Communication methods and communication devices

Abstract

This disclosure provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method may include: determining a first message frame, wherein, in response to the satisfaction of conditions related to multi-connection communication, the first message frame includes a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element; and transmitting the first message frame under a first connection among multiple connections. The technical solutions provided by the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can improve spectrum utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. 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 can communicate under multiple connections. Therefore, in current technology, multiple connections can exist between STAs and APs, and research is underway on communication between these two types of devices under multiple connections. Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] A communication method under multiple connections is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method can be applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication and includes: determining a first message frame, wherein, in response to a condition related to multiple connection communication being met, the first message frame includes a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element; and sending the first message frame under a first connection among multiple connections.

[0008] 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: receiving a first message frame under a first connection among multiple connections, wherein, in response to the satisfaction of a condition related to multiple connection communication, the first message frame includes a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element; and performing a communication operation based on the first message frame.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a communication apparatus under multiple connections is provided. The communication apparatus can be applied to an access point supporting multiple connection communication and includes: a processing module configured to: determine a first message frame, wherein, in response to a condition related to multiple connection communication being met, the first message frame includes a simplified neighbor report information element; and a transceiver module configured to: transmit the first message frame under a first connection among multiple connections.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a communication apparatus under multiple connections is provided. The communication apparatus can be applied to a site supporting multiple connection communication and includes: a transceiver module configured to: receive a first message frame under a first connection among multiple connections, wherein the first message frame includes a simplified neighbor report information element in response to the satisfaction of conditions related to multiple connection communication; and a processing module configured to: control the execution of 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 exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can improve spectrum utilization. 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 2 This is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a communication scenario with multiple connections.

[0026] 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).

[0027] An AP (Access Point) is a wireless switch used in wireless networks, and also serves as an access point for wireless networks. AP devices can be used as wireless base stations, primarily acting as bridges connecting wired and wireless networks. Using this type of access point (AP), wired and wireless networks can be integrated.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the AP and STA can be devices that support multi-connection communication, for example, they can be represented as AP MLD and non-AP STA MLD, respectively. For ease of description, the following mainly describes an example of one AP and one STA communicating under multi-connection conditions; however, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0031] 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 1 As shown, AP1, AP2, and AP3, the non-AP STA MLD can also operate under all three connections, such as... Figure 1 STA1, STA2, and STA3 are shown. In... Figure 1In the example, it is assumed that AP1 communicates with STA1 through the corresponding first connection Link 1. Similarly, AP2 and AP3 communicate with STA2 and STA3 through the second connection Link 2 and the third connection Link 3, respectively. Furthermore, Link 1 to Link 3 can be multiple connections at different frequencies, such as connections at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, or several connections with the same or different bandwidths at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. Additionally, multiple channels can exist under each connection. However, it should be understood that... Figure 1 The communication scenarios shown are merely illustrative, and the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, an AP MLD can connect to multiple non-AP STA MLDs, or under each connection, the AP can communicate with multiple other types of stations.

[0032] The power management (PM) modes of STAs attached to the same non-AP STA MLD are different. For example, each STA operating under an enabled connection in a non-AP STA MLD can maintain its own PM mode and power state. When a STA operating under an enabled connection in a non-AP STA MLD is awake, frame switching can be performed under that connection.

[0033] The listen interval of a non-AP STA MLD is at the MLD level. This means that the listen interval is the same for all STAs attached to the same non-AP STA MLD, but the period for each STA to listen for beacon frames sent by each AP can be different. During multi-connection (re-establishment), the listen interval field can be carried in the (re-association) request frame sent by the STA attached to the non-AP STA MLD to the AP attached to the AP MLD, at the MLD level. The AP attached to the AP MLD may refuse multi-connection establishment if the listen interval requested by the non-AP STA MLD is too large. After successful (re-establishment) of multi-connection, the AP MLD will use the listen interval to determine the lifetime of frames it buffers for the non-AP STA MLD.

[0034] Since each STA under a non-AP MLD immediately enters a power-saving state (PS: Power Save) after completing the association connection with the AP MLD (multi-connection establishment) (except for the STA used when establishing multiple connections), each STA under a connection needs to know the beacon interval of its corresponding AP so that it can wake up in time to listen to the beacon frames broadcast by the AP.

[0035] AP MLDs can operate simultaneously under different connections (eMLMR: enhanced-multilink multi-radio) or time-division multiplexed under different connections (eMLSR: enhanced-multilink single radio). Non-AP STAMLDs associated with the AP MLD need to listen for beacon frames broadcast by the AP under each connection. However, existing technologies cannot meet this requirement for multi-connection operation. Therefore, the communication method and apparatus disclosed herein are provided.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment. Figure 2 The communication method shown can be applied to access points (AP MLDs) that support multi-connection communication.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 In step 210, a first message frame can be determined. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first message frame may be a beacon frame, a probe response, or a multi-link (ML) probe response frame; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0038] 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.

[0039] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in response to the satisfaction of conditions related to multi-connection communication, a first message frame may include a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element. For example, RNR information may be carried in the first message frame as an element. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and RNR information may be carried in other forms. The RNR information element may contain a time offset value for beacon frames broadcast by neighboring APs. A station can use the time offset value to determine the beacon frame interval of the access point, thereby waking up in time to listen for beacon frames broadcast by APs. Therefore, the method provided in this disclosure can determine whether to carry an RNR information element in the first message frame based on conditions related to multi-connection communication. Embodiments of conditions related to multi-connection communication and RNR information elements will be described in detail later.

[0040] In step 220, the first message frame can be sent under the first connection of the multiple connections. The multiple connections can refer to multiple connections established between the AP MLD and the non-AP STA MLD for multi-connection communication, and the first connection can refer to the connection that is enabled for sending the first message frame, which can also be referred to as "this connection" below.

[0041] According to embodiments of this disclosure, conditions related to multi-connection communication may include at least one of the following:

[0042] Co-located access points (APs) can work simultaneously or in shifts under different connections. The RNR execution source is set to a specific value.

[0043] Multiple connection information elements are carried in the first message frame.

[0044] In embodiments of this disclosure, the RNR execution source code for co-located APs operating simultaneously or time-sharing under different connections can be set to a specific value (e.g., "1 (true)") at the MAC layer, and a co-located AP can refer to an access point attached to the same AP MLD operating under different connections (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown in AP1, AP2, and AP3, access points can, for example, operate simultaneously on different connections (eMLMR) or time-sharing on different connections (eMLSR). In embodiments of this disclosure, co-located APs can correspond to access points operating on multiple connections, thereby enabling the mechanism for the appearance of RNR information elements to be applicable to multi-connection communication.

[0045] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the condition related to multi-connection communication, "co-located APs operating simultaneously or time-sharing under different connections, and the RNR execution source phrase is set to a specific value (e.g., "1")," is met, the first message frame includes an RNR information element. For example, when determining the first message frame, this source phrase can be invoked, and the setting of this source phrase can be used to determine whether to carry an RNR information element.

[0046] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the condition "multi-connection information elements are carried in the first message frame" related to multi-connection communication is met, the first message frame includes an RNR information element. That is, if the first message frame carries a multi-connection information element, it will also carry an RNR information element. The multi-connection information element may carry multi-connection configuration information, such as the MAC address of the AP MLD, the connection identifier of each connection among the multiple connections, and / or the MAC address of each connection, etc.

[0047] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when both of the following conditions related to multi-connection communication are met: "the RNR execution source language of co-located APs working simultaneously or time-sharing under different connections is set to a specific value" and "the multi-connection information element is carried in the first message frame", the first message frame includes the RNR information element.

[0048] It will be understood that the conditions relating to multi-connection communication described above are merely exemplary and not a limitation of this disclosure. For example, taking the first message frame as a beacon frame as an example, the RNR information elements can be described as shown in Table 1 below.

[0049] Table 1. RNR information elements in beacon frames

[0050]

[0051]

[0052] Table 1 lists the conditions when the RNR information element is located in the 63rd sequence of the beacon frame. Among them, `dot11TVHTOptionImplemented` can indicate the execution source of the MLME (MAC layer management entity), `dot11FILSActivated` can indicate the activation source of fast initial connection establishment, and `dot11ColocatedRNRIImplemented` can indicate the RNR execution source of the co-located access points described in the above embodiments, which operate simultaneously or time-sharingly under different connections; all of these can be set in the MAC layer. The Basic variant Multi-Link element can indicate a multi-connection information element. The conditions listed in the third column of Table 1 are merely illustrative of embodiments of this disclosure and not limiting.

[0053] When the first message frame is a probe response frame or a multi-connection probe response frame, the existence conditions of the RNR information elements can be set similarly to those in Table 1, but the order of the RNR information elements in the frame can be adaptively changed.

[0054] In multi-connection communication, the time offset value of the neighboring AP broadcast beacon frame is carried by the RNR information element. In order to make the first message frame include the RNR information element, the communication method of this disclosure defines the RNR execution source language for co-located access points to work simultaneously or time-divisionally under different connections. In addition, it also defines the inclusion of the RNR information element when the ML information element is present, so that the appearance of the RNR information element can be applied to multi-connection communication to realize the listening of beacon frames under multi-connection.

[0055] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the RNR information element may include an access point beacon frame interval information identifier for each of the multiple connections other than the first connection.

[0056] The RNR information element may include one or more Neighbor AP Information Fields. Each Neighbor AP Information Field may include a TBTT (Target Beacon Transmission Time) information field, which may carry the time offset value of the neighbor AP broadcasting the beacon frame. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a neighbor AP may refer to an AP under a connection other than the first connection among the multiple connections supported by the AP MLD. As a non-limiting embodiment only, the TBTT information field in the RNR information element may have the format shown in Table 2 below.

[0057] Table 2. Format of TBTT Message Fields

[0058]

[0059] It is understood that each item shown in Table 2 exists independently. These items are listed in the same table as an example, but this does not mean that all items in the table must exist simultaneously as shown in the table. The value of each item is independent of the value of any other item in the table. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the value of each item in the tables of this disclosure is an independent embodiment.

[0060] Referring to Table 2, the Neighbor AP TBTT Offset subfield can correspond to the Access Point Beacon Frame Interval (APBTT) information identifier. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the APBTT information under this connection (first connection) can be directly carried in the first message frame, while the APBTT information under other connections can be carried in the RNR information element. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the APBTT information identifier for each other connection can be set with reference to the time point at which the first message frame is sent under the first connection. In other words, the APBTT interval for each other connection can be set based on the time point of the beacon frame, probe response frame, or multi-connection probe response frame sent under the first connection. For example, the Neighbor AP TBTT Offset can be the time offset value between the time point at which the AP sends the beacon frame under each other connection and the time point at which the AP sends the beacon frame under the first connection. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the AP MLD contains three affiliated APs, namely AP1, AP2, and AP3, and the non-AP STA MLD also contains three affiliated STAs, namely STA1, STA2, and STA3. The AP MLD and the non-AP STA MLD have completed multi-connection establishment; for example, AP1 is associated with STA1, STA2 with AP2, and AP3 with STA3. However, under a single connection, such as Link 1 (i.e., the connection where AP1 is associated with STA1), the beacon frame transmission interval of AP1 is 100ms. If the TBTT information field contains the TBTT time offset value of AP2 corresponding to Link 2, such as 30ms, then AP2's beacon frame will be transmitted 30ms after AP1 has transmitted its beacon frame. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; for example, the TBTT information field of the RNR information element can also directly carry the beacon frame transmission interval of the AP under the corresponding connection.

[0061] In addition, the TBTT information field may optionally include BSSID, short SSID, BSS parameters, 20MHz PSD, and / or MLD parameters. Among them, MLD parameters may include multi-connection device identifier (MLD ID), link identifier (Link ID), BSS parameter change count value, etc.

[0062] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first message frame may further include Timing Synchronization Function (TFS) information, which is used for synchronization across multiple connections. In embodiments of this disclosure, multiple connections may refer to multiple connections established between the AP MLD and the non-AP STA MLD for multi-connection communication, such as... Figure 1 Link 1 to Link 3, as shown, are synchronized in time by multiple connections (e.g., Link 1 to Link 3). Each other connection can send the first message frame by referring to the time point when the AP under the first connection sends the first message frame and the corresponding TBTT time offset value, and carry the TBTT time offset value in the RNR information element, so that the corresponding station knows the beacon frame transmission interval or period, and thus wakes up periodically to receive beacon frames.

[0063] The communication method according to the embodiments of this disclosure defines the conditions for the appearance of RNR information elements and sets access point beacon frame interval information for multiple connections, so that stations under multiple connections can know the time of the corresponding AP broadcast beacon frame for listening, thereby being suitable for multi-connection communication environments.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The communication method shown can be applied to sites that support multi-connection communication (non-AP STA MLD).

[0065] Reference Figure 3 In step 310, a first message frame may be received under a first connection among multiple connections, wherein the first message frame includes a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element in response to the satisfaction of a condition related to multi-connection communication.

[0066] According to embodiments of this disclosure, conditions related to multi-connection communication may include at least one of the following: the RNR execution source language of co-located access points working simultaneously or time-sharing under different connections is set to a specific value; and multi-connection information elements are carried in the first message frame.

[0067] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first message frame may carry RNR information elements in a manner similar to the embodiments in Table 1 above.

[0068] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the simplified neighbor report information element may include an access point beacon frame interval information identifier for each of the multiple connections other than the first connection.

[0069] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the access point beacon frame interval information identifier reference under each other connection is set to the time point at which the first message frame is sent under the first connection.

[0070] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first message frame may further include synchronization time parameter information, wherein the synchronization time parameter information is used for synchronization across multiple connection times.

[0071] Will understand, Figure 3 The implementation of the first message frame, conditions related to multi-connection communication, RNR information elements, access point beacon frame interval information identifier, etc., can be similar to that described in the reference. Figure 2 The described embodiments are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0072] In step 320, communication operations can be performed based on the first message frame. For example, a station can determine the time interval of AP broadcast beacon frames under each connection based on information carried in the first message frame (e.g., RNR information elements), and set a listening interval accordingly to periodically wake up to receive beacon frames broadcast by the AP.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The communication device 400 may include a processing module 410 and a transceiver module 420. Figure 4 The communication device shown can be applied to AP MLD or non-AP STAMLD.

[0074] exist Figure 4 When the communication device shown is applied to an AP MLD, the processing module 410 can be configured to: determine a first message frame, wherein the first message frame includes a simplified neighbor report information element in response to the satisfaction of conditions related to multi-connection communication; the transceiver module 420 can be configured to: transmit the first message frame under the first connection of the multiple connections. In this case, the communication device 400 can perform the reference... Figure 2 For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the described communication method are omitted here. It will be understood that the embodiments of the first message frame, conditions related to multi-connection communication, RNR information elements, access point beacon frame interval information identifiers, etc., can be similar to those described in reference to [reference needed]. Figure 2 The described embodiments are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0075] exist Figure 4When the communication device shown is applied to a non-AP STA MLD, the transceiver module 420 can be configured to receive a first message frame under a first connection of multiple connections, wherein the first message frame includes a simplified neighbor report information element in response to the satisfaction of conditions related to multi-connection communication; the processing module 410 can be configured to control the execution of communication operations based on the first message frame. In this case, the communication device 400 can perform the reference... Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the described communication method are omitted here. It will be understood that the embodiments of the first message frame, conditions related to multi-connection communication, RNR information elements, access point beacon frame interval information identifiers, etc., can be similar to those described in reference to [reference needed]. Figure 2 The described embodiments are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0076] also, Figure 4 The communication device 400 shown is merely exemplary, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 400 may also include other modules, such as a memory module. Furthermore, the various modules in the communication device 400 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 this disclosure define the conditions for the occurrence of RNR information elements and set access point beacon frame interval information for multiple connections, so that stations under multiple connections can know the time of the corresponding AP broadcast beacon frame for listening, thereby being suitable for multi-connection communication environments and improving spectrum utilization.

[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... Figure 2 and Figure 3 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... Figure 2 and Figure 3 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 applied to an access point supporting multi-connection communication, the communication method comprising: A first message frame is determined, wherein, in response to the satisfaction of a condition related to multi-connection communication, the first message frame includes a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element; The first message frame is sent under the first connection in a plurality of connections; The simplified neighbor report information element includes the access point beacon frame interval information identifier for each of the multiple connections except for the first connection. The conditions related to multi-connection communication include at least one of the following: Access points that collaborate in the same location can work simultaneously or at different times under different connections. The RNR execution source is set to a specific value. Multiple connection information elements are carried in the first message frame.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The access point beacon frame interval information identifier for each other connection is set at the time point when the first message frame was sent under the first connection.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The first message frame also includes synchronization time parameter information, wherein the synchronization time parameter information is used for synchronization of the multiple connection times.

4. A communication method applied to a site supporting multi-connection communication, the communication method comprising: A first message frame is received under the first connection of a plurality of connections, wherein, in response to the satisfaction of a condition relating to multi-connection communication, the first message frame includes a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information element. Perform communication operations based on the first message frame; The simplified neighbor report information element includes the access point beacon frame interval information identifier for each of the multiple connections except the first connection; The conditions related to multi-connection communication include at least one of the following: Access points that collaborate in the same location can work simultaneously or at different times under different connections. The RNR execution source is set to a specific value. Multiple connection information elements are carried in the first message frame.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, wherein, The access point beacon frame interval information identifier for each other connection is set at the time point when the first message frame was sent under the first connection.

6. The communication method according to claim 4, wherein, The first message frame also includes synchronization time parameter information, wherein the synchronization time parameter information is used for synchronization of the multiple connection times.

7. A communication device for use in an access point supporting multiple connection communication, the communication device comprising: The processing module is configured to: determine a first message frame, wherein, in response to the satisfaction of a condition related to multi-connection communication, the first message frame includes a simplified neighbor report information element; The transceiver module is configured to send the first message frame under the first connection among multiple connections; The simplified neighbor report information element includes the access point beacon frame interval information identifier for each of the multiple connections except the first connection; The conditions related to multi-connection communication include at least one of the following: Access points that collaborate in the same location can work simultaneously or at different times under different connections. The RNR execution source is set to a specific value. Multiple connection information elements are carried in the first message frame.

8. A communication device for use at a site supporting multi-connection communication, the communication device comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message frame in a first connection among a plurality of connections, wherein, in response to the satisfaction of a condition related to multi-connection communication, the first message frame includes a simplified neighbor report information element. The processing module is configured to control the execution of communication operations based on the first message frame; The simplified neighbor report information element includes the access point beacon frame interval information identifier for each of the multiple connections except the first connection; The conditions related to multi-connection communication include at least one of the following: Access points that collaborate in the same location can work simultaneously or at different times under different connections. The RNR execution source is set to a specific value. Multiple connection information elements are carried in the first message frame.

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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