Method, module and storage medium for changing the communication link of a multi-link device in a mobile wireless local area network

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-link device (MLD), including an access point (AP) MLD and a non-AP MLD. Specifically, the present invention relates to a module, system, and method for changing a first communication link between a first subordinate station (STA) of a non-AP MLD and a first subordinate AP of an AP MLD to a second communication link between the first subordinate STA of the non-AP MLD and a second subordinate AP of the non-AP MLD, while maintaining a third communication link between the second subordinate STA of the non-AP MLD and a third subordinate AP of the AP MLD. More specifically, the present invention provides a module, system, and method for changing the association of a communication link independent of other communication links, thereby supporting a continuous connection between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of August 8, 2023, application number 202380029109.5, and invention name "Method, module and storage medium for changing the communication link of multi-link devices in mobile wireless local area networks". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to multi-link devices in wireless networks, and more particularly to methods for changing communication links of multi-link devices in wireless networks. Background Art

[0003] A multi-link device (MLD) is a network element that communicates with peer MLDs over multiple communication links. An MLD that provides access point (AP) functionality is often referred to as an AP MLD. Non-AP MLDs use subordinate stations (STAs) to communicate with AP MLDs over wireless media, and AP MLDs, in turn, use subordinate APs.

[0004] MLDs can support multiple radios operating simultaneously, with each radio operating in one or more frequency bands. MLDs can establish connections with other MLDs across multiple radios. Each connection is called a communication link.

[0005] Wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, can be configured for MLD for various operating modes, including non-AP MLD and AP MLD operating in multi-link operation (MLO) mode, in which devices communicate over multiple independent wireless connections or communication links, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. , a STA that is not affiliated with an AP MLD and an AP that is affiliated with an AP MLD communicate through a single communication link.

[0006] Typically, when a non-AP MLD associates with an AP MLD, a set of communication links is negotiated. Each communication link maps the non-AP MLD's subordinate STAs to the AP MLD's subordinate APs. The communication link mapping between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is fixed, and the non-AP MLD is associated with the AP MLD. If one of the communication links between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD needs to be changed, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD are disassociated, terminating all communication links and temporarily losing network connectivity. The two devices then reassociate to establish a new communication link. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to multi-link devices (MLDs), including access point (AP) MLDs and non-AP MLDs. Specifically, the present invention relates to modules, systems, and methods for changing a first communication link between a first subordinate station (STA) of a non-AP MLD and a first subordinate AP of an AP MLD to a second communication link between the first subordinate STA of the non-AP MLD and a second subordinate AP of the non-AP MLD, while maintaining a third communication link between the second subordinate STA of the non-AP MLD and a third subordinate AP of the APMLD. More specifically, the present invention provides modules, systems, and methods for changing a communication link independently of other communication links, thereby supporting a continuous connection between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD.

[0008] In one broad aspect of the present invention, a method is provided, comprising changing a first communication link between a first subordinate station of a first device and a first subordinate AP of a second device to a second communication link between the first subordinate station of the first device and a second subordinate AP of the second device, while maintaining a third communication link between the second subordinate station of the first device and a third subordinate AP of the second device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of activating one or more subordinate APs of the second device from a deactivated state to an activated state when the adjacent first device is detected.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes the following steps: the first device sends a communication link configuration request management frame to the second device to request that the first communication link be changed to the second communication link.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the second device sending a communication link configuration response management frame to the first device to confirm changing the first communication link to the second communication link.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the second device sending a communication link configuration query management frame to the first device to suggest changing the first communication link to the second communication link.

[0013] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration request management frame includes the following fields: category, communication link configuration action, dialog token, current communication link information, and new communication link information.

[0014] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration response management frame includes the following fields: category, communication link configuration action, dialog token, and new communication link information.

[0015] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration query management frame includes the following fields: category, communication link configuration action, dialog token, current communication link information, and new communication link information.

[0016] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration response management frame further includes a group key of the second subordinate AP for decrypting data of the second subordinate AP.

[0017] In some embodiments, for a network using the IEEE 802.11 protocol for multi-link operation, the second device is an AP MLD and the first device is a non-AP MLD.

[0018] In some embodiments, the IEEE 802.11 protocol is IEEE 802.11be.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more subordinate APs of the second device is configured to operate in a dedicated service mode.

[0020] In some embodiments, the dedicated service mode includes one of 6 GHz, emergency preparedness communications service (EPSC), and enhanced broadcast service (EBCS).

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more subordinate APs of the second device is configured to operate in at least one serving mode.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one service mode includes one or more of millimeter wave (mmWave), directional multi-gigabit (DMG), China directional multi-gigabit (CDMG) and enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG).

[0023] In one broad aspect of the present invention, a module is provided, comprising a second device comprising a plurality of subordinate APs, each subordinate AP being configured to establish a communication link with a subordinate site of a first device, wherein the second device is configured to independently change each communication link between a subordinate AP and a subordinate site.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second device is configured to send a communication link configuration query management frame to the first device to suggest changing the communication link.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second device is configured to send the communication link configuration query management frame upon detecting an increase in packet errors, environmental conditions, or other events that support changing the communication link.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second device is configured to send a communication link configuration response management frame to the first device to confirm the change of the communication link.

[0027] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration response management frame includes a group key of the subordinate AP for decrypting the information of the subordinate AP.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more of the subordinate APs are configured to activate upon detecting a proximate first device.

[0029] In some embodiments, for a network using the IEEE 802.11 protocol for multi-link operation, the second device is an AP MLD.

[0030] In some embodiments, the IEEE 802.11 protocol is IEEE 802.11be.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of subordinate APs are configured to operate in a dedicated service mode.

[0032] In some embodiments, the dedicated service mode includes one of 6 GHz, EPSC, and EBCS.

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of subordinate APs are configured to operate in at least one serving mode.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one service mode includes one or more of mmWave, DMG, CDMG, and EDMG.

[0035] In one broad aspect of the present invention, a module is provided, comprising a first device for providing a plurality of subordinate sites, each subordinate site for establishing a communication link with a subordinate AP of a second device, wherein the first device is for independently changing each communication link between the subordinate site and the subordinate AP.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first device is configured to send a communication link configuration request management frame to the second device to request a change in the communication link.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first device is configured to send the communication link configuration request management frame upon detecting an increase in packet errors, environmental conditions, or other events that support changing the communication link, or a newly available affiliated AP.

[0038] In some embodiments, for a network using the IEEE 802.11 protocol for multi-link operation, the first device is a non-AP MLD.

[0039] In some embodiments, the IEEE 802.11 protocol is IEEE 802.11be.

[0040] In one broad aspect of the present invention, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided, comprising computer-executable instructions for managing communication links of an MLD, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause a processing structure to perform actions comprising: changing a first communication link between a first subordinate station of a first device and a first subordinate AP of a second device to a second communication link between the first subordinate station of the first device and a second subordinate AP of the second device, while maintaining a third communication link between the second subordinate station of the first device and a third subordinate AP of the second device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the one or more storage media are further configured to: upon detecting a neighboring first device, activate one or more subordinate APs of the second device from a deactivated state to an activated state.

[0042] In some embodiments, the one or more storage media are further configured for: the first device to send a communication link configuration request management frame to the second device to request that the first communication link be changed to the second communication link.

[0043] In some embodiments, the one or more storage media are further configured to: the second device sends a communication link configuration response management frame to the first device to confirm changing the first communication link to the second communication link.

[0044] In some embodiments, the one or more storage media are further configured to: the second device sends a communication link configuration query management frame to the first device to suggest changing the first communication link to the second communication link.

[0045] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration request management frame includes the following fields: category, communication link configuration action, dialog token, current communication link information, and new communication link information.

[0046] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration response management frame includes the following fields: category, communication link configuration action, dialog token, and new communication link information.

[0047] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration query management frame includes the following fields: category, communication link configuration action, dialog token, current communication link information, and new communication link information.

[0048] In some embodiments, the communication link configuration response management frame further includes a group key of the second subordinate AP for decrypting data of the second subordinate AP.

[0049] In some embodiments, for a network using the IEEE 802.11 protocol for multi-link operation, the second device is an AP MLD and the first device is a non-AP MLD.

[0050] In some embodiments, the IEEE 802.11 protocol is IEEE 802.11be.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more subordinate APs of the second device is configured to operate in a dedicated service mode.

[0052] In some embodiments, the dedicated service mode includes one of 6 GHz, EPSC, and EBCS.

[0053] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more subordinate APs of the second device is configured to operate in at least one serving mode.

[0054] In some embodiments, the at least one service mode includes one or more of mmWave, DMG, CDMG, and EDMG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a prior art multi-link device (MLD) pair;

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a prior art MLD pair;

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an MLD pair including an access point (AP) MLD and an associated non-AP MLD;

[0059] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of an MLD pair, where the communication link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD is changed;

[0060] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of an MLD pair, where the communication link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD is changed;

[0061] Figure 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of changing a communication link between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD;

[0062] Figure 7 is a diagram of an embodiment of a link configuration response management frame;

[0063] Figure 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of a link configuration query management frame;

[0064] Figure 9 is a diagram of an embodiment of a link configuration request management frame;

[0065] Figure 10 is an exemplary diagram of a communication flow between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD for changing a communication link initiated by the non-AP MLD;

[0066] Figure 11 is an exemplary diagram of a communication flow between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD for changing a communication link initiated by the AP MLD;

[0067] Figure 12 is a diagram of an embodiment of an MLD pair including an AP MLD and an associated non-AP MLD, wherein the AP MLD includes two disabled subordinate APs;

[0068] Figure 13 yes Figure 12Schematic diagram of an MLD pair, where two disabled subordinate APs are enabled;

[0069] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Figure 1. Schematic diagram of an MLD pair, where the communication link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD is changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.Exemplary terms are defined below to facilitate understanding of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0071] In the embodiments disclosed herein, a network includes two or more devices interconnected by communication links (via cables, wireless connections, and / or other means) for sharing resources, information, and the like. In the embodiments disclosed herein, a multi-link device (MLD) is a device connected to one or more devices via two or more communication links. In the embodiments disclosed herein, a multi-link network is a network that includes one or more MLDs.

[0072] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is an association for the electronics and electrical engineering profession that develops communications standards. The IEEE 802.11 standard, part of the IEEE 802 standard for local area network technology, specifies the media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) protocols used to implement wireless local area networks (WLANs). IEEE 802.11be, an amendment to the IEEE 802.11 standard, can include multi-link operation (MLO), in which two MLDs communicate over one or more independent wireless connections or communication links.

[0073] In the embodiments disclosed herein, an access point (AP) or wireless AP is a device that acts as a portal for other devices to connect to one or more other networks. In some embodiments, an AP provides interconnection between wireless devices and other wireless / wired networks containing devices. APs are often used to extend the wireless coverage of existing networks and increase the number of users or devices that can connect to a WLAN.

[0074] In the embodiments disclosed herein, a station (STA) is a device for connecting to one or more APs. A STA can be fixed, mobile, or portable. Based on transmission characteristics, a STA can also be referred to as a wireless client, node, and / or transmitter or receiver. IEEE 802.11-2020 specifies that a STA is any device that includes an IEEE 802.11-compliant MAC and PHY interface for connecting to a wireless medium.

[0075] In the embodiments disclosed herein, an MLD is a network element that communicates with a peer MLD via two or more communication links. An MLD that provides AP functionality is typically referred to as an AP MLD. A non-AP MLD includes subordinate STAs, which communicate with subordinate APs in an AP MLD via wireless media. An MLD can support simultaneous operation of multiple radios within multiple frequency bands. An MLD can establish connections across multiple radios, which are referred to as communication links.

[0076] As used herein, "affiliated" means physically connected to, integrated with, or logically connected to another device, component, element, etc. As used herein, a subordinate AP can be physically, logically, or otherwise connected to or used by an AP MLD, and reference to a subordinate AP is equivalent to an AP affiliated with an AP MLD. Similarly, a subordinate STA can be physically, logically, or otherwise connected to or used by a non-AP MLD, and reference to a subordinate STA is equivalent to a STA affiliated with a non-AP MLD.

[0077] In the embodiments disclosed herein, an AP MLD may also be referred to as a multi-link AP, a multi-link AP device, and / or an AP multi-link device. A non-AP MLD associated with a non-AP STA may be referred to as a multi-link STA, a multi-link STA device, or a STA multi-link device.

[0078] In the embodiments disclosed herein, MLD supports simultaneous operation of multiple radios within multiple frequency bands. MLD can establish connections across multiple radios, called communication links. STAs affiliated with non-AP MLDs can communicate with APs affiliated with AP MLDs over a single communication link.

[0079] When a non-AP MLD is associated with an AP MLD, a set of communication links is negotiated, where each communication link maps a subordinate STA in the non-AP MLD to a subordinate AP in the AP MLD. Typically, the communication link mapping between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is fixed, and the non-AP MLD is associated with the AP MLD. Figure 1A prior art MLD pair 100, which may form part of a wireless network, includes an AP MLD 102 and an associated non-AP MLD 120. The AP MLD 102 includes a first subordinate AP (AP-1) 104 and a second subordinate AP (AP-2) 106, and the non-AP MLD 120 includes a first subordinate STA (STA-1) 122 and a second subordinate STA (STA-2) 124. The first subordinate AP 104 and the first subordinate STA 122 are configured to operate at 2.4 GHz, while the second subordinate AP 106 and the second subordinate STA 124 are configured to operate at 5 GHz. The first subordinate AP 104 and the first subordinate STA 122 form a first communication link 130, and the second subordinate AP 106 and the second subordinate STA 124 form a second communication link 132. When the AP MLD 102 associates with the non-AP MLD 120, the first communication link 130 and the second connection link 132 are established.

[0080] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, methods, and MLD modules related to MLD, including circuits and software for performing processes. As will be described in detail below, "module" as an explanatory term refers to a hardware structure for performing a defined operation or process, such as a circuit implemented using, for example, electrical and / or optical technology (and more specifically, semiconductor examples). A "module" may also refer to a combination of a hardware structure and a software structure, wherein the hardware structure may be implemented in a general manner using technology such as electrical and / or optical technology (and more specifically, semiconductor examples) for performing a defined operation or process in accordance with a software structure in the form of an instruction set stored in one or more non-transitory, computer-readable storage devices or media.

[0081] As will be described in detail below, the MLD module can be part of a device, apparatus, system, etc., wherein the MLD module can be coupled to or integrated with other parts of the device, apparatus, or system, such that the combination thereof forms the device, apparatus, or system. Alternatively, the MLD module can be implemented as a standalone encryption / decryption device or apparatus.

[0082] The MLD module executes processes, including those for establishing and changing communication links. Here, a process has a general meaning equivalent to a method and does not necessarily correspond to the concept of a computing process (which is an instance of an executing computer program). More specifically, a process here is a defined method for processing data (e.g., sending and receiving management frames, etc.) implemented using hardware components. A process may include or use one or more designed functions to process data. Here, a function is a defined sub-process or sub-method for computing or otherwise processing input data in a defined manner and generating or otherwise producing output data.

[0083] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the MLD process disclosed herein may be implemented as one or more software and / or firmware programs having the necessary computer-executable code or instructions and stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media, which may be any volatile and / or non-volatile, non-removable or removable storage devices, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state memory devices, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, flash memory devices, etc. The MLD module may read the computer-executable code from the storage device and execute the computer-executable code to perform the encryption and / or decryption process.

[0084] Alternatively, the MLD process disclosed herein may be implemented as one or more hardware structures having necessary electrical and / or optical components, circuits, logic gates, integrated circuit (IC) chips, and the like.

[0085] Figure 2 An embodiment of a prior art MLD pair 100 is shown, which may form part of a wireless network and includes an AP MLD 102 and an associated non-AP MLD 120. The AP MLD 102 includes three subordinate APs: a first subordinate AP (AP1) 104 for operating at 2.4 GHz, a second subordinate AP (AP2) 106 for operating at 5 GHz, and a third subordinate AP (AP3) 108 for operating at 5 GHz. The non-AP MLD 120 includes two subordinate STAs: a first subordinate STA (STA1) 122 for operating at 2.4 GHz, and a second subordinate STA (STA2) 124 for operating at 5 GHz. As described above, when a non-AP MLD associates with an AP MLD, one or more communication links are negotiated and established between the subordinate APs of the AP MLD and the subordinate STAs of the non-AP MLD. Figure 2 , a first communication link 130 is established between the first subordinate AP 104 and the first subordinate STA 122, a second communication link 132 is established between the second subordinate AP 106 and the second subordinate STA 124, and the third subordinate AP 108 is not connected and is available.

[0086] In some embodiments, the AP MLD, non-AP MLD, and / or another device can monitor network conditions to determine whether modifying the communication link would improve quality. For example, this can be the result of monitoring environmental factors such as data traffic volume, packet errors, available APs and STAs, etc. Changes in conditions can also be the result of physical migration of devices (including non-AP MLDs), environmental changes, or other events.

[0087] In some embodiments, during operation of the MLD pair 100, it is determined that the third subordinate AP 108 provides a better quality communication link with the second subordinate STA 124 than the second subordinate AP 106. To change the communication link between the AP MLD 102 and the associated non-AP MLD 120, it is first necessary to disassociate the AP MLD 102 from the non-AP MLD 120. After disassociation, the AP MLD 102 and the non-AP MLD 120 can reassociate using a new or remapped communication link. The disassociation and reassociation or renegotiation between the AP MLD 102 and the non-AP MLD 120 results in a temporary loss of network connectivity in the first communication link 130 and the second communication link 132.

[0088] See also Figure 2 To change the second communication link 132 of the second subordinate STA 124 from the second subordinate AP 106 to the third subordinate AP 108, the AP MLD 102 and the non-AP MLD 120 will first disassociate. As previously described, this means that the network connection is temporarily suspended, and the security association between the AP MLD 102 and the non-AP MLD 120 is lost. When the non-AP MLD 120 successfully re-associates with the AP MLD 102, the first communication link 130 is maintained between the first subordinate AP 104 and the first subordinate STA 122, and the second communication link 132 is remapped from the second subordinate AP 106 and the second subordinate STA 124 to the third subordinate AP 108 and the second subordinate STA 124.

[0089] In some embodiments disclosed herein, subordinate APs use different group security keys to encrypt and encapsulate group-addressed traffic. When non-AP MLD 120 changes its link mapping with AP MLD 102, non-AP MLD 120 needs to receive an updated group key based on the new communication link mapping. As a result of this remapping, a new security association is established between AP MLD 102 and non-AP MLD 120.

[0090] refer to Figure 3In an embodiment of the present invention, an MLD pair 200 that can form part of a wireless network includes an AP MLD 202 and a non-AP MLD 220. The AP MLD includes a first subordinate AP (AP1) 204 for operating at 2.4 GHz, a second subordinate AP (AP2) 206 for operating at 5 GHz, a third subordinate AP (AP3) 208 for operating at 2.4 GHz, and a fourth subordinate AP (AP4) 210 for operating at 5 GHz. The non-AP MLD 220 includes a first subordinate STA (STA1) 222 and a second subordinate STA (STA2) 224. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the MLD pair 200 is connected to a local area network (LAN) 240, which can be connected to one or more other devices including a wired gateway 250.

[0091] Although Figure 3 One AP MLD 202 is depicted, but the wireless network may include any number of additional AP MLDs and additional non-AP MLDs, each AP MLD including one or more subordinate APs, wherein each AP is configured to operate at one or more operating frequencies, and each non-AP MLD including one or more subordinate STAs, wherein each subordinate STA is configured to operate at one or more operating frequencies.

[0092] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the non-AP MLD 220 may change the communication link mapping of the first dependent STA 222 or the second dependent STA 224 to the dependent AP of the AP MLD 202 using a message exchange that occurs while the non-AP MLD remains associated without a corresponding loss of network connectivity, wherein the message exchange occurs over an unchanged communication link.

[0093] By updating the communication link mappings of the subordinate STAs, the non-AP MLD 220 can optimize the use of the multiple radio resources of the AP MLD 202. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the group key associated with the new communication link mapping can also be updated using a message exchange. In addition, the AP MLD 202 can more efficiently manage its radio resources by using a message exchange to recommend to one or more associated non-AP MLDs that their communication links be dynamically changed to optimize performance.

[0094] refer to Figure 3In the embodiment disclosed herein, the AP MLD 202 includes two subordinate APs operating at 2.4 GHz: a first subordinate AP 204 and a third subordinate AP 208, and two subordinate APs operating at 5 GHz: a second subordinate AP 206 and a fourth subordinate AP 210. In one embodiment, the first subordinate STA 222 of the non-AP MLD 220 is configured to operate at 2.4 GHz, and the second subordinate STA 224 of the non-AP MLD 220 is configured to operate at 5 GHz. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the APMLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 220 are associated, wherein a first communication link 230 is established between the first subordinate AP 204 and the first subordinate STA 222, and a second communication link 232 is established between the second subordinate AP 206 and the second subordinate STA 224.

[0095] In the embodiments disclosed herein, an AP MLD in a plurality of AP MLDs is distributed throughout a coverage area, and the AP MLD includes multiple subordinate APs. This may be an example of an AP MLD forming part of a WLAN in an enterprise or large home. In the embodiments disclosed herein, a non-AP MLD (having fewer subordinate STAs than the number of subordinate APs in the AP MLD) is associated with the AP MLD. Figure 3 The MLD pair 200 includes four available subordinate APs in the AP MLD 202.

[0096] When non-AP MLD 220 moves within the coverage area of AP MLD 202 or the wireless environment changes, non-AP MLD 220 can change its communication link configuration to use other subordinate APs of the same AP MLD 220 while maintaining its association with AP MLD 202 to optimize its communication link quality.

[0097] In one exemplary embodiment, reference Figure 3 After the association between the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 220, a first communication link 230 is established between the first subordinate AP 204 and the first subordinate STA 222, and a second communication link 232 is established between the second subordinate AP 206 and the second subordinate STA 224. It should be noted that the third subordinate AP 208 and the fourth subordinate AP 210 are not mapped to the subordinate STAs of the non-AP MLD 220.

[0098] As a result of physical movement, environmental changes, or other events, the non-AP MLD 220 initiates a change in the second communication link 232. Figure 4, the second subordinate STA 224 associates with the fourth subordinate AP 210 to establish a third communication link 234. It should be noted that during the transition from the second communication link 232 to the third communication link 234, the first communication link 230 between the first subordinate AP 204 and the first subordinate STA 222 is maintained, thereby maintaining communication between the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 220, including communication for message exchange. After the transition from the second communication link 232 to the third communication link 234, the second subordinate AP 206 is no longer mapped to a subordinate STA of the AP MLD 202.

[0099] As a result of other physical movement, environmental changes, or other events, the non-AP MLD 220 initiates a change in the first communication link 230. Figure 5 , the first subordinate STA 222 associates with the third subordinate AP 208 to establish a fourth communication link 234. It should be noted that during the transition from the first communication link 230 to the fourth communication link 236, the third communication link 234 between the fourth subordinate AP 210 and the second subordinate STA 224 is maintained, thereby maintaining communication between the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 220, including communication for message exchange. After the transition from the first communication link 230 to the fourth communication link 236, the first subordinate AP 204 is no longer mapped to a subordinate STA of the AP MLD 202.

[0100] The method disclosed herein can be applied to directional multi-gigabit (DMG), China directional multi-gigabit (CDMG), and enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) communication links, where the coverage area is typically limited and the subordinate APs in the applicable frequency bands are supported to use highly directional antennas.

[0101] Figure 6Steps of an embodiment of a method 600 for changing a communication link between an AP MLD 202 and a non-AP MLD 220 are shown. Method 600 begins with step 602: changing a first communication link between a first affiliated station of a first device and a first affiliated AP of a second device to a second communication link between the first affiliated station of the first device and a second affiliated AP of the second device, while maintaining a third communication link between the second affiliated station of the first device and a third affiliated AP of the second device. In step 604, optionally, upon detecting a neighboring first device, one or more affiliated APs of the second device are activated from a deactivated state to an activated state. In step 606, optionally, the first device sends a communication link configuration request management frame to the second device requesting the change of the first communication link to the second communication link. In step 608, optionally, the second device sends a communication link configuration response management frame to the first device confirming the change of the first communication link to the second communication link. In step 610, optionally, the second device sends a communication link configuration query management frame to the first device to propose the change of the first communication link to the second communication link.

[0102] When a non-AP MLD associates with an AP MLD, the association maps the AP to the STA communication link. The AP MLD assigns the link ID and maps the AP MAC address to the STA MAC address.

[0103] The IEEE 802.11 standard generally uses three types of frames: management frames, control frames, and data frames. Management frames are generally used to manage the basic service set (BSS), control frames control access to the medium, and data frames contain information payloads. Basic service set management includes probing, associating, roaming within the BSS, and disconnecting clients from the BSS. In the embodiments disclosed herein, messages exchanged regarding changes to the communication link between the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 220 take the form of management frames.

[0104] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the remapping of the communication links described above requires updating the communication link mapping. In the embodiments disclosed herein, this is achieved using three management frames: a link configuration request management frame, a link configuration response management frame, and a link configuration query management frame. A link configuration request management frame is sent by a non-AP MLD to an AP MLD to request a configuration change for one or more of its communication links. A link configuration response management frame is sent by an AP MLD in response to a link configuration request management frame received from a non-AP MLD to change its communication link configuration. A link configuration query management frame is sent by an AP MLD to suggest that the non-AP MLD change its communication link configuration to a proposed new communication link mapping. A non-AP MLD that receives a link configuration query management frame can send a link configuration request management frame to change the communication link configuration based on the suggestion.

[0105] Figure 7 An exemplary frame format of a link configuration request management frame 700 is shown, including the following fields: category 702, link configuration action 704, conversation token 706, current link information 708, and new link information 710. Category field 702 is set to the link configuration value in Table 9-79 of IEEE 802.11-2020. For link configuration request frame 700, link configuration action field 704 is set to 0. Conversation token field 706 can be set to any integer between 0 and 255. Current link information field 708 includes a basic variation of the multilink element of IEEE 802.11be D1.5, which conveys the current mapping of each communication link. New link information field 710 includes a basic variation of the multilink element, which conveys the requested mapping of each communication link.

[0106] Figure 8 An exemplary frame of a Link Configuration Response Management Frame 800 is shown, including the following fields: Category 802, Link Configuration Action 804, Dialogue Token 806, Status 808, New Link Information 810, and Key Transport 812. Category field 802 is set to the link configuration value in Table 9-79 of IEEE 802.11-2020. Link Configuration Action field 804 is set to 1. Dialogue Token field 806 can be set to any integer between 0 and 255. Status field 808 indicates the result of the request, which can be: success, rejection, or new mapping proposal. When the result of the request is a new mapping proposal, New Link Information field 810 is conditionally present and includes a basic variant of the Multilink Element that conveys the proposed alternative mapping. It should be noted that the proposed alternative requires the non-AP MLD to send a new Link Configuration Request frame.

[0107] Optionally, the AP MLD may include updates to cryptographic material associated with the communication link, such as the group temporal key (GTK), integrity group temporal key (IGTK), and beacon integrity group temporal key (BIGTK). These keys may be included in the Key Delivery field 812 of the Key Delivery Element (KDE) defined in section 9.4.2.185 of the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0108] Figure 9 An exemplary frame of a link configuration query frame 900 is shown, including the following fields: category 902, link configuration action 904, conversation token 906, current link information 908, and new link information 910. Category field 902 is set to the link configuration value in Table 9-79 of IEEE 802.11-2020. For query frames, link configuration action field 904 is set to 2. Conversation token field 906 can be set to any integer between 0 and 255. Current link information field 908 includes a basic variation of the multilink element, which conveys the current mapping for each communication link. New link information field 910 includes a basic variation of the multilink element, which conveys the requested mapping for each communication link. It should be noted that the proposed alternative would require the non-AP MLD to issue a new link configuration request frame to request a change in its link mapping.

[0109] Figure 10 An exemplary method 1000 is shown for reconfiguring a communication link between a non-AP MLD 220 and an AP MLD 202 using management frames, wherein the communication link change is initiated by the non-AP MLD 220. Method 1000 begins at step 1008, where the non-AP MLD 220 identifies a communication link change. At step 1010, a Link Configuration Request management frame is sent from the non-AP MLD 220 to the AP MLD 202. At step 1012, the AP MLD provides status and sends group key information for the new communication link. At step 1014, a Link Configuration Response management frame is sent from the AP MLD 202 to the non-AP MLD 220. At step 1016, the non-AP MLD 220 updates the communication link.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, reference Figure 10AP MLD 202 may initiate communication link reconfiguration by sending a Link Configuration Request management frame to non-AP MLD 220, which then sends a Link Configuration Response management frame. The group key update may be included in the Link Configuration Request management frame from AP MLD 202 or in another message.

[0111] Figure 11 An exemplary method 1100 is shown for reconfiguring a communication link between a non-AP MLD 220 and an AP MLD 202 using management frames, wherein the communication link change is initiated by the AP MLD 202. Method 1100 begins at step 1102, where the AP MLD 202 identifies a communication link change. At step 1104, a Link Configuration Query management frame is sent from the AP MLD 202 to the non-AP MLD 220. At step 1106, the non-AP MLD 220 confirms the communication link change. At step 1108, a Link Configuration Request management frame is sent from the non-AP MLD 220 to the AP MLD 202. At step 1110, the AP MLD provides status and sends group key information for the new communication link. At step 1112, a Link Configuration Response management frame is sent from the AP MLD 202 to the non-AP MLD 220. At step 1114, the non-AP MLD 220 updates the communication link.

[0112] In the embodiments disclosed herein, subordinate APs use different group keys to encrypt and encapsulate group-addressed traffic. In the embodiments disclosed herein, when a non-AP MLD changes its communication link mapping with an AP MLD, the non-AP MLD needs to receive the updated group key (the rest of the security association between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD remains unchanged) in order to successfully receive group-addressed traffic on that communication link.

[0113] In an embodiment, KDE is included in the link configuration response management frame 800 to update cryptographic material (eg, group key) without requiring an additional protocol exchange of cryptographic material associated with each new communication link (eg, group key handshake).

[0114] In the embodiments disclosed herein, two or more subordinate APs of an AP MLD may also be deployed in the same location, physically co-located, or distributed in similar coverage areas. The subordinate APs of an AP MLD may be dynamically disabled / enabled based on operating conditions. For example, some subordinate APs may be configured to have dedicated service modes (e.g., 6 GHz, emergency preparedness communications service (EPSC), or enhanced broadcast service (EBCS) only). In another example, when a non-AP MLD is close, a millimeter wave (mmWave) AP (e.g., DMG, EDMG, CDMG) may be dynamically enabled.

[0115] In the embodiments disclosed herein, a non-AP MLD uses subordinate STAs to establish multiple communication links with distributed subordinate APs. In addition, the communication links can be remapped according to service conditions.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the non-AP MLD 220 may change the communication link from the 5 GHz UNII 1 band to the 5 GHz UNII 3 band, such as Figures 12 to 14 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, an MLD pair 200 includes an AP MLD 202 and a non-AP MLD 220. The AP MLDs include a first subordinate AP (AP1) 204 for operating at 2.4 GHz, a second subordinate AP (AP2) 206 for operating at 5 GHz UNII 1 band, a third subordinate AP (AP3) 208 for operating at 5 GHz UNII 3 band, and a fourth subordinate AP (AP4) 210 for operating at 6 GHz. The non-AP MLD 220 includes a first subordinate STA (STA1) 222 and a second subordinate STA (STA2) 224. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the MLD pair 200 is connected to a local area network (LAN) 240, which can be connected to one or more other devices including a wired gateway 250.

[0117] exist Figure 12 , a first communication link 230 is established between the first subordinate AP 204 and the first subordinate STA 222, a second communication link 232 is established between the second subordinate AP 206 and the second subordinate STA 224, and the third subordinate AP 208 and the fourth subordinate AP 210 are disabled.

[0118] exist Figure 13In FIG. 7 , AP MLD 202 enables third and fourth subordinate APs 208 and 210, and non-AP MLD 220 determines that third subordinate AP 208 provides better service than second subordinate AP 206. As a result, non-AP MLD 220 sends a link configuration request management frame 700 to AP MLD 202 to request a change in its communication link mapping. If the AP MLD includes a subordinate AP that supports mmWave technology (e.g., DMG, EDMG, or CDMG), and the non-AP MLD supports this technology, the non-AP MLD can use the methods disclosed above to initiate the non-AP MLD to update its configuration to establish a connection on the mmWave-supported subordinate AP.

[0119] refer to Figure 14 , the second subordinate STA 224 associates with the third subordinate AP 208 to establish a third communication link 236. It should be noted that during the transition from the second communication link 232 to the third communication link 236, the first communication link 230 between the first subordinate AP 204 and the first subordinate STA 222 is maintained, so as to maintain communication between the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 220. After the transition from the second communication link 232 to the third communication link 236, the second subordinate AP 206 is no longer mapped to a subordinate STA of the APMLD 202. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the new resource AP MLD 202 is deployed by enabling the third subordinate AP 208 and the fourth subordinate AP 210.

[0120] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the second device, the method includes: The first communication link between the first affiliated site of the first device and the first affiliated access point AP of the second device is changed to a second communication link between the first affiliated site of the first device and the second affiliated AP of the second device, while maintaining the third communication link between the second affiliated site of the first device and the third affiliated AP of the second device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: When a neighboring first device is detected, one or more subordinate APs of the second device are activated from a deactivated state to an activated state.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A communication link configuration response management frame is sent to the first device to confirm changing the first communication link to the second communication link.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The communication link configuration response management frame includes the following fields: Category, communication link configuration action, dialog token and new communication link information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The communication link configuration response management frame further includes a group key of the second subordinate AP for decrypting data of the second subordinate AP.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A communication link configuration query management frame is sent to the first device to suggest changing the first communication link to the second communication link.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The communication link configuration query management frame includes the following fields: category, communication link configuration action, dialogue token, current communication link information and new communication link information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The second device is an AP multi-link device (MLD), and the first device is a non-AP MLD.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first device and the second device are applied to a network using the IEEE 802.11be protocol.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that At least one of the one or more subordinate APs of the second device is configured to operate in a dedicated service mode.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The dedicated service mode includes one of 6 GHz, Emergency Preparedness Communication Service EPSC and Enhanced Broadcast Service EBCS.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that At least one of the one or more subordinate APs of the second device is configured to operate in at least one serving mode.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The at least one service mode includes one or more of millimeter wave (mmWave), directional multi-gigabit (DMG), China directional multi-gigabit (CDMG), and enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG).

14. A multi-link device, characterized in that: Comprising means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, characterized in that The computer-executable instructions are configured to cause a processing structure to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 when the computer-executable instructions are executed.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions so as to cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that The invention comprises a computer program which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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