Communication method and communication apparatus under multi-connection

Abstract

This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus under multiple connections. The communication method may include: determining a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information being used to indicate: communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; and sending the first message frame. The technical solutions provided by the example embodiments of this disclosure can improve system throughput.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to communication methods and devices under multiple connections. Background Technology

[0002] Current Wi-Fi technology research focuses on 320MHz bandwidth transmission, aggregation and coordination of multiple frequency bands, etc., with the aim of improving the speed and throughput by at least four times compared to existing standards. Its main application scenarios are video transmission, AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), etc.

[0003] Multi-band aggregation and coordination refers to communication between devices simultaneously in frequency bands such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. Managing this simultaneous communication across multiple frequency bands requires defining a new MAC (Media Access Control) mechanism. Furthermore, it is expected that multi-band aggregation and coordination can support low-latency transmission.

[0004] The maximum bandwidth currently supported in multi-band aggregation and system technology is 320MHz (160MHz+160MHz), and it may also support 240MHz (160MHz+80MHz) and other bandwidths.

[0005] In current technology, stations (STAs) and access points (APs) can be multi-link devices (MLDs), meaning they support the ability to send and / or receive simultaneously under multiple connections. Therefore, in current technology, multiple connections can exist between STAs and APs, and research is underway on communication between these two types of devices under multiple connections. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various aspects of this disclosure will at least address the aforementioned problems and / or drawbacks. The various embodiments of this disclosure provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] A communication method under multiple connections is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method can be applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication and may include: determining a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information indicating: communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; and sending the first message frame.

[0008] A communication method under multiple connections is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method can be applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication and may include: receiving a first message frame from a device supporting multiple connection communication, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information indicating: in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections supported by other access points corresponding to the device, wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode related information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode related information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; and performing a communication operation based on the first message frame.

[0009] A communication method under multiple connections is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method can be applied to a site supporting multiple connection communication and may include: receiving a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information indicating: communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; and performing a communication operation based on the first message frame.

[0010] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a communication device under multiple connections is provided. The communication device can be applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication and may include: a processing module configured to: determine a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information indicating: communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; and a transceiver module configured to: send the first message frame.

[0011] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a communication device under multiple connections is provided. The communication device can be applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication and may include: a transceiver module configured to: receive a first message frame from a device supporting multiple connection communication, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information indicating: in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections supported by other access points corresponding to the device, wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode related information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode related information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; and a processing module configured to: perform a communication operation based on the first message frame.

[0012] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a communication device under multiple connections is provided. The communication device can be applied to a site supporting multiple connection communication and may include: a transceiver module configured to: receive a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information indicating: communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; and a processing module configured to: control the transceiver module to perform communication operations based on the first message frame.

[0013] An electronic device is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method described above.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. A computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the method described above.

[0015] The technical solutions provided by the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can improve the system throughput. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a communication scenario with multiple connections.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exemplary diagram showing overlapping basic service sets.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method under multiple connections according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method under multiple connections according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method under multiple connections according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The various embodiments of this disclosure include a variety of specific details, but these details are to be considered exemplary only. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known techniques, functions, and constructions may be omitted.

[0024] The terms and words used in this disclosure are not limited to their literal meanings, but are used solely by the inventors to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Therefore, the descriptions of various embodiments of the disclosure provided are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0025] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the word “comprising” as used in this disclosure means the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0026] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0027] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. Furthermore, the use of “connected” or “coupled” herein can include wireless connections or wireless couplings. The terms “and / or” or the expression “at least one of…” as used herein include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a communication scenario with multiple connections.

[0030] In a wireless local area network (WLAN), a basic service set (BSS) can consist of an access point (AP) and one or more stations (STAs) communicating with the AP. A BSS can connect to a distribution system (DS) through its APs, and then connect to another BSS to form an extended service set (ESS).

[0031] An Access Point (AP) is a wireless switch used in wireless networks and is the core of a wireless network. AP devices can be used as wireless base stations, primarily serving as bridges connecting wireless and wired networks. Using this type of access point (AP), wired and wireless networks can be integrated.

[0032] An access point (AP) may include software applications and / or circuitry to enable other types of nodes in a wireless network to communicate with the outside and inside of the wireless network via the AP. In some examples, for instance, the AP may be a terminal device or network device equipped with a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) chip.

[0033] As an example, a site (STA) may include, but is not limited to: cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal communication system (PCS) devices, personal information managers (PIMs), personal navigation devices (PNDs), global positioning systems, multimedia devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the AP and STA can support multi-connection devices, for example, they can be represented as AP MLD and non-AP STA MLD, respectively. For ease of description, the following mainly describes an example of one AP and one STA communicating under multi-connection conditions; however, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In this context, by way of example only, AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multi-connection communication functionality, and non-AP STA MLD can represent a site that supports multi-connection communication functionality. (See also...) Figure 1 AP MLD can include auxiliary APs operating under three connections, such as Figure 1 As shown in AP1, AP2, and AP3, the non-AP STA MLD can also include auxiliary STAs operating under three connections, such as... Figure 1 STA1, STA2, and STA3 are shown. In... Figure 1 In the example, it is assumed that AP1 communicates with STA1 through the corresponding first connection Link 1. Similarly, AP2 and AP3 communicate with STA2 and STA3 through the second connection Link 2 and the third connection Link 3, respectively. Furthermore, Link 1 to Link 3 can be multiple connections at different frequencies, such as connections at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, or several connections with the same or different bandwidths at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. Additionally, multiple channels can exist under each connection. However, it should be understood that... Figure 1 The communication scenarios shown are merely illustrative, and the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, an AP MLD can connect to multiple non-AP STA MLDs, or under each connection, the AP can communicate with multiple other types of stations.

[0036] In some embodiments, the area of ​​one BSS can overlap with the area of ​​another BSS; this can be referred to as an overlapping Basis Service Set (OBSS). Figure 2 As shown, an exemplary diagram of overlapping basic service sets is illustrated.

[0037] exist Figure 2 In this example, as a descriptive embodiment, the BSS where AP MLD 1 is located can overlap with the BSS where AP MLD 2 is located. Both AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 can communicate with two non-AP STA MLDs, and in the overlapping area, AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 can communicate with the same non-AP STA MLD.

[0038] Although not in Figure 2 It is shown in detail, but Figure 2 Both AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2 can communicate with their respective non-AP STAMLDs under multiple connections, such as... Figure 1 As shown. In other words, multiple APs coexist in Figure 2 The OBSS communication environment is shown. Furthermore, the auxiliary AP of AP MLD 1 and the auxiliary AP of AP MLD 2 can communicate with the auxiliary STA through the same or different connections. It will also be understood that... Figure 2 The OBSS shown is merely an example; the number of AP MLDs and non-AP STA MLDs and the way they communicate can be varied.

[0039] In current technological research, devices can communicate under multiple connections. To further improve throughput, STR (simultaneous transmit and receive) connection pairs and Non-STR (non-simultaneous transmit and receive) connection pairs have been introduced. An STR connection pair means that at least two connections can communicate at any time without interference in uplink and downlink transmission; that is, at least two connections can perform uplink and downlink transmission simultaneously without interference. A Non-STR connection pair means that at least two connections cannot perform uplink and downlink transmission simultaneously at any time. Furthermore, to further improve regional throughput (multiple AP coexistence), multiple APs need to coordinate under multiple connections. However, in the prior art, the SR (spatial reuse) method used to enhance the throughput of OBSS / multiple BSS is only applicable to a single connection. Therefore, the technical concept of this disclosure provides a communication method and communication apparatus that allows STR and Non-STR information to be used in multi-AP coordination under multiple connections to improve system throughput.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method under multiple connections according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The communication method shown can be applied to, for example... Figure 2 The OBSS communication environment is shown below. Furthermore... Figure 3 The communication method shown can be applied to an access point (AP MLD) that supports multi-connection communication as the sender.

[0041] Reference Figure 3 In step 310, a first message frame can be determined. According to an embodiment, the first message frame may include first information, which can be used to indicate the communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP). According to an embodiment, the communication mode information of the connection pairs may include: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission.

[0042] In the embodiments of this disclosure, there can be many ways to determine the first message frame. For example, the first message frame can be generated based on at least one of the following: network conditions, load conditions, hardware capabilities of the sending / receiving devices, service type, and relevant protocol provisions; this disclosure does not impose specific limitations on this. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first message frame can also be obtained from an external device, and this disclosure does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0043] As an example, the first message frame may be an action frame or a beacon frame; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and any other form of frame is also possible. Furthermore, the first information may be carried in the first message frame in the form of an information element (e.g., a multi-link (ML) information element).

[0044] According to an embodiment, the first information (ML information element) may have a format as shown in Table 1 below to carry communication method information of the link pair used by APMLD.

[0045] Table 1. Format of First Information (ML Info Elements)

[0046]

[0047] It will be understood that the format shown in Table 1 is merely exemplary and not a limitation of this disclosure. For example, the first information (ML information element) shown in Table 1 may also include element ID, length, etc. In addition, some of the content shown in Table 1 may be omitted.

[0048] Referring to Table 1, the first piece of information may include: link pair set identifier, communication mode indicator (STR / Non-STR indication), TXOP, etc. The link pair set identifies which connections in a non-AP STA MLD communicate with within a TXOP, and the STR / Non-STR indication identifies whether the communicating connection is in STR or Non-STR mode.

[0049] Specifically, the first information may include: an identifier for a first set of connection pairs (such as Link pairset1, Link pair set2, etc. shown in Table 1), a communication mode indicator for the first set of connection pairs (such as STR / Non-STR indication1, STR / Non-STR indication2, etc. shown in Table 1); and / or an identifier for a second set of connection pairs (such as Link pair set1, Link pair set2, etc. shown in Table 1), a communication mode indicator for the second set of connection pairs (such as STR / Non-STR indication1, STR / Non-STR indication2, etc. shown in Table 1).

[0050] According to the embodiments, the connection pair can be a non-overlapping communication connection with the same / different bandwidth at the same frequency, or a communication connection with the same / different bandwidth at different frequencies. For example, two 20MHz bandwidth communication connections at 2.4GHz can be non-STR; another example is a 20MHz bandwidth communication connection at 2.4GHz and a 160MHz / 320MHz bandwidth communication connection at 6GHz, which can be STR.

[0051] In addition, the first information may also include: TXOP identifiers corresponding to the first set of connection pairs and / or the second set of connection pairs (such as TXOP1, TXOP2, etc. shown in Table 1).

[0052] For ease of description, for example, but not limited to, the Link pair set1 shown in Table 1 can correspond to the identifier of the first set of connection pairs. That is, the connection pair identified by Link pair set1 can perform uplink and downlink transmissions simultaneously. In this case, the communication mode indicator for the first set of connection pairs (such as STR / Non-STR indication1 shown in Table 1) can be set to a first specific value (e.g., "1") to indicate that the connection in the first set of connection pairs communicates in STR mode, and TXOP1 can indicate the transmission time used by the connection in the first set of connection pairs. The Link pair set2 shown in Table 1 can correspond to the identifier of the second set of connection pairs. That is, the connection pair identified by Link pair set2 cannot perform uplink and downlink transmissions simultaneously. In this case, the communication mode indicator for the second set of connection pairs (such as STR / Non-STR indication2 shown in Table 1) can be set to a second specific value (e.g., "0") to indicate that the connection in the second set of connection pairs communicates in Non-SRT mode, and TXOP2 can indicate the transmission time used by the connection in the second set of connection pairs.

[0053] In embodiments of this disclosure, it will be understood that although the term "connection pair" is used herein, the term "connection pair" is not limited to including two pairs of connections, but may also include any number of connections.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the first information may further include: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP (not shown in Table 1), wherein the multiple duration information may correspond to connection pairs in the corresponding connection pair set. For example, each TXOP may be divided into multiple duration information, that is, multiple duration information may be identified in the TXOP. For example, TXOP1 in Table 1 may contain multiple duration information corresponding to the first connection pair set, and TXOP2 may contain multiple duration information corresponding to the second connection pair set. Taking TXOP1 and Link pair set1 as examples, for example, TXOP1 may include first duration information and second duration information, and the first connection pair set may include a first connection pair (e.g., a portion of multiple connections) and a second connection pair (e.g., another portion of multiple connections). Then, the first duration information may correspond to the first connection pair to identify the time indicated by the first duration information in TXOP1 occupied by the first connection pair; the second duration information may correspond to the second connection pair to identify the time indicated by the second duration information in TXOP1 occupied by the second connection pair.

[0055] According to an embodiment, in the presence of a second set of connection pairs, the first information may further include: uplink / downlink transmission identifiers (not shown in Table 1), which indicate the transmission mode performed using the second set of connection pairs, wherein the transmission mode may be an uplink transmission mode or a downlink transmission mode. For example, when the communication mode indicator STR / Non-STRindication2 in Table 1 identifies the connection in the link pair set 2 as a Non-STR mode, the first information may further include uplink / downlink transmission identifiers corresponding to Link pair set 2, which may indicate whether the connection in Link pair set 2 performs uplink transmission or downlink transmission.

[0056] Continue to refer to Figure 3In step 320, the first message frame determined in step 310 can be sent. For example, the access point can broadcast its communication plans with the station under multiple connections in a TXOP in an action frame or beacon frame. Specifically, the AP MLD can carry the connection pairs it uses in the form of information elements under a connection and identify the connection pairs as STR or Non-STR. The format of the information elements can be as shown in Table 1. In the information elements shown in Table 1, link pairset can identify which connections in a non-AP STA MLD communicate with the AP MLD in a TXOP, STR / Non-STRindication can identify whether the communicating connection is STR or Non-STR, and if it is Non-STR, it can identify whether the communication is UL / DL. This information can be known to other AP MLDs (as receivers) for communication planning.

[0057] Will understand, Figure 3 The communication methods shown are merely exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, Figure 3 The communication method shown may further include: receiving information about a set of connection pairs in multiple connections from a site supporting multi-connection communication (e.g., a non-AP STA MLD); and planning communication based on the information. For example, an access point supporting multi-connection communication (e.g., an AP MLD) can receive information about a set of connection pairs from a non-AP STA MLD with which it has established multi-connection communication. This information may include communication details of connection pairs among the multiple connections supported by the non-AP STA MLD. The access point supporting multi-connection communication (e.g., an AP MLD) can plan the communication of its own multiple connections based on the received information.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method under multiple connections according to an embodiment. Figure 4 The communication method shown can be applied to, for example... Figure 2 The OBSS communication environment is shown below. Furthermore... Figure 4 The communication method shown can be applied to an access point (AP MLD) that supports multi-connection communication as the receiver.

[0059] Reference Figure 4In step 410, a first message frame may be received, wherein the first message frame may include first information. For example, the AP MLD, as the receiving party, may receive the first message frame from a device that supports multi-connection communication, and the first message frame may include first information related to other access points corresponding to that device. In one embodiment, the device may be the other access point, that is, the AP MLD, as the receiving party, may directly listen to (receive) the first message frame sent by the other access point and learn the first information. In another embodiment, the device may be a station and correspond to the other access point. In this case, the AP MLD, as the receiving party, does not listen to (receive) the first message frame sent by the other access point, but receives the first message frame from the device, which is the station. In other words, the device, as the station, may receive the first message frame from the other access point and forward the received first message frame to the AP MLD, which is the receiving party. The first information can be used to indicate the communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections supported by other access points corresponding to the device in each transmission opportunity (TXOP). The communication mode information of the connection pairs may include: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission. As an embodiment, the first message frame may be an action frame or a beacon frame; however, this disclosure is not limited to these, and any other form of frame is feasible. Furthermore, the first information may be carried in the first message frame in the form of an information element (e.g., a multi-link (ML) information element).

[0060] According to an embodiment, the first information may include: an identifier for a first set of connection pairs, a communication mode indicator for the first set of connection pairs; and / or an identifier for a second set of connection pairs, and a communication mode indicator for the second set of connection pairs. According to an embodiment, the first information may further include: TXOP identifiers corresponding to the first set of connection pairs and / or the second set of connection pairs. According to an embodiment, the first information may further include: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP, wherein the multiple duration information corresponds to connection pairs in the corresponding set of connection pairs. According to an embodiment, in the presence of a second set of connection pairs, the first information may further include: uplink / downlink transmission identifiers, which indicate the transmission mode performed using the second set of connection pairs, wherein the transmission mode is an uplink transmission mode or a downlink transmission mode. That is, the first information (ML information element) may have the format shown in Table 1 above; for simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0061] In step 420, communication operations can be performed based on the first message frame. For example, the receiving AP MLD can perform communication planning based on the first information about other access points in the first message frame. For example, based on the communication status of connection pairs communicating in STR or Non-STR mode in the first message frame broadcast by the sending AP MLD, the receiving AP MLD can schedule communication for its own multiple connections.

[0062] In step 430, information about the set of connection pairs in the multiple connections can be received from the site that supports multi-connection communication. In step 440, communication planning can be performed based on this information. For example, an AP MLD in the OBSS can receive information about the communication methods (STR mode or Non-STR mode) of the multiple connections between them from the non-AP STA MLD with which it has established communication, and schedule the communication of multiple connections according to this information, or determine its own information as shown in Table 1, in order to achieve multi-AP coordination in the OBSS.

[0063] Although Figure 4 Steps 410 to 440 are shown, and steps 430 and 440 are performed after step 420. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, step 430 may be performed synchronously or sequentially with step 410, and step 420 may be omitted. Then, in step 440, communication planning is performed based on the first information in the received first message frame and the received related information.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method under multiple connections according to an embodiment. Figure 5 The communication method shown can be applied to, for example... Figure 2 The OBSS communication environment is shown below. Furthermore... Figure 5 The communication method shown can be applied to non-AP STAMLD sites that support multi-connection communication as the receiver.

[0065] Reference Figure 5 In step 510, a first message frame may be received, wherein the first message frame may include first information. According to an embodiment, the first information may be information about the access point (AP MLD) that establishes multi-connection communication with the site (non-AP STA MLD). This first information is used to indicate the communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs may include: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission.

[0066] As an example, the first message frame can be received from the AP MLD as the sender, and can be an action frame or a beacon frame; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and any other form of frame is also possible.

[0067] Furthermore, the first information can be carried in the first message frame in the form of an information element (e.g., a multi-link (ML) information element). According to an embodiment, the first information may include: an identifier for a first set of connection pairs, a communication mode indicator for the first set of connection pairs; and / or an identifier for a second set of connection pairs, and a communication mode indicator for the second set of connection pairs. According to an embodiment, the first information may also include: TXOP identifiers corresponding to the first set of connection pairs and / or the second set of connection pairs. According to an embodiment, the first information may also include: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP, wherein the multiple duration information may correspond to connection pairs in the corresponding set of connection pairs. According to an embodiment, in the presence of a second set of connection pairs, the first information may further include: uplink / downlink transmission identifiers, which indicate the transmission mode performed using the second set of connection pairs, wherein the transmission mode is an uplink transmission mode or a downlink transmission mode. That is, the first information (ML information element) may have the format shown in Table 1 above; for simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0068] In step 520, communication operations can be performed based on the first message frame. For example, the non-APSTA MLD, as the receiver, can perform communication planning based on the first information in the first message frame received from the AP MLD, as the sender. For example, if the first information in the received first message frame identifies the first connection Link1 and the second connection Link2 as a non-STR connection pair, and Link1 performs downlink transmission within the TXOP, then when the non-APSTA MLD transmits information (uplink transmission) to the APMLD, the second connection Link2 is not used, but the third connection Link3 is used instead. In this case, Link1 and Link3 are an STR connection pair.

[0069] In step 530, information about the set of connection pairs in the multi-connection scheme can be collected. In step 540, this information can be sent to the access point that supports multi-connection communication. For example, a non-AP STA MLD can collect information about connection pairs with AP MLDs with which it has not established multi-connection communication and report this information to the AP MLDs with which it has established multi-connection communication for communication planning. Alternatively, a non-AP STA MLD can collect information about connection pairs with AP MLDs with which it has established multi-connection communication and report this information to those AP MLDs for communication planning.

[0070] Although Figure 5 The diagram shows steps 530 and 540 performed after steps 510 and 520; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, steps 530 and 540 may be performed before or simultaneously with steps 510 and 520. Furthermore, steps may be omitted. Figure 5 Some of the steps are shown in the diagram.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 The communication device 600 may include a processing module 610 and a transceiver module 620. Figure 6 The communication device shown can be applied to AP MLD or non-AP STA MLD.

[0073] exist Figure 6 When the communication device shown is used as a sending AP MLD, the processing module 610 can be configured to: determine a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information indicating the communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; the transceiver module 620 can be configured to: send the first message frame. In this case, the communication device 600 can perform the reference... Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the communication method described are omitted here.

[0074] exist Figure 6The communication apparatus shown is applied when the AP MLD is the receiving end. The transceiver module 620 can be configured to receive a first message frame from a device supporting multi-connection communication. The first message frame includes first information indicating the communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections supported by other access points corresponding to the device in each transmission opportunity (TXOP). The communication mode information of the connection pairs includes communication mode information related to a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information related to a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission. The processing module 610 can be configured to perform a communication operation based on the first message frame. In one embodiment, the device can be the other access point; that is, the AP MLD as the receiving end can directly listen to (receive) the first message frame sent by the other access point and obtain the first information. In another embodiment, the device can be a site and can communicate with other access points. In this case, the AP MLD as the receiving end does not listen to (receive) the first message frame sent by the other access point, but can receive forwarded first message frames from the device as the site. In this case, the communication device 600 can perform the reference... Figure 4 For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the communication method described are omitted here.

[0075] exist Figure 6 When the communication device shown is applied to a non-AP STA MLD as the receiver, the transceiver module 620 can be configured to: receive a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information indicating communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; the processing module 610 can be configured to: control the transceiver module to perform communication operations based on the first message frame. In this case, the communication device 600 can perform the reference... Figure 5 For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the communication method described are omitted here.

[0076] also, Figure 6 The communication device 600 shown is merely exemplary, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 600 may also include other modules, such as a memory module. Furthermore, the various modules in the communication device 600 may be combined into more complex modules, or may be divided into more individual modules.

[0077] The communication method and communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure enable the application of STR and Non-STR information in multi-AP coordination under multiple connections, thereby improving system throughput.

[0078] Based on the same principles as the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an electronic device, which includes a processor and a memory; wherein the memory stores machine-readable instructions (also referred to as a "computer program"); ​​and the processor is configured to execute the machine-readable instructions to implement the reference... Figures 3 to 5 The method described.

[0079] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements a reference... Figures 3 to 5 The method described.

[0080] In exemplary embodiments, the processor may be a variety of exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0081] In the example embodiment, the memory may be, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or other optical disc storage, optical disk storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Furthermore, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0083] While this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments, but rather should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A communication method under multiple connections, applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication, the communication method comprising: A first message frame is determined, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information being used to indicate: communication mode information of connection pairs in multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; The first information also includes: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP, wherein the multiple duration information corresponds to connection pairs in the corresponding connection pair set; each duration information is used to identify the time occupied by the corresponding connection pair by the duration information indicated in the TXOP; Send the first message frame.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The first information includes: an identifier for a first set of connection pairs, a communication mode indicator for the first set of connection pairs; and / or an identifier for a second set of connection pairs, a communication mode indicator for the second set of connection pairs.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein, The first information also includes: the TXOP identifier corresponding to the first set of connection pairs and / or the second set of connection pairs.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the presence of the second set of connection pairs, the first information further includes: uplink / downlink transmission identifiers, which indicate the transmission mode performed using the second set of connection pairs, wherein the transmission mode is either an uplink transmission mode or a downlink transmission mode.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The communication method further includes: Receive information about the set of connection pairs in a multi-connection communication from a site that supports multi-connection communication; Communication planning is carried out based on the aforementioned information.

6. A communication method under multiple connections, applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication, the communication method comprising: A first message frame is received from a device that supports multi-connection communication, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information being used to indicate: in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections supported by other access points corresponding to the device, wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode related information of a first set of connection pairs that can simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode related information of a second set of connection pairs that cannot simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; The first information also includes: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP, wherein the multiple duration information corresponds to connection pairs in the corresponding connection pair set; each duration information is used to identify the time occupied by the corresponding connection pair by the duration information indicated in the TXOP; The communication operation is performed based on the first message frame.

7. The communication method according to claim 6, wherein, The first information includes: an identifier for a first set of connection pairs, a communication mode indicator for the first set of connection pairs; and / or an identifier for a second set of connection pairs, a communication mode indicator for the second set of connection pairs.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein, The first information also includes: the TXOP identifier corresponding to the first set of connection pairs and / or the second set of connection pairs.

9. The communication method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, In the presence of the second set of connection pairs, the first information further includes: uplink / downlink transmission identifiers, which indicate the transmission mode performed using the second set of connection pairs, wherein the transmission mode is either an uplink transmission mode or a downlink transmission mode.

10. The communication method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The communication method further includes: Receive information about the set of connection pairs in a multi-connection communication from a site that supports multi-connection communication; Communication planning is carried out based on the aforementioned information.

11. A communication method under multiple connections, applied to a site supporting multiple connection communication, the communication method comprising: Receive a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information being used to indicate: communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; The first information also includes: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP, wherein the multiple duration information corresponds to connection pairs in the corresponding connection pair set; each duration information is used to identify the time occupied by the corresponding connection pair by the duration information indicated in the TXOP; The communication operation is performed based on the first message frame.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein, The first information includes: an identifier for a first set of connection pairs, a communication mode indicator for the first set of connection pairs; and / or an identifier for a second set of connection pairs, a communication mode indicator for the second set of connection pairs.

13. The communication method according to claim 12, wherein, The first information also includes: the TXOP identifier corresponding to the first set of connection pairs and / or the second set of connection pairs.

14. The communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, In the presence of the second set of connection pairs, the first information further includes: uplink / downlink transmission identifiers, which indicate the transmission mode performed using the second set of connection pairs, wherein the transmission mode is either an uplink transmission mode or a downlink transmission mode.

15. The communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The communication method further includes: Collect relevant information about the set of connection pairs in a multi-connection dataset; Send the relevant information to the access point that supports multi-connection communication.

16. A communication device for multiple connections, applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication, the communication device comprising: The processing module is configured to: determine a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information being used to indicate: communication mode information of connection pairs in multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; The first information also includes: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP, wherein the multiple duration information corresponds to connection pairs in the corresponding connection pair set; each duration information is used to identify the time occupied by the corresponding connection pair by the duration information indicated in the TXOP; The transceiver module is configured to send the first message frame.

17. A communication device for multiple connections, applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication, the communication device comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message frame from a device that supports multi-connection communication, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information being used to indicate: in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections supported by other access points corresponding to the device, wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode related information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode related information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; The first information also includes: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP, wherein the multiple duration information corresponds to connection pairs in the corresponding connection pair set; each duration information is used to identify the time occupied by the corresponding connection pair by the duration information indicated in the TXOP; The processing module is configured to perform communication operations based on the first message frame.

18. A communication device under multiple connections, applied to a site supporting multiple connection communication, the communication device comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes first information, the first information being used to indicate: communication mode information of connection pairs among multiple connections in each transmission opportunity (TXOP), wherein the communication mode information of the connection pairs includes: communication mode information of a first set of connection pairs capable of simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, and / or communication mode information of a second set of connection pairs unable to simultaneously perform uplink and downlink transmission; The first information also includes: multiple duration information within the corresponding TXOP, wherein the multiple duration information corresponds to connection pairs in the corresponding connection pair set; each duration information is used to identify the time occupied by the corresponding connection pair by the duration information indicated in the TXOP; The processing module is configured to control the transceiver module to perform communication operations based on the first message frame.

19. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, any one of claims 6 to 10, or any one of claims 11 to 15.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, any one of claims 6 to 10, or any one of claims 11 to 15.

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