Data transmission method, terminal, system and storage medium in multi-link system

Abstract

The application discloses a data transmission method, a terminal, a system and a storage medium in a multi-link system. The method comprises the following steps: a multi-link terminal acquires target parameters of a first access device and a second access device in a preset time period, wherein the multi-link terminal is connected with the first access device and the second access device respectively, and the target parameters are used for representing at least one of signal quality, network load and transmission performance; in the case that the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device satisfy a preset condition, the multi-link terminal sends to-be-transmitted data to the second access device only; and in the case that the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device do not satisfy the preset condition, the multi-link terminal sends to-be-transmitted data to the first access device only.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular relates to a data transmission method, terminal, system and storage medium in a multi-link system. Background Technology

[0002] As the number of users, the types of applications, and the demand for traffic increase, the requirements for network throughput and latency become increasingly stringent. Extremely High Throughput (EHT) networks can further improve the overall throughput and reduce latency to ensure the performance of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).

[0003] Specifically, a multi-link terminal in a WLAN can include multiple logical data transceiver terminals (Stations, STAs). Each STA can establish a data transmission link with a logical access point (AP). Multi-link terminals achieve data transmission through multiple links.

[0004] In related technologies, multiple logical access points connected to multiple STAs in a multi-link terminal belong to the same multi-link access device. Therefore, when data transmission is performed in a multi-link system, it is limited to data transmission between the multi-link terminal and the same multi-link access device, and network resources cannot be effectively utilized. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a data transmission method, terminal, system, and storage medium in a multi-link system, which can solve the problem of ineffective utilization of network resources in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data transmission method in a multi-link system, applied to a multi-link terminal. The method includes: obtaining target parameters of a first access device and a second access device within a preset time period, wherein the multi-link terminal is connected to the first access device and the second access device respectively, and the target parameters are used to characterize at least one of signal quality, network load, and transmission performance; if the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet preset conditions, sending the data to be transmitted only to the second access device; if the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device do not meet preset conditions, sending the data to be transmitted only to the first access device.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a multi-link terminal, comprising: an acquisition module, configured to acquire target parameters of a first access device and a second access device within a preset time period, wherein the multi-link terminal is connected to the first access device and the second access device respectively, and the target parameters are used to characterize at least one of signal quality, network load, and transmission performance; a transmission module, configured to send data to be transmitted only to the second access device when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet preset conditions; and a transmission module further configured to send data to be transmitted only to the first access device when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device do not meet preset conditions.

[0008] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a multi-link system, including the multi-link terminal of the second aspect.

[0009] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the data transmission method in a multi-link system as described in the first aspect.

[0010] This application provides a data transmission method, terminal, system, and storage medium in a multi-link system. The multi-link terminal can connect to a first access device and a second access device, which can be different physical devices. For example, the first and second access devices can be two single-link access devices, or the first and second access devices can belong to different multi-link access devices. This allows the multi-link terminal to connect not only to the same multi-link access device, but also to multiple single-link access devices or multiple different multi-link access devices. Based on this, by using the multi-link terminal to transmit data with the first and second access devices, the application scenarios for multi-link terminal data transmission are expanded, and the utilization rate of network resources by the multi-link terminal is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an example of a multi-link system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another multi-link terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will be described in detail below. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only intended to explain this application and not to limit it. For those skilled in the art, this application can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples.

[0022] With increasing demands for network performance, multiple data transmission links can be established between multi-link terminals and network access devices to improve network throughput, latency, and other performance characteristics. A multi-link terminal may include multiple logical terminals (Stations, STAs). A network access device may include a multi-link access device. A multi-link access device may include multiple logical access points. Data transmission links can be established between logical terminals and logical access points; that is, multiple data transmission links can be established between multi-link terminals and multi-link access devices. Data transmission is achieved through multiple data transmission links, improving data transmission efficiency and achieving high network throughput. For ease of explanation, the data transmission link will be simply referred to as a link below. The multi-link terminal mentioned below refers to a multi-link terminal that includes at least two logical terminals, and the multi-link access device refers to a network device that includes at least two logical access points.

[0023] As in the background and related technologies, multiple logical access points connected to multiple STAs in a multi-link terminal belong to the same multi-link access device. Therefore, when data transmission is performed in a multi-link system, it is limited to data transmission between the multi-link terminal and the same multi-link access device. The multi-link terminal cannot connect to different multi-link access devices, or it cannot connect to a single-link access device to achieve data transmission, thus failing to effectively utilize network resources.

[0024] To address the problems in related technologies, this application provides a data transmission method in a multi-link system. A multi-link terminal can connect to a first access device and a second access device, which are two different physical devices. For example, the first and second access devices can be two single-link access devices, or the first and second access devices belong to different multi-link access devices. This allows the multi-link terminal to connect not only to the same multi-link access device, but also to multiple single-link access devices or multiple different multi-link access devices. Based on this, by transmitting data between the multi-link terminal and the first and second access devices, the application scenarios for multi-link terminal data transmission are expanded, the utilization rate of network resources by the multi-link terminal is improved, and the problem of ineffective network resource utilization in related technologies is solved.

[0025] In some examples, the data transmission method, terminal, system, and storage medium in the multi-link system provided in this application can be applied to Extremely High Throughput (EHT) networks, which offer higher throughput, stronger reliability, and less latency and jitter. The data transmission method in the multi-link system embodiments of this application is compatible with older technologies and backward compatible, and is compatible with devices operating in frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

[0026] The data transmission method in the link system provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0027] The data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the architecture, specifically combined Figure 1 Please provide a detailed explanation.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an example multi-link system provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1As shown, the multi-link system 10 may include a multi-link terminal 11, a first access device 12, a second access device 13, and a server 14. Specifically, logical terminal STA1 in the multi-link terminal 11 can establish a link Link1 with the first access device 12, and logical terminal STA2 in the multi-link terminal 11 can establish a link Link2 with the second access device 13. The first access device 12 and the second access device 13 are respectively connected to the server 14.

[0029] The first access device 12 and the second access device 13 are different physical devices.

[0030] Optionally, the first access device 12 and the second access device 13 can both be single-link access devices; or, the first access device 12 can be a single-link access device and the second access device 13 can be a logical access point in a multi-link access device; or, the first access device 12 can be a logical access point in a multi-link access device and the second access device 13 can be a single-link access device; or, the first access device 12 and the second access device 13 can be logical access points in different multi-link access devices.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, after receiving data sent by the multi-link terminal 11, the first access device 12 and the second access device 13 can directly send the data to the server 14. There is no need for data transmission between the first access device 12 and the second access device 13, which saves the data transmission time between the access devices and reduces the transmission delay.

[0032] For example, server 14 may be a distributed server (DS).

[0033] It should be noted that, Figure 1 This is merely an example; the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of logical terminals in the multi-link terminal 11, nor the number of the first access device 12 and the second access device 13 connected to the multi-link terminal 11.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an example of a multi-link terminal provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the multi-link terminal 11 may include an up-medium access control (U-MAC) module, a low-medium access control (L-MAC) module, and a physical (PHY) module.

[0035] The U-MAC module has functions such as authentication and connection, key generation, frame sequence number allocation, frame encryption and decryption, data packet recording and reordering, as well as selecting the L-MAC module for sending data and information interaction with the L-MAC module; the L-MAC module has functions such as interaction and indication of link-level management and control information; the PHY module has functions such as determining the parameters for sending and receiving data packets, and sending and receiving data packets.

[0036] For example, link-level management information may include beacon messages, and link-level control information may include Ready To Send (RTS) frames and Clear To Send (CTS) frames.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 Logical terminal STA1 can contain an L-MAC1 module and a PHY1 module, and logical terminal STA2 can contain an L-MAC2 module and a PHY2 module.

[0038] Based on the above architecture, the data transmission method in the multi-link system provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission method in a multi-link system according to an embodiment of this application. The execution entity of this data transmission method in a multi-link system can be a multi-link terminal in the multi-link system. It should be noted that the aforementioned execution entity does not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in this application embodiment may include steps 310-330.

[0041] Step 310: Obtain the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device within a preset time period.

[0042] The multi-link terminal can be connected to the first access device and the second access device respectively, and the target parameters can be used to characterize at least one of signal quality, network load, and transmission performance.

[0043] For example, parameters characterizing signal quality may include signal strength, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), etc.; parameters characterizing network load may include the amount of data to be transmitted; and parameters characterizing transmission performance may include data transmission speed, transmission delay, network throughput, etc.

[0044] The first access device and the second access device can be access devices connected to multi-link terminals.

[0045] For example, the first access device may be Figure 1 In point 12, the second access device can be... Figure 1 13.

[0046] The preset time period can be set according to specific needs, and this application does not impose any specific limitations on it.

[0047] Step 320: If the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet the preset conditions, send the data to be transmitted only to the second access device.

[0048] Step 330: If the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device do not meet the preset conditions, only the data to be transmitted is sent to the first access device.

[0049] The data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in this application embodiment allows a multi-link terminal to connect to a first access device and a second access device. The first and second access devices can be different physical devices; for example, they can be two single-link access devices, or the first and second access devices can belong to different multi-link access devices. This allows the multi-link terminal to connect not only to the same multi-link access device, but also to multiple single-link access devices or multiple different multi-link access devices. Based on this, by transmitting data between the multi-link terminal and the first and second access devices, the application scenarios for multi-link terminal data transmission are expanded, and the utilization rate of network resources by the multi-link terminal is improved.

[0050] The following detailed description of steps 310-330, with reference to specific embodiments, is provided below.

[0051] First, step 310 involves obtaining the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device within a preset time period.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, step 310 may specifically include: measuring the target parameters of the first access device based on a first preset period; and measuring the target parameters of the second access device based on a second preset period.

[0053] The second preset period is less than or equal to the first preset period.

[0054] The first and second preset periods can be set according to specific needs. For example, the first preset period T1 is 30s and the second preset period T2 is 20s, where T2 is less than T1.

[0055] Next, in step 320, if the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet the preset conditions, the data to be transmitted is sent only to the second access device.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter may include signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SIR) used to characterize signal quality, and the preset condition may include the signal strength or SIR of the second access device being greater than the sum of the signal strength or SIR of the first access device and a first preset signal threshold.

[0057] In one embodiment, the signal strength can be either the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) or the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI).

[0058] For example, if the first access device is AP1, the second access device is AP2, and the first preset signal threshold is A0, then when the reference signal received power RSRP2 of AP2 is greater than RSRP1 (reference signal received power of AP1) + A0, the multi-link terminal only sends the data to be transmitted to AP2 and does not send the data to be transmitted to AP1.

[0059] In this embodiment, if the signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the second access device is greater than the sum of the signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the first access device and the first preset signal threshold within a preset time period, the multi-link terminal selects the data transmitted by the second access device with higher signal quality and better performance, so that the second access device can directly forward the data to the server, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter may include network throughput for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset condition may include the difference between the network throughput of the second access device and the network throughput of the first access device and a first preset throughput threshold.

[0061] For example, if the first access device is AP1, the second access device is AP2, and the first preset throughput threshold is B0, then if the throughput of AP2 is B2 < B1 (throughput of AP1) - B0, the multi-link terminal will only send the data to be transmitted to AP2 and will not send the data to be transmitted to AP1.

[0062] In this embodiment, if the signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the second access device is greater than the sum of the signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the first access device and the first preset signal threshold within a preset time period, the multi-link terminal can select the data sent by the second access device with higher signal quality and better performance, so that the second access device can directly forward the data to the server, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0063] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter may include transmission delay for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset condition includes that the transmission delay of the second access device is less than the difference between the transmission delay of the first access device and a first preset delay threshold.

[0064] For example, if the first access device is AP1, the second access device is AP2, and the first preset delay threshold is C0, then if the transmission delay of AP2 is C2 < C1 (transmission delay of AP1) - C0, the multi-link terminal will only send the data to be transmitted to AP2 and will not send the data to be transmitted to AP1.

[0065] In this embodiment of the application, if the transmission delay of the second access device is less than the difference between the transmission delay of the first access device and the first preset delay threshold within a preset time period, the multi-link terminal can select the data sent by the second access device with lower transmission delay and better performance, so that the second access device can directly forward the data to the server and reduce the data transmission delay.

[0066] It should be noted that the first preset signal threshold, the first preset throughput threshold, and the first preset delay threshold can all be set according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any specific limitations on them.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter may include signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SIR) used to characterize signal quality, and the preset conditions may include the signal strength or SIR of the second access device being greater than a second preset signal threshold, and the signal strength or SIR of the first access device being less than a third preset signal threshold.

[0068] The second preset signal threshold can be the same as or different from the third preset signal threshold, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0069] Optionally, the second preset signal threshold may be greater than the third preset signal threshold.

[0070] For example, the first access device is AP1, the second access device is AP2, and the second preset signal threshold D2 is greater than the first preset signal threshold D1. Then, if the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of AP2 is greater than D2, and the SINR of AP1 is less than D1, the multi-link terminal will only send the data to be transmitted to AP2, and will not send the data to be transmitted to AP1.

[0071] In this embodiment, if the signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the second access device is greater than the second preset signal threshold within a preset time period, and the signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the first access device is less than the third preset signal threshold, it indicates that the signal quality of the first access device is not high. Therefore, the multi-link terminal can select the data sent by the second access device with higher signal quality so that the second access device can directly forward the data to the server, avoiding data loss and data transmission failure due to poor access device signal, and improving the success rate of data transmission.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter may include network throughput for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset conditions may include the network throughput of the second access device being less than a second preset throughput threshold, and the network throughput of the first access device being greater than a third preset throughput threshold.

[0073] The second preset throughput threshold and the third preset throughput threshold can be the same or different, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0074] Optionally, the second preset throughput threshold may be greater than the third preset throughput threshold.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter may include transmission delay for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset conditions include that the transmission delay of the second access device is less than a second preset delay threshold and the transmission delay of the first access device is greater than a third preset delay threshold.

[0076] The second preset delay threshold and the third preset delay threshold can be the same or different, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0077] Optionally, the second preset delay threshold may be greater than the third preset delay threshold.

[0078] In some embodiments of this application, the multi-link terminal may include at least two logical terminals. In order to improve the success rate of data transmission, step 320 may specifically include: when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet the preset conditions, the target logical terminal among the at least two logical terminals sends an indication message and data to be transmitted to the second access device, so that the second access device sends the data to be transmitted to the server according to the indication message, wherein the target logical terminal is connected to the second access device.

[0079] For example, the instruction message can be the parameter dot11MCviaSAP. When the value of dot11MCviaSAP is true, it can be used to instruct the multi-link terminal to send data to the second access device, and the second access device to forward the data to the server. When the value of dot11MCviaSAP is false, it can be used to instruct the multi-link terminal to send data to the first access device, and the first access device to forward the data to the server.

[0080] The connection process between the multi-link terminal and the first access device and the second access device in this application embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in this application embodiment. The execution entity of this data transmission method in a multi-link system can be a multi-link terminal in the multi-link system. It should be noted that the above-mentioned execution entity does not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in this application embodiment may include steps 410-430. It should be noted that step 410 is before step 310.

[0083] Step 410: Send a first connection request message to the first access device. The first connection request message can be used for multi-link terminals to connect to the first access device.

[0084] The first access device is an access device that supports multiple connection operations, and the first connection request message may include a first parameter, which is used to characterize that the multi-link terminal supports multiple connection operations.

[0085] Multi-connection operation can refer to the operation of connecting a terminal to multiple access devices.

[0086] For example, the first parameter can be MC supported. Specifically, when MC supported is 1 in the first connection request message, it indicates that the multi-link terminal supports multi-connection operations; when MC supported is 0, it indicates that the multi-link terminal does not support multi-connection operations.

[0087] In some embodiments of this application, the first connection request message may also include the address of the multi-link terminal.

[0088] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, step 410 can specifically include steps 510 and 520:

[0089] Step 510: Receive a broadcast message or probe response message sent by the first candidate access device. The broadcast message or probe response message includes the second parameter.

[0090] The first candidate access device can be an access device that sends broadcast messages or probe response messages, specifically a single-link access device or a multi-link access device; the broadcast message can be a message sent by the first candidate access device at regular or irregular intervals, and each terminal can receive the broadcast message; the probe response message can be a message generated by the first candidate access device based on the probe request message sent by the multi-link terminal, that is, a response message to the probe request message, which is used to probe whether the first candidate access device supports multi-connection operation.

[0091] For example, the broadcast message can be a Beacon frame, and the probe response message can be a Probe response message. The Beacon frame or the Probe response message contains a Multi connectivity capability information element, which contains a second parameter.

[0092] Step 520: If the second parameter of the first candidate access device is used to characterize that the first candidate access device supports multiple connection operations, the first candidate access device is determined to be the first access device.

[0093] The number of first access devices can be one or at least two, and this application does not make a specific limitation.

[0094] For example, the second parameter can be the same as the first parameter, and the second parameter can be MC supported. When MC supported is 1 in the broadcast message or probe response message, it can indicate that the first candidate access device supports multi-connection operation; when MC supported is 0, it can indicate that the first candidate access device does not support multi-connection operation.

[0095] In this embodiment, the multi-link terminal can receive broadcast messages or probe response messages sent by each candidate access device, and determine the first access device that supports multi-connection operation based on the second parameter contained in the broadcast message or probe response message, so as to establish a connection and transmit data.

[0096] Step 420: When connected to the first access device, receive a multi-connection configuration message sent by the first access device. The multi-connection configuration message may include the address of the second access device.

[0097] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 6 As shown, step 420 can specifically include steps 610-640:

[0098] Step 610: Receive the first response message sent by the first access device based on the first connection request message, and connect to the first access device.

[0099] The first response message may include a third parameter and a fourth parameter. The third parameter is used to indicate at least one second candidate access device, and the fourth parameter is used to indicate that the multi-link terminal initiates uplink multi-connection operation.

[0100] The second candidate access device can be the access device specified by the first access device that requires multi-link terminal measurement, and the number of the second candidate access devices can be one or at least two.

[0101] For example, the third parameter can be a Measurement set, which may contain the address of at least one second candidate access device, and this address may be used to identify the second candidate access device.

[0102] For example, the fourth parameter can be MC UL enabled. If MC UL enabled is 1 in the first response message, the first candidate access device can be instructed to enable uplink multi-connection operation; if MC supported is 0, the first candidate access device can be instructed not to enable uplink multi-connection operation.

[0103] Step 620: Measure at least one of the following for at least one second candidate access device: signal strength, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, network throughput, transmission delay, and network load, and obtain the measurement results.

[0104] Step 630: Send the measurement results to the first access device so that the first access device can determine the second access device from at least one second candidate access device based on the measurement results.

[0105] Step 640: Receive the multi-connection configuration message sent by the first access device based on the measurement results.

[0106] The multi-connection configuration message may include the address of the second access device and the message type of the multi-connection configuration message.

[0107] For example, the multi-connection configuration message can be an MC S-AP reconfiguration message. The message type (Type) of the MC S-AP reconfiguration message can be set to "addition", indicating that the multi-connection configuration message is a message for adding an access device. For example, in the embodiments of this application, it can be used to indicate a message for adding a second access device.

[0108] In this embodiment, after the multi-link terminal establishes a connection with the first access device, it can send measurement results to the first access device so that the first access device can determine the second access device based on the measurement results and return a multi-connection configuration message including the address of the second access device to the multi-link terminal so that the multi-link terminal can establish a connection with the second access device based on the multi-connection configuration message.

[0109] Step 430: Send a second connection request message to the second access device according to the address of the second access device. The second connection request message can be used for multi-link terminals to connect with the second access device.

[0110] In some embodiments of this application, after step 430, the method may further include the following steps: receiving a second response message sent by the second access device based on the second connection request message, the second response message including a fifth parameter, the fifth parameter being used to characterize that the second access device accepts the connection request of the multi-link terminal.

[0111] For example, the fifth parameter can be accept association request. When accept association request is set to 1, it can indicate that the second access device accepts the connection request of the multi-link terminal.

[0112] In one embodiment, the second connection request message may include a sixth parameter and the address of the multi-link terminal.

[0113] For example, the sixth parameter can be an MC secondary association request, which can indicate that the second connection request message requests to establish a connection with the secondary access device, where the secondary access device is the second access device.

[0114] In some embodiments of this application, step 430 may specifically include: sending a second connection request message to the second access device when the message type of the multi-connection configuration message is a preset type.

[0115] For example, the preset type can be addition.

[0116] In this embodiment, by sending a connection request message to the second access device, a link connection between the multi-link terminal and the second access device can be established, thereby enabling the multi-link terminal to connect to the first access device and the second access device respectively. This expands the application scenarios of the multi-link terminal, so that it is no longer limited to connecting to the same multi-link access device, avoiding the multi-link terminal competing with other terminals for the same multi-link access device, and effectively utilizing network resources such as single-link access devices or other multi-link access devices.

[0117] It should be noted that the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth parameters in the embodiments of this application are not limited to the examples given in this application, and may also take other forms of representation. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit them here.

[0118] The above embodiments describe the data transmission method in the multi-link system of this application, with the multi-link terminal as the execution subject. The following description uses the first access device as the execution subject to describe the data transmission method in the multi-link system provided by this application. For the sake of brevity, the terms consistent with those in the above embodiments are not repeated here.

[0119] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in this application embodiment. The execution subject of this information processing method can be the first access device in the multi-link system.

[0120] like Figure 7 As shown, the data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in this application embodiment may include steps 710-750.

[0121] Step 710: Receive the first connection request message sent by the multi-link terminal.

[0122] Step 720: If the first connection request message includes the first parameter, send a first response message to the multi-link terminal to connect the multi-link terminal.

[0123] The first response message may include a third parameter and a fourth parameter. The third parameter is used to indicate at least one second candidate access device, and the fourth parameter is used to indicate that the multi-link terminal enables uplink multi-connection.

[0124] In some embodiments of this application, after step 720, the method may further include: sending a notification message to the server, wherein the notification message may include the address of the multi-link terminal, the message type, and the seventh parameter.

[0125] For example, the notification message can be a DS-STA-NOTIFY-EX message, the message type can be ADD, and the seventh parameter can be MC enabled. MC enabled can be used to instruct the first access device to enable downlink multi-connection operation.

[0126] After receiving the notification message from the first access device, the server can modify the association between the multi-link terminals and the access devices maintained locally. For example, the first access device can be designated as the primary access device, and its address can be used as the address of the primary access device. The secondary access device can be temporarily set to null.

[0127] Step 730: Receive measurement results from at least one second candidate access device sent by the multi-link terminal.

[0128] Step 740: Select a second access device from at least one second candidate access device based on the measurement results of at least one second candidate access device.

[0129] Step 750: Send a multi-connection configuration message to the multi-link terminal. The multi-connection configuration message includes the address of the second access device.

[0130] Among them, the multi-connection configuration message is used for multi-link terminals to establish connections with the second access device.

[0131] In some embodiments of this application, after receiving a second connection request message sent by a multi-link terminal, the second access device may send a second response message to the multi-link terminal and a notification message to the server. The notification message may include the address and message type of the multi-link terminal.

[0132] For example, the message type can be set to ADD Secondary AP, where Secondary AP is the second access device.

[0133] After receiving the notification message from the second access device, the server can modify the association between the multi-link terminal and the access device maintained locally. For example, the second access device can be used as a secondary access device, and the address of the second access device can be used as the address of the secondary access device.

[0134] It should be noted that the data transmission method in a multi-link system provided in this application embodiment can be executed by a multi-link terminal or a control module in the multi-link terminal for executing the data transmission method in the multi-link system. The multi-link terminal will be described in detail below.

[0135] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of another multi-link terminal provided in an embodiment of this application. The multi-link terminal may include at least two logical terminals. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the multi-link terminal 800 may include: an acquisition module 810 and a transmission module 820.

[0136] The acquisition module 810 is used to acquire target parameters of the first access device and the second access device within a preset time period. The multi-link terminal is connected to the first access device and the second access device respectively. The target parameters are used to characterize at least one of signal quality, network load, and transmission performance. The transmission module 820 is used to send the data to be transmitted only to the second access device when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet the preset conditions. The transmission module 820 is also used to send the data to be transmitted only to the first access device when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device do not meet the preset conditions.

[0137] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameters include signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SIR) used to characterize signal quality, and the preset conditions include that the signal strength or SIR of the second access device is greater than the sum of the signal strength or SIR of the first access device and a first preset signal threshold.

[0138] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter includes network throughput for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset condition includes the network throughput of the second access device being less than the difference between the network throughput of the first access device and a first preset throughput threshold.

[0139] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter includes transmission delay for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset condition includes the transmission delay of the second access device being less than the difference between the transmission delay of the first access device and a first preset delay threshold.

[0140] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameters include signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SIR) used to characterize signal quality, and the preset conditions include that the signal strength or SIR of the second access device is greater than a second preset signal threshold, and the signal strength or SIR of the first access device is less than a third preset signal threshold.

[0141] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter includes network throughput for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset conditions include that the network throughput of the second access device is less than a second preset throughput threshold, and the network throughput of the first access device is greater than a third preset throughput threshold.

[0142] In some embodiments of this application, the target parameter includes transmission delay for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset conditions include that the transmission delay of the second access device is less than a second preset delay threshold and the transmission delay of the first access device is greater than a third preset delay threshold.

[0143] In some embodiments of this application, the sending module 820 is further configured to send a first connection request message to the first access device before obtaining the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device within a preset time period. The first connection request message includes a first parameter, which is used to characterize that the multi-link terminal supports multi-connection operation. The first connection request message is used for the multi-link terminal to connect with the first access device, and the first access device supports multi-connection operation. The receiving module is configured to receive a multi-connection configuration message sent by the first access device when connected to the first access device. The multi-connection configuration message includes the address of the second access device. The sending module 820 is further configured to send a second connection request message to the second access device according to the address of the second access device. The second connection request message is used for the multi-link terminal to connect with the second access device.

[0144] In some embodiments of this application, the sending module includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a broadcast message or a probe response message sent by a first candidate access device, the broadcast message or probe response message including a second parameter; and a determining unit, configured to determine the first candidate access device as the first access device when the second parameter of the first candidate access device is used to characterize that the first candidate access device supports multiple connection operations.

[0145] In some embodiments of this application, the receiving module includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a first response message sent by a first access device based on a first connection request message, and connect to the first access device; the first response message includes a third parameter and a fourth parameter, the third parameter being used to indicate at least one second candidate access device, and the fourth parameter being used to indicate that the multi-link terminal initiates uplink multi-connection operation; a measurement unit, configured to measure at least one of the signal strength, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, network throughput, transmission delay, and network load of at least one second candidate access device, and obtain measurement results; a sending unit, configured to send the measurement results to the first access device, so that the first access device determines a second access device from at least one second candidate access device based on the measurement results; and the receiving unit is further configured to receive a multi-connection configuration message sent by the first access device based on the measurement results.

[0146] In some embodiments of this application, a receiving module is further included, configured to receive a second response message sent by the second access device based on the second connection request message after sending a second connection request message to the second access device according to the address of the second access device. The second response message includes a fifth parameter, which is used to characterize that the second access device accepts the connection request from the multi-link terminal.

[0147] In some embodiments of this application, the acquisition module includes: a measurement unit, configured to measure target parameters of a first access device based on a first preset period; and to measure target parameters of a second access device based on a second preset period; wherein the second preset period is less than or equal to the first preset period.

[0148] In some embodiments of this application, the multi-link terminal includes at least two logical terminals. The sending module 820 is specifically used to: when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet preset conditions, send an indication message and data to be transmitted to the second access device through the target logical terminal among the at least two logical terminals, so that the second access device sends the data to be transmitted to the server according to the indication message, wherein the target logical terminal is connected to the second access device.

[0149] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0150] like Figure 9 As shown, the device 900 in this embodiment may include a processor 901 and a memory 902 storing computer program instructions.

[0151] Specifically, the processor 901 may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits that can be configured to implement the embodiments of this application.

[0152] Memory 902 may include mass storage for data or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, memory 902 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), floppy disk drive, flash memory, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, memory 902 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, memory 902 may be internal or external to the integrated gateway disaster recovery device. In a particular embodiment, memory 902 is non-volatile solid-state memory. Memory may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical / tangible memory storage devices. Therefore, typically, a memory includes one or more tangible (non-transitory) computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory devices) encoded with software including computer-executable instructions, and when the software is executed (e.g., by one or more processors), it is operable to perform operations described with reference to the methods according to embodiments of this application.

[0153] The processor 901 reads and executes computer program instructions stored in the memory 902 to implement any of the data transmission methods in the multi-link system described in the above embodiments.

[0154] In one example, device 900 may also include a communication interface 903 and a bus 910. Wherein, as... Figure 9 As shown, the processor 901, memory 902, and communication interface 903 are connected through bus 910 and complete communication with each other.

[0155] The communication interface 903 is mainly used to realize communication between various modules, devices, units and / or equipment in the embodiments of this application.

[0156] Bus 910 includes hardware, software, or both, that couples components of an online data traffic metering device together. For example, and not limitingly, the bus may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a Front Side Bus (FSB), HyperTransport (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Infinite Bandwidth Interconnect, a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association Local (VLB) bus, or other suitable buses, or combinations of two or more of these. Where appropriate, bus 910 may include one or more buses. Although specific buses are described and illustrated in embodiments of this application, this application contemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

[0157] The device provided in this application embodiment can be a multi-link terminal, capable of achieving... Figures 3-6 The various processes implemented by the multi-link terminal in the method embodiment; or, Figure 7 The various processes implemented by the multi-link terminal in the method embodiment will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0158] Based on the data transmission methods in the multi-link system described in the above embodiments, this application provides a multi-link system including the network access device and / or multi-link terminal described in the above embodiments. Specific details regarding the network access device and multi-link terminal can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0159] Furthermore, in conjunction with the data transmission methods in the multi-link system described in the above embodiments, this application embodiment can provide a computer storage medium for implementation. This computer storage medium stores computer program instructions; when these computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement any of the data transmission methods in the multi-link system described in the above embodiments.

[0160] It should be clarified that this application is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and shown in the figures. For the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of known methods are omitted here. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and shown as examples. However, the method process of this application is not limited to the specific steps described and shown. Those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order of steps, after understanding the spirit of this application.

[0161] The functional blocks shown in the above-described block diagram can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, they can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc. When implemented in software, the elements of this application are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. Programs or code segments can be stored on a machine-readable medium or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried on a carrier wave. "Machine-readable medium" can include any medium capable of storing or transmitting information. Examples of machine-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROM, flash memory, erasable ROM (EROM), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical disks, hard disks, fiber optic media, radio frequency (RF) links, etc. Code segments can be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, intranets, etc.

[0162] It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments mentioned in this application describe methods or systems based on a series of steps or apparatus. However, this application is not limited to the order of the above steps; that is, the steps can be performed in the order mentioned in the embodiments, or in a different order, or several steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0163] The aspects of this disclosure have been described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that these instructions, executable via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, enable the implementation of the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Such a processor can be, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a special application processor, or a field-programmable logic circuit. It is also understood that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can also be implemented by special-purpose hardware performing the specified functions or actions, or can be implemented by a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0164] The above description is merely a specific implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A data transmission method in a multi-link system, characterized in that, Applied to multi-link terminals, the method includes: Obtain target parameters of the first access device and the second access device within a preset time period, wherein the multi-link terminal is connected to the first access device and the second access device respectively, and the target parameters are used to characterize at least one of signal quality, network load, and transmission performance; If the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet the preset conditions, only the data to be transmitted is sent to the second access device. If the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device do not meet the preset conditions, only the data to be transmitted is sent to the first access device. The multi-link terminal includes at least two logical terminals. The step of sending the data to be transmitted only to the second access device when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet preset conditions includes: When the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet the preset conditions, the target logical terminal among the at least two logical terminals sends an indication message and data to be transmitted to the second access device, so that the second access device sends the data to be transmitted to the server according to the indication message, wherein the target logical terminal is connected to the second access device. The at least two logical terminals include a first logical terminal and a second logical terminal. The first logical terminal is connected to the first access device, and the second logical terminal is connected to the second access device. The first logical terminal includes a first low-level media access control module and a first physical module, and the second logical terminal includes a second low-level media access control module and a second physical module.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target parameters include signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) used to characterize signal quality, and the preset conditions include that the signal strength or SINR of the second access device is greater than the sum of the signal strength or SINR of the first access device and a first preset signal threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target parameter includes network throughput, which characterizes transmission performance, and the preset condition includes that the network throughput of the second access device is less than the difference between the network throughput of the first access device and a first preset throughput threshold.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target parameter includes transmission delay used to characterize transmission performance, and the preset condition includes that the transmission delay of the second access device is less than the difference between the transmission delay of the first access device and a first preset delay threshold.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target parameters include signal strength or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) used to characterize signal quality. The preset conditions include that the signal strength or SINR of the second access device is greater than a second preset signal threshold, and the signal strength or SINR of the first access device is less than a third preset signal threshold.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target parameters include network throughput for characterizing transmission performance, and the preset conditions include that the network throughput of the second access device is less than a second preset throughput threshold, and the network throughput of the first access device is greater than a third preset throughput threshold.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target parameters include transmission latency, which characterizes transmission performance. The preset conditions include that the transmission latency of the second access device is less than a second preset latency threshold, and the transmission latency of the first access device is greater than a third preset latency threshold.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before obtaining the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device within the preset time period, the method further includes: Send a first connection request message to the first access device. The first connection request message includes a first parameter, which is used to indicate that the multi-link terminal supports multi-connection operation. The first connection request message is used for the multi-link terminal to connect with the first access device. The first access device supports multi-connection operation. When connected to the first access device, a multi-connection configuration message sent by the first access device is received, the multi-connection configuration message including the address of the second access device; A second connection request message is sent to the second access device according to the address of the second access device. The second connection request message is used for the multi-link terminal to connect with the second access device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Sending the first connection request message to the first access device includes: Receive a broadcast message or probe response message sent by the first candidate access device, wherein the broadcast message or probe response message includes a second parameter; When the second parameter of the first candidate access device is used to characterize that the first candidate access device supports multiple connection operations, the first candidate access device is determined to be the first access device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, When connected to the first access device, receiving the multi-connection configuration message sent by the first access device includes: Receive a first response message sent by the first access device based on the first connection request message, connect to the first access device, the first response message includes a third parameter and a fourth parameter, the third parameter is used to indicate at least one second candidate access device, and the fourth parameter is used to indicate the multi-link terminal to start uplink multi-connection operation; Measure at least one of the following parameters of the at least one second candidate access device: signal strength, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, network throughput, transmission delay, and network load, and obtain the measurement result; The measurement result is sent to the first access device so that the first access device determines the second access device from the at least one second candidate access device based on the measurement result; Receive the multi-connection configuration message sent by the first access device based on the measurement results.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, After sending a second connection request message to the second access device based on the address of the second access device, the method further includes: The second access device receives a second response message sent based on the second connection request message. The second response message includes a fifth parameter, which indicates that the second access device accepts the connection request from the multi-link terminal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device within a preset time period includes: The target parameters of the first access device are measured based on a first preset period; The target parameters of the second access device are measured based on a second preset period; Wherein, the second preset period is less than or equal to the first preset period.

13. A multi-link terminal, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire target parameters of the first access device and the second access device within a preset time period, wherein the multi-link terminal is connected to the first access device and the second access device respectively, and the target parameters are used to characterize at least one of signal quality, network load, and transmission performance. The sending module is used to send the data to be transmitted only to the second access device when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet the preset conditions. The sending module is also used to send the data to be transmitted only to the first access device when the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device do not meet the preset conditions. The multi-link terminal includes at least two logical terminals, and the sending module is specifically used for: When the target parameters of the first access device and the second access device meet the preset conditions, the target logical terminal among the at least two logical terminals sends an indication message and data to be transmitted to the second access device, so that the second access device sends the data to be transmitted to the server according to the indication message, wherein the target logical terminal is connected to the second access device. The at least two logical terminals include a first logical terminal and a second logical terminal. The first logical terminal is connected to the first access device, and the second logical terminal is connected to the second access device. The first logical terminal includes a first low-level media access control module and a first physical module, and the second logical terminal includes a second low-level media access control module and a second physical module.

14. A multi-link system, characterized in that, Including the multi-link terminal as described in claim 13.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the data transmission method in a multi-link system as described in any one of claims 1-12.

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