the first link information includes a request element, and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; the receiving device generates a probe response frame according to the probe request frame and sends the probe response frame.

[0028] For the descriptions of the first sub-field, the second sub-field, the first link information, etc. in the third aspect or the fourth aspect, reference may be made to the above first aspect or the second aspect.

[0029] In any possible implementation manner of the third aspect or the fourth aspect, the request element includes at least one of a common request element or an extended request element.

[0030] In any possible implementation manner of the third aspect or the fourth aspect, the first field includes any one or more of a length field, a requested element ID field, an element ID extension field, or a requested element ID extension field.

[0031] It can be understood that the special value shown in the embodiments of the present application is relative to the normal value.

[0032] Exemplarily, the request element includes at least one of a length field or a requested element ID field. For example, the length field in the request element may be a special value, such as the special value being 0. Another example is that the value of the length field is 1, and the ID of the requested element ID field is a reserved value. If the ID of the requested element ID field is any one of 245 - 254, it means that the element corresponding to the ID of the requested element ID field is empty (it can also be said that the element corresponding to the ID of the requested element ID field is a reserved value).

[0033] Exemplarily, the extended request element includes a length field, an element identification extension field, and a requested element identification field. In this case, for example, the value of the length field in the request element is a special value, such as the special value being 2. Also for example, the ID of the requested element identification field is a reserved value. If the ID of the requested element identification field is any one of 245 - 254, it means that the element corresponding to the ID of the requested element identification field is empty (it can also be said that the element corresponding to the ID of the requested element identification field is a reserved value). It can be understood that the value of the length field and the value of the element identification extension field can be different. The value of the length field and the value of the requested element identification field can also be different. The value of this element identification extension field and the value of this requested element identification field can be different or the same.

[0034] Exemplarily, the extended request element includes a length field, an element identification extension field, a requested element identification field, and a requested element identification extension field. In this case, for example, the value of the length field in the request element is 3, and the IDs corresponding to the requested element identification field and the requested element identification extension field are reserved values.

[0035] In any possible implementation manner of the third aspect or the fourth aspect, the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element.

[0036] It can be understood that the probe request type multi - link element in the third aspect or the fourth aspect shown in this application can also be combined with the first aspect or the second aspect above. For example, the probe request type multi - link element shown in this application can also include at least one of the second link information or the third link information.

[0037] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication device for performing the method in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation manner thereof. This communication device includes corresponding units for performing the method in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation manner thereof.

[0038] For example, this communication device can include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. This communication device can be the sending - end device in the first aspect or the third aspect above, such as a non - AP MLD, or an STA, or a chip in a non - AP MLD, such as a WiFi chip, etc.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication device for performing the method in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation manner thereof. This communication device includes corresponding units for performing the method in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation manner thereof.

[0040] For example, the communication device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The communication device may be the receiving-end device in the second aspect or the fourth aspect above, such as an AP MLD, or an AP, or a chip in the AP MLD, such as a WiFi chip, etc.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor for executing the method shown in the first aspect, the third aspect or any possible implementation manner thereof above.

[0042] In the process of executing the above method, the processes of sending information and receiving information in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the above information, and the process of the processor receiving the input of the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After the above information is output by the processor, other processing may be required before it reaches the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives the input of the above information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it to the processor. Further, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may require other processing before it is input to the processor.

[0043] Based on the above principle, for example, the sending of the probe request frame mentioned in the foregoing method can be understood as the processor outputting the probe request frame. For another example, receiving the probe response frame can be understood as the processor receiving the input of the probe response frame.

[0044] For operations such as transmitting, sending, and receiving involved by the processor, if there is no special instruction, or if it does not conflict with its actual role or internal logic in the relevant description, they can all be more generally understood as operations such as the processor outputting and receiving, inputting, etc.

[0045] In the implementation process, the above-mentioned processor may be a processor dedicated to executing these methods, or a processor that executes computer instructions in a memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The above-mentioned memory may be a non-transitory memory, such as a read only memory (ROM), which may be integrated with the processor on the same chip or may be separately provided on different chips. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the memory and the setting manner of the memory and the processor.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located outside the above-mentioned communication device.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located inside the above-mentioned communication device.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, which is used to receive signals and / or send signals. Exemplarily, the transceiver may be used to send a probe request frame. Also, for example, the transceiver may also be used to receive a probe response frame, etc.

[0050] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be the sending device in the first aspect or the third aspect above. For example, the sending device may be a non-AP MLD or an STA, etc.

[0051] In a eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, which includes a processor for executing a program stored in a memory. When the program is executed, the communication device is caused to execute the method as shown in the second aspect, the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof above.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the above-mentioned communication device.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the memory is located inside the above-mentioned communication device.

[0054] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, which is used to receive signals and / or send signals. Exemplarily, the transceiver may be used to receive a probe request frame. Also, for example, the transceiver may also be used to send a probe response frame, etc.

[0056] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be the receiving device in the second aspect or the fourth aspect above. For example, the receiving device may be an AP MLD or an AP, etc.

[0057] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, and the logic circuit is coupled to the interface; the logic circuit is used to generate a probe request frame; the interface is used to output the probe request frame.

[0058] That is to say, the logic circuit is used to obtain a probe request frame according to the method as shown in the first aspect or the third aspect, and the interface is used to output the probe request frame. It can be understood that the processed data shown above in the present application is a probe request frame.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the first aspect, the third aspect or any possible implementation manner described above, which will not be elaborated here. For the specific description of the probe request frame and / or the probe response frame, reference can be made to the first aspect or the third aspect described above, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0060] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, and the logic circuit is coupled to the interface; the interface is used to input a probe request frame; the logic circuit is used to generate a probe response frame according to the probe request frame; the interface is further used to output the probe response frame.

[0061] It can be understood that the above description of the interface and the logic circuit can also be replaced with:

[0062] The interface is used to input data to be processed; the logic circuit is used to process the data to be processed to obtain processed data; the interface is used to output the processed data. The data to be processed shown here is the probe request frame, and the processed data is the probe response frame.

[0063] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the second aspect, the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner described above, which will not be elaborated here. For the specific description of the probe request frame and / or the probe response frame, reference can be made to the second aspect or the fourth aspect described above, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0064] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program. When it runs on a computer, the method shown in the first aspect, the third aspect or any possible implementation manner is executed.

[0065] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program. When it runs on a computer, the method shown in the second aspect, the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner is executed.

[0066] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or computer code. When it runs on a computer, the method shown in the first aspect, the third aspect or any possible implementation manner is executed.

[0067] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or computer code. When it runs on a computer, the method shown in the second aspect, the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner is executed.

[0068] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a multi-link communication system, which includes a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD. Optionally, the non-AP MLD is used to execute the method shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, and the AP MLD is used to execute the method shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect. Optionally, the non-AP MLD is used to execute the method shown in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect, and the AP MLD is used to execute the method shown in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect. Description of the Drawings

[0069] Figures 1a to 1c is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a probe request variant multi-link element provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a request element provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 2c is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extended request element provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another probe request variant multi-link element provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a probe request frame provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the flowchart of a probe request method based on multi-link communication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a probe request frame provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the flowchart of a probe request method based on multi-link communication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Figures 8 to 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0079] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following will further describe this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0080] In the description of the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims, and drawings are only used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having", as well as any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device, etc. that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices, etc.

[0081] As used herein, the term "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears at various positions in the specification and does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art can explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0082] In the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "a plurality" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. "At least one (one) of the following" or its similar expression refers to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (one) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a, b, and c".

[0083] The probing request method for multi-link communication provided by this application can be applied to a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system may include a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network, etc. This method can be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system, or a logic circuit or a processor in the communication device, etc. The communication device can be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission on multiple links. For example, it is called a multi-link device (MLD) or a multi-band device. For instance, in a wireless local area network, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series of protocols, which includes: 802.11be, 802.11be next generation, 802.11ax, or 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc., and will not be listed one by one here.

[0084] First, the multi-link device involved in this application will be described below, and then the scenarios and probing request frames involved in this application will be described in combination with the multi-link device.

[0085] The multi-link device includes one or more affiliated stations. The affiliated stations are logical stations that can operate on one link, one frequency band, one channel, etc. The affiliated stations can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For the convenience of description, in this application, a multi-link device with an affiliated station as an AP can be called a multi-link AP or a multi-link AP device or an AP multi-link device (AP MLD). A multi-link device with an affiliated station as a non-AP STA is called a multi-link STA or a multi-link STA device or a STA multi-link device (STA MLD), or a multi-link device with an affiliated station as a non-AP STA is called a multi-link non-AP or a multi-link non-AP device or a non-AP multi-link device (non-AP MLD), etc. In the following text, a multi-link device with an affiliated station as an AP will be called an AP MLD, and a multi-link device with an affiliated station as a non-AP STA will be called a non-AP MLD. The number of affiliated APs in the AP MLD is one or more; the number of affiliated STAs in the STA MLD is one or more.

[0086] A multi-link device can implement wireless communication by following the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, a multi-link device that follows the extremely high throughput (EHT), or a multi-link device that follows 802.11be or is compatible with 802.11be, can communicate with other devices.

[0087] The multi-link device (which can be either a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD here) is a communication device with wireless communication capabilities. This communication device can be a whole-device, or it can be a chip or a processing system installed in a whole-device. The device installed with these chips or processing systems can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of these chips or processing systems. For example, the non-AP multi-link device in the embodiments of this application has wireless transceiver capabilities, can support the 802.11 series of protocols, and can communicate with an AP multi-link device or other non-AP multi-link devices. For example, a non-AP multi-link device is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and thus with a WLAN. For example, a non-AP multi-link device can be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a handheld computer, a netbook, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, or other networkable user devices, or an Internet of Things (IoT) node in the IoT, or a vehicle-mounted communication device in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network. A non-AP multi-link device can also be a chip and a processing system in the above-mentioned terminals. An AP multi-link device is a device that can provide services for non-AP multi-link devices and can support the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, an AP multi-link device can be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, a bridge, etc., or an AP multi-link device can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, an AP multi-link device can also be a chip and a processing system in these various forms of devices. Among them, the 802.11 protocol can be a protocol that supports 802.11be or is compatible with 802.11be.

[0088] It is understandable that multi-link devices can support high-rate and low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of wireless local area network application scenarios, multi-link devices can also be applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (such as AR, VR and other wearable devices), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, etc.), vehicle networking devices in vehicle networking, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation stations in shopping malls, self-service cashiers, self-service ordering machines, etc.). In the embodiments of the present application, the specific form of the multi-link device is not limited, and this is only an exemplary illustration here.

[0089] Combined with the multi-link device shown above, Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of a multi-link communication scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 1b shown, the AP MLD includes AP1, AP2, …, APn, and the non-AP MLD includes STA1, STA2, …, STAn. The n shown here is a positive integer. The AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can communicate in parallel using link 1, link 2, …, link n. STA1 in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP1 in the AP MLD, STA2 in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP2 in the AP MLD, STAn in the non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with APn in the AP MLD, and so on. Thus, after an association relationship is established between one or more STAs in the non-AP MLD and one or more APs in the AP MLD, communication can be carried out.

[0090] Figure 1c is another schematic diagram of a multi-link communication scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 1c shown, it includes at least one AP and at least one STA, Figure 1c and three STAs are shown, such as STA1, STA2, and STA3. For example, STA1 can communicate with the AP through two links, and the two links can be as Figure 1c shown by the two arrows. For another example, STA2 or STA3 can communicate with the AP through one link. That is to say, Figure 1c the system shown includes both multi-link communication and single-link communication.

[0091] The method provided by this application can be applicable to, but not limited to: uplink / downlink transmission for a single user, uplink / downlink transmission for multiple users, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, where X can represent anything), device-to-device (D2D). For example, the V2X can include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), communication between vehicle and pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0092] Exemplarily, a station can discover a basic service set (BSS) and the attributes associated with the BSS through scanning. The scanning is divided into active scanning and passive scanning. When performing passive scanning, the STA can search for beacon frames, which include information such as country code information or maximum allowed transmission power. If the STA wants to know more information about the AP, it can further obtain it through active scanning. When performing active scanning, the STA can send probe request frames on each channel where it searches for the AP. After receiving the probe request frames, the AP can feedback the information required by the STA through probe response frames.

[0093] Due to the introduction of multi-link communication (such as 802.11be), for non-AP MLD, in addition to active scanning, it can obtain partial or all of the capability information, parameters, and mode element information, etc. of the APs belonging to the same MLD from the AP MLD by sending multi-link probe request frames. Exemplarily, the address 1 field of the multi-link probe request frame is set to the broadcast address and the address 3 field is set to the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the AP, or the address 1 field is the BSSID of the AP; and it carries a probe request variant multi-link element.

[0094] Exemplarily, Figure 2a is a schematic structural diagram of a probe request variant multi-link element provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0095] Such as Figure 2aAs shown, the probe request type multi-link element includes an element ID, a length, an element ID extension, a multi-link control field, and a link info field. Exemplarily, the link info field includes zero, one, or more per-STA profile subelements. The per-STA profile subelement may include a subelement ID, a length, an STA control field, and an STA profile field. The STA control field may include a link ID subfield, a complete profile subfield, and a reserved field. The STA profile field includes an (extended) request element (which may also be referred to as an (expanded) request element, an (extended) request element, or an (expanded) request element). The (extended) request element can be understood as at least one of a request element or an extended request element. The above information included in the per-STA profile indicates that the per-STA profile subelement can be used to carry information of a link, that is, the per-STA profile subelement and the link are in one-to-one correspondence. At the same time, according to the relationship between the link and the STA, the per-STA profile subelement shown in this application can also be referred to as link information. For the sake of brevity of this application, the per-STA profile subelement is referred to as link information in this application.

[0096] Exemplarily, when the type of the subfield in the multi-link control field = 1, it indicates that the multi-link element is of the probe request type. The link info field may contain zero, one, or more per-STA profile subelements, and each per-STA profile subelement corresponds to a link. At the same time, since the link and the AP can be in one-to-one correspondence, each per-STA profile subelement can also correspond to an AP, indicating that the STA requests partial or all information of the corresponding AP. For example, the link ID can be used to identify the corresponding link or AP. When the complete profile is 0, it indicates a request for partial information of the corresponding link, and when the complete profile is 1, it indicates a request for all information of the corresponding link.

[0097] If the STA wants to request some information of the AP, it can carry the element identifier (element ID) of the specific element requested by the STA through the (extended) request element in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile sub-element corresponding to the link ID corresponding to the AP, so as to request the corresponding element information from the AP. In the above case, the complete profile sub-field under the STA control field in the per-STA profile sub-element is 0. That is to say, if the STA needs to request some information of a certain AP, it can identify the certain AP through the link ID, and indicate the element information to be requested through the (extended) request element in the STA profile field of the corresponding pre-STA profile (i.e., the pre-STA profile corresponding to the link ID) sub-element. It can be understood that all the information (also can be called complete information) and partial information involved in this application are relative to a link, that is, all the element information corresponding to a link is simply referred to as complete information, and the partial or specific element information corresponding to a link is called partial information. A link shown here refers to the link identified by the link ID in the per-STA profile. In other words, all the information and partial information involved in this application are relative to an AP, that is, all the element information corresponding to an AP is simply referred to as complete information, and the partial information or specific element information corresponding to an AP is simply referred to as partial information.

[0098] Figure 2b is a schematic structural diagram of a request element provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2b shown, the request element may include an element identifier (element ID) field, a length field, and a requested element identifier (requested element ID) field.

[0099] Figure 2c is a schematic structural diagram of an extended request element provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2c shown, in addition to the element identifier field, the length field, and the requested element identifier field, the extended request element may further include an element identifier extension (element ID extension) field. Optionally, the extended request element may further include a requested element identifier extension (requested element ID extension) field. According to Figure 2b and Figure 2cIt can be known that the request element can be identified by the element identifier of the request, or the extended request element can send the element information of the corresponding link requested by the sending device through the element identifier of the request and the request element identifier extension indication. In other words, the STA can indicate the element information it needs to request to the corresponding AP through the (extended) request element. That is to say, the (extended) request element can be used to indicate the element information that needs to be requested. It can be understood that the ordinary request element shown below in this application can be understood as Figure 2b the request element shown, and the extended request element can be understood as Figure 2c the extended request element shown.

[0100] It can be understood that Figure 2b and Figure 2c the structural schematic diagrams shown are only examples, and the structures of the request element and the extended request element may change with the promotion of standards or the evolution of technology, etc. In this regard, this application does not make any limitations.

[0101] Due to the structural characteristics of the probe request class multi-link element, in order to save signaling overhead and the simplicity of the frame structure, the probe request class multi-link element also has inheritance. The implementation methods of the inheritance of this probe request class multi-link element include:

[0102] If there is an (extended) request element in the frame body and there is no (extended) request element in a per-STA profile subelement of a Probe Request variant Multi-Link element and the complete profile subfield of the STA control field in the per-STA profile subelement is 0, then the (extended) request element in the per-STA profile is actually inherited from the (extended) request element in the frame body, i.e., the values are exactly the same. It can be understood that for the description of the frame body, the description of the (extended) request element, etc., reference can also be made to Figure 4 .

[0103] Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of another Probe Request variant Multi-Link element provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The Probe Request variant Multi-Link element shown in Figure 2a differs from the Probe Request variant Multi-Link element shown in Figure 3 in that: Figure 3As shown, the STA control field includes a link ID subfield, a complete profile subfield, and a critical update requested subfield. Optionally, the STA control field further includes the presence of the last known BSS parameter change count (BPCC). Optionally, Figure 3 The per-STA profile subelement shown may further include a STA info field, and the STA info field may include the last known BPCC.

[0104] Exemplarily, the STA may request from the AP element information related to a critical update. The element information related to the critical update includes at least one of the following: a channel switch announcement element, an extended channel switch announcement element, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA), a parameters element, a quiet element, a high throughput (HT) operation element, a very high throughput (VHT) operation element, an extremely high throughput (EHT) operation element. It can be understood that the element information related to the critical update shown in this application is only an example, and for the specific content of this element information, reference can also be made to relevant standards or protocols, etc.

[0105] Generally, the STA can obtain hints about critical updates of the AP and other APs under the AP MLD to which the AP belongs in the beacon frame. However, the STA cannot know what specific elements are updated and the current updated new parameters. Therefore, a critical update requested subfield can be added to the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element of the probe request-like multi-link element. The critical update requested subfield can be used to indicate whether to request element information related to critical updates. Optionally, the STA can report a latest known BPCC (such as Figure 3 shown lastknown BPCC). In other words, the element information related to the critical update can be element information known to both the STA and the AP. The STA can learn that the element information related to the critical update in the AP has changed through the beacon frame. However, the STA still needs to request the changed element information in the element information related to the critical update from the AP through the critical update requested subfield.

[0106] Exemplarily, when the critical update requested subfield is set to 1 (it can also be understood that the value of the critical update requested subfield is 1), the value of the complete configuration subfield must not be 1. Exemplarily, when the value of the complete profile subfield is 1, it means that the STA needs to request all information of the corresponding link (identified by the link ID corresponding to the complete profile). In this case, regardless of whether the value of the critical update requested subfield is 0 or 1, the AP needs to feedback all information of the corresponding link. Therefore, when the value of the critical update requested subfield is 1, the value of the complete configuration subfield cannot be 1.

[0107] It can be understood that the complete profile involved in this application can also be understood as all configurations or complete profile requested, etc. The name of it is not limited in this application.

[0108] In a probe request class multi-link element, there are (extended) request elements in the frame body. For a certain per-STA profile sub-element, when the key update request sub-field in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element is set to 1 and the complete configuration sub-field is 0, the (extended) request element does not appear. In the above cases, there will be two implementation methods: First, the STA requests the same element information as the frame body and the element information related to key update from the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile. Second, the STA only requests the element information related to key update from the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile, and there is no need to indicate it with an additional element ID.

[0109] Exemplarily, Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a probe request frame provided by an embodiment of the present application. The probe request frame includes frame control, duration, element, (extended) requested element, and probe request class multi-link element, etc. Figure 4 If there is an (extended) request element in the first row shown, it means there is an (extended) request element in the frame body of the probe request frame. Figure 4 If the ID of the (extended) request element shown is 10 and the value is D, it means the element identifier of the (extended) request element is 10, and the requested element identifier, that is, the value, is D. Optionally, Figure 4 the STA info field indicated by the dashed line means that the STA info field may or may not exist.

[0110] Such as Figure 4As shown, the probe request frame carries a probe request class multi-link element, which includes 3 per-STA profiles, such as per-STA profile x, per-STA profile y, and per-STA profile z. Combining with the (extended) request element included in the frame body, and value = 10, it means that the STA requests the element information with element ID D from the AP that receives the probe request frame through the frame body, and requests the information of APs x, y, and z belonging to the same APMLD through the probe request class multi-link element. The AP x shown here can be identified by the link ID sub-field in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element x, the AP y can be identified by the link ID sub-field in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element y, and the AP z can be identified by the link ID sub-field in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element z.

[0111] For example, for the per-STA profile sub-element z, complete profile = 0, critical update requested = 1. Since critical update requested = 1, it means that the STA needs to request the element information related to the critical update. However, since the (extended) request element is included in the frame body and the (extended) request element does not appear in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile sub-element z, it means that the (extended) request element in the per-STA profile sub-element z needs to be inherited from the frame body. Therefore, in addition to the element information related to the critical update that the STA may need to request, it also needs to request the information with element ID D (which is consistent with the value of the (extended) request element in the frame body, so the (extended) request element does not appear in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile sub-element z). Or, the STA only requests the element information related to the critical update and does not require an additional element ID indication.

[0112] That is to say, when the complete profile in the per-STA profile is 0, the critical update requested is 1, and the (extended) request element does not appear in the per-STA profile sub-element, the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element cannot effectively obtain the element information identical to the frame body and the element information related to the critical update, and only the element information related to the critical update is fed back.

[0113] In view of this, a probe request method and device based on multi-link communication provided by an embodiment of the present application, through the method provided by the present application (as shown below Figure 5 or Figure 7 ) and the device (as shown below Figures 8 to 10 ), can effectively improve the above problems. Enable the sending device to clearly indicate to the corresponding AP that it needs to request the element information identical to the frame body or the element information related to the critical update. At the same time, the corresponding AP can effectively obtain that it needs to feed back the element information identical to the frame body or the element information related to the critical update. Effectively improve the problem that the sending device and the receiving device may have inconsistent interpretations of the link information, thereby improving the efficiency of information interaction.

[0114] The application scenarios of the probe request method based on multi-link communication provided by the present application can refer to at least one of Figures 1a to 1c . The specific description of the probe request frame can also refer to at least one of Figure 2a , Figure 3 or Figure 4 etc. Exemplarily, the sending device shown in the present application may include an STA, a non-AP MLD, an STA in a non-AP MLD, or a WiFi chip, etc., and the receiving device may include an AP, an AP MLD, an AP in an AP MLD, or a WiFi chip, etc. For example, the method shown in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to an STA under a non-AP MLD and an AP under an AP MLD. Another example is that the method described in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to, such as Figure 1cThe AP, STA1, etc. shown above are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Exemplarily, when the link info field includes 0 per-STA profile sub-elements, it indicates that the sending device needs to request the element information of all APs belonging to the same MLD. Exemplarily, when the link info field includes one per-STA profile sub-element, it indicates that the sending device needs to request the element information of the AP corresponding to this per-STA profile sub-element. Exemplarily, when the link info field includes two or more per-STA profile sub-elements, it indicates that the sending device needs to request the element information of two or more APs belonging to the same MLD.

[0115] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of a probe request method based on multi-link communication provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 5 shown, the method includes:

[0116] 501. The sending device generates a probe request frame, the probe request frame includes a probe request type multi-link element, the probe request type multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the request element is included in the frame body of the probe request frame, and the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate requesting the element information related to key update of the first link.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present application, the value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate requesting partial information of the first link, the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate requesting the element information related to key update of the first link, and the first link information corresponds to the first link. In other words, the value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate requesting partial information of the first AP, the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate requesting the element information related to key update of the first AP. Or, the value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate requesting feedback of partial information of the first AP, the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate requesting feedback of the element information related to key update of the first AP. Similarly, the first link information is used to indicate requesting the element information related to key update of the first AP, or the first link information is used to indicate requesting feedback of the element information related to key update of the first AP, etc. The relationship between the link and the AP can refer to the description shown above and will not be elaborated here.

[0118] Exemplarily, the first sub-field may be a complete profile sub-field, and the second sub-field may be a critical update requested sub-field. Exemplarily, the bit length of the complete profile sub-field shown in the embodiments of the present application may be 1 bit, and the bit length of the critical update requested sub-field may be 1 bit. For example, the first value may be 0 and the second value may be 1. The 0 and 1 shown here are only examples and should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present application. It can be understood that specific descriptions of the complete profile sub-field or the critical update requested sub-field, etc. may refer to the foregoing embodiments, and the embodiments of the present application will not be elaborated further.

[0119] Exemplarily, the above request element may include, for example Figure 2b the request element shown (i.e., the ordinary request element) or Figure 2c at least one of the extended request element shown (i.e., the extended request element). For example, the request element or the extended request element is included in the frame body of the probe request frame, and the request element and the extended request element are not included in the first link information. It can be understood that the ordinary request element shown in the embodiments of the present application is relative to the extended request element. For example, the request element can also be understood as the (extended) request element shown above.

[0120] The first link information is used to indicate that the request feedbacks the element information related to the critical update of the first link, and there may be the following implementation manners:

[0121] First, when the (extended) request element appears in the frame body of the probe request frame, and the (extended) request element does not appear in a per-STA profile sub-element of the probe request class multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, and the complete profile in the STA control field in the per-STA profile sub-element is 0 and the critical update requested is 1, it means that the sending device does not need to request other specific element information except the element information related to the critical update from the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element through the (extended) request element.

[0122] In other words, when the (extended) request element appears in the probe request frame body, and does not appear in a per-STA profile sub-element of the probe request class multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, and the complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1 in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element, it means that the STA does not need to request other specific element information other than the element information related to the critical update from the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element through the (extended) request element. It can be understood that a per-STA profile sub-element of the probe request class multi-link element shown here can be understood as the first link information shown in the embodiments of the present application. The AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element is the first AP.

[0123] Second, as long as the (extended) request element is not included in the first link information, it means that the sending device does not need to request element information other than the element information related to the critical update from the first AP through the (extended) request element. In other words, although complete profile = 0, the (extended) request element is included in the frame body, and the (extended) request element is not included in the first link information, the (extended) request element in the first link information does not need to be inherited from the frame body of the probe request frame.

[0124] Third, when the (extended) request element appears in the probe request frame body, and does not appear in a per-STA profile sub-element of the probe request class multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, when the complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1 in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element, it means that the sending device is not allowed to additionally request other specific element information while requesting the element information related to the critical update.

[0125] In other words, when the (extended) request element appears in the probe request frame body, and does not appear in a per-STA profile sub-element of the probe request class multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, when the complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1 in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element, it means that the STA is not allowed to additionally request other specific element information while requesting the element information related to the critical update.

[0126] Fourth, when the sending device only needs to request element information related to critical updates, in the per-STA profile sub-element under the probe request class multi-link element carried in the probe request frame sent by the sending device, complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1, and the (extended) request element should not appear.

[0127] In other words, when a STA under non-AP MLD sends a probe request frame to an AP under AP MLD, and in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element in the probe request class multi-link element carried by it, complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1, the (extended) request element in the per-STA profile sub-element should not appear.

[0128] Exemplarily, taking the per-STA profile sub-element z in the probe request class multi-link element shown in the probe request frame shown in Figure 4 or Figure 6 as an example. Since complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1, therefore, even if the request element included in the frame body indicates that the information with element ID D needs to be requested, the (extended) request element does not appear in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile sub-element z. However, the (extended) request element in the per-STA profile sub-element z does not need to inherit from the frame body. That is, the sending device only requests element information related to critical updates, that is, the AP receiving the probe request frame only needs to feedback the element information related to critical updates of AP z.

[0129] It can be understood that in the method shown in this application, the latest known BPCC presence sub-field in the STA profile field is not described in detail, and the specific value of the latest known BPCC presence sub-field is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the value of the critical update request sub-field shown in the embodiments of this application being the second value includes: the value of the critical update request sub-field is the second value, and the value of the latest known BPCC presence sub-field is the third value. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific value of the third value. Exemplarily, the second value may be the same as or different from the third value. Optionally, the embodiments of this application also do not limit whether the latest known BPCC presence sub-field exists. For example, the latest known BPCC presence sub-field does not exist, such asFigure 3 The STA control field in may include a link ID sub-field, a complete profile sub-field, and a critical update requested sub-field.

[0130] In a possible implementation, the probe request type multi-link element further includes second link information, which includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the first sub-field is a first value, the second sub-field is a second value, and the second link information includes an (extended) request element, the second link information is used to indicate the request for element information related to critical updates of the second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information. The descriptions of the first sub-field and the second sub-field can refer to the above description and will not be elaborated here. The above implementation can also be understood as follows: when the (extended) request element appears in the probe request frame body, and in a per-STA profile sub-element under the probe request type multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, the (extended) request element appears and the complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1 in the STA control field of this per-STA profile sub-element, it means that the sending device (such as non-AP MLD or STA) needs to request, through the (extended) request element, from the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element, other specific element information except the element information related to critical updates.

[0131] Exemplarily, in a per-STA profile sub-element of the probe request type multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, if it includes an (extended) request element and complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1, it means that the sending device (such as non-AP MLD or STA) needs to request, through the (extended) request element, from the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element, other specific element information except the element information related to critical updates. It can be understood that a per-STA profile sub-element of the probe request type multi-link element shown here can be understood as the second link information shown in the embodiments of the present application, and the AP corresponding to this per-STA profile sub-element can be understood as the second AP. It can be understood that the descriptions of the second link and the second AP can refer to the above text and will not be elaborated here.

[0132] Optionally, the (extended) request elements included in the frame body of the probe request frame may be the same as or different from the (extended) request elements included in the second link information. However, regardless of whether the request elements included in the frame body of the probe request frame are the same as the request elements included in the second link information, the element information of the second AP is fed back based on the element information requested in the (extended) request elements of the second link information and the element information related to the critical update. Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a probe request frame provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 6 shown, for the per-STA profile sub-element y, complete profile = 0, critical update requested = 1, and the STA profile of the per-STA profile sub-element y includes (extended) request elements. Among them, complete profile = 0 indicates that the STA needs to request partial information of the corresponding link (i.e., the link identified by the link ID in the per-STA profile y). Critical update requested = 1 indicates that the STA needs to request element information related to the critical update. The STA profile field of the per-STA profile sub-element y includes (extended) request elements, indicating that the STA needs to request the element information with the element ID of F. Therefore, for AP y, the STA needs to request the element information related to the critical update and the information with the element ID of F (which is inconsistent with the frame body, so it appears in the STA profile field of the per-STA profile sub-element y). It can be understood that other descriptions about Figure 6 can refer to the description of Figure 4 and will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0133] In a possible implementation, the probe request type multi-link element further includes third link information, and the third link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the first sub-field is a first value, the second sub-field is a first value, and the third link information does not include (extended) request elements, the third link information is used to indicate that the (extended) request elements in the third link information inherit from the frame body of the probe request frame. Exemplarily, the value of the second sub-field being the first value is used to indicate that there is no need to request the element information related to the critical update of the third link.

[0134] The above implementation can also be understood as follows: When the (extended) request element appears in the probe request frame body and does not appear in the per-STA profile sub-element under the probe request class multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, and in the STA control field of the per-STA profile sub-element, completeprofile = 0 and critical update requested = 0, then the (extended) request element corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element is inherited from the probe request frame body.

[0135] As Figure 6 shown, for the per-STA profile sub-element x, complete profile = 0 and criticalupdate requested = 0. Among them, complete profile = 0 indicates that the STA needs to request partial information of the corresponding link (i.e., the link identified by the link ID in the per-STA profile x). Critical update requested = 0 indicates that the STA does not need to request element information related to critical updates. The frame body includes the (extended) request element, and complete profile = 0, and the per-STA profile x does not include the (extended) request element, which means that the (extended) request element in the per-STAprofile sub-element x needs to be inherited from the frame body. Therefore, for AP x, the STA needs to request the information with element ID D of AP x (i.e., partial information) and does not need to request element information related to critical updates. It can be understood that for Figure 6 other descriptions of Figure 4 reference can be made to the description in

[0136] 502. The sending device sends a probe request frame to the receiving device. Correspondingly, the receiving device receives the probe request frame.

[0137] 503. The receiving device generates a probe response frame according to the probe request frame.

[0138] The receiving device can generate a probe response frame according to the probe request class multi-link element in the probe request frame. For example, the receiving device can feedback the element information of the first AP according to the request for the element information related to critical updates of the first link indicated by the first link information. For another example, the receiving device can also feedback the element information of the second AP according to the content indicated by the second link information. For another example, the receiving device can also feedback the element information of the third AP according to the content indicated by the third link information.

[0139] 504. The receiving device sends a probe response frame to the sending device.

[0140] It can be understood that Figure 5 The method shown can also be replaced with:

[0141] The sending device generates a probe request frame, which includes a probe request class multi-link element. The probe request class multi-link element includes second link information. The second link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the first sub-field is a first value, the second sub-field is a second value, and the second link information includes an (extended) request element, the second link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information.

[0142] Optionally, the probe request class multi-link element further includes first link information. Optionally, the probe request class multi-link element further includes third link information.

[0143] It can be understood that the descriptions of the first link information, the second link information, the third link information, etc. can refer to the above, and will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0144] It can be understood that the probe request frame shown in this application can also be referred to as a multi-link probe request frame.

[0145] The method provided by the embodiments of this application enables the sending device to clearly indicate to the corresponding AP that it needs to request element information identical to the frame body or element information related to key update. At the same time, the corresponding AP can effectively know that it needs to feedback element information identical to the frame body or element information related to key update. It effectively improves the problem that the sending device and the receiving device may have inconsistent interpretations of link information, thereby improving the efficiency of information interaction.

[0146] Figure 7 It is a schematic flowchart of another probe request method based on multi-link communication provided by the embodiments of this application. As Figure 7 shown, the method includes:

[0147] 701. The sending device generates a probe request frame, which includes a probe request class multi-link element. The probe request class multi-link element includes first link information. The first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, the first link information includes a request element and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link.

[0148] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of the first sub-field, the second sub-field, the first value, the second value, and the first link information can be referred to Figure 5 the method shown, which will not be elaborated here one by one. For example, Figure 5 the description of the first link information shown Figure 7 is also applicable to

[0149] the method shown. For example, in the embodiments of the present application, the value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link. For another example, the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to key updates of the first link.

[0149] Exemplarily, the above request elements may include at least one of the request element (i.e., the ordinary request element) as shown in Figure 2b or the extended request element (i.e., the extended request element) as shown in Figure 2c . For example, the request element or the extended request element is included in the frame body of the probe request frame, and the request element or the extended request element is included in the first link information. It can be understood that the request elements shown in the embodiments of the present application can be understood as the (extended) request elements shown above.

[0150] In a possible implementation manner, the first field includes any one or more of a length field, a requested element identification field, an element identification extension field, or a requested element identification extension field. For example, the value of the length field in the request element is a special value. For another example, the value of the requested element identification field in the request element is a special value. For another example, the value of the length field in the extended request element is a special value. For another example, the value of the requested element identification field or the requested element identification extension field in the extended request element is a special value. It can be understood that the special values shown in the embodiments of the present application may indicate that the (extended) request element is an empty (extended) request element.

[0151] Exemplarily, the request element includes a length field. For example, the length field in the request element can be a special value, such as the special value being 0. As another example, when the request element further includes a requested element identifier field, if the ID of the requested element identifier field is a special value. For example, the value of the length field is 1, and the ID of the requested element identifier field is a reserved value, such as any one of 245 - 254. If the ID of the requested element identifier field is any one of 245 - 254, it means that the element corresponding to the ID of the requested element identifier field is empty.

[0152] Exemplarily, the extended request element includes a length field, an element identifier extension field, and a requested element identifier field. For example, the value of the length field in the request element is a special value, such as the special value being 2. As another example, the ID of the requested element identifier field is a reserved value, such as any one of 245 - 254. If the ID of the requested element identifier field is any one of 245 - 254, it means that the element corresponding to the ID of the requested element identifier field is empty (it can also be said that the element corresponding to the ID of the requested element identifier field is a reserved value).

[0153] Exemplarily, the extended request element includes a length field, an element identifier extension field, a requested element identifier field, and a requested element identifier extension field. In this case, for example, the IDs corresponding to the requested element identifier field and the requested element identifier extension field are reserved values.

[0154] It can be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the value of the element identifier extension field.

[0155] In a possible implementation manner, the frame body of the probe request frame includes (extended) request elements.

[0156] Illustrated by way of example, when the (extended) request element appears in the frame body of the probe request frame, and in a per-STA profile sub-element under the probe request class multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, the (extended) request element appears, and in the STA control field in the per-STA profile sub-element, complete profile = 0, criticalupdate requested = 1. If the (extended) request element in the per-STA profile sub-element meets one of the following two conditions, it means that the sending device (such as STA or non-AP MLD, etc.) does not need to request the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element to remove other specific element information related to the critical update through the (extended) request element:

[0157] 1. If it is a request element, length = 0.

[0158] 2. If it is an extended request element, length = 2.

[0159] Exemplarily, if the (extended) request element meets any one of the two cases shown above, it means that the sending device does not need to request the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element to remove other specific element information related to the key update through the (extended) request element. For example, when the value of the length field in the (extended) request element is a special value, it means that the (extended) request element is an empty (extended) request element. If the (extended) request element does not meet the two cases shown above, it means that the sending device needs to request the AP corresponding to the per-STA profile sub-element to remove other specific element information related to the key update through the (extended) request element.

[0160] Another example is that when the (extended) request element appears in the probe request frame body, and in a per-STA profile sub-element under the probe request class multi-link element carried in the probe request frame, the (extended) request element appears, and in the STA control field of this per-STA profile sub-element, complete profile = 0, critical update requested = 1. If the (extended) request element in this per-STA profile sub-element meets one of the following two cases, it means that the STA does not need to request the AP corresponding to this per-STA profile sub-element to remove other specific element information related to the key update through the (extended) request element:

[0161] 1. If it is a request element, length = 0; or, length = 1, and the ID of the requested element identification field is a reserved value.

[0162] 2. If it is an extended request element, length = 2, and the ID of the requested element identification field is a reserved value; or, length = 3, and the IDs corresponding to the requested element identification field and the requested element identification extension field are reserved values. The probe request class multi-link element shown in the embodiments of the present application can maintain the inheritance principle. By allowing the per-STA profile subelement to carry an empty (extended) request element, it effectively improves the two interpretations when the (extended) request element does not appear in the case of complete profile = 0 and critical update requested = 1.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the probe request class multi-link element further includes second link information, and the second link information includes a first subfield and a second subfield. When the first subfield is a first value, the second subfield is a second value, and the second link information includes an (extended) request element, the second link information is used to indicate the element information related to the critical update of the second link requested and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information.

[0164] In a possible implementation, the probe request class multi-link element further includes third link information, and the third link information includes a first subfield and a second subfield. When the first subfield is a first value, the second subfield is a third value, and the third link information does not include an (extended) request element, the third link information is used to indicate that the (extended) request element in the third link information inherits from the frame body of the probe request frame. Exemplarily, the third value is used to indicate that there is no need to request the element information related to the critical update of the third link. It can be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the magnitude relationship among the first value, the second value, and the third value.

[0165] It can be understood that for the specific descriptions of the second link information and the third link information, reference can be made to Figure 5 or Figure 6 , which will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0166] 702. The sending device sends a probe request frame to the receiving device. Correspondingly, the receiving device receives the probe request frame.

[0167] 703. The receiving device generates a probe response frame according to the probe request frame.

[0168] The receiving device can generate a probe response frame according to the probe request class multi-link element in the probe request frame. For example, the receiving device can feedback the element information of the first AP according to the element information related to the key update indicated by the first link information for requesting the first link. For another example, the receiving device can also feedback the element information of the second AP according to the content indicated by the second link information. For yet another example, the receiving device can also feedback the element information of the third AP according to the content indicated by the third link information.

[0169] 704. The receiving device sends a probe response frame to the sending device.

[0170] It can be understood that the probe request frame shown in this application can also be referred to as a multi-link probe request frame.

[0171] The method provided in the embodiments of this application enables the sending device to clearly indicate to the corresponding AP that it needs to request the element information identical to the frame body or the element information related to the key update. At the same time, the corresponding AP can effectively know that it needs to feedback the element information identical to the frame body or the element information related to the key update. It effectively improves the problem that the sending device and the receiving device may have inconsistent interpretations of the link information, thereby improving the efficiency of information interaction.

[0172] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0173] This application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each functional module can be corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of modules in this application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation. The following will be combined with Figures 8 to 10 Describe the communication device of the embodiments of this application in detail.

[0174] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. As Figure 8 shown, the communication device includes a processing unit 801 and a transceiver unit 802.

[0175] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the sending device shown above or a chip in the sending device, etc. That is, the communication device can be used to execute the steps or functions performed by the sending device in the above method embodiments.

[0176] Exemplarily, the processing unit 801 is configured to generate a probe request frame, the probe request frame includes a probe request variant multi-link element, the probe request variant multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, but the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate to request element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate to request partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate to request element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link;

[0177] The transceiver unit 802 is configured to send the probe request frame.

[0178] In a possible implementation, the probe request variant multi-link element further includes at least one of second link information or third link information.

[0179] Exemplarily, the processing unit 801 is configured to generate a probe request frame, the probe request frame includes a probe request variant multi-link element (probe request variant multi-link element), the probe request variant multi-link element includes second link information, the second link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, and the second link information includes the request element, the second link information is used to indicate to request element information related to key update of the second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate to request partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate to request element information related to key update of the first link. The second link information corresponds to the second link;

[0180] The transceiver unit 802 is configured to send the probe request frame.

[0181] In a possible implementation, the probe request variant multi-link element further includes at least one of first link information or third link information.

[0182] Exemplarily, a processing unit 801 is configured to generate a probe request frame, where the probe request frame includes a probe request type multi-link element, the probe request type multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, the first link information includes a request element, and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link;

[0183] A transceiver unit 802 is configured to send the probe request frame.

[0184] In a possible implementation manner, the probe request type multi-link element further includes at least one of second link information or third link information.

[0185] In the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of the probe request type multi-link element, the first link information, the second link information, the third link information, the first sub-field, the second sub-field, the request element, or the element information related to critical update, etc. can also refer to the introductions in the above method embodiments (including Figure 5 or Figure 7 etc.), and will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0186] It can be understood that the specific descriptions of the transceiver unit and the processing unit shown in the embodiments of the present application are only examples. For the specific functions or steps executed by the transceiver unit and the processing unit, reference can be made to the above method embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0187] Multiplexing Figure 8 , in some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be the receiving end device or a chip in the receiving end device shown above. That is, the communication device may be used to execute the steps or functions executed by the receiving end device in the above method embodiments.

[0188] Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 802 is configured to receive a probe request frame. The probe request frame includes a probe request variant multi-link element. The probe request variant multi-link element includes first link information. The first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, but the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link;

[0189] The processing unit 801 is configured to generate a probe response frame according to the probe request frame;

[0190] The transceiver unit 802 is further configured to send the probe response frame.

[0191] In a possible implementation, the probe request variant multi-link element further includes at least one of second link information or third link information.

[0192] Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 802 is configured to receive a probe request frame. The probe request frame includes a probe request variant multi-link element (probe request variant multi-link element). The probe request variant multi-link element includes second link information. The second link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, and the second link information includes the request element, the second link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The second link information corresponds to the second link;

[0193] The processing unit 801 is configured to generate a probe response frame according to the probe request frame;

[0194] The transceiver unit 802 is further configured to send the probe response frame.

[0195] In a possible implementation, the probe request variant multi-link element further includes at least one of first link information or third link information.

[0196] Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 802 is configured to receive a probe request frame, the probe request frame includes a probe request class multi-link element, the probe request class multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field, when the value of the first sub-field is a first value and the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the first link information includes a request element and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link, the value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link, and the first link information corresponds to the first link;

[0197] The processing unit 801 is configured to generate a probe response frame according to the probe request frame;

[0198] The transceiver unit 802 is further configured to send the probe response frame.

[0199] In a possible implementation, the probe request class multi-link element further includes at least one of second link information or third link information.

[0200] In the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of the probe request class multi-link element, the first link information, the second link information, the third link information, the first sub-field, the second sub-field, the request element, or the element information related to critical update, etc. may also refer to the introductions in the above method embodiments (including Figure 5 or Figure 7 etc.), and will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0201] It can be understood that the specific descriptions of the transceiver unit and the processing unit shown in the embodiments of the present application are only examples. For the specific functions or steps executed by the transceiver unit and the processing unit, reference may be made to the above method embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0202] The sending-end device and the receiving-end device of the embodiments of the present application are introduced above. The possible product forms of the sending-end device and the receiving-end device are introduced below. It should be understood that any form of product that has the functions of the above Figure 8 described sending-end device, or any form of product that has the functions of the above Figure 8 described receiving-end device falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. It should also be understood that the following introductions are only examples and do not limit the product forms of the sending-end device and the receiving-end device of the embodiments of the present application to this.

[0203] In a possible implementation, Figure 8In the communication device shown, the processing unit 801 may be one or more processors, and the transceiver unit 802 may be a transceiver, or the transceiver unit 802 may also be a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the connection manner between the processor and the transceiver.

[0204] As Figure 9 shown, the communication device 90 includes one or more processors 920 and a transceiver 910.

[0205] Exemplarily, when the communication device is used to execute the steps, methods, or functions performed by the above-mentioned transmitting end device, the processor 920 is used to generate a probe request frame; the transceiver 910 is used to send the probe request frame.

[0206] Exemplarily, when the communication device is used to execute the steps, methods, or functions performed by the above-mentioned receiving end device, the transceiver 910 is used to receive a probe request frame; the processor 920 is used to generate a probe response frame according to the probe request frame; the transceiver 910 is used to send the probe response frame.

[0207] In the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of the probe request type multi-link elements, the first link information, the second link information, the third link information, the first sub-field, the second sub-field, the request element, or the element information related to the key update, etc. may also refer to the above-mentioned method embodiments (including Figure 5 or Figure 7 etc.), and will not be elaborated here one by one. It can be understood that the specific descriptions of the processor and the transceiver may also refer to the Figure 8 descriptions of the processing unit and the transceiver unit shown, and will not be repeated here.

[0208] In Figure 9 each implementation manner of the communication device shown, the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is used to perform the receiving function (or operation), and the transmitter is used to perform the transmitting function (or operation). And the transceiver is used to communicate with other devices / devices through a transmission medium.

[0209] Optionally, the communication device 90 may further include one or more memories 930 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 930 is coupled to the processor 920. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information interaction between devices, units, or modules. The processor 920 may cooperate with the memory 930. The processor 920 may execute the program instructions stored in the memory 930.

[0210] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific connection medium between the transceiver 910, the processor 920, and the memory 930 is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application Figure 9 it is shown that the memory 930, the processor 920, and the transceiver 910 are connected through a bus 940. The bus is represented by a thick line in Figure 9 which. The connection manners between other components are only for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of convenience of representation, Figure 9 it is only represented by a thick line in which, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0211] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor, etc.

[0212] In the embodiments of the present application, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memories such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. The memory is any storage medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in the present application), but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0213] The processor 920 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of software programs. The memory 930 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 910 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and the processing of radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user.

[0214] After the communication device is powered on, the processor 920 can read the software program in the memory 930, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be wirelessly transmitted, the processor 920 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and then outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 920. The processor 920 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0215] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna can be arranged independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna can be independent of the communication device and are arranged in a remote manner.

[0216] It can be understood that the communication device shown in the embodiments of the present application may also have more components, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The methods executed by the processor and the transceiver shown above are only examples. For the specific steps executed by the processor and the transceiver, reference can be made to the methods described above. Figure 9 In another possible implementation manner,

[0217] In the communication device shown, the processing unit 801 may be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver unit 802 may be an input / output interface, or also referred to as a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Or the transceiver unit 802 may also be a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit may be an output interface, and the receiving unit may be an input interface. The sending unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface. As Figure 8 shown, Figure 10 shown, Figure 10The communication device shown includes a logic circuit 1001 and an interface 1002. That is, the above-mentioned processing unit 801 can be implemented by the logic circuit 1001, and the transceiver unit 802 can be implemented by the interface 1002. Among them, the logic circuit 1001 can be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit, or a system on chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1002 can be a communication interface, an input / output interface, a pin, etc. Exemplarily, Figure 10 This is exemplified by the above communication device being a chip, and this chip includes a logic circuit 1001 and an interface 1002.

[0218] In the embodiments of the present application, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. Regarding the specific connection manner between the logic circuit and the interface, the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations.

[0219] Exemplarily, when the communication device is used to execute the method, function, or step executed by the above-mentioned transmitting-end device, the logic circuit 1001 is used to generate a probe request frame; the interface 1002 is used to output the probe request frame.

[0220] Exemplarily, when the communication device is used to execute the method, function, or step executed by the above-mentioned receiving-end device, the interface 1002 is used to input a probe request frame; the logic circuit 1001 is used to generate a probe response frame according to the probe request frame; the interface 1002 is used to output the probe response frame.

[0221] It can be understood that the communication device shown in the embodiments of the present application can implement the method provided in the embodiments of the present application in the form of hardware, or can also implement the method provided in the embodiments of the present application in the form of software, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations in this regard.

[0222] In the embodiments of the present application, the description of the probe request type multi-link element, the first link information, the second link information, the third link information, the first sub-field, the second sub-field, the request element, or the element information related to the key update, etc. can also refer to the above method embodiments (including Figure 5 or Figure 7 etc.) for the introduction, and will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0223] For Figure 10 the specific implementation manners of the various embodiments shown, reference can also be made to the above various embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0224] The embodiments of the present application also provide a wireless communication system, which includes a transmitting-end device and a receiving-end device, and the transmitting-end device and the receiving-end device can be used to execute the method in any of the foregoing embodiments (such as Figure 5 or Figure 7 ).

[0225] In addition, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes executed by the sending device in the method provided by the present application.

[0226] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes executed by the receiving device in the method provided by the present application.

[0227] The present application also provides a computer program product including computer code or a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes executed by the sending device in the method provided by the present application to be performed.

[0228] The present application also provides a computer program product including computer code or a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes executed by the receiving device in the method provided by the present application to be performed.

[0229] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Additionally, the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections to each other can be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices, or units, and can also be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms of connection.

[0230] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0231] Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present application, the functional units 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. The above-mentioned integrated units can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0232] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it 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 all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0233] As described above, the above is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by this application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered by the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claimed rights.

Claims

1. A probe request method based on multi-link communication, characterized in that, The method includes: The transmitting device generates a probe request frame, the probe request frame includes a probe request class multi-link element, the probe request class multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, but the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link. The transmitting device sends the probe request frame.

2. A probe request method based on multi-link communication, characterized in that The method includes: The receiving device receives a probe request frame, the probe request frame includes a probe request class multi-link element, the probe request class multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, but the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link. The receiving device generates a probe response frame according to the probe request frame and sends the probe response frame.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The request element includes at least one of a common request element or an extended request element.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The probe request class multi-link element further includes second link information, the second link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the second value, and the second link information includes a request element, the second link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to key update of the second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information. The second link information corresponds to the second link.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The detection request type multi-link element further includes third link information, where the third link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the first value, and the third link information does not include a request element, the third link information is used to indicate that the element information of the requested third link is inherited from the frame body of the detection request frame. The value of the second sub-field being the first value is used to indicate that the element information related to critical update of the third link is not requested. The third link information corresponds to the third link.

6. A probe request method based on multi-link communication, characterized in that, The method includes: The sending device generates a detection request frame, where the detection request frame includes a detection request type multi-link element. The detection request type multi-link element includes first link information, where the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the second value, the first link information includes a request element, and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate a request for the element information related to critical update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for a part of the information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for the element information related to critical update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; The sending device sends the detection request frame.

7. A probe request method based on multi-link communication, characterized in that, The method includes: The receiving device receives a detection request frame, where the detection request frame includes a detection request type multi-link element. The detection request type multi-link element includes first link information, where the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the second value, the first link information includes a request element, and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate a request for the element information related to critical update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for a part of the information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for the element information related to critical update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; The receiving device generates a detection response frame based on the detection request frame and sends the detection response frame.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The request element includes at least one of a normal request element or an extended request element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-7, characterized in that, The first field includes any one or more of a length field, a requested element identifier field, an element identifier extension field, or a requested element identifier extension field.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6-7, characterized in that, The frame body of the detection request frame includes a request element.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A processing unit, configured to generate a probe request frame, where the probe request frame includes a probe request type multi-link element, the probe request type multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, but the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; A transceiver unit, configured to send the probe request frame.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: A transceiver unit, configured to receive a probe request frame, where the probe request frame includes a probe request type multi-link element, the probe request type multi-link element includes first link information, the first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, and the frame body of the probe request frame includes a request element, but the first link information does not include the request element, the first link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate a request for partial information of the first link, and the value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; A processing unit, configured to generate a probe response frame according to the probe request frame; The transceiver unit is further configured to send the probe response frame.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The request element includes at least one of a common request element or an extended request element.

14. The device according to any one of claims 11-12, characterized in that The probe request type multi-link element further includes second link information, the second link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the second value, and the second link information includes a request element, the second link information is used to indicate a request for element information related to critical update of the second link and the element information requested by the request element in the second link information. The second link information corresponds to the second link.

15. The device according to any one of claims 11-12, characterized in that, The detection request type multi-link element further includes third link information, the third link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is the first value, the value of the second sub-field is the first value, and the third link information does not include a request element, the third link information is used to indicate that the element information of the requested third link is inherited from the frame body of the detection request frame. The value of the second sub-field being the first value is used to indicate that the element information related to key update of the third link is not requested. The third link information corresponds to the third link.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A processing unit, configured to generate a detection request frame. The detection request frame includes a detection request type multi-link element. The detection request type multi-link element includes first link information. The first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, the first link information includes a request element, and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate requesting element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate requesting partial information of the first link. The value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate requesting element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; A transceiver unit, configured to send the detection request frame.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A transceiver unit, configured to receive a detection request frame. The detection request frame includes a detection request type multi-link element. The detection request type multi-link element includes first link information. The first link information includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. When the value of the first sub-field is a first value, the value of the second sub-field is a second value, the first link information includes a request element, and the value of the first field in the request element is a special value, the first link information is used to indicate requesting element information related to key update of the first link. The value of the first sub-field being the first value is used to indicate requesting partial information of the first link. The value of the second sub-field being the second value is used to indicate requesting element information related to key update of the first link. The first link information corresponds to the first link; A processing unit, configured to generate a detection response frame according to the detection request frame; The transceiver unit is further configured to send the detection response frame.

18. The device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The request element includes at least one of a common request element or an extended request element.

19. The device according to any one of claims 16 - 17, characterized in that, The first field includes any one or more of a length field, a requested element identification field, an element identification extension field, or a requested element identification extension field.

20. The device according to any one of claims 16 - 17, characterized in that, The frame body of the detection request frame includes a request element.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory; The memory is used to store computer instructions; The processor is used to execute the computer instructions so that the method according to any one of claims 1-10 is executed.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit and the interface being coupled; The logic circuit is configured to obtain processed data according to the method of any one of claims 1-10, and the interface is configured to output the processed data.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, the method of any one of claims 1-10 is executed.

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