Communication methods and devices under multiple connections

Abstract

This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus under multiple connections. The communication method may include: listening under each of the multiple connections before the site device performs Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) communication, wherein the communication of the site device can only be performed under one connection at a time; if the result of the listening indicates that the access point device is performing data transmission, then delaying the TDLS communication, wherein the access point device supports multiple connection communication and the site device is associated with the access point device. (3)).

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 sending and / or receiving functions under multiple connections. Therefore, in current technology, multiple connections can exist between STAs and APs, and communication between these two devices under multiple connections is being researched. 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 this disclosure, a communication method under multiple connections is provided. The communication method can be performed by a site device (non-AP STA MLD) supporting multiple connection communication and includes: listening under each of a plurality of connections before the site device performs Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) communication, wherein communication of the site device can only occur under one connection at a time; and delaying the TDLS communication if the result of the listening indicates that an access point device is performing data transmission, wherein the access point device supports multiple connection communication and the site device is associated with the access point device.

[0008] A communication method under multiple connections is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method can be performed by an access point device (AP MLD) supporting multiple connection communication and includes: receiving a first message frame from a site device supporting multiple connection communication under a first connection of multiple connections, wherein the first message frame includes information indicating that the site device requests TDLS data transmission, the access point device being associated with the site device, wherein communication of the site device can only occur under one connection at a time; and in response to receiving the first message frame, sending a second message frame to the site device, wherein the second message frame indicates permission for the site device to transmit the TDLS data under the first connection.

[0009] A communication apparatus is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication apparatus can support multi-connection communication and includes a processing module. The processing module is configured to: listen under each of a plurality of connections before the communication apparatus performs Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) communication, wherein communication of the communication apparatus can only occur under one connection at a time; and delay the TDLS communication if the result of the listening indicates that an access point device is performing data transmission, wherein the access point device supports multi-connection communication and the communication apparatus is associated with the access point device.

[0010] A communication apparatus is provided according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. The communication apparatus supports multi-connection communication and includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive a first message frame from a site device supporting multi-connection communication under a first connection among multiple connections, wherein the first message frame includes information instructing the site device to request TDLS data transmission, the communication apparatus being associated with the site device, wherein communication of the site device can only occur under one connection at a time; the processing module is configured to: in response to receiving the first message frame, control the transceiver module to send a second message frame to the site device, wherein the second message frame indicates permission for the site device to transmit the TDLS data under the first connection.

[0011] An electronic device is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method described above.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. A computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the method described above. Attached Figure Description

[0013] 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:

[0014] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a communication scenario under multiple connections according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a detailed flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a block diagram 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 be devices that support multi-connection communication, for example, they can be represented as AP MLD and non-AP STA MLD, respectively. For ease of description, the following mainly describes an example of one AP and one STA communicating under multi-connection conditions; however, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[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 1 In the example, it is assumed that AP1 communicates with STA1 through the corresponding first connection Link 1. Similarly, AP2 and AP3 communicate with STA2 and STA3 through the second connection Link 2 and the third connection Link 3, respectively. Furthermore, Link 1 to Link 3 can be multiple connections at different frequencies, such as connections at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, or several connections with the same or different bandwidths at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. Additionally, multiple channels can exist under each connection. However, it should be understood that... Figure 1 The communication scenarios shown are merely illustrative, and the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, 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] Because AP MLD participates in communication, therefore Figure 1The basic service set shown can be referred to as the infrastructure basic service set (infra-BSS, which can be abbreviated as "infra-BSS" in this article).

[0034] 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.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 Direct Channel Link (TDLS) can be established between the first multi-connection site device (non-AP STA MLD 1) and the second multi-connection site device (non-AP STA MLD 2). For example, communication (e.g., data transmission) can occur directly between non-AP STA MLD 1 and non-AP STA MLD 2 without going through a multi-connection access point device (AP MLD). Alternatively, non-AP STA MLD 1 can perform TDLS communication with non-AP STA MLD 2 via an AP MLD.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Reference Figure 2An AP MLD can act as an intermediary to perform TDLS communication for information or data transmission between sites, and can also perform communication with one or more non-AP STA MLDs (referred to herein as "infra-BSS communication"). Accordingly, a non-AP STA MLD can perform TDLS communication (P2P) directly with another site, or via an AP MLD; furthermore, a non-AP STA MLD can also perform infra-BSS communication with an AP MLD.

[0038] However, non-AP STA MLDs can operate in EMLSR (enhanced-multilink single radio) mode. EMLSR mode means that a non-AP STA MLD can only communicate under one connection at a time. Before initiating EMLSR mode, a non-AP STA MLD can notify the AP MLD via an EHT operating mode notification frame. Furthermore, non-AP STA MLDs can also perform TDLS communication (via the AP MLD, or P2P). When a non-AP STA MLD in EMLSR mode is also in TDLS communication, communication between EMLSR and TDLS needs to be planned.

[0039] On the other hand, non-AP STA MLDs may support NSTR (non-simultaneous transmit & receive, Tx & Rx) connections. For NSTR connections, only one of the transmit or receive operations can be performed at a time (multiple connections can also transmit and receive if the transmit and receive times are the same). Therefore, the communication scenarios described above regarding EMLSR also occur in NSTR connections. That is, in multi-connection communication, for both EMLSR and NSTR modes, planning for TDLS communication and basic service set communication (infra-BSS communication) is required.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method under multiple connections according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The communication method shown can be applied to site devices that support multi-connection communication, i.e., non-AP STA MLD. According to embodiments of this disclosure, a non-AP STA MLD can be associated with an AP MLD under multiple connections.

[0041] Reference Figure 3In step 310, before the non-AP STA MLD performs Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) communication, listening is performed under each of the multiple connections, wherein communication of the non-AP STA MLD can only be performed under one connection at a time.

[0042] According to embodiments of this disclosure, "communication of a non-AP STA MLD can only occur under one connection at a time" can refer to the non-AP STA MLD operating in EMLSR mode or operating under an NSTR connection. In this case, if the non-AP STA MLD needs to communicate with another site using TDLS, it needs to listen under multiple connections supported by the non-AP STA MLD. According to embodiments of this disclosure, various methods such as carrier sensing can be used for listening, for example, but not limited to, energy detection (ED), carrier detection (CS), and energy-carrier hybrid detection.

[0043] In step 320, if the monitored result indicates that the AP MLD is performing data transmission, then TDLS communication is delayed.

[0044] According to embodiments of this disclosure, "AP MLD is performing data transmission" can refer to AP MLD performing data transmission in basic service set communication operations (i.e., infra-BSS communication), for example, AP MLD is sending / receiving data to / from another site device. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; "AP MLD is performing data transmission" can also refer to AP MLD acting as an intermediary to perform TDLS data transmission between two other sites.

[0045] In embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of the delayed TDLS communication is determined based on the duration of data transmission (APMLD data transmission) sensed during listening. That is, the TDLS communication is delayed until the APMLD data transmission ends.

[0046] For example, a non-AP STA MLD can communicate in two modes (EMLSR / NSTR mode and TDLS mode). In the active EMLSR / NSTR mode, such a non-AP MLD can listen in each connection before initiating TDLS communication. If it detects that an AP MLD associated with it is communicating (e.g., data transmission), it delays the TDLS communication, with the delay duration based on the detected communication duration.

[0047] Figure 3The communication method shown can listen before performing TDLS communication and delay the TDLS communication to be performed when it is detected that the AP MLD is communicating, which can effectively avoid communication conflicts.

[0048] Will understand, Figure 3 The communication method shown is exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The following will be combined with... Figure 4 A detailed flowchart is provided to describe the communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 During the first operational interaction, the non-AP STA MLD can receive a third message frame (S410) from the AP MLD. This third message frame may include duration information for TDLS communication configured (planned) by the AP MLD. For example, the configured duration information for TDLS communication may include the duration of TDLS communication under each of the multiple connections of the AP MLD.

[0050] During the first operation, the AP MLD can, for example, pre-configure (plan) the duration of TDLS communication under each connection. For example, the third message frame can be a beacon frame, and the TDLS duration information configured by the AP MLD can be carried in the quiet element of the beacon frame and broadcast. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; the duration information of TDLS communication under each connection configured by the AP MLD can be carried in other frames, such as (re)association response frames or multi-connection establishment response frames.

[0051] During the first operation interaction, the non-AP STA MLD can receive the TDLS communication duration information configured by the AP MLD from the AP MLD to determine the time required to perform TDLS communication under each connection. This allows the non-AP STA MLD to refer to the configured TDLS communication duration information when TDLS communication is required, thereby avoiding communication conflicts.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 4 During the second operation interaction, operations S420 and S430 can respectively correspond to Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the repeated descriptions of steps 310 and 320 are omitted here.

[0053] If the result of the listening in operation S420 indicates that the AP MLD has not transmitted data, or the auxiliary site of the non-AP STA MLD has successfully competed for the communication channel, or the duration of the delay in operation S430 has ended, then operations S440 and S450 can be executed.

[0054] In operation S440, the non-AP STA MLD can send a first message frame to the AP MLD under the first connection of multiple connections. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first message frame may include information instructing the non-AP STA MLD to request TDLS data transmission.

[0055] For example, a non-AP STA MLD may send a first message frame before sending TDLS data, indicating that it intends to perform TDLS communication (e.g., send TDLS data). By way of descriptive example only, the first message frame may be a MU-RTS (Multi-User Request To Send) frame, through which the non-AP STA MLD can request the APMLD to send TDLS data.

[0056] In operation S450, the non-AP STA MLD can receive a second message frame from the AP MLD. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second message frame can indicate permission for the non-AP STA MLD to send TDLS data under the first connection. For example, the second message frame can be a CTS (clear to send)-to-self frame, and this CTS-to-self frame can indicate permission to send under this connection. For example, in combination with... Figure 1 If the first connection used in operation S440 to send the first message frame (MU-RTS frame) is Figure 1 In Link 2, the second message frame (CTS-to-self frame) received in operation S450 can indicate that non-AP STA MLD is allowed to send TDLS data under Link 2.

[0057] In addition, although Figure 4 As not shown, when a non-AP STA MLD receives a second message frame (CTS-to-self frame) from an AP MLD, the non-AP STA MLD can send TDLS data via the corresponding access point AP of the AP MLD under this connection.

[0058] Continue to refer to Figure 4 In the third operation interaction, if periodic TDLS service exists in the non-AP STA MLD, information about the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service is sent to the AP MLD before the periodic TDLS service is initiated (S460). For example, the communication duration and / or period information about the periodic TDLS service sent may include the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service under each of the multiple connections of the non-AP STA MLD.

[0059] The communication duration of a periodic TDLS service can refer to the total duration required to send all periodic TDLS services, while the period of a periodic TDLS service can refer to the total duration required to send a single TDLS service. According to embodiments of this disclosure, periodic TDLS services can be mapped to different connections. Therefore, a non-AP STA MLD can set the communication duration and period of periodic TDLS services under multiple connections and report them to the AP MLD.

[0060] Although Figure 4 Although not shown in the diagram, a non-AP STA MLD can also receive response information from an AP MLD. This response information may include whether the AP MLD agrees to the reported communication duration and cycle of the periodic TDLS service. For example, if the AP MLD agrees, it can send back a corresponding acknowledgment frame; if the AP MLD disagrees, it can send back a recommended communication duration and cycle of the periodic TDLS service. In other words, a non-AP STA MLD can negotiate the communication duration and cycle of the periodic TDLS service with the AP MLD.

[0061] Although Figure 4 The diagram shows that the first, second, and third operation interaction processes are executed sequentially. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the requirement that all three operation interaction processes must be executed, or that they must be executed in a specific order. Figure 4 Execute in the order shown.

[0062] For example, the first operation interaction process can be omitted, but the third operation interaction process can include "the non-AP STAMLD receives the recommended TDLS communication duration information from the AP MLD (the duration of TDLS communication under each connection configured by the AP MLD)". Alternatively, the first operation interaction process can include "the non-AP STA MLD feeds back the recommended TDLS communication duration information to the AP MLD". Another example is that operations S420 and S430 can be omitted in the second operation, and the decision to send the first message frame to the AP MLD can be made by determining whether channel contention was successful. Yet another example is that the third operation interaction process can be performed before the second operation interaction process; that is, the non-AP STA MLD can first negotiate the TDLS communication duration information with the associated AP MLD before starting TDLS communication.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment. Figure 5The communication method shown can be applied to access point devices that support multi-connection communication, i.e., AP MLD. The AP MLD can associate with a non-AP STA MLD under multiple connections.

[0064] Reference Figure 5 In step 510, a first message frame may be received. Specifically, the first message frame is received from a site device (non-AP STA MLD) that supports multi-connection communication under the first connection of multiple connections. The first message frame may include information instructing the non-AP STA MLD to request TDLS data transmission, wherein communication of the non-AP STA MLD can only be carried out under one connection at a time.

[0065] Step 510 can correspond to Figure 4 Operation S440 in the middle, therefore refer to Figure 4 The embodiments of the described operation S440 can be referenced here, and repeated descriptions are omitted for brevity.

[0066] In step 520, in response to receiving the first message frame, a second message frame is sent to the non-AP STA MLD, wherein the second message frame may indicate that the non-AP STA MLD is allowed to perform TDLS communication (e.g., send TDLS data) under the first connection.

[0067] Step 520 can correspond to Figure 4 Operation S450 in the middle, therefore refer to Figure 4 The embodiments of the described operation S450 can be referenced herein, and repeated descriptions are omitted for brevity.

[0068] Figure 5 The communication method shown is merely exemplary; for example, the AP MLD can also perform the reference method. Figure 4 Other operations performed by APMLD are described.

[0069] According to embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 5 The communication method shown may further include: sending a third message frame, wherein the third message frame may include duration information of TDLS communication configured by the AP MLD. For example, the duration information of the configured TDLS communication may include the duration of TDLS communication under each of the multiple connections of the AP MLD. The third message frame may be similar to the referenced... Figure 4 The embodiment described in operation S410 is omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0070] According to embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 5The communication method shown may further include: receiving information about the communication duration and / or period of periodic TDLS services related to non-AP STA MLD periodic TDLS services. For example, the information about the communication duration and / or period of periodic TDLS services may include the communication duration and / or period of periodic TDLS services under each of multiple connections. Periodic TDLS services and their communication duration and period can be similar to those described in the reference. Figure 4 An embodiment of operation S460 is described herein, but repeated descriptions are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0071] The communication method provided according to the embodiments of this disclosure can coordinate the communication between EMLSR / NSTR and TDLS, avoid communication conflicts, and improve spectrum utilization.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Reference Figure 6 The communication device 600 may include a processing module 610 and a transceiver module 620.

[0074] In one embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 6 The communication device 600 shown can be implemented as a non-AP STAMLD. In this case, the processing module 610 can be configured to listen under each of multiple connections before the communication device 600 performs Channel Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) communication, wherein communication of the communication device 600 can only occur under one connection at a time; if the listening result indicates that the AP MLD is performing data transmission, then the TDLS communication is delayed, wherein the AP MLD supports multi-connection communication and the communication device 600 is associated with the AP MLD. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 610 can also be configured to determine the duration of the delayed TDLS communication based on the duration of data transmission sensed during listening.

[0075] According to embodiments of this disclosure, transceiver module 620 can be configured to: send a first message frame to AP MLD under a first connection among a plurality of connections, wherein the first message frame includes information instructing communication device 600 to request TDLS data transmission; and receive a second message frame from AP MLD, wherein the second message frame indicates permission for communication device 600 to transmit TDLS data under the first connection.

[0076] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when periodic TDLS services exist in the communication device 600, the processing module 610 can be configured to: configure information on the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS services; the transceiver module 620 can be configured to: send information about the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS services to the AP MLD before conducting periodic TDLS service communication. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sent information about the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS services includes the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS services under each of the multiple connections.

[0077] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 620 can be configured to receive a third message frame from the AP MLD, wherein the third message frame may include duration information of TDLS communication configured by the AP MLD. For example, the configured duration information of TDLS communication includes the duration of TDLS communication under each of the multiple connections of the AP MLD.

[0078] exist Figure 6 When the communication device 600 shown is implemented as a non-AP STA MLD, the communication device 600 can perform the reference... Figure 3 The described communication method and Figure 4 The operations performed by the non-AP STA MLD are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0079] In another embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 6 The communication device 600 shown can be implemented as an AP MLD. In this case, the transceiver module 620 can be configured to receive a first message frame from a non-AP STA MLD under a first connection among multiple connections, wherein the first message frame includes information instructing the non-AP STA MLD to request TDLS data transmission, the communication device 600 is associated with the non-AP STA MLD, wherein communication of the non-AP STA MLD can only occur under one connection at a time; the processing module 610 is configured to, in response to receiving the first message frame, control the transceiver module to send a second message frame to the non-AP STA MLD, wherein the second message frame indicates permission for the non-AP STA MLD to transmit TDLS data under the first connection.

[0080] The processing module 610 can be configured to configure the duration information of TDLS communication. The transceiver module 620 can also be configured to send a third message frame, wherein the third message frame includes the duration information of TDLS communication configured by the communication device 600 (e.g., the processing module 610). For example, the configured duration information of TDLS communication includes the duration of TDLS communication under each of the multiple connections of the communication device 600.

[0081] The transceiver module 620 can also be configured to receive information about the communication duration and / or period of periodic TDLS services related to periodic TDLS services in non-AP STA MLD. For example, the information about the communication duration and / or period of periodic TDLS services includes the communication duration and / or period of periodic TDLS services under each of the multiple connections of the non-AP STA MLD.

[0082] exist Figure 6 When the communication device 600 shown is implemented as an AP MLD, the communication device 600 can perform the reference... Figure 5 The described communication method and Figure 4 The operations performed by AP MLD are omitted here to avoid redundancy.

[0083] also, Figure 6 The communication device 600 shown is merely exemplary, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 600 may also include other modules, such as a memory module. Furthermore, the various modules in the communication device 600 may be combined into more complex modules, or may be divided into more individual modules.

[0084] 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 5 The method described.

[0085] 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 5 The method described.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] While this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments, but rather should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A communication method under multiple connections, the communication method being performed by a station device supporting multiple connection communication, the communication method comprising: Before the site device establishes TDLS communication via a direct link, it listens under each of the multiple connections, wherein the site device can only communicate under one connection at a time. If the monitored result indicates that the access point device is performing data transmission, the TDLS communication is delayed, wherein the access point device supports multiple connection communication and the site device is associated with the access point device; If the monitored result indicates that the access point device has not transmitted data, or the duration of the delayed TDLS communication has ended, then a first message frame is sent to the access point device under the first connection of the plurality of connections, wherein the first message frame includes information instructing the site device to request TDLS data transmission; A second message frame is received from the access point device, wherein the second message frame is used to indicate that the site device is allowed to send the TDLS data under the first connection.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The duration of the delay in the TDLS communication is determined based on the duration of the data transmission sensed during the listening process.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The communication method further includes: When the site equipment has periodic TDLS services, information about the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS services is sent to the access point equipment.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein, The communication duration and / or period information sent regarding the periodic TDLS service includes: the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service under each of the plurality of connections.

5. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The communication method further includes: A third message frame is received from the access point device, wherein the third message frame includes duration information of TDLS communication configured by the access point device.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein, The configured TDLS communication duration information includes: the duration of TDLS communication under each of the plurality of connections.

7. A communication method under multiple connections, the communication method being executed by an access point device supporting multiple connection communication, the communication method comprising: A first message frame is received from a site device supporting multi-connection communication in the first connection of multiple connections, wherein the first message frame includes information instructing the site device to request TDLS data transmission, the access point device being associated with the site device, and the site device's communication can only be carried out under one connection at a time; the first message frame is sent when the access point device is not transmitting data, or the first message frame is sent when the duration of the delayed TDLS communication ends; In response to receiving the first message frame, a second message frame is sent to the site device, wherein the second message frame indicates that the site device is permitted to send the TDLS data under the first connection.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein, The communication method further includes: Receive information on the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service in relation to the periodic TDLS service of the site equipment.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, wherein, The information on the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service includes: the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service under each of the plurality of connections.

10. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein, The communication method further includes: Send a third message frame, wherein the third message frame includes the duration information of TDLS communication configured by the access point device.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein, The configured TDLS communication duration information includes: the duration of TDLS communication under each of the plurality of connections.

12. A communication device supporting multiple connection communication, the communication device comprising: The processing module is configured as follows: Before the communication device establishes TDLS communication via a direct channel link, it listens under each of the multiple connections, wherein the communication device can only communicate under one connection at a time. If the monitored result indicates that the access point device is performing data transmission, the TDLS communication is delayed, wherein the access point device supports multiple connection communication and the communication device is associated with the access point device; The transceiver module is configured as follows: If the monitored result indicates that the access point device has not transmitted data, or the duration of the delayed TDLS communication has ended, then a first message frame is sent to the access point device under the first connection of the plurality of connections, wherein the first message frame includes information instructing the site device to request TDLS data transmission; A second message frame is received from the access point device, wherein the second message frame is used to indicate that the site device is allowed to send the TDLS data under the first connection.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein, The processing module is further configured to determine the duration of delay for the TDLS communication based on the duration of the data transmission sensed during listening.

14. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: When the communication device has periodic TDLS service, it sends information about the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service to the access point device.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein, The communication duration and / or period information sent regarding the periodic TDLS service includes: the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service under each of the plurality of connections.

16. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to receive a third message frame from the access point device, wherein the third message frame includes duration information of TDLS communication configured by the access point device.

17. The communication device according to claim 16, wherein, The configured TDLS communication duration information includes: the duration of TDLS communication under each of the plurality of connections.

18. A communication device supporting multiple connection communication, the communication device comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message frame from a site device supporting multi-connection communication under a first connection among multiple connections. The first message frame includes information instructing the site device to request TDLS data transmission. The communication device is associated with the site device, and the site device can only communicate under one connection at a time. The first message frame is sent either when the access point device is not transmitting data, or when the delay period for TDLS communication ends. The processing module is configured to: in response to receiving the first message frame, control the transceiver module to send a second message frame to the site device, wherein the second message frame indicates that the site device is allowed to send the TDLS data under the first connection.

19. The communication device according to claim 18, wherein, The transceiver module is also configured to receive information about the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service in relation to the periodic TDLS service of the site equipment.

20. The communication device according to claim 19, wherein, The information on the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service includes: the communication duration and / or period of the periodic TDLS service under each of the plurality of connections.

21. The communication device according to claim 18, wherein, The transceiver module is also configured to send a third message frame, wherein the third message frame includes the duration information of the TDLS communication configured by the communication device.

22. The communication device according to claim 21, wherein, The configured TDLS communication duration information includes: the duration of TDLS communication under each of the plurality of connections.

23. A communication 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 6 or any one of claims 7 to 11.

24. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6 or any one of claims 7 to 11.

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