Device discovery method and apparatus, storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a device discovery method and apparatus, and a storage medium, wherein the device discovery method comprises: receiving a fast initial connection establishment discovery (FD) frame sent by a wireless access point (AP) through a target connection between the AP and a station (STA); and in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, determining to discover an AP multi-link device (MLD) under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify a multi-link communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD. The present disclosure achieves the purpose that the AP MLD can be quickly discovered by a STA MLD under one connection, so as to establish multi-link communication.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication, and in particular, to a device discovery method and apparatus, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] IEEE(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 established the SG(Study Group, Study Group) IEEE 802.11be to study the next generation mainstream(802.11a / b / g / n / ac) Wi-Fi(Wireless Fidelity, Wireless Fidelity) technology, the scope of the study is: 320MHz(megahertz) bandwidth transmission, aggregation and coordination of multiple frequency bands, etc., the proposed vision improves the rate and throughput of at least four times compared to the existing 802.11ax. The main application scenarios are video transmission, AR(Augmented Reality, Augmented Reality), VR(Virtual Reality, Virtual Reality) and the like. Among them, the aggregation and coordination of multiple frequency bands(connections) means that the devices(only refers to the terminal devices) communicate in the 2.4GHz(gigahertz), 5GHz and 6-7GHz frequency bands at the same time. For devices to communicate in multiple frequency bands at the same time, a new MAC(Media Access Control) mechanism needs to be defined to manage it. Another vision of IEEE 802.11be is to support low-latency transmission.

[0003] In 802.11be, the maximum bandwidth that will be supported is 320MHz(160MHz+160MHz), and 240MHz(160MHz+80MHz) will also be supported. In the future, the bandwidth supported in 802.11ax may be defined. SUMMARY

[0004] To overcome the problems in the related art, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device discovery method and apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device discovery method is provided, which is applied to a wireless access point AP supporting multi-connection communication, and includes:

[0006] generating a fast initial connection establishment discovery FD frame, the FD frame encapsulating at least a first information element, and the first information element being used to identify the multi-connection communication capability of an AP multi-connection device MLD;

[0007] The FD frame encapsulating at least the first information element is sent to a station device STA through a target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0008] Optionally, the FD frame further encapsulates a second information element, and the second information element is used to indicate that a target service is supported.

[0009] Optionally, the target service is a low-latency service.

[0010] Optionally, the FD frame further encapsulates a reduced neighbor report (RNR) information element, the first information element at least includes a first subfield used to identify whether there is a basic service set (BSS) change sequence, and the first subfield includes a preset value of a bit value, and the preset value is used to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence.

[0011] Optionally, the first information element does not include a second subfield used to indicate a BSS parameter change count in a common information field.

[0012] Optionally, the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD, and the first information element does not include a third subfield used to indicate whether there is a multi-connection capability in a common information field.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device discovery method is provided, the method is applied to a station device STA, and includes the following steps.

[0014] A fast initial connection establishment discovery (FD) frame sent by a wireless access point (AP) is received through a target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0015] In response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, it is determined that an AP multi-connection device (MLD) is discovered under the target connection, and the first information element is used to identify a multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0016] Optionally, the device discovery method further includes the following steps.

[0017] In response to determining that the FD frame further encapsulates a second information element, it is determined that the AP supports a target service.

[0018] Optionally, the target service is a low-latency service.

[0019] Optionally, the device discovery method further includes the following steps.

[0020] In response to determining that a bit value included in a first subfield in the first information element for identifying whether there is a basic service set (BSS) change sequence is a preset value, it is determined that a second subfield for indicating a BSS parameter change count is not included in a common information field of the first information element, and the preset value is used to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence.

[0021] Optionally, the device discovery method further includes:

[0022] In response to determining that the AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD is included in the FD frame, it is determined that a third subfield for indicating whether there is multi-connection capability is not included in the common information field of the first information element.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device discovery apparatus is provided, the apparatus is applied to a wireless access point (AP) supporting multi-connection communication, and includes:

[0024] The generating module is configured to generate a fast initial connection establishment discovery (FD) frame, and the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, and the first information element is used to identify multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0025] The sending module is configured to send, to a station device (STA), the FD frame encapsulating at least the first information element through a target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device discovery apparatus is provided, the apparatus is applied to a station device (STA), and includes:

[0027] The receiving module is configured to receive, through a target connection between the STA and a wireless access point (AP), a fast initial connection establishment discovery (FD) frame sent by the AP.

[0028] The device discovery module is configured to determine to discover an AP multi-connection device (MLD) under the target connection in response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, and the first information element is used to identify multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is provided, and the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute the device discovery method on the AP side.

[0030] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is provided, and the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute the device discovery method on the STA side.

[0031] According to a seventh aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a device discovery apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0032] a processor;

[0033] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0034] wherein the processor is configured to perform the device discovery method according to any one of the preceding AP-side aspects.

[0035] According to an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a device discovery apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0036] a processor;

[0037] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0038] wherein the processor is configured to perform the device discovery method according to any one of the preceding STA-side aspects.

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide technical solutions that can include the following beneficial effects:

[0040] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an AP supporting multi-connectivity communication can generate an FD frame, and the generated FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element for identifying the multi-connectivity communication capability of the AP MLD, and then transmits the FD frame encapsulating at least the first information element to a STA through a target connection between the AP and the STA. The STA can quickly discover the AP MLD based on the first information element encapsulated in the FD frame. The purpose of enabling the AP MLD to be quickly discovered by the STA MLD under one connection is achieved, so as to establish multi-connectivity communication.

[0041] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not limiting to the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 1 is a device discovery method flow diagram according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figures 2A to 2F is a frame structure diagram according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 3 is another device discovery method flow diagram according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 4 FIG. 6 is another device discovery method flow diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0047] Figure 5 FIG. 7 is another device discovery method flow diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0048] Figure 6 FIG. 8 is another device discovery method flow diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0049] Figure 7 FIG. 9 is another device discovery method flow diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0050] Figure 8 FIG. 10 is a device discovery apparatus block diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0051] Figure 9 FIG. 11 is another device discovery apparatus block diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0052] Figure 10 FIG. 12 is a device discovery apparatus structure diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0053] Figure 11 FIG. 13 is another device discovery apparatus structure diagram according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The example embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawings. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The following example embodiments described in the detailed description section are examples not intended to be exhaustive or to be necessarily expressed in their

[0055] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0057] Currently, 802.11be defines that devices can support the FILS (Fast Initial Link Setup) function. Furthermore, in the earlier 802.11 standard, the FD (FILS Discovery) frame was defined to facilitate rapid device discovery. The FD frame format has also been integrated and extended to facilitate rapid discovery of APs (Access Points).

[0058] However, current FD frames are not applicable to AP MLDs (Multi-Link Devices). In an AP MLD, the auxiliary APs can communicate with different STAs through multiple concurrent communication links. Each communication link can have a different bandwidth; for example, communicating with STA1 via a 2.4GHz link, with STA2 via a 5GHz link, and with STA3 via a 6GHz link. Multiple communication links combined constitute an AP MLD. Each communication link corresponds to one auxiliary AP.

[0059] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a device discovery scheme that can quickly discover AP MLDs under a single connection, thereby establishing multi-connection communication.

[0060] The device discovery solution provided in this application will be introduced from the AP side first.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a device discovery method according to one embodiment, which can be used in an AP that supports multi-connection communication. Optionally, the AP is an auxiliary AP of an AP MLD device. The method may include the following steps:

[0062] In step 101, a Fast Initial Connection Establishment Discovery (FD) frame is generated. The FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, which is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP multi-connection device MLD.

[0063] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP can encapsulate at least a first information element in the FD frame. Optionally, the first information element can be a multi-link (ML) information element.

[0064] In step 102, the FD frame encapsulating at least the first information element is sent to a station device (STA) through a target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the AP can send the FD frame in a period of a beacon frame. Optionally, the FD frame can be sent in a time period after a previous beacon frame has been sent but before a next beacon is sent.

[0066] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP can send the FD frame encapsulating at least the first information element to a STA through a target connection already established with the STA. The STA can be a STA affiliated to a STA MLD. In addition to implementing device fast discovery, the STA is informed that the AP supports multi-link communication, so that the AP MLD can be quickly discovered by the STA MLD under the target connection, thereby establishing multi-link communication.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the purpose of enabling the AP MLD to be quickly discovered by the STA MLD under one connection is achieved, so as to establish multi-link communication.

[0068] In some optional embodiments, the first information element encapsulated in the FD frame can be as shown in Table 1, for example.

[0069] Table 1

[0070]

[0071] wherein n is a positive integer.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the FD frame further encapsulates a second information element, and the second information element is used to indicate support for a target service. Optionally, the second information element can be a restricted target wake-up time (rTWT) information element. In the case of encapsulating both the first information element and the second information element in the FD frame, the encapsulation manner can be as shown in Table 2, for example.

[0073] Table 1

[0074]

[0075] wherein n is a positive integer.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the target service includes but is not limited to a low-latency service, for example, an automatic driving service.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the AP-generated FD frame further encapsulates a second information element to indicate that the AP supports the target service and has high availability.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, since the AP supports multi-connection communication, the FD frame further encapsulates at least an RNR (Reduced Neighbor Report) information element. Accordingly, the first information element includes at least a first subfield, and the first subfield includes a preset value.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the first subfield is a subfield for identifying whether there is a BSS (Basic Service Set) change sequence, for example, a BSS Change Sequence Present subfield, and the preset value can be “0”, used to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence.

[0080] Further, the common info field of the first information element does not include a second subfield for indicating a BSS parameter change count, which can be a BSS Parameters Change Count subfield.

[0081] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the structure of the first information element can be, for example Figure 2A As shown, at least includes an information element identifier, a length, an information element extension, a multi-device discovery, common information, connection information, and the like. The structure of the multi-device discovery field can be, for example Figure 2B As shown, includes a type, a reserved, and a state bit Figure 3 subfield. The structure of the state bit map subfield is, for example Figure 2C As shown, at least includes a first subfield for identifying whether there is a BSS change sequence, that is, a BSS Change Sequence Present subfield. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first subfield includes a preset value “0”, used to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence. Since the AP supports multi-connection communication, the identifications of the BSSs corresponding to the multiple APs attached to the AP MLD need to be consistent, and there is no change, so here the first subfield can be set to the preset value to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence.

[0082] Accordingly, the structure of the common info field is, for example Figure 2D As shown, in the case where the first subfield includes a preset value “0”, the common info field does not include a second subfield for indicating a BSS parameter change count, that is, in the case where the first subfield includes a preset value “0”, the common info field does not include a BSS Parameters Change Count subfield.Figure 2D The second subfield for indicating the BSS parameter change count is not included in the common information field. Figure 2E As shown in the figure.

[0083] In the above embodiment, since the AP supports multi-connection communication, accordingly, when generating the FD frame, the first subfield can be set to a preset value for indicating that there is no BSS change sequence, and further, the second subfield for indicating the BSS parameter change count is not included in the common information field. The purpose of indicating that the AP supports multi-connection communication through the FD frame is achieved, the bit resources occupied by the FD frame are saved, and the availability is high.

[0084] In some optional embodiments, if the AP does not support multi-connection communication, the RNR information element is not included in the FD frame, and therefore the bit value included in the first subfield can be set to “1” for indicating that there is a BSS change sequence. Accordingly, the second subfield for indicating the BSS parameter change count is included in the common information field.

[0085] In some optional embodiments, the AP supports multi-connection communication, and the RNR information element is included in the FD frame, wherein the AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD is included, and then optionally, the third subfield for indicating whether there is multi-connection capability is not included in the common information field of the first information element, for example Figure 2D As shown in the figure. Figure 2F As shown in the figure.

[0086] In the above embodiment, in the case that the FD frame includes the AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD, the third subfield for indicating whether there is multi-connection capability is not included in the common information field of the first information element, thereby saving the bit resources occupied by the FD frame, and the availability is high.

[0087] Next, the device discovery scheme provided by the present disclosure is introduced from the STA side.

[0088] The device discovery method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can be used for a STA, and can include the following steps. Figure 3 As shown in the figure. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, it is a flow chart of a device discovery method according to an embodiment, which can be used for a STA. The method can include the following steps:

[0089] In step 301, a fast initial connection establishment discovery (FD) frame sent by a wireless access point (AP) is received through a target connection between the STA and the AP.

[0090] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the STA can be one STA affiliated to a STA MLD. The STA can receive the FD frame sent by the AP through a target connection between the STA and the AP.

[0091] In step 302, in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, it is determined that an AP multi-connection device MLD is discovered under the target connection, and the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0092] In the above embodiments, the STA MLD can quickly perform device discovery based on the FD frame, and determine that the AP supports multi-connection communication based on the first information element encapsulated in the FD frame, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly discovering the AP MLD under the target connection, so that the availability is high when the multi-connection communication is established subsequently.

[0093] In some optional embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device discovery method, which refers to Figure 4 , and Figure 4 is a device discovery method flowchart according to an embodiment, which can be used for a STA. The method can include the following steps:

[0094] In step 401, a fast initial connection establishment discovery FD frame sent by a wireless access point AP is received through a target connection between the STA and the AP.

[0095] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the STA can be one STA affiliated to a STA MLD. The STA can receive the FD frame sent by the AP through a target connection between the STA and the AP.

[0096] In step 402, in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, it is determined that an AP multi-connection device MLD is discovered under the target connection, and the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0097] In step 403, in response to determining that a second information element is also encapsulated in the FD frame, it is determined that the AP supports a target service.

[0098] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second information element can be an rTWT information element.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the target service is a low-latency service, including but not limited to an automatic driving service.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the FD frame generated by the AP also encapsulates the second information element, and the STA can determine that the AP supports the target service based on the second information element, so that the availability is high.

[0101] In some optional embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device discovery method, referring to Figure 5 as shown, Figure 5 is a device discovery method flowchart according to an embodiment, which can be used for a STA. The method can include the following steps:

[0102] In step 501, a fast initial connection establishment discovery (FD) frame sent by a wireless access point (AP) is received through a target connection between the STA and the AP.

[0103] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the STA can be a STA affiliated to a STA multi-link device (MLD). The STA can receive an FD frame sent by an AP through a target connection between the STA and the AP.

[0104] In step 502, in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, it is determined that the AP multi-link device (MLD) is discovered under the target connection, and the first information element is used to identify the multi-link communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0105] In step 503, in response to determining that a bit value included in a first subfield in the first information element for identifying whether there is a basic service set (BSS) change sequence is a preset value for indicating that there is no BSS change sequence, it is determined that a second subfield for indicating a BSS parameter change count is not included in a common information field of the first information element.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first subfield can be a BSS Change Sequence Present subfield, and the preset value can be “0”, which is used to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence. The second subfield can be a BSS Parameters Change Count subfield.

[0107] In the above embodiments, since the AP supports multi-link communication, accordingly, when generating the FD frame, the first subfield can be set to the preset value for indicating that there is no BSS change sequence, and further, the second subfield for indicating the BSS parameter change count is not included in the common information field. The purpose of indicating that the AP supports multi-link communication through the FD frame is achieved, the bit resources occupied by the FD frame are saved, and the availability is high.

[0108] In some optional embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device discovery method, referring to Figure 6 as shown, Figure 6 is a device discovery method flowchart according to an embodiment, which can be used for a STA. The method can include the following steps:

[0109] In step 601, a fast initial connection establishment discovery (FD) frame sent by a wireless access point (AP) is received through a target connection between the STA and the AP.

[0110] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the STA can be one STA affiliated to an STA multi-link device (MLD). The STA can receive the FD frame sent by the AP through a target connection between the STA and the AP.

[0111] In step 602, in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, it is determined that an AP multi-link device (MLD) is discovered under the target connection, and the first information element is used to identify the multi-link communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0112] In step 603, in response to determining that AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD is included in the FD frame, it is determined that a third subfield used to indicate whether there is a multi-link capability is not included in a common information field of the first information element.

[0113] The third subfield can be an MLD capabilities subfield.

[0114] In the above embodiments, in the case where the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD, the third subfield used to indicate whether there is a multi-link capability is not included in the common information field of the first information element, thereby saving the bit resources occupied by the FD frame and improving availability.

[0115] In some optional embodiments, referring to FIG. 7, Figure 7 is a flow chart of a device discovery method according to an embodiment, which can include the following steps: Figure 7

[0116] In step 701, an AP supporting multi-link communication generates an FD frame.

[0117] At least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, and the first information element is used to identify the multi-link communication capability corresponding to the AP multi-link device (MLD).

[0118] In step 702, the AP sends the FD frame encapsulating at least the first information element to a station device (STA) through a target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0119] In step 703, in response to determining that at least a first information element is encapsulated in the FD frame, it is determined that an AP multi-link device (MLD) is discovered under the target connection, and the first information element is used to identify the multi-link communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0120] ​In the above embodiments, the purpose that the AP MLD can be quickly discovered by the STA MLD under one connection is achieved, so as to establish multi-connection communication.

[0121] Corresponding to the foregoing application function implementation method embodiments, the disclosure also provides application function implementation device embodiments.

[0122] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 is a device discovery device block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, which is applied to a wireless access point AP supporting multi-connection communication, and includes:

[0123] The generating module 801 is configured to generate a fast initial connection establishment discovery FD frame, and the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, and the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD;

[0124] The sending module 802 is configured to send the FD frame encapsulating at least the first information element to the STA through a target connection between the AP and the STA.

[0125] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 9 is a device discovery device block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, which is applied to a wireless access point AP supporting multi-connection communication, and includes:

[0126] The receiving module 901 is configured to receive a fast initial connection establishment discovery FD frame sent by a wireless access point AP through a target connection between the AP and the STA;

[0127] The device discovery module 902 is configured to determine to discover an AP multi-connection device MLD under the target connection in response to determining that the FD frame encapsulates at least a first information element, and the first information element is used to identify the multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD.

[0128] For the device embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the related parts are described in the part of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are only schematic, and the units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components displayed as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or also can be distributed on multiple network units. According to actual needs, some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement without creative labor.

[0129] Correspondingly, the disclosure also provides a computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program is used for executing the device discovery method of any of the above-mentioned AP side.

[0130] Correspondingly, the disclosure also provides a computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program is used for executing the device discovery method of any of the above-mentioned STA side.

[0131] Correspondingly, the disclosure also provides a device discovery apparatus, comprising:

[0132] a processor;

[0133] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0134] The processor is configured to execute the device discovery method of any of the above-mentioned AP side.

[0135] As Figure 10 shown, Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a device discovery apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus 1000 can be provided as an AP supporting multi-connection communication. Referring to Figure 10 , the apparatus 1000 comprises a processing component 1022, a wireless transmitting / receiving component 1024, an antenna component 1026, and a signal processing part specific to a wireless interface, and the processing component 1022 can further comprise at least one processor.

[0136] One of the processors in the processing component 1022 can be configured to execute any of the above-mentioned device discovery methods.

[0137] Correspondingly, the disclosure also provides a device discovery apparatus, comprising:

[0138] a processor;

[0139] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0140] The processor is configured to execute the device discovery method of any of the above-mentioned STA side.

[0141] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a device discovery apparatus 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the device discovery apparatus 1100 can be a STA, including but not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, an electronic book reader, a multimedia playing device, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted user device, an iPad, a smart television, and the like terminal.

[0142] Referring to Figure 11The device discovery apparatus 1100 can include one or more of the following components: a processing component 1102, a memory 1104, a power supply component 1106, a multimedia component 1108, an audio component 1110, an input / output (I / O) interface 1112, a sensor component 1116, and a communication component 1118.

[0143] The processing component 1102 usually controls overall operations of the device discovery apparatus 1100, such as operations associated with displays, phone calls, data random access, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component 1102 can include one or more processors 1120 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the device discovery methods described above. In addition, the processing component 1102 can include one or more modules to facilitate the interaction between the processing component 1102 and other components. For example, the processing component 1102 can include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component 1108 and the processing component 1102. For another example, the processing component 1102 can read executable instructions from the memory to implement the steps of a device discovery method provided by the embodiments described above.

[0144] The memory 1104 is configured to store various types of data to support operations of the device discovery apparatus 1100. Examples of these data include instructions for any application or method operating on the device discovery apparatus 1100, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, and the like. The memory 1104 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage devices or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0145] The power supply component 1106 provides power for various components of the device discovery apparatus 1100. The power supply component 1106 can include a power supply management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for the device discovery apparatus 1100.

[0146] The multimedia component 1108 includes a display screen that provides an output interface between the device discovery apparatus 1100 and a user. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 1108 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. The front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera can receive external multimedia data when the device discovery apparatus 1100 is in an operation mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0147] The audio component 1110 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 1110 includes a microphone (MIC) that is configured to receive an external audio signal when the device discovery apparatus 1100 is in an operational mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory 1104 or transmitted via the communication component 1118. In some embodiments, the audio component 1110 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0148] The I / O interface 1112 provides an interface between the processing component 1102 and peripheral interface modules, which can be a keypad, a click wheel, buttons, and the like. The buttons can include, but are not limited to, a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0149] The sensor component 1116 includes one or more sensors for providing status assessments of various aspects of the device discovery apparatus 1100. For example, the sensor component 1116 can detect an open / closed position of the device discovery apparatus 1100, relative positioning of components, such as a display and a keypad of the device discovery apparatus 1100, a change in position of the device discovery apparatus 1100 or a component of the device discovery apparatus 1100, the presence or absence of user contact with the device discovery apparatus 1100, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration / g-force and a temperature change of the device discovery apparatus 1100. The sensor component 1116 can include a proximity sensor configured to detect presence of a nearby object without any physical touch. The sensor component 1116 can further include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor component 1116 can also include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0150] The communication component 1118 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the device discovery apparatus 1100 and another device. The device discovery apparatus 1100 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G, or a combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the communication component 1118 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an example embodiment, the communication component 1118 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, infrared data association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technology.

[0151] In exemplary embodiments, the device discovery apparatus 1100 can be implemented with one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors or other electronic components, for performing any of the above-mentioned device discovery methods on the STA side.

[0152] In exemplary embodiments, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory 1104 including instructions, is also provided, which can be executed by the processor 1120 of the device discovery apparatus 1100 to complete the above-mentioned device discovery method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, and an optical data storage device, etc.

[0153] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the present disclosure following, in general, the principles of the present disclosure and including such features that are evident to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The specification and examples are to be regarded as illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0154] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise structures herein described and illustrated in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A device discovery method, characterized by, The method is applied to a wireless access point AP supporting multi-connection communication, and includes: generating a fast initial connection establishment discovery FD frame, the FD frame at least encapsulating a first information element, wherein the first information element is used to identify multi-connection communication capability corresponding to an AP multi-connection device MLD; wherein the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD, and a third subfield used to indicate whether there is multi-connection capability is not included in a common information field of the first information element; sending the FD frame at least encapsulating the first information element to a station device STA through a target connection between the AP and the STA.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The FD frame further encapsulates a second information element, wherein the second information element is used to indicate support of a target service.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The target service is a low-latency service.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The FD frame further encapsulates a reduced neighbor report RNR information element, the first information element at least including a first subfield used to identify whether there is a basic service set BSS change sequence, and a bit value included in the first subfield is a preset value, which is used to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The common information field of the first information element does not include a second subfield used to indicate a BSS parameter change count.

6. A device discovery method, characterized by, The method is applied to a station device STA, and includes: receiving a fast initial connection establishment discovery FD frame sent by a wireless access point AP through a target connection between the AP and the STA; in response to determining that the FD frame at least encapsulates a first information element, determining to discover an AP multi-connection device MLD under the target connection, wherein the first information element is used to identify multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD; wherein the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD, and a third subfield used to indicate whether there is multi-connection capability is not included in a common information field of the first information element.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, Further comprising: in response to determining that the FD frame further encapsulates a second information element, determining that the AP supports a target service.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The target service is a low-latency service.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein, Further comprising: in response to determining that a bit value included in a first subfield used to identify whether there is a basic service set BSS change sequence in the first information element is a preset value, determining that a second subfield used to indicate a BSS parameter change count is not included in a common information field of the first information element, and the preset value is used to indicate that there is no BSS change sequence.

10. An apparatus discovery device, comprising: The device is applied to a wireless access point AP supporting multi-connection communication, and includes: a generation module configured to generate a fast initial connection establishment discovery FD frame, the FD frame at least encapsulating a first information element, the first information element being used to identify multi-connection communication capability corresponding to an AP MLD; wherein the FD frame includes AP information of at least one other AP affiliated to the AP MLD, and a third subfield used to indicate whether there is multi-connection capability is not included in a common information field of the first information element; The sending module is configured to send the FD frame at least encapsulating the first information element to a station device STA through a target connection between the AP and the STA.

11. An apparatus discovery device, comprising: The device is applied to a station device STA, and comprises: The receiving module is configured to receive a fast initial connection establishment discovery FD frame sent by a wireless access point AP through a target connection between the AP and the STA. The device discovery module is configured to determine to discover an AP multi-connection device MLD under the target connection in response to determining that the FD frame at least encapsulates a first information element, the first information element being used to identify multi-connection communication capability corresponding to the AP MLD; wherein the FD frame comprises AP information of at least one other AP attached to the AP MLD, and a third subfield used to indicate whether there is multi-connection capability is not included in a common information field of the first information element.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute the device discovery method in any one of claims 1-5.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute the device discovery method in any one of claims 6-9.

14. An apparatus discovery device, comprising: Comprise: A processor; A memory for storing processor-executable instructions; Wherein the processor is configured to execute the device discovery method in any one of claims 1-5.

15. An apparatus discovery device, comprising: Comprise: A processor; A memory for storing processor-executable instructions; Wherein the processor is configured to execute the device discovery method in any one of claims 6-9.

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