Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

This disclosure provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method may include: determining one of a plurality of connections, and sending a first message frame. The first message frame includes information indicating support for Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) peer-to-peer power-saving mode under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, comprising: determining and sending a first message frame under one of a plurality of connections; or receiving the first message frame under one of the plurality of connections, wherein the first message frame includes information indicating support capability for Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) peer-to-peer power-saving mode under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to: determine a first message frame under one of a plurality of connections, wherein the first message frame includes information indicating support capability for TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication; and a transceiver module configured to: send the first message frame.

[0009] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to: receive a first message frame under one of a plurality of connections, wherein the first message frame includes information indicating support capability for TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication; and a processing module configured to: control the execution of communication operations based on the first message frame.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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. Attached Figure Description

[0012] 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:

[0013] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a communication scenario under multiple connections according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7This is a flowchart illustrating a communication device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The various embodiments of this disclosure include a variety of specific details, but these details are to be considered exemplary only. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known techniques, functions, and constructions may be omitted.

[0021] The terms and words used in this disclosure are not limited to their literal meanings, but are used solely by the inventors to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Therefore, the descriptions of various embodiments of the disclosure provided are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0022] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the word “comprising” as used in this disclosure means the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0023] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0024] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. Furthermore, the use of “connected” or “coupled” herein can include wireless connections or wireless couplings. The terms “and / or” or the expression “at least one of…” as used herein include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a communication scenario under multiple connections according to an embodiment.

[0027] In a wireless local area network (WLAN), a basic service set (BSS) can consist of an access point (AP) and one or more stations (STAs) communicating with the AP. A BSS can connect to a distribution system (DS) through its APs, and then connect to another BSS to form an extended service set (ESS).

[0028] An Access Point (AP) is a wireless switch used for wireless networks, and also serves as an access device 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.

[0029] An access point (AP) may include software applications and / or circuitry to enable other types of nodes in a wireless network to communicate with the outside and inside of the wireless network via the AP. In some examples, for instance, the AP may be a terminal device or network device equipped with a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) chip.

[0030] As an example, a site (STA) may include, but is not limited to: cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal communication system (PCS) devices, personal information managers (PIMs), personal navigation devices (PNDs), global positioning systems, multimedia devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the AP and STA can support multi-connection devices, for example, they can be represented as AP MLD and non-AP STA MLD, respectively. For ease of description, the following mainly describes an example of one AP and one STA communicating under multi-connection conditions; however, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In this context, by way of example only, AP MLD can represent an access point that supports multi-connection communication functionality, and non-AP STA MLD can represent a site that supports multi-connection communication functionality. (See also...) Figure 1 The AP MLD can operate in three connection modes, such as... Figure 1 The auxiliary AP1, AP2, and AP3 shown can also be used in three connections with the non-AP STA MLD, as shown. Figure 1 The attached 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.

[0033] To improve transmission efficiency, non-AP STA MLDs can support tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) functionality. For example... Figure 2 As shown, an exemplary diagram of Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) can be achieved between the first multi-connection site device (non-AP STA MLD 1) and the second multi-connection site device (non-AP STA MLD 2), allowing direct communication (e.g., data transmission) between them without going through the multi-connection access point device (AP MLD). It will be understood that, although in Figure 2 The diagram shows that both the first multi-connection site device non-AP STA MLD 1 and the second multi-connection site device non-AP STA MLD 2 are connected to the same multi-connection access point device AP MLD. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, non-AP STA MLD 1 and non-AP STA MLD 2 may be connected to different AP MLDs.

[0035] One of the first multi-connection site device (non-AP STA MLD 1) and the second multi-connection site device (non-AP STA MLD2) can act as the initiator of TDLS to execute a TDLS discovery request, and the other can act as the responder of TDLS to execute a TDLS discovery response. A direct link is then established between them through the TDLS establishment process. For example, the TDLS establishment process may include: a TDLS setup request, a TDLS setup response, and a TDLS setup confirm.

[0036] STAs that establish a TDLS connection can enter PS (power save) mode while the connection is already established. In other words, non-AP STA MLDs will support TDLS and correspondingly support PS mode. However, since the existing mechanism only supports single-connection operation, while the devices currently under research support multi-connection communication, the corresponding PS mechanism also needs to be adapted to multi-connection.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The communication method shown can be applied to the sender. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sender can be a "TDLS establishment requester" or a "TDLS establishment responder".

[0038] Reference Figure 3 In step 310, a first message frame is determined under one of the multiple connections; in step 320, the first message frame is sent. In embodiments of this disclosure, the connection used to send the first message frame may be the same as or different from the connection used to determine the first message frame, and this disclosure does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0039] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first message frame may include: information indicating support for TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode under multiple connections, wherein the multiple connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication. That is, in embodiments of this disclosure, the multiple connections may refer to multiple connections (hereinafter referred to as "TDLS connections") supported by the non-AP STA MLD to which the sender belongs for TDLS communication. In the following, TDLS peer-to-peer PSM may be used interchangeably with power-saving mode.

[0040] For example, when Figure 3When the communication method shown is applied to the TDLS setup requester (i.e., the sender is the TDLS setup requester), the first message frame can be a TDLS setup request frame, and the first message frame can carry information about the TDLS setup requester's support capabilities for TDLS peer-to-peer PSM across multiple connections. For example, when Figure 3 When the communication method shown is applied to a TDLS setup responder (i.e., the sender is a TDLS setup responder), the first message frame can be a TDLS setup responder frame, and the first message frame can carry information about the TDLS setup responder's support capabilities for TDLS peer-to-peer PSM across multiple connections. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and other frames capable of implementing TDLS communication are also possible.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In the following description, for convenience, we will use a TDLS establishment request frame or a TDLS establishment response frame as an example. In such an embodiment, the aforementioned support capability information can be carried in the TDLS establishment request frame or TDLS establishment response frame through information elements (e.g., extended capability information elements). For example, the extended capability information element can have the format shown in Table 1 below.

[0043] Table 1. Format of Extended Capability Information Elements

[0044]

[0045] Referring to Table 1, the extended capability information element may include: an element ID identifying the extended capability information element, a length field representing the length information of the extended capability information element, and an extended capability field. Table 1 shows that the element ID and length field are both 1 byte in size and the size of the extended capability field is variable, but this disclosure is not limited to this, and the size of each field may be changed according to the actual information parameters carried.

[0046] The extended capability field can be set to different values ​​to represent different capabilities of the corresponding device. For example, if the first message frame is a TDLS establishment request frame, the extended capability field can represent the capabilities of the TDLS establishment requester; if the first message frame is a TDLS establishment response frame, the extended capability field can represent the capabilities of the TDLS establishment responder.

[0047] For example, when the extended capability field is set to a first specific value (e.g., but not limited to "29"), it can represent the TDLS Peer PSM Support subfield, which indicates support capability information for TDLS peer power saving mode under multiple connections. According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the TDLS Peer Power Saving Mode Activation Source (e.g., dot11TDLSPeerPSMActivated) is set to a first specific value (e.g., but not limited to "true"), and when the support capability information (TDLS Peer PSM Support subfield) is set to a second specific value (e.g., but not limited to "1"), it indicates support for TDLS peer power saving mode under multiple connections. The TDLS Peer Power Saving Mode Activation Source (dot11TDLSPeerPSMActivated) can be set at the MAC layer. "Supporting TDLS Peer Power Saving Mode under multiple connections" can refer to supporting TDLS peer power saving mode under the current connection where the first message frame is determined (sent) or under a connection enabled during the establishment of multiple TDLS connections. If the support capability information (TDLS peer-to-peer PSM support subdomain) is set to a third specific value (such as, but not limited to, "0"), it indicates that TDLS peer-to-peer power saving mode is not supported under this connection or under enabled connections. In other words, the PS mode is identified as MLD level, not link level, meaning that the PS mode (MLD level) can be set for multiple connections under one connection.

[0048] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the non-AP STA MLD reuses the PSM bit (e.g., the TDLS peer-to-peer PSM support subfield) in the extended capability information element of the TDLS setup request frame and TDLS setup response frame to identify that the non-AP STA MLD supports PS mode, and supports PS mode under all connections, that is, PS mode is identified as MLD level, rather than link level.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment. Figure 4 The communication method shown can be applied to the receiver. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the receiver can be a "TDLS establishment requester" or a "TDLS establishment responder".

[0050] Reference Figure 4 In step 410, a first message frame is received under one of the multiple connections. The multiple connections can refer to multiple TDLS connections. For example, if the receiver is a TDLS establishment requester, the first message frame can be a TDLS establishment response frame, and the first message frame can carry information about the TDLS establishment responseer's support capabilities for TDLS peer-to-peer PSM under the multiple connections. For example, if the receiver is a TDLS establishment responseer, the first message frame can be a TDLS establishment request frame, and the first message frame can carry information about the TDLS establishment requester's support capabilities for TDLS peer-to-peer PSM under the multiple connections. The first message frame and the support capability information it carries can be similar to those described in reference [reference needed]. Figure 3 The embodiments described in Table 1 are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0051] In step 420, communication operations can be performed based on the first message frame. For example, the receiver can determine the capabilities supported by the sender based on the information carried in the first message frame, and perform operations based on the sender's capabilities in subsequent communications.

[0052] pass Figure 3 and Figure 4 The communication method shown allows for the exchange of capability information regarding TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving modes under multiple connections (multiple TDLS connections) between the sender and receiver, or between the TDLS establishment requester and the TDLS establishment responder. This enables effective TDLS communication and power saving based on the corresponding capability information. If the capability information indicates that both parties can support TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving modes under multiple connections, then during TDLS communication, when one party is about to enter power-saving mode, periodic wake-up information under multiple connections can be further negotiated, thereby ensuring timely information reception while maintaining power saving. In other words, Figure 3 or Figure 4 The communication method shown may further include: acquiring a second message frame under one of a plurality of connections, wherein the second message frame may include periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of the plurality of connections. See below for further details. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Table 2 describes in detail an embodiment of obtaining the second message frame and an embodiment of periodic wake-up information.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment. Figure 5The communication method shown can be applied to the TDLS peer PSM initiator. The TDLS peer PSM initiator is the STA that is about to enter power-saving mode.

[0054] According to embodiments of this disclosure, either the TDLS establishment requester or the TDLS establishment responder can act as the TDLS peer PSM initiator.

[0055] For example, in execution Figure 3 In the case where the initiator of the communication method shown is about to enter power-saving mode (i.e., the initiator is a TDLS peer-to-peer PSM initiator), the above-mentioned Figure 3 The communication method shown may further include Figure 5 The communication method shown. For example, in executing... Figure 4 In the case where the receiver of the communication method shown is about to enter power-saving mode (i.e., the receiver is the initiator of TDLS peer-to-peer PSM), the above-mentioned Figure 4 The communication method shown may further include Figure 5 The communication method shown.

[0056] Reference Figure 5 In step 510, a second message frame is determined (i.e., the second message frame is acquired) under one of the multiple connections; in step 520, the second message frame is sent. In embodiments of this disclosure, the connection used to send the second message frame may be the same as or different from the connection used to determine the second message frame, and this disclosure does not impose specific limitations on this. As a non-limiting embodiment, the second message frame may be a TDLS peer PSM Request frame.

[0057] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second message frame may include periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of a plurality of connections. The plurality of connections may refer to multiple TDLS connections supported by a non-AP STA MLD belonging to a TDLS peer PSM initiator. At least one connection may refer to a TDLS connection that is about to enter power-saving mode. Figure 5 The communication method shown allows for the negotiation of periodic wake-up information within the same connection or other connections.

[0058] As a descriptive example only, periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of a plurality of connections can be carried in the second message frame as an information element. For ease of description, the periodic wake-up information is described below using the wakeupschedule information element as an example. The wakeupschedule information element can have the format shown in Table 2 below.

[0059] Table 2. Format of Information Elements in the Awakening Plan

[0060]

[0061] Referring to Table 2, the wake-up plan information element may include: an element ID that identifies the wake-up plan information element, a length field that represents the length information of the wake-up plan information element, and periodic wake-up information.

[0062] Furthermore, it is understood that each element shown in Table 2 exists independently. These elements are listed in the same table as an example, but this does not mean that all elements in the table must exist simultaneously as shown in the table. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the value of each element in the tables of this disclosure is an independent embodiment.

[0063] The meaning of periodic wake-up information can be: when the corresponding STA is in power-saving mode, it periodically wakes up during a specific time period to receive / send data. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the specific time period can be defined in units of wake-up windows, and in the following text, the specific time period can also be referred to as "wake-up time".

[0064] According to embodiments of this disclosure, periodic wake-up information may include: a connection identifier (e.g., Link ID1, Link ID2 in Table 2) corresponding to each connection to enter TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode, and information related to wake-up time.

[0065] In embodiments of this disclosure, connection identifiers (e.g., Link ID1, Link ID2) may have multiple bits to identify a combination of operating spectrum, bandwidth / channel, and / or BSSID information. In embodiments of this disclosure, unlike the embodiments shown in Table 2, connections to be entered into TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode may be identified in the form of link sets. For example, a link set may include bits corresponding to multiple TDLS connections, and when a corresponding bit is set to a specific value (e.g., but not limited to "1"), it may indicate that the corresponding connection is about to enter TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode. Furthermore, although two connections (i.e., connections identified by Link ID1 and Link ID2 respectively) are shown in Table 2, this disclosure is not limited to this, and more or fewer connection identifiers may be included in Table 2.

[0066] In embodiments of this disclosure, information related to wake-up time includes: wake-up window start information, wake-up window end information, and wake-up window quantity information.

[0067] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the wake-up window start information may include an offset identifier and an interval identifier.

[0068] For example, the offset flag is set based on the timing synchronization function (TSF) parameter. For example, the offset flag can be the time between TSF 0 and the start time of the first wake-up window, and its unit can be microseconds. For example, the interval flag can be set to the time between the start times of two consecutive wake-up windows, and its unit can be microseconds. For example, the wake-up window starts at a TSF value, and the TSF value satisfies a condition determined based on the TSF value, the offset flag, and the interval flag. For example, "the TSF value satisfies a condition determined based on the TSF value, the offset flag, and the interval flag" can mean, for example, that the TSF value satisfies the equation TFS mod Interval = Offset, where mod represents the modulo operation. However, this is merely exemplary, and other methods for determining the start of a wake-up window are also included within the scope of this disclosure. In embodiments of this disclosure, the TSF parameter is carried and broadcast by the AP MLD in beacon frames and is consistent for non-AP STA MLDs that have established multi-connection communication with the AP MLD.

[0069] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the awake window end information may include an awake window slot and a maximum awake window duration. For example, the awake window slot may be set to the duration of the awake window in units of backoff slots. For example, the maximum awake window duration may be set to the duration of the awake window in units of microseconds.

[0070] In embodiments of this disclosure, the end of a wake-up window can be defined by the wake-up window time slot and / or the maximum wake-up window duration.

[0071] For example, the wake-up window ends when the wake-up window slot counter reaches 0 or when the maximum wake-up window duration is reached (whichever comes first). The wake-up window slot counter can count down. The initial value of the wake-up window slot counter at the beginning of the wake-up window will be equal to the value of the wake-up window slot in Table 2. The wake-up window slot counter counts at the beginning of the wake-up window and stops counting when it reaches 0.

[0072] For example, when either the wake-up window slot or the maximum wake-up window duration in Table 2 is set to 0, the other can be used to define the end of the wake-up window.

[0073] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the wake-up window count information (e.g., the idle count in Table 2) is set to the number of consecutive wake-up windows, wherein no individual addressed frames are received during this number of consecutive wake-up windows before the wake-up plan is deleted. That is, the wake-up window count information can indicate how many consecutive wake-up windows the device remains awake for, wherein the duration of each wake-up window can be defined by the wake-up window start information and wake-up window end information described above. During the multiple consecutive wake-up windows defined by the idle count, within each wake-up window, at least one keepalive frame is sent to the peer non-AP STA MLD, indicating that one or more connections establishing PS mode are active. At other times besides the multiple consecutive wake-up windows defined by the idle count, a power-saving mode (e.g., sleep state) can be maintained.

[0074] In embodiments of this disclosure, information related to wake-up time can be set to be the same or different across at least one connection where power-saving mode is to be entered. The format of the wake-up plan information elements shown in Table 2 can be varied accordingly.

[0075] For example, when a connection is about to enter power saving mode, Table 2 may include a single offset identifier, a single interval identifier, a single wake-up window slot, a single maximum wake-up window duration, a single idle number, and a single connection identifier.

[0076] For example, when multiple connections need to enter power-saving mode, Table 2 may include information related to wake-up time corresponding to each of the multiple connections. That is, it may include the offset identifier, interval identifier, wake-up window time slot, maximum wake-up window duration, number of idle connections, and connection identifier corresponding to each of the multiple connections.

[0077] For example, when multiple connections need to enter power-saving mode, in Table 2, some information parameters related to wake-up time can be multiple, while other information parameters related to wake-up time can be single. For example, offset identifier, interval identifier, wake-up window slot, and maximum wake-up window duration can all be single, while idle number and connection identifier can both be multiple (the number equal to the number of connections entering power-saving mode). In such embodiments, a single information parameter can apply to multiple connections (i.e., the single information parameter is the same across all connections), while multiple information parameters can be applied to the corresponding connections within the multiple connections.

[0078] When the idle count is single and the connection identifier is multiple, the wake-up window count information (the idle count in Table 2) can be applied to multiple connections (multiple connections to enter power-saving mode). In this case, the number of wake-up windows under each connection to enter TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode is less than or equal to the value indicated by the wake-up window count information. In other words, when multiple connections are to enter power-saving mode, the single idle count in Table 2 can refer to the maximum value, that is, the number of consecutive wake-up windows under each connection (i.e., the idle count in Table 2) can be different or the same, but the number of consecutive wake-up windows under each connection is less than or equal to the set value of the idle count in Table 2. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, when the idle count is single and the connection identifier is multiple, the number of consecutive wake-up windows under multiple connections to enter power-saving mode can be set to be consistent, that is, all equal to the set value of the single idle count.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment. Figure 5 The communication method shown can be applied to a TDLS peer PSM responder. A TDLS peer PSM responder is a STA that communicates with a STA that is about to enter power-saving mode via TDLS.

[0080] According to embodiments of this disclosure, either the TDLS establishment requester or the TDLS establishment responder can act as a TDLS peer PSM responder.

[0081] For example, in execution Figure 3In the case where the initiator of the communication method shown is a STA that is about to enter power-saving mode and is conducting TDLS communication with it (i.e., the initiator is a TDLS peer PSM responder), the above-mentioned... Figure 3 The communication method shown may further include Figure 6 The communication method shown. For example, in executing... Figure 4 The communication method shown above applies when the receiver is a STA that is communicating with a STA that is about to enter power-saving mode via TDLS (i.e., the receiver is a TDLS peer PSM responder). Figure 4 The communication method shown may further include Figure 6 The communication method shown.

[0082] Reference Figure 6 In step 610, a second message frame can be received (i.e., the second message frame is acquired) within one of the multiple connections. The multiple connections can be multiple TDLS connections supported by a non-AP STA MLD belonging to a TDLS peer PSM responder. As a non-limiting embodiment, the second message frame can be a TDLS peer PSMRequest frame. The second message frame may include periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of the multiple connections. The at least one connection refers to a connection that is about to enter power-saving mode.

[0083] In other words, the second message frame can carry the periodic wake-up information suggested by the TDLS peer PSM initiator, and the TDLS peer PSM responder can receive the second message frame from the TDLS peer PSM receiver and obtain the periodic wake-up information about one or more connections that are about to enter power-saving mode. For example, the periodic wake-up information can have the various information parameters shown in Table 2, and repeated descriptions are omitted here for simplicity.

[0084] In step 620, response information for the second message frame may be sent. For example, when the TDLS peer PSM responder accepts the periodic wake-up information suggested in the second message frame, it may respond by carrying response information about acceptance (e.g., a status code indicating success "SUCCESS") in the corresponding TDLS PSM response frame; otherwise, it will carry response information about rejection.

[0085] pass Figure 5 and Figure 6 The communication method allows for the negotiation of periodic wake-up information within the same connection and / or other connections (multiple connections), thereby saving signaling.

[0086] However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. It is also possible to establish a separate power-saving mode for each connection to be in power-saving mode, i.e., to negotiate wake-up window information for each connection (i.e., to transmit TDLS-corresponding PSM request frames and TDLS-corresponding PSM response frames for each connection). In this case, the wake-up plan information elements can be made compatible with legacy sites (e.g., sites that only support single-connection communication), but more signaling will be required.

[0087] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Reference Figure 7 The communication device 700 may include a processing module 710 and a transceiver module 720.

[0089] In one embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 7 The communication device shown can be applied to the sender and can perform... Figure 3 The communication method is illustrated. For example, processing module 710 can be configured to determine a first message frame under one of a plurality of connections, and transceiver module 720 can be configured to send the first message frame. The first message frame may include information indicating support capability for TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication. The first message frame and the support capability information it includes can be similar to that described in reference [reference]. Figure 3 The embodiments described in Table 1 are omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0090] In another embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 7 The communication device shown is applied to the receiver and can perform the reference... Figure 4 The described communication method. For example, transceiver module 720 can be configured to receive a first message frame under one of a plurality of connections, and processing module 710 can be configured to control the execution of communication operations based on the first message frame. The first message frame may include information indicating support capability for TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication. The first message frame and the support capability information it includes can be similar to those described in reference to [reference needed]. Figure 4 The embodiments described in Table 1 are omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0091] In another embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 7 The communication device shown can be applied to the TDLS peer PSM initiator and can perform reference... Figure 5The described communication method. For example, processing module 710 can be configured to determine a second message frame under one of a plurality of connections; transceiver module 720 can be configured to send the second message frame. The second message frame may include periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of the plurality of connections. The second message frame and the periodic wake-up information it includes can be similar to those described in reference. Figure 5 The embodiments described in Table 2 are omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0092] In another embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 7 The communication device shown can be applied to the TDLS peer PSM responder and can perform reference... Figure 6 The described communication method. For example, transceiver module 720 can be configured to receive a second message frame under one of a plurality of connections, wherein the second message frame may include periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of the plurality of connections; processing module 710 can be configured to determine whether to accept the suggested wake-up periodic information in the second message frame, and control transceiver module 720 to send response information for the second message frame. The second message frame and the periodic wake-up information it includes can be similar to referenced. Figure 6 The embodiments described in Table 2 are omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0093] also, Figure 7 The communication device 700 shown is merely exemplary, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 700 may also include other modules, such as a memory module. Furthermore, the various modules in the communication device 700 may be combined into more complex modules, or may be divided into more individual modules.

[0094] The communication method and communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure enable the device to be in PS mode when establishing a TDLS connection, thereby saving power and improving spectrum utilization.

[0095] Based on the same principles as the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an electronic device, which includes a processor and a memory; wherein the memory stores machine-readable instructions (also referred to as a "computer program"); ​​and the processor is configured to execute the machine-readable instructions to implement the reference... Figures 3 to 6 The method described.

[0096] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements a reference... Figures 3 to 6 The method described.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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, comprising: Determine and send the first message frame under one of multiple connections; or The first message frame is received under one of the multiple connections. The first message frame includes information indicating support for establishing a TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode for direct-link communication under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections support TDLS communication. Specifically, when the TDLS peer-to-peer power saving mode activation source is set to a first specific value, and when the support capability information is set to a second specific value, it indicates that TDLS peer-to-peer power saving mode is supported under the plurality of connections. The communication method further includes: acquiring a second message frame under one of the plurality of connections, wherein the second message frame includes periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of the plurality of connections. The periodic wake-up information includes: a connection identifier corresponding to each connection that needs to enter TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode, and information related to the wake-up time. The information related to wake-up time includes the number of wake-up windows. Wherein, if the identifier representing the number of wake-up windows included in the second message frame is a single identifier while the connection identifier is multiple, the wake-up window number information is applied to the multiple connections represented by the connection identifier, and the number of wake-up windows under each of the multiple connections is less than or equal to the value indicated by the wake-up window number information.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The information related to the wake-up time also includes: wake-up window start information and wake-up window end information.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein, The wake-up window start information includes an offset identifier and an interval identifier. The offset identifier is set based on the TSF (Timed Synchronization Function) parameter. The awakening window begins at a TSF value, and the TSF value satisfies a condition determined based on the TSF value, the offset identifier, and the interval identifier.

4. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The information related to awakening time is set to be the same or different under at least one connection.

5. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The wake-up window quantity information is set to the number of consecutive wake-up windows, wherein individual addressing frames will not be received during this number of consecutive wake-up windows before the wake-up plan is deleted.

6. A communication device under multiple connections, comprising: The processing module is configured to: determine a first message frame under one of a plurality of connections, wherein the first message frame includes support capability information indicating support for establishing a TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode for a direct link under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication, wherein when the TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode activation source is set to a first specific value, and when the support capability information is set to a second specific value, it indicates that TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode is supported under the plurality of connections; The transceiver module is configured to send the first message frame. The transceiver module is further configured to: acquire a second message frame under one of the plurality of connections, wherein the second message frame includes periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of the plurality of connections. The periodic wake-up information includes: a connection identifier corresponding to each connection that needs to enter TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode, and information related to the wake-up time. The information related to wake-up time includes the number of wake-up windows. Wherein, if the identifier representing the number of wake-up windows included in the second message frame is a single identifier while the connection identifier is multiple, the wake-up window number information is applied to the multiple connections represented by the connection identifier, and the number of wake-up windows under each of the multiple connections is less than or equal to the value indicated by the wake-up window number information.

7. A communication device under multiple connections, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message frame under one of a plurality of connections, wherein the first message frame includes information indicating support for establishing a TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode for a direct link under the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of connections are capable of supporting TDLS communication, wherein when the TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode activation source is set to a first specific value, and when the support capability information is set to a second specific value, it indicates that TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode is supported under the plurality of connections; The processing module is configured to control the execution of communication operations based on the first message frame. The transceiver module is further configured to: acquire a second message frame under one of the plurality of connections, wherein the second message frame includes periodic wake-up information corresponding to at least one of the plurality of connections. The periodic wake-up information includes: a connection identifier corresponding to each connection that needs to enter TDLS peer-to-peer power-saving mode, and information related to the wake-up time. The information related to wake-up time includes the number of wake-up windows. Wherein, if the identifier representing the number of wake-up windows included in the second message frame is a single identifier while the connection identifier is multiple, the wake-up window number information is applied to the multiple connections represented by the connection identifier, and the number of wake-up windows under each of the multiple connections is less than or equal to the value indicated by the wake-up window number information.

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

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

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