Communication method and related device

Abstract

A communication method and a related device are applied to a wireless local area network system supporting an IEEE 802.11 ax next generation Wi-Fi protocol, such as 802.11 be, Wi-Fi 7 or EHT, such as 802.11 be next generation, Wi-Fi 8, UHR, Wi-Fi AI and other 802.11 series protocols, and can also be applied to an ultra-bandwidth-based wireless personal local area network system and a sensing system. The AP MLD sends at least one first frame on at least one first link; the first frame indicates the effective starting time of the service identifier and link mapping; when the service identifier and the link mapping indicate that the second link is closed, the time for closing the second link by the AP MLD is not earlier than the time point Tb; when the service identifier and the link mapping indicate that the second link is opened, the time for opening the second link by the AP MLD is not later than the time point Ta; ta is earlier than Tb. The communication reliability can be improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202310790310.7, and the original application date is June 28, 2023. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related devices. Background Art

[0003] With the development of wireless technology, more and more wireless devices support multi-link communication, such as communicating on the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz frequency bands at the same time, or communicating on different channels of the same frequency band at the same time, thereby improving the communication rate between wireless devices. Devices that support multi-link communication are usually called multi-link devices (MLD).

[0004] Before MLD and MLD can communicate on multiple links, they need to establish multiple links (or associate multiple links). In order to better manage services, traffic ID (TID) and link mapping (TID-to-link mapping) can be performed to provide different services for different services. Generally speaking, the traffic ID and link mapping are carried in the TID-to-Link Mapping element.

[0005] According to the 802.11be standard, an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) can indicate the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping through the mapping switch time field in the TID-to-Link Mapping element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame, where the indicated effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping can be the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) indicated by the delivery traffic indication map (DTIM) beacon frame of any link. It is understandable that the TBTT on a link (for example, link 1) is the time unit (TU) boundary of the link, but it is not necessarily the TU boundary of other links (for example, link 2, link 3, etc.) (this is because the values ​​of the time synchronization function (TSF) timers of different links are selected independently. When the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer of a link (for example, link 1) are 0, the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer of another link are not necessarily 0), and the time accuracy that can be indicated by the mapping switch time field in the TID-to-LinkMapping element is TU (1TU=1024us). This results in the mapping switch time field in the TID-to-Link Mapping element on one link not being able to indicate the TU boundary on another link, nor the TBTT of another link, that is, the APMLD cannot accurately indicate the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, which is not conducive to reliable communication between the AP MLD and the non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD). Summary of the invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and related devices, which are conducive to reliable communication between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to an AP MLD. The AP MLD may be the APMLD itself, or a module or chip in the AP MLD. The method includes: an AP MLD generates at least one first frame; the AP MLD sends the at least one first frame on at least one first link; wherein the first frame indicates the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping; when the service identifier and link mapping indicate that the second link is closed, the time when the APMLD closes the second link is not earlier than the time point Tb; or, when the service identifier and link mapping indicate that the second link is opened, the time when the AP MLD opens the second link is not later than the time point Ta; the Ta is earlier than the Tb, and the Ta and / or the Tb are determined according to the first time and / or the second time, the first time is the target beacon transmission time TBTT corresponding to the service indication map DTIM beacon frame of the third link, when the first link and the third link are the same, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame sent on the first link is the first time, when the first link and the third link are not the same, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame sent on the first link is the second time, and the second time is the time unit TU boundary on the first link.

[0008] It can be understood that if, according to the indication of the service identifier and link mapping, no service identifier (TID) is mapped to a link in any direction (including uplink and downlink), then the link will be closed; if, according to the indication of the service identifier and link mapping, there is a service identifier (TID) mapped to a link in any direction (including uplink and downlink), then the link will be opened.

[0009] In the present application, if it is determined that a certain link (for example, the second link is used as an example in the present application for schematic illustration) will be closed according to the indication of the service identifier and link mapping, then the AP MLD is closed the latest (that is, later than the closing time of all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD), so it can be guaranteed that the AP MLD can normally receive data / information from the non-AP MLD; if it is determined that a certain link (for example, the second link is used as an example in the present application for schematic illustration) is opened according to the indication of the service identifier and link mapping, then the AP MLD is opened the earliest (that is, earlier than the opening time of all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD), so it can be guaranteed that the AP MLD can normally receive data / information from the non-AP MLD. Based on this, the problem of unreliable communication between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD caused by the inconsistent understanding of the mapping effective time between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can be solved.

[0010] In a possible implementation, when the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is closed, the APMLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link later than Ta; or,

[0011] When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is started, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link before Tb.

[0012] In this implementation, if the second link is to be closed, then the AP MLD will not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link later than Ta, so it can be ensured that the non-AP MLD can normally receive data / information from the APMLD, which is beneficial to improve the reliability of communication between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. Similarly, if the second link is to be opened, then the AP MLD will not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link earlier than Tb, so it can also be ensured that the non-AP MLD can normally receive data / information from the AP MLD, which is beneficial to improve the reliability of communication between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0013] In a possible implementation, when the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is closed, the APMLD ends the transmission with the first non-AP MLD on the second link before Ta; or,

[0014] When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is enabled, the AP MLD can initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link only after Tb.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link when the time is later than the Ta and earlier than the Tb.

[0016] In this implementation, by limiting the AP MLD from initiating transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link when it is later than Ta and earlier than Tb (for example, within [Ta, Tb] or within (Ta, Tb)), it can be ensured that the non-AP MLD can normally receive data / information from the AP MLD, thereby improving the reliability of communication between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. It should be noted that this implementation is applicable when the second link is to be closed or the second link is to be opened.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

[0018] In this implementation, the second time is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link, which can reduce the time interval between Tb and Ta, so that the time period during which the AP MLD cannot initiate transmission to the non-AP MLD is smaller. It should be noted that different value methods of Tb and Ta are introduced below, so that the implementation scheme of the present application is more diverse and more applicable.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the second time is before the first time, and the second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the Ta is the difference between the first time and the length of TU, ​​and the Tb is the first time; or,

[0021] The Ta is the minimum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the Ta is a minimum time among all second times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the Ta is a maximum time among all second times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the second time is after the first time, and the second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the Ta is the first time, and the Tb is the sum of the first time and the length of TU; or,

[0026] The Ta is the first time, and the Tb is the maximum time of all second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD.

[0027] In a possible implementation, Ta is the first time, and Tb is the maximum time of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0028] In a possible implementation, Ta is the first time, and Tb is a minimum time among all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD and / or the first times.

[0029] In a possible implementation, Ta is the minimum time of all second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or the first time, and Tb is the maximum time of all second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or the first time.

[0030] In a possible implementation, Ta is the minimum time of all second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and Tb is the maximum time of all second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP MLD is all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD.

[0032] In this implementation, when the first non-AP MLD is all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communications with the AP MLD, the values ​​of Ta and Tb can be applicable to all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communications with the AP MLD, which is simple to operate and has a wide range of applicability.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP MLD is one of the non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD.

[0034] In this implementation, when the first non-AP MLD is one of the non-APMLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD, the values ​​of Ta and Tb are applicable to the non-AP MLD that has established multi-link communication with the AP MLD, and Tb-Ta can be reduced (i.e., the time interval between Tb and Ta is reduced), so that the time period in which the AP MLD cannot initiate transmission to the non-AP MLD is smaller.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the TU boundary is a time point when the lower 10 bits of a time synchronization function TSF timer are 0.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0037] In this implementation, when the first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame, the first frame may be broadcasted so that more non-AP MLDs may receive the first frame.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is indicated by a mapping switch time field in the first frame.

[0039] In a possible implementation, different first frames indicate different effective start times of the service identifiers and link mappings.

[0040] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a non-AP MLD, where the non-AP MLD may be the non-AP MLD itself, or a module or chip in the non-AP MLD. The method includes:

[0041] The non-AP MLD receives at least one first frame on at least one first link, where the first frame indicates a starting time when a mapping between a service identifier and a link takes effect;

[0042] The non-AP MLD determines a target effective start time of a mapping between a service identifier and a link according to the at least one first frame.

[0043] In the present application, the non-AP MLD may obtain multiple different time information from multiple first links (i.e., the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by each first frame in the multiple first frames). Therefore, the non-AP MLD can select one from the multiple different time information as the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping. Then, the non-AP MLD can use the selected target effective start time as the time for actually opening or closing a certain link (here, which link is opened or closed can be determined based on the relationship between the service identifier and the link mapping).

[0044] In a possible implementation, different first frames indicate different effective start times of the service identifiers and link mappings.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the non-AP MLD determines, according to the at least one first frame, a starting time at which the mapping of the service identifier and the link takes effect, including:

[0046] The non-AP MLD determines a valid start time of a service identifier and link mapping from the valid start time of at least one service identifier and link mapping indicated by the at least one first frame as the target valid start time of the service identifier and link mapping.

[0047] In this implementation, non-AP MLD can randomly select one from a plurality of different time information as the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, and the implementation is flexible.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is the maximum effective start time among the effective start times of the at least one service identifier and link mapping.

[0049] In this implementation, the non-AP MLD can select the largest one from a plurality of different time information as the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, which is conducive to shortening the time interval between Tb and Ta.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is the minimum effective start time of the effective start time of the at least one service identifier and link mapping.

[0051] In this implementation, the non-AP MLD can select the smallest one from a plurality of different time information as the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, which is conducive to shortening the time interval between Tb and Ta.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0053] In this implementation, when the first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame, the first frame may be broadcasted so that more non-AP MLDs may receive the first frame.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is indicated by a mapping switch time field in the first frame.

[0055] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be an AP MLD or a chip in the AP MLD, such as a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a processing unit, configured to generate at least one first frame; a transceiver unit, configured to send the at least one first frame on at least one first link; wherein the first frame indicates the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping; when the service identifier and link mapping indicate that the second link is closed, the time when the AP MLD closes the second link is not earlier than the time point Tb; or, when the service identifier and link mapping indicate that the second link is opened, the time when the AP MLD opens the second link is not later than the time point Ta; the Ta is earlier than the Tb, the Ta and / or the Tb are determined according to the first time and / or the second time, the first time is the target beacon transmission time TBTT corresponding to the service indication map DTIM beacon frame of the third link, when the first link and the third link are the same, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame sent on the first link is the first time, when the first link and the third link are not the same, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame sent on the first link is the second time, and the second time is the time unit TU boundary on the first link.

[0056] In a possible implementation, when the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is closed, the APMLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link later than Ta; or,

[0057] When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is started, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link before Tb.

[0058] In a possible implementation, when the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is closed, the APMLD ends the transmission with the first non-AP MLD on the second link before Ta; or,

[0059] When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is enabled, the AP MLD can initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link only after Tb.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link when the time is later than the Ta and earlier than the Tb.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the second time is before the first time, and the second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the Ta is the difference between the first time and the length of TU, ​​and the Tb is the first time; or,

[0064] The Ta is the minimum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the Ta is a minimum time among all second times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the Ta is a maximum time among all second times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

[0067] In a possible implementation, the second time is after the first time, and the second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

[0068] In a possible implementation, Ta is the first time, and Tb is the sum of the first time and the length of TU; or, Ta is the first time, and Tb is the maximum time of all second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD.

[0069] In a possible implementation, Ta is the first time, and Tb is the maximum time of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0070] In a possible implementation, Ta is the first time, and Tb is a minimum time among all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD and / or the first times.

[0071] In a possible implementation, the Ta is the minimum time of all second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or the first time, and the Tb is the maximum time of all second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or the first time.

[0072] In a possible implementation, Ta is the minimum time of all second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and Tb is the maximum time of all second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP MLD is all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP MLD is one of the non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD.

[0075] In a possible implementation, the TU boundary is a time point when the lower 10 bits of a time synchronization function TSF timer are 0.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0077] In a possible implementation, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is indicated by a mapping switch time field in the first frame.

[0078] In a possible implementation, different first frames indicate different effective start times of the service identifiers and link mappings.

[0079] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a non-AP MLD or a chip in a non-APMLD, such as a Wi-Fi chip. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit, configured to receive at least one first frame on at least one first link, wherein the first frame indicates an effective start time of a service identifier and a link mapping; and a processing unit, configured to determine a target effective start time of the service identifier and the link mapping according to the at least one first frame.

[0080] In a possible implementation, different first frames indicate different effective start times of the service identifiers and link mappings.

[0081] In a possible implementation, when determining the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping according to the at least one first frame, the processing unit is used to:

[0082] A valid start time of a service identifier and link mapping is determined from the valid start time of at least one service identifier and link mapping indicated by the at least one first frame as the target valid start time of the service identifier and link mapping.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is the maximum effective start time among the effective start times of the at least one service identifier and link mapping.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is the minimum effective start time of the effective start time of the at least one service identifier and link mapping.

[0085] In a possible implementation, the first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0086] In a possible implementation, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is indicated by a mapping switch time field in the first frame.

[0087] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor, and the processor is used to execute a computer program so that the communication device performs a method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0088] In one possible design, the communication device may be a chip that implements the method in the first aspect or the second aspect, or a device including a chip.

[0089] In one possible design, the communication device further includes a transceiver, and the processor is coupled to the transceiver.

[0090] In a possible design, the communication device further includes a memory. The processor is coupled to the memory, a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is further configured to call the computer program in the memory.

[0091] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor being used to implement a method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

[0092] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect is implemented.

[0093] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product. When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer executes the method described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0094] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD. The APMLD can be used to implement any method in the above first aspect, and the non-AP MLD is used to implement any method in the above second aspect.

[0095] The beneficial effects of the third to ninth aspects can be found in the relevant beneficial effects of the first to second aspects and will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of multi-link communication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Figure 3a It is a schematic diagram of a connection method between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of another connection method between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] Figure 3c is a schematic diagram of an antenna of an MLD provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a TID-to-link mapping element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which the mapping switch time field in the beacon frame indicates the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping;

[0105] Figure 7 It is a flow chart of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] Figure 8b is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] Figure 8c is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] Figure 8d is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] Figure 8e is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] Figure 9a is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] Figure 9b is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] Fig.9c is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] Figure 9d is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] Fig.9e is another scenario schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] Fig.10 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0117] Fig.11 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0118] Fig.12 It is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0119] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of the present application, the present application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0120] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are only used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0121] The "embodiment" mentioned in this article means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0122] In the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" means that two relationships may exist, such as only A exists, only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also mean that there are three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0123] The technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to WLAN systems, such as Wi-Fi, etc. The method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the IEEE 802.11 series of protocols, such as 802.11a / b / g protocol, 802.11n protocol, 802.11ac protocol, 802.11ax protocol, 802.11be protocol or the next generation of protocols, etc., which are not listed here one by one. The technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to wireless personal area networks (WPAN) based on ultra wideband (UWB) technology. The method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the IEEE802.15 series of protocols, such as 802.15.4a protocol, 802.15.4z protocol or 802.15.4ab protocol, or a future generation of UWB WPAN protocol, etc., which are not listed here one by one. The technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to various other communication systems, for example, it can be an Internet of Things (IoT) system, a vehicle to X (V2X), a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) system, devices applied to the vehicle network, IoT nodes, sensors, etc. in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras in smart homes, smart remote controls, smart water meters and electricity meters, as well as sensors in smart cities, etc., or it can also be applicable to long term evolution (LTE) systems, fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in the future development of communications.

[0124] WLAN systems can provide high-speed and low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of WLAN application scenarios, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry or the banking industry, corporate offices, sports stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, wards, classrooms, supermarkets, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, devices supporting WLAN communication or perception (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electric meters, and smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, display screens, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, speakers, etc.), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation desks in supermarkets, self-service cash registers, self-service ordering machines, etc.), and equipment in large sports and music venues, etc. For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, Internet of Things nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electric meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities, etc.

[0125] Although the embodiments of the present application mainly take WLAN as an example, especially the network applied to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, such as supporting Wi-Fi7, which can also be called an extremely high throughput (extremely high-throughput, EHT) system, and supporting Wi-Fi8, which can also be called an ultra-high reliability (ultra high reliability, UHR) or ultra-high reliability and throughput (ultra high reliability and throughput, UHRT) system. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the various aspects involved in the embodiments of the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols. For example, Bluetooth, high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe) and wide area network (WAN) or other networks now known or developed later. Therefore, regardless of the coverage and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0126] A multi-link device includes one or more subordinate sites, and the subordinate sites are logical sites that can work on a link, a frequency band, a channel, etc. The subordinate site can be an AP or a non-AP STA. For the convenience of description, the embodiment of the present application can refer to a multi-link device whose subordinate site is an AP as a multi-link AP or a multi-link AP device or an AP multi-link device (AP multi-link device, AP MLD). A multi-link device whose subordinate site is a non-AP STA is called a multi-link STA or a multi-link STA device or a STA multi-link device (STA multi-link device), or a multi-link device whose subordinate site is a non-AP STA is called a multi-link non-AP or a multi-link non-AP device or a non-AP multi-link device (non-AP multi-link device, non-AP MLD). A multi-link device (which can be either a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD here) is a communication device with a wireless communication function. The communication device can be a complete device, or it can be a chip or processing system installed in the complete device. Devices installed with these chips or processing systems can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application under the control of these chips or processing systems.

[0127] A multi-link device can implement wireless communication by following the 802.11 series of protocols, for example, by following Extremely High Throughput (EHT), or by following 802.11be-based or compatible 802.11be, etc., so as to achieve communication with other devices. Of course, other devices may or may not be multi-link devices.

[0128] Each logical site can work on a link, allowing multiple logical sites to work on the same link. The link identifier can represent a site working on a link, that is, if there are more than one logical site on a link, more than one link identifier can be used to represent them. The link identifier sometimes also represents the site working on the link. When a multi-link device transmits data with another multi-link device, before communication, the multi-link device and the other multi-link device can first negotiate or communicate the corresponding relationship between the link identifier and a link or a site on a link, or the AP MLD broadcasts a management frame, such as a beacon frame, to indicate the corresponding relationship between the link identifier and a link or a site on a link. Therefore, in data transmission, a large amount of signaling does not need to be transmitted to indicate the link or the site on the link, and the link identifier only needs to be carried, which reduces the signaling overhead and improves the transmission efficiency.

[0129] The following is an example in which one of the multi-link devices is an AP MLD and the other multi-link device is a non-AP MLD. In one example, when the AP MLD establishes a basic service set (BSS), the management frame sent, such as a multi-link probe response frame, will carry one or more multi-link elements. The link information field included in the multi-link element can be used to establish a corresponding relationship between a link identifier and a station working on the link.

[0130] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the architecture of the wireless communication system provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system includes at least one AP MLD (such as Figure 1 AP MLD100 in the Figure 1 non-AP MLD200 and non-AP MLD300 in ). Optional, Figure 1 It also includes traditional sites that only support transmission on a single link (such as Figure 1 The single-link non-AP STA400 in the AP MLD is also called STA400. Among them, the AP MLD is a device that provides services for the non-APMLD. The non-AP MLD can communicate with the AP MLD using multiple links to achieve the effect of improving throughput. A STA in the non-AP MLD can also communicate with an AP in the AP MLD through a link. Understandably, Figure 1 The numbers of AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs are only exemplary.

[0131] Optional, see Figure 2 , Figure 2 Schematic diagram of multi-link communication provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2As shown, AP MLD includes AP1, AP2, ..., APn, and non-AP MLD includes STA1, STA2, ..., STAn. Here, n is a positive integer. AP MLD and non-AP MLD can communicate in parallel using link 1, link 2, ..., link n. STA1 in non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP1 in AP MLD, STA2 in non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with AP2 in AP MLD, STAn in non-AP MLD establishes an association relationship with APn in AP MLD, etc. Therefore, one or more STAs in non-AP MLD can communicate with one or more APs in AP MLD after establishing an association relationship. The operating frequency bands of multi-link devices (including AP MLD and non-AP MLD) may include but are not limited to: sub 1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz and high frequency 60GHz, etc. Exemplarily, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application may be applicable to, but not limited to, single-user uplink / downlink transmission, multi-user uplink / downlink transmission, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, X can represent anything), device-to-device (D2D). For example, the V2X may include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0132] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The 802.11 standard focuses on the 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layer in multi-link devices. Figure 3a and Figure 3b Only the PHY and MAC layers are shown for exemplary purposes.

[0133] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, a multi-link device (such as an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD) may include a physical layer (PHY) processing circuit (such as Figure 3aThe PHY#1, PHY#2 and PHY#n shown in the figure and the medium access control (MAC) layer processing circuit, the physical layer processing circuit can be used to process the physical layer signal, and the MAC layer processing circuit can be used to process the MAC layer signal. Further, in the MAC layer, it can also be divided into a high-MAC layer (such as Figure 3a As shown in the high MAC, Figure 3b The high MAC #1 to high MAC #n shown in FIG. 1 and multiple low-MAC layers (such as Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B , and FIG. 1C . Figure 3a As shown in FIG. 1 , the multiple APs included in the AP MLD are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and PHY, and share the high MAC layer. The multiple STAs included in the non-AP MLD are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and PHY, and share the high MAC layer. The high MAC layer is connected to multiple low MAC layers respectively, that is, the high MAC layer is shared by multiple links. Figure 3b As shown, the multiple APs included in the AP MLD are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and PHY, and are also independent of each other in the high MAC layer. The multiple STAs of the non-APMLD device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and PHY, and are also independent of each other in the high MAC layer. Exemplarily, the high MAC layer mainly completes the allocation of sequence numbers (sequence number, SN) and packet numbers (packet number, PN) of the MAC service data unit (MAC service data unit, MSDU) and encryption and decryption operations. Exemplarily, the low MAC layer mainly completes the assembly of the MAC protocol data unit (MAC protocol data unit, MPDU) of each link, channel access, packet sending and reception confirmation and other operations.

[0134] exist Figure 3aIn the AP MLD, the PHY#1 layer, the low MAC#1 layer and the high MAC layer can be regarded as AP#1, the PHY#2 layer, the low MAC#2 layer and the high MAC layer can be regarded as AP#2, ..., the PHY#n layer, the low MAC#n layer and the high MAC layer can be regarded as AP#n, that is, it can be understood that the AP MLD includes n AP entities. In non-AP MLD, the situation is similar, that is, the high MAC layer in non-AP MLD is also shared by multiple links, the PHY#1 layer, the low MAC#1 layer and the high MAC layer are regarded as STA#1, the PHY#2 layer, the low MAC#2 layer and the high MAC layer are regarded as STA#2, ..., the PHY#n layer, the low MAC#n layer and the high MAC layer are regarded as STA#n, that is, it can be understood that the non-AP MLD includes n STA entities. As Figure 3a As shown, PHY#1 of AP#1 in AP MLD is connected to PHY#1 of STA#1 in non-AP MLD, and AP#1 in AP MLD and STA#1 in non-AP MLD are connected via a link (such as Figure 3a The PHY#2 of AP#2 in the AP MLD is connected to the PHY#2 of STA#2 in the non-AP MLD, and the AP#2 in the AP MLD and the STA#2 in the non-AP MLD are connected through the link (as shown in FIG. Figure 3a The PHY#n of AP#n in the AP MLD is connected to the PHY#n of STA#n in the non-AP MLD, and the AP#n in the AP MLD and the STA#n in the non-AP MLD are connected through the link (such as Figure 3a The link #n shown in the figure realizes communication. Figure 3b For instructions, please refer to Figure 3a , which will not be elaborated here.

[0135] Exemplarily, the high MAC layer or the low MAC layer can be implemented by a processor in a chip system of a multi-link device, or can be implemented by different processing modules in a chip system, etc., which are not listed in the embodiments of the present application. It is understandable that Figure 3a and Figure 3b It can be understood as the division of multi-link devices into functional modules. Figure 3a and Figure 3b Each module shown can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The PHY and MAC layers shown can be understood as a division of logical functions, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. Figure 3a and Figure 3bThe n shown can be equal to 0, or equal to 1, or n is an integer greater than 1, etc.

[0136] Exemplarily, the multi-link device in the embodiment of the present application may be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, it may be a device with more than two antennas. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of antennas included in the multi-link device. Figure 3c It is a schematic diagram of the antenna of the MLD provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3c In the example, an AP MLD is a multi-antenna and a non-AP MLD is a single antenna, but this should not be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

[0137] The frequency bands in which the multi-link device operates may include but are not limited to: sub 1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz and high frequency 60GHz. Figure 4a , Figure 4b Two schematic diagrams are shown of a multi-link device communicating with other devices via multiple links in a wireless local area network.

[0138] Figure 4a A scenario of communication between AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 is shown. AP MLD 101 includes subordinate AP 101-1 and AP 101-2, non-AP MLD 102 includes subordinate STA 102-1 and STA 102-2, and AP MLD 101 and non-AP MLD 102 communicate using link 1 and link 2 in parallel.

[0139] For example, Figure 4bThe diagram shows a scenario in which AP MLD 101 communicates with non-AP MLD 102, non-AP MLD 103, and STA 104. AP MLD 101 includes subordinate APs 101-1 to AP101-3; non-AP MLD 102 includes three subordinate STAs 102-1, STA 102-2, and STA 102-3; non-AP MLD 103 includes two subordinate STAs 103-1 and STA 103-2; STA 104 is a single-link device, including STA 104-1. AP MLD 101 can communicate with non-AP MLD 102 using links 1, 2, and 3, respectively; communicate with non-AP MLD 103 using links 2 and 3; and communicate with STA 104 using link 1. In one example, STA 104 operates in the 2.4 GHz band; in non-AP MLD 103, STA 103-1 operates in the 5 GHz band, and STA 103-2 operates in the 6 GHz band; in non-AP MLD 102, STA 102-1 operates in the 2.4 GHz band, STA 102-2 operates in the 5 GHz band, and STA 102-3 operates in the 6 GHz band. AP 101-1 in AP MLD 101 operating in the 2.4 GHz band can transmit uplink or downlink data with STA 104 and STA 102-1 in non-AP MLD 102 through link 1. AP 101-2 in AP MLD 101 working in the 5 GHz band can transmit uplink or downlink data with STA 103-1 in non-AP MLD 103 working in the 5 GHz band through link 2, and can also transmit uplink or downlink data with STA 102-2 in non-AP MLD 102 working in the 5 GHz band through link 2. AP 101-3 in AP MLD 101 working in the 6 GHz band can transmit uplink or downlink data with STA 102-3 in non-AP MLD 102 working in the 6 GHz band through link 3, and can also transmit uplink or downlink data with STA 103-2 in non-AP MLD through link 3.

[0140] Figure 4a Only two frequency bands are supported by AP MLD. Figure 4bOnly take the example that AP MLD 101 supports three frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz), each frequency band corresponds to a link, and AP MLD 101 can work on one or more links of link 1, link 2 or link 3. On the AP side or the STA side, the link can also be understood as a station working on the link. In practical applications, AP MLD and non-AP MLD can also support more or fewer frequency bands, that is, AP MLD and non-APMLD can work on more links or fewer links, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Figure 4a and Figure 4b It is just a simple schematic diagram and does not constitute any limitation to the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0141] The following is an explanation of the relevant technical features involved in the embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of the present application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by the present application.

[0142] 1. TID-to-link mapping element

[0143] In the process of establishing multiple links, if no mapping operation between service identifiers and links is performed between the multiple link devices, it is assumed that all service identifiers are mapped to each established link, that is, each established link can transmit all service types.

[0144] During the multi-link establishment process, the mapping between service identifiers and links can be performed between multi-link devices. Exemplarily, the AP MLD can carry the mapping information between service identifiers and links in a beacon frame or a probe response frame, so that all stations can adopt the corresponding mapping method after receiving the mapping information. The method of carrying the above mapping information in a beacon frame or a probe response frame is also called the mapping of broadcast TID and links, which can effectively improve the transmission efficiency of signaling.

[0145] For example, the mapping information between the service identifier and the link can be carried in the TID-to-link mapping element. Figure 5 , Figure 5 : is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the TID-to-link mapping element provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 5As shown, the TID-to-link mapping element may include at least one of the following fields: element ID, length, element ID extension (or element ID extension), service identifier and link mapping control (TID-to-link mapping control), mapping switch time, expected duration (or expected duration, expected duration, expected duration, required duration, etc.). Optionally, the TID-to-link mapping element may also include at least one of the following fields: link mapping of TID 0, ..., link mapping of TID 7.

[0146] Exemplarily, the mapping switch time field can be used to indicate the effective start time (or called effective time, mapping effective time, etc.) of the service identifier and link mapping, or to indicate the effective start time (or called effective time, mapping effective time, etc.) of the mapping relationship between the service identifier and the link, or to indicate the time when the mapping relationship between the service identifier and the link is established. The mapping switch time field exists when the TID-to-link mappingelement is carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame. When the above mapping relationship has taken effect, the mapping switch time field may not be carried in the beacon frame or the probe response frame.

[0147] Furthermore, the value carried by the mapping switch time field can be determined based on the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) of a future delivery traffic indication map (DTIM) beacon frame. Optionally, TBTT can also be described as the target transmission time. The time accuracy of TBTT is time unit (TU), 1TU = 1024us. Generally speaking, AP MLD will broadcast the value of the time synchronization function (TSF) timer in the beacon frame. After non-AP MLD receives the value of the TSF timer, it can update its locally maintained system time to the value of the TSF timer to achieve the purpose of making the time of all non-AP MLDs in the BSS the same as that of the AP MLD (i.e., time synchronization).

[0148] Exemplarily, the value carried by the mapping switch time field can be set to the 11th to 26th bits of the TSF timer corresponding to the new mapping relationship when it takes effect, that is, TSF[10:25] (bits 10 to 25 of the TSF). The TSF timer can be understood as a time value with a length of 64 bits and a unit of microseconds (us). Exemplarily, the TSF timers corresponding to all non-AP MLDs on a link can be the same, and the TSF timers corresponding to non-AP MLDs on different links can be different.

[0149] Exemplarily, the expected duration field can be used to indicate the expected end time of the mapping relationship between the service identifier and the link, or to indicate the expected end time of the mapping between the service identifier and the link. For example, the expected duration field is used to indicate the effective duration of the mapping between the service identifier and the link (when the mapping switch time field is carried in the TID-to-link mapping element), or the remaining time (when the mapping switch time field is not carried in the TID-to-link mapping element). The expected duration field exists when the TID-to-link mapping element is carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

[0150] Exemplarily, the link mapping of TID 0 field is used to indicate which links TID 0 is mapped to. For example, the field can carry a bitmap, and each bit in the bitmap can correspond to a link. For example, if the value of a certain bit is 1, it means that TID 0 is mapped to the link corresponding to the certain bit. For example, if the value of a certain bit is 0, it means that TID 0 is not mapped to the link corresponding to the certain bit. Exemplarily, the length of the above-mentioned bitmap can be equal to the maximum number of links that can be associated between multi-link devices; or, the length of the above-mentioned bitmap can be a fixed value, such as 16 bits; or, the length of the above-mentioned bitmap can be equal to the number of associated links established between multi-link devices, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the setting method of the length of the above-mentioned bitmap. For the description of the link mapping field of other ITDs, please refer to the link mapping of TID 0 field, which will not be described in detail here. TID0 to TID7 shown in the embodiment of the present application are only examples. With the evolution of the standard, there may be more service types in the future, such as TID0 to TID15, etc. Therefore, the number of link mapping fields of the TID in the TID-to-link mapping element is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Exemplarily, the number of link mapping fields of the TID in the TID-to-link mapping element can be the same as the type of TID. For example, when the TID is extended from TID0 to TID7 to TID0 to TID15, the number of link mapping fields of the TID can be equal to 16.

[0151] When a link has a TID mapped to it, it can be understood as enabled. When no TID is mapped to a link, it can be understood as disabled. AP MLD can carry the TID-to-Link Mapping element in the beacon frame or the probe response frame to enable or disable a link.

[0152] It is understandable that, for unicast mode, when the communicating parties negotiate the mapping information of the service identifier and the link, the mapping information generally takes effect immediately. Since the mapping switch time field and the expected duration field need to be sent multiple times in the beacon frame or the probe response frame to ensure that one or more non-AP MLDs can receive the TID-to-link mapping element, the mapping switch time field and the expected duration field are usually present when the TID-to-link mapping element is carried in the beacon frame or the probe response frame.

[0153] For example, please see Figure 5, the TID-To-link mapping control field may include at least one of the following fields: direction, default link mapping (or called default link mapping), mapping switch time present, expected duration present, reserved (or called reserved), link mapping presence indicator. Optionally, the TID-To-link mapping control field also includes a link mapping presence indicator field. The TID-To-link mapping control field may be used to carry control information related to the service identifier and link mapping. Exemplarily, the description of the TID-To-link mapping control field is as follows: the direction field may be used to indicate whether the direction of the service is uplink, downlink, or uplink and downlink; the default link mapping field may be used to indicate whether the default mapping method is adopted; the mapping switch time present field may be used to indicate whether the mapping switch time field exists; the expected duration present field is used to indicate whether the expected duration field exists; the link mapping presence indicator field is used to indicate which fields of the eight fields from the link mapping of TID 0 field to the link mapping of TID 7 field exist and which fields do not exist.

[0154] It can be understood that when the default link mapping field is used to indicate that the default mapping method is adopted, it means that by default all service identifiers can be mapped to each established link, the TID-To-link mapping control field may not include a link mapping existence indication, and the TID-to-link mapping element may not include a link mapping field of TID 0 to a link mapping field of TID 7.

[0155] It is understandable that the mapping information of the service identifier and the link, the mapping relationship between the service identifier and the link (or simply the mapping relationship), the mapping of the service identifier and the link, etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application can be replaced with each other. The mapping relationship between the service identifier and the link indicated by the TID-to-link mapping element involved in the embodiments of the present application can be simply referred to as the mapping relationship (or mapping information) indicated by the TID-to-link mapping element.

[0156] 2. TU Boundary

[0157] In the embodiment of the present application, the TU boundary is the time point when the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer are 0.

[0158] Based on the above introduction, it can be known that the current AP MLD can indicate the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping through the mapping switch time field in the TID-to-Link Mapping element carried in the beacon frame or the detection response frame, where the indicated effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping can be the TBTT indicated by the DTIM beacon frame of any link. It is understandable that the TBTT on a link (for example, link 1) is the TU boundary of the link, but it is not necessarily the TU boundary of other links (for example, link 2, link 3, etc.) (this is because the values ​​of the TSF timers of different links are selected independently. When the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer of a link (for example, link 1) are 0, the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer of another link are not necessarily 0), and the time accuracy that can be indicated by the mapping switch time field in the TID-to-Link Mapping element is TU. This results in the mapping switch time field in the TID-to-Link Mapping element on one link not being able to indicate the TU boundary on another link, nor the TBTT of another link, that is, the AP MLD cannot accurately indicate the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, which is not conducive to reliable communication between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0159] For example, see Figure 6 , Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a scenario in which the mapping switch time field in a beacon frame indicates the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping. Figure 6As shown in the figure, if the AP MLD considers that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0. However, if the AP MLD sends a beacon frame on link 1, then the Mapping Switch Time field in the TID-to-Link Mapping element in the beacon frame sent by the AP MLD on link 1 can only indicate the TU boundary to Link 1, for example Figure 6 The time point t1 (or time point t2) in the figure causes the non-AP MLD to consider the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping to be t1 (or t2), which has a certain deviation from the time point t0. Understandably, when the deviation occurs, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD will have different understandings of the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, resulting in unreliable communication between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. For example, assuming that the service identifier and link mapping indicate that a link (such as link3) will be closed, and the effective start time considered by the non-AP MLD is later than the effective start time considered by the AP MLD, the following will occur: the AP MLD has closed link3, but the non-AP MLD has not closed link3. In this case, the non-AP MLD may continue to send data or information to the AP MLD, but at this time the APMLD can no longer reply to the confirmation frame, thus causing the problem of low communication reliability. For another example, assuming that the service identifier and link mapping indicate that a link 3 will be opened, and the effective start time considered by the non-AP MLD is later than the effective start time considered by the AP MLD, the following situation will occur: the AP MLD has opened link 3, but the non-AP MLD has not yet opened link 3. When the APMLD initiates transmission to the non-AP MLD before the non-AP MLD opens link 3, the non-AP MLD will be unable to normally receive the data or information sent by the AP MLD, resulting in low communication reliability.

[0160] Based on this, the prior art proposes that an offset field can be added to the TID-to-Link Mapping element to indicate the deviation value, for example, Figure 6Taking the scenario shown as an example, based on the solution of the prior art, the indicated offset value may be (t0-t1) (or, the indicated offset value may be (t0-t2)). Therefore, when the non-AP MLD receives the TID-to-Link Mapping element in the beacon frame, combined with t1 (or t2) indicated by the Mapping Switch Time field in the TID-to-Link Mapping element and the offset value (t0-t1) (or the offset value (t0-t2)) indicated by the offset field, it can be determined that the actual effective start time is t0, that is, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping considered by the non-AP MLD is t0. Although this method of the prior art can ensure that the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD have a consistent understanding of the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, the method of adding a new field in the prior art increases the signaling overhead. Therefore, the present application proposes another method. This method can solve the problem of inconsistent understanding of the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD without adding a new field, thereby facilitating improving the communication reliability between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD.

[0161] It should be noted that in the following embodiments of the present application, the "effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping" can also be briefly referred to as the "effective start time", and the "target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping" can also be briefly referred to as the "target effective start time".

[0162] The communication method and communication device provided by this application are described in detail below:

[0163] See also Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a flow chart of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps S701-S702. Figure 7 The method shown may be performed by an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD, or, Figure 7 The execution subject of the method shown can also be a chip in an AP MLD and a chip in a non-AP MLD. For the convenience of description, Figure 7 The following mainly uses AP MLD and non-AP MLD as examples for the execution of the method. It should be noted that: Figure 7 is a schematic flow chart of a method embodiment of the present application, showing detailed communication steps or operations of the method, but these steps or operations are only examples, and the present application embodiment may also perform other operations or Figure 7 In addition, Figure 7The steps in Figure 7 are executed in a different order than those presented, and may not be executed in the order Figure 7 All operations in . Among them:

[0164] S701: An AP MLD may send at least one first frame on at least one first link. Correspondingly, a non-APMLD may receive at least one first frame on at least one first link.

[0165] Exemplarily, before sending at least one first frame on at least one first link, the AP MLD may also generate the at least one first frame, so the AP MLD may send a first frame of the at least one first frame on each first link in the at least one first link, that is, for the generated at least one first frame, each first frame in the at least one first frame may be sent through a first link. Optionally, the at least one first link may include a third link.

[0166] Among them, the first frame can indicate the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, and the at least one first frame can indicate at least one effective start time. Exemplarily, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by different first frames can be different. Here, the different effective start times can be understood as completely different effective start times or partially different effective start times, and this application does not limit this. For example, assume that there are 3 first links, namely link1-1, link1-2, and link1-3, wherein the first frame 1 is sent on link1-1, the first frame 2 is sent on link1-2, and the first frame 3 is sent on link1-3. The first frame 1 indicates the effective start time 1, the first frame 2 indicates the effective start time 2, and the first frame 3 indicates the effective start time 3, wherein the effective start time 1, the effective start time 2 and the effective start time 3 can be different (or different from each other / completely different), that is, the effective start time 1 ≠ the effective start time 2 ≠ the effective start time 3. Optionally, effective start time 1, effective start time 2 and effective start time 3 may be partially the same and partially different, for example, effective start time 1 = effective start time 2 ≠ effective start time 3.

[0167] The first frame may be a beacon frame or a probe response frame, etc., which is not limited in this application. The effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping may be specifically indicated by the mapping switch time field in the first frame. Optionally, the mapping switch time field may be carried in the TID-to-Link mappingelement included in the first frame.

[0168] S702: The non-AP MLD determines a target effective start time of a mapping between a service identifier and a link according to at least one first frame.

[0169] In some feasible implementation manners, the non-AP MLD determines the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping according to the at least one first frame, which can be understood as follows: the non-AP MLD can determine an effective start time from at least one effective start time indicated by the at least one first frame as the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping, wherein:

[0170] In an implementation manner 1, the non-AP MLD may randomly select an effective start time from at least one effective start time indicated by at least one received first frame as the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping. Alternatively, the target effective start time selected by the non-AP MLD is any one of the at least one effective start time indicated by at least one received first frame.

[0171] In an implementation manner 2, the non-AP MLD may select a maximum effective start time from at least one effective start time indicated by at least one received first frame as the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping. That is, the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is the maximum effective start time of the at least one obtained effective start time.

[0172] In an implementation manner 3, the non-AP MLD may select a minimum effective start time from at least one effective start time indicated by at least one received first frame as the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping. That is, the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is the minimum effective start time of the at least one obtained effective start time.

[0173] The following is a detailed description of the processing rules proposed in the embodiments of the present application to solve the problem of inconsistent understanding of the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping between AP MLD and non-AP MLD. The overall idea of ​​the processing rule is: APMLD determines a time period [Ta, Tb] and ensures that the effective time selected by any non-AP MLD falls within the time period, where the time point Ta is earlier than the time point Tb. For the convenience of description, the following embodiments of the present application refer to the time point Ta as Ta and the time point Tb as Tb. Specifically, it includes one or more of the following rules:

[0174] Rule 1: When the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicates that a certain link (for the convenience of description, this application takes the second link as an example for schematic explanation) is disabled, the AP MLD disables the second link no earlier than Tb.

[0175] Rule 2: When the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is enabled, the AP MLD enables the second link no later than Ta.

[0176] Rule 3: When the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is closed, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link later than Ta. Rule 4: When the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is open, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link earlier than Tb.

[0177] Rule 5: When the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is closed, the transmission with the first non-AP MLD on the second link is terminated earlier than Ta (i.e., when the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is closed, the AP MLD terminates the transmission with the first non-AP MLD on the second link before Ta).

[0178] Rule 6: When the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is turned on, transmission to the first non-AP MLD can be initiated on the second link only when it is later than Tb (that is, when the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is turned on, AP MLD can initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link only after Tb).

[0179] Rule 7: The AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link when the AP MLD is later than Ta and earlier than Tb.

[0180] It can be understood that if, according to the indication of the service identifier and link mapping, no service identifier (TID) is mapped to a link in any direction (including uplink and downlink), then the link will be closed; if, according to the indication of the service identifier and link mapping, there is a service identifier (TID) mapped to a link in any direction (including uplink and downlink), then the link will be opened.

[0181] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "no earlier than" can also be replaced by "later than" or "greater than" or "greater than or equal to" and other descriptions. Correspondingly, "no later than" can also be replaced by "earlier than" or "less than" or "less than or equal to" and other descriptions, and the present application does not limit this.

[0182] It should be noted that the above-mentioned Ta and / or Tb can be determined based on the first time and / or the second time. Among them, the first time is the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame of the third link. In other words, the effective time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame of the third link. In other words, the first time in the embodiment of the present application can be understood as a reference time. Optionally, the aforementioned DTIM beacon frame of the third link may also be other non-DTIM beacon frames on the third link, which is not limited here. For the sake of ease of understanding, this application is mainly illustrated by taking the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame of the third link as an example for the first time.

[0183] It is understandable that when any of the at least one first link is the third link, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame sent on any of the first links is the first time (for example Figure 6 t0 in, when any of the at least one first link is not the third link, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame sent on the any first link is the second time, and the second time is the TU boundary on the any first link. For the convenience of description, the following mainly takes a first link among the at least one first link as an example to explain the concept of the second time on the first link involved in this application.

[0184] Optionally, the second time is a TU boundary on the first link. A first understanding is that the second time is a TU boundary on the first link that is closest to the first time (for example Figure 6 t1 or t2 in .

[0185] Optionally, the second time is understood as a TU boundary on the first link: the second time may be before the first time, and the second time is a TU boundary on the first link that is closest to the first time (for example Figure 6 t1 in ).

[0186] Optionally, a third understanding of the second time being a TU boundary on the first link is that the second time is after the first time, and the second time is a TU boundary on the first link that is closest to the first time (e.g. Figure 6 t2 in ).

[0187] The following describes the values ​​of Ta and Tb in different situations:

[0188] It should be noted that the first time (or second time) corresponding to the first link in the present application can be understood as: the effective start time of the first frame indication sent by the AP MLD on the first link.

[0189] Case 1: The first non-AP MLD is all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with AP MLD. In other words, the above "not initiating transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link" can be understood as: not initiating transmission to any non-AP MLD that has established multi-link communication with AP MLD on the second link. It should be noted that in case 1, the values ​​of Ta and Tb are applicable to all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with AP MLD.

[0190] Scenario 1: When the second time is before the first time (that is, the second time is less than the first time), and it is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link:

[0191] 1.1. Ta is determined according to the first time and the length of TU, ​​and Tb is determined according to the first time. For example, the length of 1TU is 1024us. For example, Ta is the difference between the first time and the length of TU (i.e., Ta = first time - 1TU), and Tb is the first time (i.e., Tb = first time).

[0192] For example, see Figure 8a , Figure 8a Schematic diagram of a scenario of Ta and Tb provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8a As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, the time point t0 is used as a reference, that is, the first time is t0. Assume that all the first links of AP MLD are as follows Figure 8a link1-1, link1-2 and link1-3 shown. If it is scenario 1, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t1, for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t3, and for the first frame sent on link1-3, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t5. That is to say, the first time is t0, and the second time includes t1, t3 and t5. If Ta = first time - 1TU, Tb = first time, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows Figure 8a The locations of Ta and Tb are shown.

[0193] Method 1.2 for selecting the values ​​of Ta and Tb: Ta is determined according to the minimum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD, and Tb is determined according to the first time. For example, Ta is the minimum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD (i.e., Ta = the minimum value of all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD), and Tb is the first time (i.e., Tb = the first time). Optionally, the first non-AP MLD is all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD.

[0194] For example, see Figure 8b , Figure 8b is another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8b As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links of AP MLD are as follows Figure 8b link1-1, link1-2 and link1-3 shown in ①. If it is scenario 1, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t1, for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t3, and for the first frame sent on link1-3, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t5. That is to say, the first time is t0, and the second time includes t1, t3 and t5. If Ta = the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links of AP MLD, and Tb = the first time, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows Figure 8b The positions of Ta and Tb are shown, wherein the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links of the AP MLD is t1 (because t1<t3<t5).

[0195] Scenario 2: When the second time is after the first time (that is, the second time is greater than the first time), and it is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link:

[0196] 2.1. Ta is determined according to the first time, and Tb is determined according to the first time and the length of TU. For example, Ta is the first time (ie, Ta = the first time), and Tb is the sum of the lengths of the first time and TU (ie, Tb = the first time + 1TU).

[0197] For example, see Figure 8c , Figure 8cis another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8c As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links of AP MLD are as follows Figure 8c link1-1, link1-2 and link1-3 shown. If it is scenario 2, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t2, for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t4, and for the first frame sent on link1-3, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t6. That is to say, the first time is t0, and the second time includes t2, t4 and t6. If Ta = first time, Tb = first time + 1TU, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows Figure 8c The locations of Ta and Tb are shown.

[0198] Method 2.2 for selecting the values ​​of Ta and Tb: Ta is determined according to the first time, and Tb is determined according to the maximum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD. For example, Ta is the first time (i.e., Ta=the first time), and Tb is the maximum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD (i.e., Tb=the maximum value among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD).

[0199] For example, see Figure 8d , Figure 8d FIG. 1 is another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8d As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links of AP MLD are as follows Figure 8dlink1-1, link1-2 and link1-3 shown. If it is scenario 2, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t2, for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t4, and for the first frame sent on link1-3, the effective start time of the service identification and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t6. That is to say, the first time is t0, and the second time includes t2, t4 and t6. If Ta = first time, Tb = first time + 1TU, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows Figure 8d The positions of Ta and Tb shown are shown, wherein the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links of the AP MLD is t6 (because t2<t4<t6).

[0200] Scenario 3: When the second time is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link (that is, the second time may be greater than the first time or may be less than the first time):

[0201] Method 3.1 for taking values ​​of Ta and Tb: Ta is determined according to the minimum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD, and Tb is determined according to the maximum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD. For example, Ta is the minimum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD (i.e., Ta=the minimum value among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD), and Tb is the maximum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD (i.e., Tb=the maximum value among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD).

[0202] It should be noted that, under the value selection method 3.1 of Ta and Tb, the above rule one can also be replaced by the description: when the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is closed (disabled), the time when the AP MLD closes the second link is not earlier than any time among all the second times and / or first times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD.

[0203] Optionally, under the value selection method 3.1 of Ta and Tb, the above Rule 2 can also be replaced by the description: when the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is enabled, the time when the AP MLD enables the second link is no later than any time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD.

[0204] Optionally, under the value selection method 3.1 of Ta and Tb, the above rule three can also be replaced and described as: when the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is closed, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link after all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or any time of the first time.

[0205] Optionally, under the value selection method 3.1 of Ta and Tb, the above rule four can also be replaced and described as: when the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is turned on, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link before all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or any time of the first time.

[0206] Optionally, under the value selection method 3.1 of Ta and Tb, the above Rule 5 can also be replaced by the description: when the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is closed, the AP MLD ends the transmission with the first non-AP MLD on the second link before all the second times and / or any time of the first time corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD.

[0207] Optionally, under the value selection method 3.1 of Ta and Tb, the above rule six can also be replaced and described as: when the service identifier and link mapping in the first frame indicate that the second link is turned on, the AP MLD can initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link only after all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or any time of the first time.

[0208] For example, see Figure 8e , Figure 8e is another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8e As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links of AP MLD are as follows Figure 8elink1-1, link1-2 and link1-3 shown. If it is scenario 3, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t1 or t2, for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t3 or t4, and for the first frame sent on link1-3, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t5 or t6. That is to say, the first time is t0, and the second time includes one of t1 and t2, one of t3 and t4, and one of t5 and t6. Here, the second time includes t1, t3 and t6 as an example. If Ta = the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links of AP MLD, and Tb = the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links of AP MLD, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows Figure 8e The positions of Ta and Tb are shown, where the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links of AP MLD is t1 (because t1<t3<t6), and the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links of AP MLD is t6 (because t1<t3<t6).

[0209] It is understandable that in scenarios 1 to 3 of the above situation 1, there is no restriction on the implementation method for selecting the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping by all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP (for example, non-APMLD can adopt any one of the above implementation methods 1 to 3), that is, there is no restriction on which effective start time the non-AP MLD specifically selects as the target effective start time from at least one effective start time, for example, the target effective start time can be any one of the at least one effective start time, or the target effective start time can be the maximum effective start time of the at least one effective start time, or the target effective start time can be the minimum effective start time of the at least one effective start time, etc.

[0210] Case 2: The first non-AP MLD is one of the non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD. That is to say, the above “do not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link” can be understood as: do not initiate transmission to a certain non-AP MLD among the non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD on the second link. It should be noted that in case 2, the values ​​of Ta and Tb are for a certain non-AP MLD that has established multi-link communication with the AP MLD, that is, the AP MLD can determine a time range [Ta, Tb] separately for each non-AP MLD that has established multi-link communication with the AP MLD, or it can be described as for each non-AP MLD that has established multi-link communication with the AP MLD, the AP MLD needs to determine the values ​​of Ta and Tb corresponding to the non-AP MLD respectively.

[0211] Scenario I: When the second time is before the first time (that is, the second time is less than the first time), and it is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link:

[0212] Method for determining the values ​​of Ta and Tb I.1: Ta is determined according to the minimum time of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and Tb is determined according to the first time. For example, Ta is the minimum time of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD (i.e., Ta = the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD), and Tb is the first time (i.e., Tb = the first time).

[0213] It is understandable that in scenario I of the second situation, the implementation method of the non-AP MLD selecting the target effective start time for service identifier and link mapping may not be restricted (for example, it may be any one of the implementation methods 1 to 3 above), that is, the non-AP MLD may select which effective start time as the target effective start time from the at least one effective start time. For example, the target effective start time may be any one of the at least one effective start time, or the target effective start time may be the maximum effective start time of the at least one effective start time, or the target effective start time may be the minimum effective start time of the at least one effective start time, etc., and no restriction is made here.

[0214] For example, see Figure 9a , Figure 9a FIG. 1 is another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9aAs shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD are as follows Figure 9a link1-1 and link1-2 shown. If it is scenario I, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t1, and for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t3. That is to say, the first time is t0, and the second time includes t1 and t3. Among them, it is not limited that the target effective time determined by the non-AP MLD is which of the at least one effective start time indicated by the received first frame. If Ta = the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the APMLD, and Tb = the first time, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows Figure 9a The positions of Ta and Tb are shown, wherein the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is t1 (because t1<t3).

[0215] Scenario II: When the second time is after the first time (that is, the second time is greater than the first time), and it is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link:

[0216] Method for taking values ​​of Ta and Tb II.3: Ta is determined according to the first time, and Tb is determined according to the maximum time among all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. For example, Ta is the first time (i.e., Ta=first time), and Tb is the maximum time among all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD (i.e., Tb=the maximum value among all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD).

[0217] It is understandable that in scenario II of the second situation, the implementation method of the non-AP MLD selecting the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping may not be restricted (for example, it may be any one of the above-mentioned implementation methods 1 to 3), that is, the non-AP MLD does not restrict which effective start time is specifically selected as the target effective start time from the at least one effective start time. For example, the target effective start time may be any one of the at least one effective start time, or the target effective start time may be the maximum effective start time of the at least one effective start time, or the target effective start time may be the minimum effective start time of the at least one effective start time, etc., and no restriction is made here.

[0218] For example, see Figure 9b , Figure 9b FIG. 1 is another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9b As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD are as follows Figure 9b link1-1 and link1-2 shown. If it is scenario II, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t2, and for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t4. That is to say, the first time is t0, and the second time includes t2 and t4. Among them, it is not limited that the target effective time determined by the non-AP MLD is which of the at least one effective start time indicated by the received first frame. If Ta = the first time, Tb = the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows Figure 9b The positions of Ta and Tb are shown, wherein the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is t4 (because t2<t4).

[0219] Scenario III: When the second time is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link (that is, the second time may be greater than the first time or less than the first time), and the non-AP MLD determines the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping based on the above implementation mode 1:

[0220] Method for taking values ​​of Ta and Tb III.1: Ta is determined according to the minimum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and Tb is determined according to the maximum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. For example, Ta is the minimum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD (i.e., Ta=the minimum value among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD), and Tb is the maximum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD (i.e., Tb=the maximum value among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD).

[0221] It is understandable that in scenario III of the second situation, the implementation method of the non-AP MLD selecting the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping may not be restricted (for example, it may be any one of the implementation methods 1 to 3 above), that is, the non-AP MLD may select which effective start time as the target effective start time from the at least one effective start time without restriction. For example, the target effective start time may be any one of the at least one effective start time, or the target effective start time may be the maximum effective start time of the at least one effective start time, or the target effective start time may be the minimum effective start time of the at least one effective start time, etc., and no restriction is made here.

[0222] For example, see Fig.9c , Fig.9c is another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.9c As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD are as follows Fig.9clink1-1 and link1-2 shown. If it is scenario III, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t1 or t2, and for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t3 or t4. That is to say, the first time is t0, and the second time includes one of t1 and t2, and one of t3 and t4. Here, the second time includes t1 and t4 as an example. Among them, it is not limited to which of the at least one effective start time indicated by the received first frame the target effective time determined by the non-AP MLD is. If Ta = the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and Tb = the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows Fig.9c The positions of Ta and Tb shown in the figure, wherein the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is t1 (because t1<t4), and the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is t4 (because t1<t4).

[0223] Scenario IV: When the second time is before the first time (ie, the second time is less than the first time), and it is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link:

[0224] Method IV.1 for determining the values ​​of Ta and Tb: Ta is determined according to the maximum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and Tb is determined according to the first time. For example, Ta is the maximum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD (i.e., Ta = the maximum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD), and Tb is the first time (i.e., Tb = the first time).

[0225] It can be understood that in scenario IV of situation 2, non-AP MLD can determine the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping based on the above-mentioned implementation method 2, that is, the target effective start time determined by non-AP MLD is the maximum effective start time among at least one effective start time obtained.

[0226] For example, see Figure 9d , Figure 9d is another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 9d As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD are as follows Figure 9d link1-1 and link1-2 shown. If it is scenario IV, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t1, and for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t3. That is, the first time is t0, and the second time includes t1 and t3. Among them, if the target effective time determined by the non-AP MLD is at least one effective start time indicated by the received first frame (such as Figure 9d If Ta = the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and Tb = the first time, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows: Figure 9d The positions of Ta and Tb are shown, wherein the maximum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is t3 (because t1<t3).

[0227] Scenario V: When the second time is after the first time (that is, the second time is greater than the first time), and is the TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link:

[0228] Ta and Tb are determined in V.1, Ta is determined according to the first time, and Tb is determined according to the minimum time of all second times and / or first times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. For example, Ta is the first time (that is, Ta=the first time), and Tb is the minimum time of all second times and / or first times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD (that is, Tb=the minimum value of all second times and / or first times).

[0229] It can be understood that in scenario V of situation two, non-AP MLD can determine the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping based on the above-mentioned implementation method 3, that is, the target effective start time determined by non-AP MLD is the minimum effective start time of at least one obtained effective start time.

[0230] For example, see Fig.9e , Fig.9e is another schematic diagram of Ta and Tb provided in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.9e As shown, it is assumed that the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is based on the TBTT corresponding to the DTIM beacon frame on link 2, that is, time point t0, that is, the first time is t0. All first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD are as follows Fig.9e link1-1 and link1-2 shown. If it is scenario V, for the first frame sent on link1-1, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t2, and for the first frame sent on link1-2, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame is time point t4. That is, the first time is t0, and the second time includes t2 and t4. Among them, if the target effective time determined by the non-AP MLD is at least one effective start time indicated by the received first frame (such as Fig.9e If Ta = the first time, and Tb = the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, then the positions of Ta and Tb are as follows: Fig.9e The positions of Ta and Tb are shown, wherein the minimum value of all second times corresponding to all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD is t2 (because t2<t4).

[0231] It is understandable that in order to further distinguish the meaning of "all first links of AP MLD" and "all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and AP MLD" described in the embodiments of the present application, a specific example is used for explanation below. For example, assuming that AP MLD works on N first links, and M first links are established between the first non-AP MLD and AP MLD, then all first links of AP MLD can be understood as the N first links, and all first links established between the first non-AP MLD and AP MLD can be understood as the M first links, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to M.

[0232] In the present application, if a certain link (for example, the second link is used as an example in the present application for schematic illustration) is to be closed, the AP MLD is closed the latest (that is, later than the closing time of all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communications with the AP MLD); if a certain link (for example, the second link is used as an example in the present application for schematic illustration) is to be opened, the AP MLD is opened the earliest (that is, earlier than the opening time of all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communications with the AP MLD). Based on this, the problem of unreliable communication between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD caused by the inconsistent understanding of the mapping effective time by the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can be solved.

[0233] The above content elaborates on the method of the present application in detail. In order to facilitate better implementation of the above scheme of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides corresponding devices or equipment.

[0234] The present application divides the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. Figures 10 to 12 The communication device according to the embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0235] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.10 As shown, the communication device includes a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002. The transceiver unit 1002 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 1001 is used for data processing. For example, the transceiver unit 1002 can also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0236] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the actions performed by the AP MLD in the above method embodiments. In this case, the communication device can be an AP MLD or a component that can be configured in the AP MLD (such as a chip or a system, etc.), and the transceiver unit 1002 is used to execute the AP MLD transceiver related operations in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1001 is used to execute the AP MLD processing related operations in the above method embodiments.

[0237] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be the AP MLD or chip shown above, and the chip may be arranged in the AP MLD. That is, the communication device may be used to execute the steps or functions executed by the AP MLD in the above method embodiments.

[0238] The processing unit 1001 is used to generate at least one first frame; the transceiver unit 1002 is used to send the at least one first frame on at least one first link.

[0239] Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1001 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0240] In other embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the actions executed by the non-APMLD in the above method embodiment. In this case, the communication device can be a non-AP MLD or a component that can be configured in a non-AP MLD. The transceiver unit 1002 is used to execute the operations related to the transceiver of the non-AP MLD in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1001 is used to execute the operations related to the non-AP MLD processing in the above method embodiment. That is, the communication device can be used to execute the steps or functions executed by the non-AP MLD in the above method embodiment.

[0241] The transceiver unit 1002 is used to receive at least one first frame on at least one first link; the processing unit 1001 is used to determine the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping according to the at least one first frame.

[0242] It is understandable that the specific description of the processing unit 1001 parsing the first frame to determine the target effective start time can refer to the method embodiment shown above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0243] Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1001 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0244] It can be understood that the specific description of the transceiver unit and the processing unit shown in the embodiment of the present application is only an example. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver unit and the processing unit, reference can be made to the above-mentioned method embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0245] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the first frame, the first time, the second time, Ta, Tb, etc. can also refer to the introduction in the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0246] The above describes the communication device of the embodiment of the present application, and the following describes possible product forms of the communication device. Fig.10 Any form of product with the functions of the communication device described above falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. It should also be understood that the following description is only an example and does not limit the product form of the communication device of the embodiments of the present application to this.

[0247] In one possible implementation, Fig.10 In the communication device shown, the processing unit 1001 may be one or more processors, the transceiver unit 1002 may be a transceiver, or the transceiver unit 1002 may also be a sending unit and a receiving unit, the sending unit may be a transmitter, the receiving unit may be a receiver, and the sending unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the connection mode of the processor and the transceiver. In the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be understood as the process of outputting the above information by the processor. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that it is transmitted by the transceiver. After the above information is output by the processor, it may also need to be processed in other ways before it reaches the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor receiving the input information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed in other ways before it is input into the processor.

[0248] like Fig.11 As shown, the communication device 110 includes one or more processors 1120 and a transceiver 1110 .

[0249] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be used to execute the steps or functions performed by the AP MLD in the above method embodiments.

[0250] The processor 1120 is configured to generate at least one first frame; and the transceiver 1110 is configured to send the at least one first frame on at least one first link.

[0251] In some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be used to execute the steps or functions performed by the non-AP MLD in the above method embodiments.

[0252] The transceiver 1110 is used to receive at least one first frame on at least one first link; the processor 1120 is used to determine the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping according to the at least one first frame.

[0253] It can be understood that the specific description of the transceiver and the processor shown in the embodiments of the present application is only an example. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver and the processor, reference can be made to the above-mentioned method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0254] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the first frame, the first time, the second time, Ta, Tb, etc. can also refer to the introduction in the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0255] exist Fig.11 In various implementations of the communication device shown, the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, wherein the receiver is used to perform a receiving function (or operation) and the transmitter is used to perform a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is used to communicate with other devices / devices through a transmission medium.

[0256] Optionally, the communication device 110 may also include one or more memories 1130 for storing program instructions and / or data, etc. The memory 1130 is coupled to the processor 1120. The coupling in the embodiment of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules. The processor 1120 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1130. The processor 1120 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 1130. Optionally, at least one of the one or more memories may be included in the processor.

[0257] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1110, the processor 1120 and the memory 1130 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.11 The memory 1130, the processor 1120 and the transceiver 1110 are connected via a bus 1140. Fig.11 The connections between the other components are shown in bold lines, which are only for illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Fig.11 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0258] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc., and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor, etc.

[0259] In the embodiment of the present application, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a read-only memory (ROM) or a portable read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. The memory is any storage medium that can be used to carry or store program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be read and / or written by a computer (such as a communication device shown in the present application), but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device that can realize a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0260] Exemplarily, the processor 1120 is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and to control the entire communication device, execute the software program, and process the data of the software program. The memory 1130 is mainly used to store the software program and data. The transceiver 1110 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is mainly used to convert the baseband signal and the radio frequency signal and to process the radio frequency signal. The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input and output devices, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., are mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user.

[0261] When the communication device is turned on, the processor 1120 can read the software program in the memory 1130, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 1120 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit performs RF processing on the baseband signal and then sends the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1120. The processor 1120 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0262] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be arranged independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be arranged remotely from the communication device.

[0263] It is understandable that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application may also have Fig.11 The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of components and the like. The methods executed by the processor and the transceiver shown above are only examples, and the specific steps executed by the processor and the transceiver can refer to the methods described above.

[0264] In another possible implementation, Fig.10 In the communication device shown, the processing unit 1001 may be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver unit 1002 may be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 1002 may be a sending unit and a receiving unit, the sending unit may be an output interface, the receiving unit may be an input interface, and the sending unit and the receiving unit may be integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface. Fig.12 As shown, Fig.12 The communication device shown includes a logic circuit 1201 and an interface 1202. That is, the processing unit 1001 can be implemented by the logic circuit 1201, and the transceiver unit 1002 can be implemented by the interface 1202. The logic circuit 1201 can be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit or a system on chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1202 can be a communication interface, an input / output interface, a pin, etc. For example, Fig.12 The above communication device is taken as an example as a chip, and the chip includes a logic circuit 1201 and an interface 1202 .

[0265] In the embodiment of the present application, the logic circuit and the interface may also be coupled to each other. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface.

[0266] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be used to execute the steps or functions performed by the AP MLD in the above method embodiments.

[0267] The logic circuit 1201 is used to generate at least one first frame; the interface 1202 is used to send the at least one first frame on at least one first link.

[0268] In some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device may be used to execute the steps or functions executed by the non-AP MLD in the above method embodiments.

[0269] The interface 1202 is used to receive at least one first frame on at least one first link; the logic circuit 1201 is used to determine the target effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping according to the at least one first frame.

[0270] It can be understood that the specific description of the logic circuit and interface shown in the embodiments of the present application is only an example. For the specific functions or execution steps of the logic circuit and interface, etc., reference can be made to the above-mentioned method embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0271] In the above embodiments, the descriptions about the first frame, the first time, the second time, Ta, Tb, etc. can also refer to the introduction in the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0272] It can be understood that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application can implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in the form of hardware, or can implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in the form of software, etc., and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0273] An embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless communication system, which includes an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD. The AP MLD and the non-AP MLD can be used to execute the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0274] In addition, the present application also provides a computer program, which is used to implement the operations and / or processing performed by the AP MLD in the method provided by the present application.

[0275] The present application also provides a computer program, which is used to implement the operations and / or processing performed by the non-AP MLD in the method provided by the present application.

[0276] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer codes are stored. When the computer codes are executed on a computer, the computer executes the operations and / or processes performed by the AP MLD in the method provided by the present application.

[0277] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer codes are stored. When the computer codes are executed on a computer, the computer executes the operations and / or processes performed by the non-APMLD in the method provided by the present application.

[0278] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or the computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the APMLD in the method provided by the present application are executed.

[0279] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or the computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the non-AP MLD in the method provided by the present application are executed.

[0280] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, or it can be an electrical, mechanical or other form of connection.

[0281] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0282] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0283] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or partly contributed to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium, including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

[0284] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The access point multi-link device AP MLD generates at least one first frame; The AP MLD sends the at least one first frame on at least one first link; The first frame indicates the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping (TID-to-Link Mapping); When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is closed, the AP MLD closes the second link no earlier than time point Tb; or, When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is enabled, the AP MLD enables the second link no later than time point Ta; The Ta is earlier than the Tb, and the Tb is determined according to a first time, where the first time is a target beacon transmission time TBTT corresponding to a service indication map DTIM beacon frame of the third link.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method comprises: When the first link and the third link are the same, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame sent on the first link is the first time; or When the first link and the third link are different, the effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping indicated by the first frame sent on the first link is the second time, and the second time is the time unit TU boundary on the first link.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is closed, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD on the second link later than Ta; or, When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is started, the AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link before Tb.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is closed, the AP MLD ends the transmission with the first non-AP MLD on the second link before Ta; or, When the service identifier and link mapping indicates that the second link is enabled, the AP MLD can initiate transmission to the first non-AP MLD on the second link only after Tb; The first non-AP MLDs are all non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The AP MLD does not initiate transmission to the first non-access point multi-link device non-AP MLD on the second link when the time is later than the Ta and earlier than the Tb.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The second time is before the first time, and the second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The Ta is the difference between the first time and the length of TU, ​​and the Tb is determined according to the first time, specifically, the Tb is the first time; or, The Ta is the minimum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The Ta is a minimum time among all second times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The Ta is a maximum time among all second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and the Tb is the first time.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The second time is after the first time, and the second time is a TU boundary closest to the first time on the first link.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The Ta is the first time, and the Tb is the sum of the first time and the length of TU; or, The Ta is the first time, and the Tb is the maximum time of all second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The Ta is the first time, and the Tb is the maximum time of all second times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The Ta is the first time, and the Tb is the minimum time among all second times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD and / or the first times.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The Ta is the minimum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or the first time, and the Tb is the maximum time among all the second times corresponding to all the first links of the AP MLD and / or the first time.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The Ta is the minimum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, and the Tb is the maximum time among all the second times and / or the first times corresponding to all the first links established between the first non-AP MLD and the AP MLD.

17. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first non-AP MLD is any one of the non-AP MLDs that have established multi-link communication with the AP MLD.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: The TU boundary is the time point when the lower 10 bits of the time synchronization function TSF timer are 0.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that: The first frame is a beacon frame or a probe response frame.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: The effective start time of the service identifier and link mapping is indicated by the mapping switch time field in the first frame.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that: The service identifiers and link mappings indicated by different first frames have different effective start times.

22. A communication device, comprising a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1-21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-21 through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

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