Communication method and communication apparatus under multi-connection

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method and a communication device under multi-connection. The communication method can include: determining a first message frame, the first message frame containing an information identification bit, wherein the information identification bit identifies a first connection in the multi-connection for a station in a power saving state to communicate with an access point supporting multi-connection communication; and transmitting the first message frame. The example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a technical solution more conducive to power saving.

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 a site supporting multiple connection communication and includes: determining a first message frame, the first message frame including an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies that a first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a site in a power-saving state and an access point supporting multiple connection communication; 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 includes: receiving a first message frame, the first message frame including an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies that a first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a site in a power-saving state and an access point supporting multiple connection communication; and performing a communication operation based on the first message frame.

[0009] According to an exemplary 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 includes: a processing module configured to: determine a first message frame, the first message frame containing an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies that a first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a site in a power-saving state and an access point supporting multiple connection communication; and a transceiver module configured to: send 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 includes: a transceiver module configured to: receive a first message frame, the first message frame containing an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies that a first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a site in a power-saving state and an access point supporting multiple connection communication; and a processing module configured to: control communication operations based on the first message frame.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The technical solutions provided by the example embodiments of this disclosure can reduce signaling interaction, making devices in power-saving (PS) state more energy-efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0014] 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:

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a communication scenario with multiple connections.

[0016] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating interactive communication according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a communication scenario with multiple connections.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the AP and STA described in the above embodiments can be devices that support multiple connections, 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 an AP MLD communicating with a non-AP STA MLD under multiple connections; however, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In this text, by way of example only, AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multiple connection communication, and non-APSTA MLD can represent a site that supports multiple connection communication. (See also...) Figure 1 The AP MLD can operate in three connection modes, such as... Figure 1The diagram shows three auxiliary access points, AP1, AP2, and AP3. A non-AP STA MLD can also operate under all three connections, as shown below. Figure 1 The diagram includes three affiliated stations: STA1, STA2, and STA3. 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, the AP MLD can be connected to multiple non-AP STA MLDs, or under each connection, the AP can communicate with multiple STAs (belonging to different non-AP STA MLDs).

[0033] During multi-connection establishment, if the affiliated AP of the AP MLD can include a Basic Service Set Max Idle Period (BSS Max Idle Period) element in the Association Response or Re-Association Response frame, the value carried in the Max Idle Period field of the BSS Max Idle Period element can be at the MLD level. For example, the AP MLD will use this timeout value to make a decision to cancel association. An AP MLD can provide different BSS Max Idle Period values ​​for different non-AP STA MLDs. In this case, at least one STA of the non-AP STA MLD can send at least one keep-alive frame (e.g., a data frame, a power-saving polling (PS-Poll) frame, or a management frame) during the idle period (e.g., in each BSS Max Idle Period) to avoid the non-AP STA MLD canceling association with the AP MLD due to the AP MLD not receiving the frame.

[0034] In addition, in power-saving mode, the non-AP STA MLD in power-saving state can wake up periodically, for example, by listening for beacon frames from the access point on one or more enabled links to perform basic operations (such as receiving traffic indications, time synchronization, receiving BSS parameter updates, etc.).

[0035] However, in the prior art, there is a lack of a method for determining at least one connection to listen for beacon frames or send keep-alive frames in a power-saving state. In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and communication apparatus under multiple connections.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment. Figure 2 The communication method shown can be applied to sites that support multi-connection communication (non-AP STA MLD).

[0037] Reference Figure 2 In step 210, a first message frame can be determined, wherein the first message frame may contain an information identifier bit. According to an example embodiment, the information identifier bit may identify that the first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a power-saving station (non-AP STA MLD) and an access point that supports multiple connection communication.

[0038] According to embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 2 The communication method shown can be performed during the association or multi-link setup process between a non-AP STA MLD and an AP MLD. In this case, the first message frame can be an association request frame, a reassociation request frame, or a multi-link setup message frame.

[0039] According to embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 2 The communication method shown can be executed after the association or multiple connections are established. In this case, the first message frame can be any type of management frame, data frame, or control frame.

[0040] According to an example embodiment, multiple connections can be multiple connections established between a site that supports multiple connection communication and an access point that supports multiple connection communication for communication (e.g., Figure 1 (Links 1 to 3 in the text).

[0041] According to an example embodiment, the first connection may be used to cause a corresponding station to wake up at listening intervals to perform communication (e.g., listening to beacon frames broadcast by an access point), or the first connection may be used to send message frames identifying that a station is within the coverage area of ​​an access point that supports multi-connection communication (e.g., sending a keep-alive frame). Hereinafter, for ease of description, the first connection may be referred to as a listening connection or a sending connection.

[0042] The information identifier bit included in the first message frame can indicate the identification information of the station corresponding to the first connection. That is, the station in power-saving mode can use the first connection identified by the information identifier bit to communicate with the access point. For example, the first message frame may include a multi-connection information element (ML element), which can carry information related to multiple connections. The information identifier bit can be used to identify one of the connections (the first connection) for listening to beacon frames broadcast by the access point or sending a keep-alive frame (the keep-alive frame can indicate that the non-AP STA MLD is still within the coverage area of ​​the AP MLD).

[0043] For example, in the multi-connection information element of the first message frame, multiple information identifier bits corresponding to multiple connections can be added. When the information identifier bit of a connection (the first connection) is set to a specific value (e.g., "1"), it indicates that the connection (the first connection) can be used to communicate with the access point in a power-saving state, such as listening to beacon frames broadcast by the access point or sending keep-alive frames, where the keep-alive frame can be a PS-Poll frame or other forms of action frames.

[0044] Although information identifier bits for a connection (first connection) are described herein, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first message frame may contain more information identifier bits to identify additional connections for listening to or sending Keep-alive frames from a power-saving site.

[0045] 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.

[0046] More specifically, when determining the first message frame, the information identifier bit corresponding to the first connection can be determined, that is, which of the multiple connections can be used by the site to communicate with the access point in power-saving mode, as will be discussed later. Figure 3 Provide a detailed description.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In step 220, a first message frame may be sent. For example, the first message frame may be sent to the access point to inform the access point that the first connection is used for communication in a power-saving state. The first message frame may be sent under any connection in a multi-connection scheme or under the first connection, and this disclosure does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0048] By sending a first message frame carrying an information identifier bit for a listening connection or a sending connection (first connection) to the access point, signaling interactions can be reduced, thus saving energy.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating interactive communication according to an example embodiment.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 In step S310, the station supporting multi-connection communication (non-AP STA MLD) can obtain (or receive) the transmission period and / or time slot of beacon frames under each connection of the access point supporting multi-connection communication. Having obtained the transmission period and / or time slot of beacon frames under each connection of the APMLD, the non-AP STA MLD can determine the first connection based on the obtained transmission period and / or time slot, which will be described in detail later in step S330.

[0051] For example, during the multi-connection establishment process (association process), a non-AP STA MLD can receive beacon frames or probe response frames from the access point. The received beacon frames or probe response frames may include the beacon interval (BI) and / or time slots of AP broadcast beacon frames under each connection attached to the same AP MLD. According to an example embodiment, the BI of AP broadcast beacon frames under each connection may represent the transmission period of the beacon frames under the corresponding connection, and the time slot of AP broadcast beacon frames under each connection may represent the transmission time of the beacon frames under the corresponding connection. As an example, the time slots under each connection can be identified by the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) offset in the reduced neighbor report element (RNRE) or multi-connection information element.

[0052] In step S320, during the multi-connection establishment process (association process), the non-AP STA MLD may send the listen interval (LI) and / or the maximum idle period to the AP MLD. For example, the listen interval and / or maximum idle period may be carried in a probe request frame, association request frame, or reassociation request frame. According to an example embodiment, the maximum idle period sent by the non-AP STA MLD may be less than or equal to the value of the maximum idle period defined by the APMLD in the maximum idle period element.

[0053] Through steps S310 and S320, the non-AP STA MLD and AP MLD can negotiate the communication mode in power-saving mode during the multi-connection establishment process (association process). According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, step S320 can be omitted, and step S320 can be combined with a later step S330, that is, the first message frame sent in step S330 can carry the listening interval and / or the maximum idle period.

[0054] During the association process, the LI or maximum idle period of a non-AP STA MLD can be at the MLD level, meaning that sites attached to the same non-AP STA MLD have the same LI or maximum idle period. Sites attached to the same non-AP STA MLD will carry LI and / or maximum idle period under one connection. Based on the transmission period or time slot of the beacon frames received from different APs in step S310 above, and in combination with its own LI or maximum idle period, the site determines a connection to listen for beacon frames or send keep-alive frames, i.e., determines the first connection.

[0055] The period at which an access point transmits beacon frames can be the same or different under different connections, while the time slot for transmitting beacon frames is different under different connections. When the non-AP STA MLD obtains the transmission period and / or time slot of the beacon frames under each connection in step S310, it can compare the transmission period and / or time slot of the beacon frames under each connection with its listening interval or idle period to determine the listening connection or transmitting connection (first connection). For example, the connection with the minimum time among multiple connections can be determined as the first connection, where the minimum time represents the minimum time between the listening interval or idle period and the transmission period and / or time slot.

[0056] According to the example embodiment, a non-AP STA MLD can obtain (determine) the time for transmitting beacon frames under each connection based on the transmission period and / or time slot of the beacon frames obtained in step S310. Then, it compares the determined time under each connection with the wake-up time (listening interval) or the time for transmitting keep-alive frames (maximum idle period). If, under a connection, the wake-up time (listening interval) or the time for transmitting keep-alive frames (maximum idle period) is closest to the time for transmitting beacon frames, then that connection can be determined as a listening connection or a transmitting connection. (Refer to...) Figure 1 For example, the period of the broadcast beacon frame of AP1 under Link1 is BI1, and the time slot is TS1; the period of the broadcast beacon frame of AP2 under Link2 is BI2, and the time slot is TS2; the period of the broadcast beacon frame of AP3 under Link3 is BI3, and the time slot is TS3; the listening interval corresponding to STA1 to STA3 is LI, and the maximum idle period is MI. In one embodiment, when the non-AP STA MLD obtains BI1, BI2, and BI3 in step S310, BI1, BI2, and BI3 can be compared with LI, or compared with MI, and the connection corresponding to the minimum time in the comparison result is determined as the listening connection or the transmitting connection (first connection); or when the non-AP STA MLD obtains TS1, TS2, and TS3 in step S310, BI1, BI2, and BI3 can be compared with LI, or compared with MI, and the connection corresponding to the minimum time in the comparison result is determined as the listening connection or the transmitting connection.

[0057] By determining the listening connection or sending connection (first connection) based on the transmission period and / or time slot of the beacon frames under each connection, and by combining its own listening interval or idle period, the corresponding station of non-AP STA MLD can wake up in time in power-saving mode to listen for beacon frames, or send keep-alive frames in time to avoid disconnection from the access point.

[0058] Although the above embodiments describe determining the listening connection or transmitting connection (first connection) based on the "minimum time" in the comparison results, this disclosure is limited thereto. For example, other suitable conditions can also be selected based on the comparison results to determine the listening connection or transmitting connection (first connection).

[0059] When a non-AP STA MLD determines the first connection, it can carry the information identifier corresponding to the first connection in the first message frame, and send the first message frame to the access point in step S330. The implementation regarding the information identifier can be similar to... Figure 2The embodiments described in step 210 are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0060] In step 340, the non-AP STA MLD can receive a second message frame. According to an embodiment, the second message frame may include identification information of other connections recommended by the access point that differ from the first connection. In this case, the non-AP STA MLD can determine the other connection recommended by the access point as the first connection (listening connection or transmitting connection). That is, after receiving the first message frame carrying the information identification bit of the first connection in step 330, the access point can recommend other connections as listening connections or transmitting connections (first connections) based on the received information and other factors (e.g., its own load conditions), and carry their identification information in the second message frame to send to the non-AP STA MLD. By using other connections recommended by the access point as the first connection, the system flexibility can be increased, and it is more conducive to achieving power saving for the access point and the site. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; for example, step 340 can be omitted, in which case the access point can accept the listening connection or transmitting connection determined by the site.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method according to an example embodiment. Figure 4 The communication method shown can be applied to access points (AP MLDs) that support multi-connection communication.

[0062] In step 410, a first message frame may be received. The first message frame may include an information identifier bit, which identifies the first connection in a multi-connection configuration for communication between a power-saving station and an access point supporting multi-connection communication. The implementation regarding the information identifier bit can be similar to... Figure 2 The embodiments described in step 210 are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0063] According to an example embodiment, the first connection may be used to enable a corresponding station to wake up at a listening interval to perform communication, or the first connection may be used to send a message frame identifying that the station is within the coverage area of ​​an access point that supports multi-connection communication.

[0064] In step 420, a communication operation can be performed based on the first message frame. For example, the access point can use the first connection identified by the information identifier bit of the first message frame to communicate with a station in a power-saving state; or, the access point can determine whether the first connection is acceptable based on the information identifier bit, and recommend other connections to the station if it is unacceptable.

[0065] Will understand, Figure 4 The communication methods shown are merely exemplary and not intended to limit this disclosure. For example, Figure 4 The communication method may also include Figure 3 Communication operations performed by AP MLD.

[0066] For example, Figure 4 The communication method may further include: sending information about the transmission period and / or time slots of beacon frames under each connection of the access point (S310), in which case the first connection is determined by the station based on the transmission period and / or time slots. For example, the first connection is determined by the station based on the transmission period and / or time slots in conjunction with a listening interval or idle period. According to an embodiment, the first connection is the connection with the minimum time among multiple connections, where the minimum time represents the minimum time between the listening interval or idle period and the transmission period and / or time slot. An embodiment for determining the first connection can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the detailed descriptions in the text are omitted here.

[0067] For example, Figure 4 The communication method may further include: recommending a connection other than the first connection as the first connection based on the information identifier bit and the access point's load information (S340). According to an embodiment, the AP MLD can determine a connection to listen for beacon frames or send keep-alive frames based on the access point's load information. For example, if the corresponding AP has a high load under the first connection determined by the non-AP STAMLD, the AP MLD may not accept the first connection but instead recommend other connections based on the load situation, for example, recommending connections with lower loads as listening or sending connections. By recommending other connections based on load information at the access point, communication congestion caused by unbalanced access point loads can be avoided.

[0068] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the broadcast period (BI) of the beacon frames of APs under each connection attached to an AP MLD may be the same or different, but their broadcast time slots are different; the non-AP STA MLD can obtain the broadcast period and / or time slot of APs under each connection through beacon frames or probe response frames during the multi-connection establishment process (association process).

[0069] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, during the association process, the LI or maximum idle period of a non-AP STA MLD is at the MLD level. Stations attached to the same non-AP STA MLD will carry the LI and maximum idle period elements under one connection. Furthermore, the station will determine a connection to listen for beacon frames or send keep-alive frames based on the transmission period and / or time slot of the beacon frames received from different APs, combined with its own LI or maximum idle period information. Specifically, among multiple connections, the connection with the smallest LI or maximum idle period interval from the beacon frame transmission interval can be used as a listening connection or a keep-alive frame sending connection. For example, during the association process (multi-connection establishment process), an information identifier bit can be added to the multi-connection information element to identify the connection as a listening connection / sending connection.

[0070] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the access point (AP) may accept the listening / sending connection determined by the site based on the received information (the information identifier bit for the listening / sending connection) and its own load conditions; alternatively, the AP may recommend other connections. In other words, the listening / sending connection recommended by the access point may be the same as or different from the listening / sending connection determined by the site.

[0071] The example implementation described above can be completed during the association process (multi-connection establishment process), or the site and access point can negotiate after the association process (multi-connection establishment process) is completed.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 500 according to an example embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The communication device 500 may include a processing module 510 and a transceiver module 520.

[0073] Figure 5 The communication device 500 shown can be applied to a site that supports multi-connection communication (non-AP STA MLD) or an access point that supports multi-connection communication (AP MLD).

[0074] exist Figure 5 When the communication device 500 shown is applied to a non-AP STA MLD, the processing module 510 can be configured to: determine a first message frame, the first message frame containing an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies the first connection in a multi-connection configuration for communication between a power-saving station and an access point supporting multi-connection communication; the transceiver module 520 can be configured to: send the first message frame. That is, the communication device 500 can perform the following... Figure 2The described communication method, in addition, can also perform Figure 3 The operations performed by the non-AP STA MLD are omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0075] exist Figure 5 When the communication device 500 shown is applied to an AP MLD, the transceiver module 520 can be configured to: receive a first message frame, the first message frame containing an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies the first connection in a multi-connection configuration for communication between a power-saving site and an access point supporting multi-connection communication; the processing module 510 can be configured to: control communication operations based on the first message frame. In other words, the communication device 500 can perform the following... Figure 4 The described communication method, in addition, can also perform Figure 3 The operations performed by AP MLD are omitted here for brevity.

[0076] also, Figure 5 The communication device 500 shown is merely exemplary, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 500 may also include other modules, such as a memory module. Furthermore, the various modules in the communication device 500 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 can reduce signaling interaction, making the device in PS state more power-efficient.

[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 2 to 4 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 2 to 4 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 a site supporting multiple connection communication, the communication method comprising: A first message frame is determined, the first message frame containing an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies that the first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a station in power-saving mode and an access point that supports multiple connection communication; Send the first message frame; The communication method further includes: Obtain the transmission period and / or time slot of beacon frames under each connection of the access point that supports multi-connection communication; The first connection is determined based on the transmission period and / or time slot; Determining the first connection includes: The first connection is determined by combining the listening interval or idle period of the site; The first connection is used to enable the corresponding station to wake up at a listening interval to perform communication, or the first connection is used to send a message frame identifying that the station is within the coverage area of ​​the access point.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the first connection includes: The connection with the shortest time among the multiple connections is determined as the first connection. Wherein, the minimum time refers to the minimum time between the listening interval or the idle period and the transmission period and / or time slot.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 further includes: Receive a second message frame, wherein the second message frame includes identification information of other connections recommended by the access point that are different from the first connection; The other connections recommended by the access point are identified as the first connection.

4. A communication method under multiple connections, applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication, the communication method comprising: Receive a first message frame, the first message frame containing an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies that the first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a station in power-saving mode and an access point that supports multiple connection communication; Perform communication operations based on the first message frame; The communication method further includes: Send information including the transmission period and / or time slot of beacon frames under each connection of the access point. Wherein, the first connection is determined by the station based on the transmission period and / or time slot; The first connection is determined by the station in conjunction with its listening interval or idle period; The first connection is used to enable the corresponding station to wake up at a listening interval to perform communication, or the first connection is used to send a message frame identifying that the station is within the coverage area of ​​an access point that supports multi-connection communication.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, wherein, The first connection is the connection with the shortest time among the multiple connections. Wherein, the minimum time refers to the minimum time between the listening interval or the idle period and the transmission period and / or time slot.

6. The communication method according to claim 4 further includes: Based on the information identifier and the load information of the access point, a different connection than the first connection is recommended as the first connection.

7. A communication device for multiple connections, applied to a site supporting multiple connection communication, the communication device comprising: The processing module is configured to: determine a first message frame, the first message frame containing an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies that the first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a station in power-saving mode and an access point that supports multiple connection communication; The transceiver module is configured to send the first message frame; The transceiver module is also configured to: obtain the transmission period and / or time slot of beacon frames under each connection of the access point that supports multi-connection communication; The processing module is further configured to: determine the first connection based on the transmission period and / or time slot; Determining the first connection includes: The first connection is determined by combining the listening interval or idle period of the site; The first connection is used to enable the corresponding station to wake up at a listening interval to perform communication, or the first connection is used to send a message frame identifying that the station is within the coverage area of ​​the access point.

8. 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, the first message frame containing an information identifier bit, wherein the information identifier bit identifies that the first connection in the multiple connections is used for communication between a station in power-saving mode and an access point that supports multiple connection communication. The processing module is configured to control communication operations based on the first message frame; The transceiver module is further configured to: send information including the transmission period and / or time slot of beacon frames under each connection of the access point, wherein the first connection is determined by the station based on the transmission period and / or time slot; The first connection is determined by the station in conjunction with its listening interval or idle period; The first connection is used to enable the corresponding station to wake up at a listening interval to perform communication, or the first connection is used to send a message frame identifying that the station is within the coverage area of ​​an access point that supports multi-connection communication.

9. 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 3 or any one of claims 4 to 6.

10. 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 3 or any one of claims 4 to 6.

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