High frequency multilink support system operation

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for high frequency multi-link support system operation. In some aspects, an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) and a non-AP MLD may use a first radio frequency link to support and facilitate communications using a second radio frequency link, where such second radio frequency link may be otherwise associated with an access constraint or difficulty. For example, the first radio frequency link may be a sub-7 gigahertz (GHz) link, and the second radio frequency link may be a 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz link. The AP MLD may send identification information and control information associated with the second radio frequency link to the non-AP MLD via the first radio frequency link. The non-AP MLD and the AP MLD may use the identification information and the control information to communicate data via the second radio frequency link.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 853,668, filed by Patil et al. on June 29, 2022, entitled “HIGHFREQUENCY MULTI-LINK SUPPORT SYSTEMS OPERATION,” which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, including high frequency multi-link support system operations. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). A wireless local area network (WLAN) such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 network may include an access point (AP) that can communicate with one or more stations (STAs), client devices, or mobile devices. The AP may be coupled to a network such as the Internet, and may enable mobile devices to communicate via the network (or communicate with other devices coupled to the AP). A wireless device may communicate bidirectionally with a network device. For example, in a WLAN, a STA may communicate with an associated AP via a downlink and an uplink. A downlink (or forward link) may refer to a communication link from an AP to a STA, and an uplink (or reverse link) may refer to a communication link from a STA to an AP. Summary of the invention

[0005] The systems, methods and devices of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0006] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method for wireless communication at a first multi-link device (MLD). The method may include: receiving identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD; receiving control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0007] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD. The apparatus may include one or more interfaces and a processing system. The one or more interfaces may be configured to: obtain identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD; and obtain control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD. The one or more interfaces may be configured to: output one or more data messages to the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0008] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: receiving identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD; receiving control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD. The apparatus may include: a unit for receiving identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD; a unit for receiving control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and a unit for transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first MLD. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD; receive control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmit one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0011] In some implementations of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving identification information associated with the second radio frequency link may include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving an indication of restrictions associated with use of the second radio frequency link via a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and receiving an indication of a condition associated with use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein setting of the second radio frequency link may be associated with satisfaction of the condition.

[0012] Some implementations of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving, via the first RF link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding a second RF link to a multi-link setup between a first MLD and a second MLD based on satisfaction of a condition; and receiving, via the first RF link or the second RF link, a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second RF link from the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied.

[0013] In some implementations of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the addition of the second radio frequency link and the removal of the second radio frequency link can be specific to the first MLD.

[0014] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method for wireless communication at a first MLD. The method may include: sending identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; sending control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0015] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD. The apparatus may include one or more interfaces and a processing system. The one or more interfaces may be configured to: output identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; and output control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD. The one or more interfaces may be configured to: obtain one or more data messages from the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0016] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: send identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; send control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmit one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0017] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD. The apparatus may include: a unit for sending identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; a unit for sending control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and a unit for transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0018] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first MLD. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: send identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link in accordance with a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; send control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmit one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link in accordance with the control information.

[0019] In some implementations of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending identification information associated with the second radio frequency link may include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending an indication of restrictions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and sending an indication of conditions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link can be associated with the satisfaction of the conditions.

[0020] Some implementations of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding a second radio frequency link to a multi-link setup between a second MLD and a first MLD based on satisfaction of a condition via the first radio frequency link; and sending a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio frequency link from the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on no longer satisfying the condition via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link.

[0021] In some implementations of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the addition of the second radio frequency link and the removal of the second radio frequency link can be specific to the second MLD.

[0022] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. It should be noted that the relative sizes of the following drawings may not be drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 An example wireless communication system supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 An example signaling diagram supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 An example process flow supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown.

[0026] Figure 4 Example signaling during a beacon interval (BI) to support high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 Example signaling corresponding to service period (SP) assignments supporting high frequency multi-link support system operations is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 An example beam training process is shown to support high frequency multi-link support system operation.

[0029] Figure 7 An example process flow supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A block diagram of an example device supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown.

[0031] Fig.10 and Fig.11 A flow chart illustrating an example method for supporting operation of a high frequency multi-link support system is shown.

[0032] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] For the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of the present disclosure, the following description refers to some implementations. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. The described implementations can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of sending and receiving RF signals in accordance with any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 16.11 standards or any of the following: IEEE 802.11 standards, Standard, code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), GSM or general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE), terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA), wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), evolution data optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, high speed packet access (HSPA), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), evolved high speed packet access (HSPA+), long term evolution (LTE), AMPS, or other known signals for communicating within a wireless, cellular or Internet of Things (IOT) network (e.g., a system utilizing a third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) or fifth generation (5G), or another implementation or technology thereof).

[0034] In some deployments, a device (such as a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) device) may support multi-link operation (MLO), according to which the device may communicate via multiple different links. For example, an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) may communicate with a non-AP MLD via a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) link, a 5 GHz link, a 6 GHz link, or any combination thereof. In some systems, an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD may be able to communicate via other radio frequency links (such as 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz links) that may provide relatively higher data rates, cleaner (e.g., less crowded) operating channels, or greater link diversity. Communication on such other radio frequency links may present several challenges or be associated with one or more access constraints, which may prevent the adoption of such other radio frequency links (which in turn may limit the achievable throughput or diversity of the system). For example, communication via 45 GHz and 60 GHz links may be relatively more susceptible to propagation losses, and access to a 3.5 GHz link may be limited (e.g., due to existing techniques with priority access) or associated with one or more rules. Furthermore, while using 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz links to transmit data may increase overall system capacity, other signaling (such as discovery information, control information, or signaling associated with beam training procedures) may not be well suited for such radio frequencies due to their respective constraints or challenges.

[0035] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD may support communication via a radio frequency link (such as a 3.5 GHz link, a 45 GHz link, or a 60 GHz link) associated with access constraints or difficulties by utilizing different radio frequency links (such as a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link). In other words, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD may use a first radio frequency link (such as a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link) as an anchor link to facilitate operation on a second radio frequency link (such as a 3.5 GHz link, a 45 GHz link, or a 60 GHz link). For example, the non-AP MLD may monitor the first radio frequency link for identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, and may use the first radio frequency link to transmit control and feedback information associated with a data message sent (or to be sent) via the second radio frequency link. The non-AP MLD may receive the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link via a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame sent via the first radio frequency link, or via a multi-link probe response sent over the first radio frequency link. In addition, in some implementations, the non-AP MLD can conditionally communicate via the second radio frequency link. In such implementations, the RNR element or the multi-link probe response can indicate restrictions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link, and if the conditions are met, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can exchange multi-link setup signaling to add the second radio frequency link. Additionally or alternatively, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can support one or more signaling-based or configuration-based mechanisms associated with the transmission of beacon frames via the second radio frequency link. In some implementations, for example, the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD can support selective or conditional transmission of beacon frames via the second radio frequency link, and can otherwise use beacon frames sent via the first radio frequency link to send and receive information associated with operating parameters of the second radio frequency link.

[0036] Particular implementations of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. For example, due to utilizing a 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz anchor link to facilitate communication via any one or more of a 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz link, a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD may more reliably access and maintain a 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz link while achieving relatively low overhead on the 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz link. Thus, a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD may achieve higher data rates and greater system capacity associated with the use of additional links while maintaining or increasing spectral efficiency and link reliability. For example, in accordance with establishing and maintaining more radio frequency links, a transmitter may replicate packets over multiple links, which may improve reliability of communication between a transmitter and a receiver and reduce latency (because there may be more links available to service (e.g., send or transmit) data). Additionally, 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz links may be associated with relatively clearer (e.g., less congested) channels with potentially less access contention and lower likelihood of signaling collisions, which may further increase throughput and reduce latency. Furthermore, non-AP MLDs and AP MLDs may spend less battery power on signaling overhead, which may improve power savings and increase battery life (or reduce power consumption) at each device.

[0037] Figure 1 An example wireless communication system 100 that supports high frequency multi-link support system operations is shown. The wireless communication system 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a Wi-Fi network, and may include an AP 105 and a plurality of associated STAs 115, which may represent devices such as: a mobile station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), other handheld devices, a netbook, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a display device (such as a TV or a computer monitor), or a printer. The AP 105 and the associated STAs 115 may represent a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS). The various STAs 115 in the network are able to communicate with each other through the AP 105. Also shown is a coverage area 110 of the AP 105, which may represent a BSA of the wireless communication system 100. An extended network station (not shown) associated with the wireless communication system 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that may allow multiple APs 105 to be connected in an ESS.

[0038] STA 115 may be located at the intersection of more than one coverage area 110 and may be associated with more than one AP 105. A single AP 105 and an associated set of STAs 115 may be referred to as a BSS. An ESS is a set of connected BSSs. A distribution system (not shown) may be used to connect the APs 105 in an ESS. In some implementations, the coverage area 110 of an AP 105 may be divided into sectors (also not shown). The wireless communication system 100 may include different types of APs 105 (such as a metropolitan area or home network) with different and overlapping coverage areas 110. Two STAs 115 may also communicate directly via a direct wireless link 125, regardless of whether the two STAs 115 are in the same coverage area 110. Examples of direct wireless links 120 may include Wi-Fi direct connections, Wi-Fi tunnel direct link setup (TDLS) links, and other group connections. The STA 115 and the AP 105 may communicate according to WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the physical layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer from IEEE 802.11 and versions including but not limited to 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, 802.11ax, or 802.11be. In some other implementations, a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection or an ad hoc network may be implemented within the wireless communication system 100.

[0039] In some implementations, a STA 115 (or AP 105) may be detectable by a central AP 105, but not by other STAs 115 in the coverage area 110 of the central AP 105. For example, one STA 115 may be at one end of the coverage area 110 of the central AP 105, while another STA 115 may be at the other end. Thus, two STAs 115 may communicate with the AP 105, but may not receive each other's transmissions. This may result in conflicting transmissions for two STAs 115 in a contention-based environment, such as a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) environment, because the STAs 115 may be transmitting at the same time. A STA 115 whose transmission is not identifiable but is within the same coverage area 110 may be referred to as a hidden node. CSMA / CA may be supplemented by the exchange of a request to send (RTS) packet sent by the sending STA 115 (or AP 105) and a clear to send (CTS) packet sent by the receiving STA 115 (or AP 105). This may alert other devices within range of the sender and receiver not to transmit within the duration of the primary transmission. Thus, RTS / CTS may help mitigate the hidden node problem.

[0040] In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may support MLO, according to which two or more devices may communicate via two or more wireless links (such as two or more radio frequency links). MLO may refer to or apply to pre-association or post-association operations. In such implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may include one or more MLDs capable of communicating (e.g., transmitting or receiving) via multiple links. In some aspects, one or more STAs 115 may be associated or affiliated with a first MLD such as a non-AP MLD 130, and one or more APs 105 may be associated or affiliated with a second MLD such as an APMLD 135. One or more STAs 115 or APs 105 affiliated with an MLD may be associated with multiple functionalities of the MLD.

[0041] For example, the MLD may be a device capable of communicating via multiple radio frequency links, and the operation or functionality of the MLD at each of the multiple radio frequency links may be described as being performed by a corresponding STA 115 (in an example where the MLD is a non-AP MLD 130, such that each STA 115 affiliated with the non-AP MLD 130 is a non-AP STA 115) or a corresponding AP 105 (in an example where the MLD is an AP MLD 135, such that each STA 115 affiliated with the AP MLD 135 is an AP 105 or functions as an AP 105). Thus, the non-AP MLD 130 may communicate (e.g., transmit or receive or both) via a first radio frequency link using a first STA 115, and may communicate (e.g., transmit or receive or both) via a second radio frequency link using a second STA 115. Similarly, the AP MLD 135 may communicate (e.g., transmit or receive or both) via a first radio frequency link using a first AP 105, and may communicate (e.g., transmit or receive or both) via a second radio frequency link using a second AP 105. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may effectively communicate with the AP MLD 135 using a first STA-AP pair via the wireless link 120 - a and using a second STA-AP pair via the wireless link 120 - b .

[0042] The non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may communicate via various radio frequency links, including 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links. In some systems, the 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links may be relatively easy to access. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may access or communicate using any one or more of the 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links (e.g., transmitting or receiving via any one or more of the 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links) without negotiating access on different links, without requiring access restrictions (e.g., access restrictions associated with service types), or without applying techniques associated with mitigating propagation path losses (e.g., focusing transmission and reception in a specific direction via beamforming). However, some other radio frequency links may be associated with access restrictions or difficulties, and in some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use any one or more of the 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, and 6 GHz links to support and facilitate communication via such other radio frequency links.

[0043] Such other radio frequency links may include 3.5 GHz links, 45 GHz links, or 60 GHz links. For example, the access restrictions of the 3.5 GHz link may be associated with other devices (such as existing devices) that already have access and priority to the 3.5 GHz link. For example, some military and commercial devices may operate via a 3.5 GHz link, and such devices may have priority to the 3.5 GHz link. Therefore, although some Wi-Fi devices or other wireless devices may be allowed to use the 3.5 GHz link, such devices may be configured or indicated to be turned off or backed off when existing devices are transmitting. Therefore, the discovery, setting, and coordinated exchange of potential de-prioritized devices using the 3.5 GHz link may be impractical (because they may be relatively frequently interrupted or excluded from transmission). The access restrictions of the 45 GHz link or the 60 GHz link may be associated with the characteristics and challenges associated with communication at a relatively high radio frequency. For example, the 45 GHz link and the 60 GHz link may be associated with reachability issues (due to relatively high propagation path loss) and the use of beamforming (such as highly focused transmission) to achieve suitable signal quality. Such reachability issues and the use of beamforming may make discovery, setup, and coordinated exchanges using 45 GHz links or 60 GHz links impractical because the reachability issues or the application of beamforming may cause the communication devices to send or receive relatively large amounts of overhead signaling, or experience link failures relatively frequently, or both.

[0044] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may support and facilitate communication using a radio frequency link associated with access constraints or difficulties (such as a 3.5 GHz link, a 45 GHz link, or a 60 GHz link) based on exchanging signaling via any one or more radio frequency links that are relatively easy to access (such as any one or more of a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link). As described herein, such one or more radio frequency links that are relatively easy to access (such as any one or more of a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link) may be referred to as a first radio frequency link, and any one or more radio frequency links associated with access constraints or difficulties (such as any one or more of a 3.5 GHz link, a 45 GHz link, or a 60 GHz link) may be referred to as a second radio frequency link. In some implementations, the APMLD 135 may send identification information (such as discovery information, basic discovery information, advertisement information, association information, authentication information, access restriction information, or any combination thereof) and control information (such as service period (SP) information, scheduling information, timing information, feedback information, or any combination thereof) associated with the second radio frequency link to the non-AP MLD 130 via the first radio frequency link. The non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may transmit (e.g., send or receive) a data message via the second radio frequency link according to the identification information and the control information.

[0045] In some aspects, a first radio frequency link (such as any one or more of a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link) may be referred to as a sub-7 GHz link, where a sub-7 GHz link may generally refer to any radio frequency link or any set of two or more radio frequency links at or below 7 GHz. Additionally, as described herein, a second radio frequency link may refer to any radio frequency link associated with an access constraint or difficulty. Thus, implementations described herein may be applicable to any radio frequency band or link that has constraints or rules regarding which devices may gain access, when a device may gain access, or how far a message may be sent via the radio frequency band or link (in terms of reachability distance).

[0046] In addition, the devices of the wireless communication system 100 can support various possible configurations associated with operation at one or more radio frequencies (such as possible configurations for 45 GHz or 60 GHz operation). For example, depending on the radio configuration, a device (such as an AP 105, a STA 115, a non-AP MLD 130, or an AP MLD 135) can operate according to a single-link single radio (SLSR) configuration, according to which a single radio device can operate using one radio frequency, a multi-link single radio (MLSR) configuration, or a multi-link multi-radio (MLMR) configuration, according to which a device can operate using one radio frequency band at a time (but can operate using both sub-7 GHz and 45 GHz or 60 GHz), according to which a device can operate on more than one band at the same time (where at least one radio unit operates using a sub-7 GHz band). According to the implementation described herein, the MLD can support MLSR or MLMR configurations. Therefore, the described technology can be applied to devices that can communicate via multiple links at the same time or devices that can communicate via different links at different times.

[0047] In addition, although described herein as a non-AP MLD 130, the non-AP MLD 130 may function as a soft AP device (which may be referred to as a softAP device). In such examples where the non-AP MLD 130 functions as a soft AP device, the non-AP MLD 130 may perform the same or similar functions as the APMLD 135 (e.g., send or receive the same or similar signaling) to one or more other STAs 115 or one or more other non-AP MLDs 130. If operating as a soft AP device (which may be a device that operates using a battery or otherwise limited power source (or in a power saving mode)), the non-AP MLD 130 may use the same set of RF chains as the non-AP MLD 130 uses for operation to operate as a soft AP device. In addition, although referred to herein as a soft AP device, such a device may be any client device (such as any battery-powered client device) that functions as an AP MLD 135.

[0048] Figure 2 An example signaling diagram 200 supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown. The signaling diagram 200 may implement or be implemented to implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100. For example, the signaling diagram 200 shows the non-AP MLD 130 and the APMLD 135 (which may be respectively as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown and referenced Figure 1In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may communicate via a communication link 215 (which may refer to or include one or more different links), and may use a signaling mechanism and frame exchange via a first radio frequency link 205 (such as any one or more of a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link) to support communication via a second radio frequency link 210 (such as any one or more of a 3.5 GHz link, a 45 GHz link, or a 60 GHz link).

[0049] Some radio frequency bands (such as the 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz bands) may provide a large amount of communication resources (such as a large range of spectrum) that communication devices (such as Wi-Fi devices) can use. Operation on relatively high radio frequency bands (such as the 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands) may present several challenges at the device or system level (such as challenges caused by relatively large propagation losses), and some systems may define communication processes associated with overcoming these challenges. However, several challenges or complications may still arise, which has led to a lack of widespread adoption of the 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands for data communications. To further address the challenges presented by 45 GHz or 60 GHz band operation and the access constraints associated with 3.5 GHz band operation, some systems may utilize MLO to make 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz operation more seamless and accessible, which may promote greater adoption of such bands and likewise increase data rates and system capacity.

[0050] Thus, in some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may utilize or take advantage of the MLO framework to facilitate operations and communications using the second radio frequency link 210. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may include the second radio frequency link 210 as part of an MLO setup involving at least one first radio frequency link 205 (such as at least one sub-7 GHz link). In other words, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use the first radio frequency link 205 to setup operations involving the second radio frequency link 210. Such an MLO setup may include sending or receiving one or more management frames via the first radio frequency link 205, which include information associated with the second radio frequency link 210. Thus, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may reduce management overhead associated with the second radio frequency link 210 by moving the management frame exchange to the first radio frequency link 205.

[0051] For example, the AP MLD 135 may send identification information 220 associated with the second radio frequency link 210 to the non-AP MLD 130 via the first radio frequency link 205. Thus (for MLSR or MLMR configurations), discovery of the second radio frequency link 210 may occur via the first radio frequency link 205, and in some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may perform association (such as exchanging one or more association frames associated with the second radio frequency link 210) via an on-channel tunnel (OCT) via the first radio frequency link 205. In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 130 may continuously use the second radio frequency link 210 (e.g., stay on the second radio frequency link 210) for the entire duration of the association process, and may (exclusively) perform operations on the second radio frequency link 210. In such aspects, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may set the SP via the frame exchange on the first radio frequency link 205, and may move to the second radio frequency link 210 for the remainder of the duration of the association process. In some other aspects, the non-AP MLD 130 may set the SP for the second RF link 210, and may switch the radio between the first RF link 205 and the second RF link 210 (e.g., switching a single radio if the non-AP MLD 130 is in an MLSR configuration). In other words, the non-AP MLD 130 may adjust the RF chain to switch between communications (e.g., transmission, reception, or monitoring) using the first RF link 205 and the second RF link 210.

[0052] The AP MLD 135 may transmit the identification information 220 via any one or more of a probe response frame, a multi-link probe response, an association frame, or a beacon frame (such as an RNR element in a beacon frame or a probe response frame). For example, if a 60 GHz AP 105 is affiliated with the AP MLD 135 along with at least one other sub-7 GHz AP 105, the AP MLD 135 may transmit an RNR element or a multi-link probe response via the first radio frequency link 205, which provides the identification information 220 of the 60 GHz AP 105. In addition, an association frame exchanged between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 via the first radio frequency link 205 may include information associated with or otherwise indicating the second radio frequency link 210 as part of a multi-link setup (wherein a multi-link setup may refer to a multi-link association).

[0053] In some implementations, the second radio frequency link 210 may be subject to or otherwise associated with a restriction, such as a constraint or condition. For example, in some deployments, the second radio frequency link 210 may be excluded as part of a multi-link setup, and if the condition is met, the use of the second radio frequency link 210 may be allowed. In such implementations, the identification information 220 associated with the second radio frequency link 210 may include an indication of such restrictions. In some aspects, the AP MLD 135 may indicate such restrictions via one or more of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an RNR element of a multi-link probe response. For example, the AP MLD 135 may include a field or bit in an RNR element in a beacon frame or a probe response frame to indicate a restriction, such as the presence, applicability, or activation of a restriction, and may include one or more fields in a multi-link probe response to indicate a condition or criteria to be met to lift the restriction (and enable or allow the use of the second radio frequency link 210).

[0054] Such conditions or criteria may be associated with a payment made by a user of the non-AP MLD 130, a geographic location of the non-AP MLD 130 or the AP MLD 135, proximity of the non-AP MLD 130 to the AP MLD 135, or an application running at one or both of the non-AP MLD 130 or the AP MLD 135. Thus, the condition or criterion may be satisfied if a payment is made (which may be indicated from the non-AP MLD 130 to the AP MLD 135), if the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 are located within a particular geographic location, or if the non-AP MLD 130 is within a threshold distance from the AP MLD 135. If the conditions associated with the second radio frequency link 210 are satisfied, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may add the second radio frequency link 210 to an existing or current multi-link setup (such as an already established multi-link setup) via a reconfiguration add operation. Depending on whether the condition is met, the non-AP MLD 130 can perform conditional link setup 255-a and the AP MLD 135 can perform conditional link setup 255-b, wherein the conditional link setup 255 (which can generally refer to one or both of the conditional link setup 255-a and the conditional link setup 255-b) can trigger a signaling exchange between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 associated with the multi-link setup to add the second radio frequency link 210.

[0055] For example, the AP MLD 135 may send a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second radio frequency link 210 to the multi-link setup between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 based on satisfaction of the condition. In some scenarios, the condition may be satisfied for a limited period of time, and based on no longer satisfying the condition, the AP MLD 135 may send a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio frequency link 210 from the multi-link setup between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135. For example, when the second radio frequency link 210 is to be removed from an existing or current multi-link setup, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may perform a multi-link reconfiguration deletion operation. In some aspects, the condition no longer being met may correspond to the expiration of a particular amount of time (such as a particular amount of time paid by a user of the non-AP MLD 130), the non-AP MLD 130 or the AP MLD 135 no longer being located within a particular geographic location, the distance between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 exceeding a threshold distance, or a particular application no longer being run at one or both of the non-AP MLD 130 or the AP MLD 135.

[0056] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may add and remove the second radio frequency link 210 to and from an existing or current multi-link setup via a one-to-one add operation and a one-to-one delete operation, respectively. In other words, instead of adding or removing the second radio frequency link 210 on a global basis (such that all served non-AP MLDs 130 or all served STAs 115 add or remove the second radio frequency link 210), the AP MLD 135 may add or remove the second radio frequency link 210 for one or more specific non-AP MLDs 130 or one or more specific STAs 115. Furthermore, in accordance with adding or removing the second radio frequency link 210 via a one-to-one multi-link reconfiguration add operation or a one-to-one multi-link reconfiguration delete operation, respectively, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may add or remove the first radio frequency link 210 without performing a complete reconfiguration or teardown of other established links. Thus, non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135 may add or remove second radio frequency link 210 while maintaining information (such as operating parameters or beamforming information) associated with any other links (such as first radio frequency link 205) supported by an existing or current multi-link setup.

[0057] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 may monitor the first radio frequency link 205 for control information 225 associated with the second radio frequency link 210. The non-AP MLD 130 may receive the control information 225 from the AP MLD 135 via the first radio frequency link 205 via one or more management frames, such as one or more beacon frames, one or more multilink probe responses, one or more probe response frames, one or more (re)association response frames, or one or more other management type frames. The control information 225 may include at least one of the following: a duration of a beacon interval (BI) associated with the second radio frequency link 210, timing information associated with the second radio frequency link 210, a traffic indication or traffic identifier (TID) associated with the second radio frequency link 210, SP information 245 of the second radio frequency link 210, an indication of an update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link 210, such as a critical update indication 250, or a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link 210, or any combination thereof.

[0058] In some aspects, the timing information associated with the second radio frequency link 210 may include information associated with a timing synchronization function (TSF) of the second radio frequency link 210, which may be indicated via a time offset between the TSF of the first radio frequency link 205 and the TSF of the second radio frequency link 210. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may communicate according to an MLO framework associated with a fixed TSF offset between the links, and accordingly, may maintain a fixed TSF offset between the first radio frequency link 205 and the second radio frequency link 210. Thus, the AP MLD 135 may send an indication of a time domain offset between the TSF of the first radio frequency link 205 and the TSF of the second radio frequency link 210 to the non-AP MLD 130 via the first radio frequency link 205, and the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may derive the TSF (as well as any other timing information associated with the second radio frequency link 210) from the TSF or other timing information associated with the first radio frequency link 205.

[0059] In addition, the non-AP MLD 130 may obtain or receive one or more traffic indications, one or more critical update indications 250, or a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link 210 via one or more beacons transmitted over the first radio frequency link 205, which may enable the non-AP MLD 130 to selectively monitor the second radio frequency link 210 for beacon frames 230, or to completely avoid monitoring the second radio frequency link 210 (for performing basic service set (BSS) operations) for beacon frames 230. For example, if the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 use the first radio frequency link 205 to indicate a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link 210 (such as a set of BSS operating parameters) as part of an MLO framework, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may eliminate the need to monitor beacon frames 230 transmitted via the second radio frequency link 210 for performing basic BSS operations. In such examples, the MLO framework may provide a mechanism to tunnel individually addressed management frames so that individually addressed management frames for the second radio frequency link 210 may be sent via the first radio frequency link 205. Thus, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may avoid using dedicated intervals (such as the Announcement Transmission Interval (ATI)) associated with exchanging individually addressed management frames via the second radio frequency link 210.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, if the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 use the first radio frequency link 205 to transmit one or more critical update indications 250 associated with the second radio frequency link 210 as part of the MLO framework, the non-AP MLD 130 may selectively monitor the second radio frequency link 210 for one or more beacon frames 230 depending on whether the critical update indication 250 is received in the control information 225. Thus, if the non-AP MLD 130 receives the critical update indication 250, the non-AP MLD 130 may monitor the second radio frequency link 210 for operating parameters, such as the BSS operating parameters transmitted by the beacon frame 230, and if the non-AP MLD 130 does not receive the critical update indication 250, the non-AP MLD 130 may refrain from monitoring the second radio frequency link 210 for operating parameters.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, the control information 225 may include coordination information or scheduling information associated with communicating with the second radio frequency link 210. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use the first radio frequency link 205 as an anchor link to facilitate operations on the second radio frequency link 210, and may likewise use the first radio frequency link 205 to coordinate transmissions between second radio frequency link 210 participants (e.g., between one or more STAs 115 or APs 105 associated with or capable of using the second radio frequency link 210). In some aspects, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use the first radio frequency link 205 as a post-association anchor channel. For example, the identification information 220 may include beacon information, advertisement information, and association information, and the control information 225 may include post-association control, feedback, and management information. Thus, the first RF link 205 can be used as a stable control or feedback channel to manage and facilitate activities (such as data transmission or switching) on ​​the second RF link 210, and enable the non-AP MLD 130 to perform basic operations by monitoring a single link (such as the first RF link 205), which can provide a robust data pipelining based on reducing overhead from the second RF link 210.

[0062] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may selectively support sending beacon frames 230 via the second radio frequency link 210. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may perform conditional beacon frame reception 260, and the AP MLD 135 may perform conditional beacon frame transmission 265, wherein sending and receiving the beacon frame 230 via the second radio frequency link 210 is associated with the satisfaction of a condition. For example, while eliminating the beacon frame 230 from the second radio frequency link 210 may reduce overhead, the (sectorized) beacon frame 230 may assist the non-AP MLD 130 in deciding whether to perform beam training. For example, if the signal strength or quality of the beacon frame 230 fails to meet a threshold signal strength or quality (e.g., falls below the threshold signal strength or quality), the non-AP MLD 130 may perform beam training (e.g., elect to perform beam training). To facilitate such signal strength or quality measurements, such as received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may support sectorized beacon frames 230 and corresponding beacon transmission intervals (BTIs), or may support short frames, which the non-AP MLD 130 may use as a reference for evaluating whether to perform beam training.

[0063] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may support on-demand beacon frames 230. In such implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may avoid sending or receiving beacon frames during idle mode or idle conditions. The AP MLD 135 may indicate to the second radio frequency link 210 that beaconing is on-demand (such as via a field or bit in a sub-7 GHz beacon frame or a sub-7 GHz association response frame), and the non-AP MLD 130 or an associated STA 115 may send a request for a beacon frame 230 (such as a beacon frame 230 on the second radio frequency link 210). In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 or associated STA 115 may send a request for a beacon frame 230 based on expiration of an inactivity period or if the non-AP MLD 130 or associated STA 115 otherwise determines to perform beam training with the AP MLD 135 (e.g., to perform an initiator scan during a BTI). An indication that the beacon frame 230 associated with the second radio frequency link 210 is on-demand and the request for the beacon frame 230 may be signaled via the first radio frequency link 205 or via the second radio frequency link 210 (e.g., during a dedicated SP (D-SP) on the second radio frequency link 210). Such an on-demand beacon frame 230 for the second radio frequency link 210 may be particularly suitable for soft AP devices or other devices that are in a power saving mode or associated with power saving functionality.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may turn off the second radio frequency link 210 beacon frame 230 based on a topology, stability, location, mobility state, or proximity associated with the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may turn off the second radio frequency link 210 beacon frame 230 if the non-AP MLD 130 is in a low mobility configuration (e.g., during screen sharing in a conference room where a laptop computer sharing to a larger screen is unlikely to move much), and may turn on the second radio frequency link 210 beacon frame 230 if the non-AP MLD 130 is in a high mobility configuration (e.g., moving or changing location at or above a threshold frequency). The non-AP MLD 130 may select or determine its topology, stability, location, mobility state, or proximity (to the AP MLD 135) based on one or more of a variety of mechanisms.

[0065] In some scenarios, the non-AP MLD 130 may select or determine the topology (and related information associated with whether to transmit the beacon frame 230 via the second radio frequency link 210) based on the frequency of beam training. For example, if the non-AP MLD 130 or the associated STA 115 performs relatively infrequent beam training, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may determine that the beacon frame 230 on the second radio frequency link 210 is unnecessary. Alternatively, if the non-AP MLD 130 or the associated STA 115 performs relatively frequent beam training, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may select or determine to transmit and receive the beacon frame 230 on the second radio frequency link 210. In some scenarios, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may select or determine the topology based on whether the non-AP MLD 130 (or the associated STA 115) is connected to a cable, such as an Ethernet cable, a Wi-Fi dock, or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable. In some scenarios, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use a machine learning (ML) algorithm to detect whether to turn on or off the second radio frequency link 210 beacon frame 230. The ML algorithm (or the algorithm used by the non-AP MLD 130 or the AP MLD 135 to determine whether to send or receive the beacon frame 230 on the second radio frequency link 210) may be associated with a detected location of the non-AP MLD 130, one or more connections of the non-AP MLD 130, a movement of the non-AP MLD 130, or one or more applications running at the non-AP MLD 130.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use other channel estimation processes to obtain beamforming information associated with the second radio frequency link 210, and may avoid using the second radio frequency link 210 to send or receive the beacon frame 230 based on performing one or more of these other channel estimation processes. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may perform one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements (such as radio frequency sensing measurements, which may be referred to as RF sensing and which may inform a device whether the device is moving), and may use channel estimates obtained via ranging measurements or radio frequency measurements instead of the sectorized beacon frame 230 on the second radio frequency link 210. In such examples, the AP MLD 135 may indicate the presence or absence of the beacon frame 230 (or equivalent frame) during association, and may expect the STA 115 associated with the non-AP MLD 130 to support one or both of sector estimation based on ranging measurements or sector estimation based on radio frequency measurements.

[0067] In a scenario where the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 send and receive beacon frames 230 via the second radio frequency link 210, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may support a relatively long BI to reduce the amount of BTI overhead. For example, increasing the length of the BI may reduce the relative amount of resources occupied by the BTI. This increase in the length of the BI may be particularly suitable for softAP devices (or other devices in power saving mode). In some implementations, increasing the length of the BI may be conditional. For example, in a scenario where the non-AP MLD 130 or an associated STA 115 is in a static configuration (such as connecting to a Wi-Fi base or performing screen sharing), the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may increase the length of the BI. In addition, if there is no BTI during the BI, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use the available resources for opportunistic services or for contention-based access. In some implementations, the AP MLD 135 may indicate information associated with the absence of a BTI in the BI during multi-link setup, during discovery, via an advertisement on the first radio link 205, or any combination thereof, and indicate that available resources are available for opportunistic services or for contention-based access. Figure 6 Show and refer to Figure 6 Describes additional details related to BI and BTI.

[0068] Based on the identification information 220, the control information 225, and the optional beacon frame 230, the non-AP MLD 130 may communicate (e.g., send or receive) one or more data messages 235 with the AP MLD 135 during the SP of the second radio frequency link 210. In other words, the SP associated with the second radio frequency link 210 may be set via a frame exchange sent using the first radio frequency link 205. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may perform a target wake-up time (TWT) setting (via a tunnel) for the second radio frequency link 210 on the first radio frequency link 205. In some aspects, the STA 115 associated with the non-AP MLD 130 may be beamformed and ready to communicate at the start of the SP, and may enter a power saving mode after expiration of a timer (e.g., after a timeout) if the STA 115 is not triggered or scheduled for communication. For example, the AP MLD 135 may send a trigger message to the non-AP MLD 130 to request the non-AP MLD 130 to provide any information about the data to be sent from the non-AP MLD 130 or whether the non-AP MLD 130 is to use the second radio frequency link 210 for data, and if the trigger message is not received before the timeout timer expires, the non-AP MLD 130 may enter a power saving mode. In some aspects, the buffer status may be at the MLD level. Thus, the buffer status report poll (BSRP) sent via the first radio frequency link 205 may provide a buffer status associated with an uplink data unit or a buffer unit (BU), which may enable the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 to avoid performing special or dedicated polling using the second radio frequency link 210.

[0069] In addition, if the SP is shared (for example, if there are overlapping individual TWTs (i-TWT) or broadcast TWTs (b-TWT) / restricted TWTs (r-TWT)), the SP may be triggered to be enabled. For example, the AP 105 of the AP MLD 135 may send a trigger at the start of the SP to indicate which STA 115 of the non-AP MLD 130 the AP 105 intends to serve during the SP, and the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use the triggered STA 115 (such as the triggered link) to transmit data accordingly. If the SP is dedicated to a single non-AP STA 115, the SP may not be triggered to be enabled. i-TWT may refer to a TWT SP setup between the AP 105 and one non-AP STA 115. b-TWT may refer to a TWT SP announced by the AP 105 that is available to a group of STAs 115 (such as all STAs 115 within the coverage area of ​​the AP 105). STA115 (such as an interested STA115) can subscribe to one or more b-TWTs. STA115 can request AP 105 to set up a b-TWT, or AP 105 can announce (without request or solicitation) one or more b-TWTs. r-TWT can refer to a TWT SP that is "protected" in terms of channel access. For example, a TWT SP associated with an r-TWT can be associated with one or more channel access rules at the beginning of the TWT SP, so that the STA 115 that subscribes to the TWT SP has priority to access the medium.

[0070] In addition, enabling triggering may include triggering of a support frame or any form of poll response exchange (such as any form of poll response exchange prior to a data frame exchange). In some aspects, the SP may not be associated with the TWT. For example, the specification associated with 60GHz operation may define a mechanism associated with establishing an SP on the second RF link 210, and the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may support such a mechanism accordingly. In some aspects, one or both of the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may support peer-to-peer (P2P) communication. In such aspects, the STA 115 associated with the non-AP MLD 130 may provide a buffer state for P2P communication, which may include a bandwidth-time product or a link identifier or both of the second RF link 210. In addition, the AP 105 associated with the AP MLD 135 may assist in off-channel TWT configuration to support P2P communication.

[0071] In some aspects, a traffic indication map (TIM) information element associated with the non-AP MLD 130 may follow the MLO framework. For example, if a group of STAs 115 (such as all STAs 115, including STAs operating using the second radio frequency link 210) of the non-AP MLD 130 operating on the link for which the AP MLD 135 has a TID for the BU is in a dormant state, then a bit in the TIM may be set to 1. Thus, the bit in the TIM may be set to 1 regardless of the SP setting, such that if the TID is mapped to the second radio frequency link 210 and the other STAs 115 of the non-AP MLD 130 are in a dormant state, then the TIM bit is set to 1. Thus, the second radio frequency link 210 may appear to be in a dormant state. In addition, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may assume that the TID is being mapped to both the first radio frequency link 205 and the second radio frequency link 210, and may support certain directionality constraints associated with the data message 235 sent via the second radio frequency link 210.

[0072] For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may select, choose, or otherwise determine to retrieve downlink BUs only via the first RF link 205, only via the second RF link 210, or via both the first RF link 205 and the second RF link 210. Similarly, the non-AP MLD 130 may select, choose, or otherwise determine to send uplink BUs only via the first RF link 205, only via the second RF link 210, or via both the first RF link 205 and the second RF link 210. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may select, choose, or otherwise determine to send uplink BUs only via the first RF link 205, only via the second RF link 210, or via both the first RF link 205 and the second RF link 210. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may select to save power when using the second RF link 210, and may decide to perform an uplink or a downlink via the first RF link 205, but not via the second RF link 210. The non-AP MLD 130 may signal such directionality constraints associated with the first RF link 205 and the second RF link 210 to the AP MLD 135. For example, non-AP MLD 130 may signal or indicate an intent to use second radio frequency link 210 for either or both uplink and downlink in response to a poll received from AP 105 associated with AP MLD 135 during D-SP.

[0073] In accordance with transmitting the data message 235 via the second radio frequency link 210 during the SP associated with the second radio frequency link 210, the non-AP MLD 130 or the AP MLD 135 may send feedback information 240 to the other of the non-AP MLD 130 or the AP MLD 135 to inform the transmitting device whether the data message 235 is successfully received at the receiving device. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may send or receive the feedback information 240 via the first radio frequency link 205 in accordance with using the first radio frequency link 205 as a control and management link to support data communication via the second radio frequency link 210. The feedback information 240 may include one or more acknowledgements (ACKs) or one or more negative ACKs (NACKs) associated with the data message 235. If a NACK is received via the feedback information 240, the device receiving the feedback information 240 may perform one or more retransmissions of at least a subset of the data message 235. The retransmissions may be performed via the first radio frequency link 205 or via the second radio frequency link 210.

[0074] Figure 3 An example process flow 300 is shown to support high frequency multi-link support system operation. The process flow 300 may implement or be implemented to implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100 or the signaling diagram 200. For example, the process flow 300 shows communication between a non-AP MLD 130 and an AP MLD 135. The non-AP MLD 130 (which may be, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown and referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2 The non-AP MLD 130 described in the example may include or be associated with at least a first STA 115 (shown as STA 1) and a second STA 115 (shown as STA 2). The AP MLD 135 (which may be Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown and referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2The examples of the described AP MLD 135) may include or be associated with at least a first AP 105 (shown as AP1) and a second AP 105 (shown as AP2). In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 may use the first STA 115 for communication via a first radio frequency link (such as a sub-7 GHz link, such as a 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz link), and may use the second STA 115 for communication via a second radio frequency link (such as a 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz link). Similarly, the AP MLD 135 may use the first AP 105 for communication via the first radio frequency link, and may use the second AP 105 for communication via the second radio frequency link.

[0075] In the following description of the process flow 300, the operations (e.g., reporting or providing) may be performed in a different order than shown, or the operations performed by the example device may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the process flow 300, or other operations may be added to the process flow 300. In addition, although some operations or signaling may be shown as occurring at different times for discussion purposes, these operations may actually occur simultaneously.

[0076] At 305, the non-AP MLD 130 may send an indication of the capabilities of the non-AP MLD 130 associated with the second radio frequency link to the AP MLD 135 via the first radio frequency link. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may indicate whether the non-AP MLD 130 is capable of communicating via the second radio frequency link. In examples where the non-AP MLD 130 is not capable of communicating via the second radio frequency link or otherwise chooses to operate (such as exclusively operate) using the first radio frequency link, the non-AP MLD 130 may refrain from responding to polls from the AP MLD 135 via the second radio frequency link.

[0077] At 310, the AP MLD 135 may send identification information associated with the second radio frequency link to the non-AP MLD 130 via the first radio frequency link as part of an MLO between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135. The identification information may include discovery information of the second radio frequency link (which may be sent via an RNR element in a beacon frame or in a probe response frame), a notification of complete or partial information related to the second radio frequency link (which may be sent via a multi-link probe response), or association information including the second radio frequency link (which may be sent via an association frame exchange). In some aspects, the identification information may indicate restrictions associated with use of the second radio frequency link. The identification information sent by the AP MLD 135 and received by the non-AP MLD 130 at 310 may be such as Figure 2 As shown and referenced Figure 2 An example of identification information 220 is described.

[0078] At 315, the AP MLD 135 may send control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link to the non-AP MLD 130 via the first radio frequency link. In some implementations, such as implementations where the second radio frequency link is a 45 GHz or 60 GHz link, the communications using the second radio frequency link may be associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135. In other words, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may transmit or receive via the 45 GHz or 60 GHz link using focused transmit and receive beams.

[0079] The control information may include timing information associated with a time domain offset between communications using the first radio frequency link and communications using the second radio frequency link, a duration of a BI, a traffic indication, information associated with an SP of the second radio frequency link, a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or an indication of an operating parameter set associated with the second radio frequency link. The AP MLD 135 may send the control information via one or more management frames, and the non-AP MLD 130 may receive the control information via one or more management frames, and the control information may include post-association control or management information. The management frames (which may be individually addressed management frames) may include beacon frames, probe response frames, multi-link probe responses, association response frames, re-association response frames, or any combination thereof. The control information sent by the AP MLD 135 and received by the non-AP MLD 130 at 315 may be such as Figure 2 As shown and referenced Figure 2 An example of the control information 225 is described.

[0080] At 320, and in an implementation where the identification information indicates a restriction associated with use of the second radio frequency link, the AP-MLD 210 may transmit, via the first radio frequency link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second radio frequency link to a multi-link setup between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 according to satisfaction of a condition, such as a condition based on payment, location, or proximity. Thus, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use the second radio frequency link according to satisfaction of the condition.

[0081] At 325, the non-AP MLD 130 may send an indication of a directionality constraint associated with one or both of the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link to the AP MLD 135. In some implementations, the directionality constraint may indicate that the non-AP MLD 130 supports uplink communication or downlink communication or both using the first radio frequency link and supports uplink communication or downlink communication or both using the second radio frequency link.

[0082] At 330, the non-AP MLD 130 may optionally, selectively, or conditionally monitor the second radio frequency link for beacon frames. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may refrain from transmitting beacon frames via the second radio frequency link, or may support conditional transmission of beacon frames via the second radio frequency link. Thus, the non-AP MLD 130 may monitor the second radio frequency link in implementations that support conditional transmission of beacon frames via the second radio frequency link and that meet corresponding conditions. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 may monitor the second radio frequency link based on receiving an indication of a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link.

[0083] At 335, AP MLD 135 may optionally, selectively, or conditionally transmit a beacon frame via the second radio link. For example, non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135 may avoid transmitting a beacon frame via the second radio link, or may support conditional transmission of a beacon frame via the second radio link. In implementations that support conditional transmission of a beacon frame via the second radio link and that meet corresponding conditions, AP MLD 135 may transmit a beacon frame via the second radio link.

[0084] At 345, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may transmit one or more data messages via the second radio frequency link according to the identification information and the control information transmitted via the first radio frequency link. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may send or receive one or more data messages according to the TWT, beamforming information, scheduling information, or traffic indication transmitted by the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 via the first radio frequency link.

[0085] At 350, the non-AP MLD 130 may send feedback information associated with one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link to the AP MLD 135 via the first radio frequency link. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may receive the one or more data messages via the second radio frequency link at 345, and may send feedback information associated with the received one or more data messages via the first radio frequency link at 350. Additionally or alternatively, the non-AP MLD 130 may send an indication of a state of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change in an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received from the AP MLD 135 via the second radio frequency link. For example, the non-AP MLD 130 may send a query (such as a request for information or operating parameters) to the AP MLD 135 via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, and may monitor for responses to the query on the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link (where monitoring the second radio frequency link may be associated with monitoring a beacon frame sent via the second radio frequency link in response to the query).

[0086] At 355, and in implementations where the identification information indicates a restriction associated with use of the second radio link, the AP MLD 135 may send to the non-AP MLD 130 a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio link from a multi-link setup between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 based on a condition associated with the restriction no longer being satisfied.

[0087] Figure 4 Example BI signaling 400 supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown. BI signaling 400 may implement or be implemented to implement aspects of wireless communication system 100, signaling diagram 200, or process flow 300. For example, BI signaling 400 shows an example format according to which an AP MLD 135 may send a beacon frame to a non-AP MLD 130, where such an AP MLD 135 may be, for example, Figure 1-3 As shown and referenced Figure 1-3 Examples of AP MLD 135 described above, and such non-AP MLD 130 may be as follows Figure 1-3 As shown and referenced Figure 1-3 An example of a non-AP MLD 130 is described. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 can send or receive beacon frames via a first radio frequency link (such as a sub-7 GHz link), and can support conditional transmission of beacon frames via a second radio frequency link (such as a 45 GHz or 60 GHz link). In some aspects, operation on the 60 GHz link can include repeating BI 405, and BI signaling 400 can show components of such repeating BI 405.

[0088] The BI 405 may include a beacon header interval (BHI) 410 and a data transmission interval (DTI) 415. The BHI 410 may include three sub-intervals, including: a BTI 420 during which the AP 105, the AP MLD 135, or a personal basic service set control point (PCP) may transmit a plurality of directional beacon frames; an associated beamforming training (A-BFT) 425 during which one or more STAs 115 or non-AP MLDs 130 may perform beam training for communication with the AP 105, the AP MLD 135, or the PCP; and an ATI 430 during which the AP 105, the AP MLD 135, or the PCP may exchange management frames with associated and beam trained STAs 115 or non-AP MLDs 130.

[0089] DTI 415 may include one or more contention-based access periods (CBAPs) or scheduled SPs, or a combination of the two, for exchanging data frames. For example, DTI 415 may include CBAP or SP frames 435-a, CBAP or SP frames 435-b, and CBAP or SP frames 435-c. SPs may be dynamic or pseudo-static. In some aspects, DTI 415 may be a useful time portion in BI 405 during which actual data transfer between devices may occur.

[0090] Figure 5 1 shows example signaling corresponding to SP assignment 500 supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation. SP assignment 500 can implement or be implemented to implement aspects of wireless communication system 100, signaling diagram 200, process flow 300, or BI signaling 400. For example, STA 115 and AP 105, or non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135 (which can be respectively as Figure 1-4 Shown or referred to Figure 1-4The examples of STA 115 and AP 105 or non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135 described above may be communicated during a DTI (such as during Figure 4 As shown and referenced Figure 4 4. The described DTI 415) communicates according to the SP assignment 500 to grant or allocate resources for the SP, during which two or more devices can exchange data frames.

[0091] SP assignment 500 may include BHI 505 (which may be Figure 4 As shown and referenced Figure 4 4. The example of the BHI 410 described above includes a polling phase 510 including a polling period 515 and a service period request (SPR) block 520, a set of grant periods 525, and a set of allocations 530 (which may generally refer to any one or more of allocations 530-a, allocations 530-b, or allocations 530-c). Communications during a DTI such as DTI 415 may be contention-based (and correspondingly associated with one or more CBAPs) or scheduled (and correspondingly associated with one or more SPs). As shown in SP assignment 500, polling phase 510 may be configured for three STAs 115 or non-AP MLDs 130, and may include a set of channel protection points 535 (which may generally refer to any one or more of channel protection points 535-a, channel protection points 535-b, channel protection points 535-c, or channel protection points 535-d). In some aspects, channel protection points 535 may be indicated by one or more frame duration fields.

[0092] In some aspects, SP-based channel access can be associated with greater efficiency than CBAP (because the duration of the SP can be tailored to meet a particular business), features deterministic time communications (and beam directionality), and mitigates deafness. Setting the SP involves polling (e.g., to collect or obtain how many resources are available for data messages to be transmitted) and SP announcements by the AP 105, AP MLD 135, or PCP. Such polling and announcements can be performed during the early portion of the DTI, which can reduce the amount of time available during the DTI for actually exchanging data. Thus, the communication device can negotiate between the relative number of CBAPs and scheduled SPs, or select one or the other, based on the amount of data to be transmitted, channel conditions, or decisions specific to the deployment scenario.

[0093] Figure 6An example beam training process 600 is shown to support high frequency multi-link support system operation. The beam training process 600 may implement or be implemented to implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100, the signaling diagram 200, the process flow 300, the BI signaling 400, or the SP assignment 500. For example, the STA 115 and the AP 105 or the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 (which may be respectively Figure 1-5 Shown or referred to Figure 1-5 The STA 115 and the AP 105 or the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 described above may perform the beam training process 600 to measure the signal strength associated with one or more beam pairs and select the beam pair associated with the appropriate or maximum signal strength. In some implementations, the beam training process 600 may be a beacon frame-based beam training process, according to which the communication device may perform beam training via one or more sectorized beacons. For example, the BI 605 (which may be as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown and referenced Figure 4 The example of BI 405 described above may include BTI 610 (which may be Figure 4 As shown and referenced Figure 4 420 described above), during which BTI 610, the AP 105 may send sectorized beacons in different beamforming directions during different beam training resources 625 (which may generally refer to any one or more of beam training resources 625-a, beam training resources 625-b, beam training resources 625-c, and beam training resources 625-d).

[0094] Beam training resource 625-a may be associated with directional beam 630-a (which may be denoted as s1), and AP 105 may therefore use directional beam 630-a to transmit sectorized beacon frames during beam training resource 625-a. Similarly, beam training resource 625-b may be associated with directional beam 630-b (which may be denoted as s2), beam training resource 625-c may be associated with directional beam 630-c (which may be denoted as s3), and beam training resource 625-d may be associated with directional beam 630-d (which may be denoted as s4). k). Thus, the AP 105 may sweep through a set of directional beams 630 (which may generally be designated as any one or more of directional beams 630-a, directional beams 630-b, directional beams 630-c, or directional beams 630-d) during a BTI 610. The STA 115 may use measurements of the various directional beams 630 used by the AP 105 and identify suitable beam pairs that the AP 105 and STA 115 may use to exchange data. Thus, the AP 105 and STA 115 may use suitable beam pairs to transmit data during an SP for data frame exchange.

[0095] For example, STA 115 and AP 105 may communicate during one or more of D-SP 615-a, D-SP 615-b, and D-SP 615-c using a suitable beam pair. Additionally or alternatively, STA 115 and AP 105 may perform beam training during any one or more of D-SP 615-a, D-SP 615-b, and D-SP 615-c. As shown in beam training process 600, during D-SP 615-c, AP 105 may use directional beam 630-d, and STA 115 may use directional beam 635. STA 115 and AP 105 may also communicate during one or more open SPs (O-SPs) 620 (which may generally refer to any one or more of O-SP 620-a and O-SP 620-b).

[0096] According to implementations described herein, in a scenario where the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 support 60 GHz link beacon frames, the non-AP MLD 130 (or the STA 115 associated with the non-AP MLD 130) and the AP MLD 135 (or the AP 105 associated with the AP MLD 135) may use the 60 GHz link to perform the beam training process 600. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may conditionally support beacon frame transmission using the 60 GHz link. For example, the AP MLD 135 may send one or more sectorized beacon frames to the non-AP MLD 130 using the 60 GHz link based on the satisfaction of a condition associated with the 60 GHz link beacon frame transmission.

[0097] Figure 7An example process flow 700 is shown to support high frequency multi-link support system operation. The process flow 700 may implement or be implemented to implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100, the signaling diagram 200, the process flow 300, the BI signaling 400, the SP assignment 500, or the beam training process 600. For example, the process flow 700 shows communication between the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135. The non-AP MLD 130 (which may be, for example, Figure 1-6 Shown or referred to Figure 1-6 The example of the non-AP MLD 130 described above may include or be associated with at least a first STA 115 (shown as STA1), a second STA 115 (shown as STA2), and a third STA 115 (shown as STA3). The AP MLD 135 (which may be an example of a non-AP MLD 130) may include or be associated with at least a first STA 115 (shown as STA1), a second STA 115 (shown as STA2), and a third STA 115 (shown as STA3). Figure 1-6 Shown or referred to Figure 1-6 The depicted examples of the AP MLD 135 may include or be associated with at least a first AP 105 (shown as AP 1), a second AP 105 (shown as AP 2), and a third AP 105 (shown as AP 3).

[0098] In some implementations, the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may support MLO and multi-link settings, according to which the associated STAs 115 and APs 105 may communicate via multiple different links. For example, a first STA 115 may communicate with a first AP 105 via a 2.4 GHz link, a second STA 115 may communicate with a second AP 105 via a 5 GHz link, and a third STA 115 may communicate with a third AP 105 via a 6 GHz link. In addition, MLO may refer to or apply to pre-association or post-association operations. As described herein, any one or more of such links may be referred to as sub-7 GHz links, and the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use sub-7 GHz links (such as any one or more of 2.4 GHz links, 5 GHz links, or 6 GHz links) to support and facilitate operations on relatively higher radio frequency links (such as 45 GHz or 60 GHz links). Furthermore, non-AP MLD 130 and AP MLD 135 may use sub-7 GHz links to support communications over any link associated with access constraints or difficulties, such as a 3.5 GHz link.

[0099] In the following description of process flow 700, operations may be performed (e.g., reported or provided) in a different order than shown, or operations performed by the example device may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from process flow 700, or other operations may be added to process flow 700. In addition, although some operations or signaling may be shown as occurring at different times for discussion purposes, these operations may actually occur simultaneously.

[0100] At 705, the AP MLD 135 may send a first beacon frame to the non-AP MLD 130 via the 2.4 GHz link. In some aspects, the first beacon frame may include information associated with the 2.4 GHz link. In some implementations, the first beacon frame may include information associated with a different radio frequency link (such as a 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz link) (such as an indication of a critical update to one or more operating parameters or an indication of the operating parameter set itself).

[0101] At 710, the AP MLD 135 may send a second beacon frame to the non-AP MLD 130 via the 5 GHz link. In some aspects, the second beacon frame may include information associated with the 5 GHz link. In some implementations, the second beacon frame may include information associated with a different radio frequency link (such as a 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz link) (such as an indication of a critical update to one or more operating parameters or an indication of the operating parameter set itself).

[0102] At 715, the AP MLD 135 may send a third beacon frame to the non-AP MLD 130 via the 6 GHz link. In some aspects, the third beacon frame may include information associated with the 6 GHz link. In some implementations, the third beacon frame may include information associated with a different radio frequency link (such as a 3.5 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz link) (such as an indication of a critical update to one or more operating parameters or an indication of the operating parameter set itself). Additionally, in some implementations, multiple beacon frames in the first beacon frame, the second beacon frame, or the third beacon frame may collectively or in combination indicate information associated with different radio frequency links.

[0103] At 720, the non-AP MLD 130 may send a probe request frame to the AP MLD 135 via the 2.4 GHz link. In some aspects, the probe request frame may be a multi-link probe request. The multi-link probe request may be sent by a STA 115 attached to the non-AP MLD 130 to request complete profile or selection information of one or more APs 105 attached to the AP MLD 135.

[0104] At 725, the AP MLD 135 may send a probe response frame to the non-AP MLD 130 via the 2.4 GHz link. In some aspects, the probe response frame may be a multi-link probe response. The multi-link probe response may be sent by the AP 105 attached to the AP MLD 135 and (if the multi-link response carries multi-link information) may carry a basic multi-link element in response to the multi-link probe request to provide a complete profile or requested information of one or more APs 105 attached to the AP MLD 135.

[0105] At 730, the AP MLD 135 may send an authentication frame to the non-AP MLD 130 via the 2.4 GHz link. In some aspects, the authentication frame may be used to authenticate or otherwise verify one or more links between the AP MLD 135 and the non-AP MLD 130.

[0106] At 735, the non-AP MLD 130 may send an association or reassociation request frame to the AP MLD 135 via the 2.4 GHz link. The association or reassociation request frame may include multi-link information, extremely high throughput (EHT) capability information, and TID to link mapping information. Such TID to link mapping information may indicate which one or more links the non-AP MLD 130 and the AP MLD 135 may use to send or receive scheduled traffic.

[0107] At 740, the AP MLD 135 may send an association or reassociation response frame to the non-AP MLD 130 via the 2.4 GHz link. The association or reassociation response frame may include TWT information, multi-link information, EHT capability information, EHT operation information, and TID to link mapping information.

[0108] Figure 8 A block diagram 800 of an example device 805 supporting high frequency multi-link support system operations is shown. The device 805 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 820, an I / O controller 810, a transceiver 815, an antenna 825, a memory 830, code 835, and a processor 840. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 845).

[0109] I / O controller 810 can manage input and output signals for device 805. I / O controller 810 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 805. In some implementations, I / O controller 810 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some implementations, I / O controller 810 can utilize a method such as 805. In some other implementations, the I / O controller 810 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some implementations, the I / O controller 810 may be implemented as part of a processor, such as the processor 840. In some implementations, a user may interact with the device 805 via the I / O controller 810 or via hardware components controlled by the I / O controller 810.

[0110] In some implementations, the device 805 may include a single antenna 825. However, in some other implementations, the device 805 may have more than one antenna 825, which may be able to send or receive multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously. The transceiver 815 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 825, wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver 815 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 815 may also include a modem for modulating packets, providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 825 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 825. In some implementations, the transceiver 815 may include one or more interfaces, such as one or more interfaces coupled to one or more antennas 825 configured to support various receiving or acquisition operations, or one or more interfaces coupled to one or more antennas 825 configured to support various sending or output operations, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the transceiver 815 may include or be configured to be coupled to one or more processors or memory components that are operable to perform or support operations based on received or obtained information or signals, or to generate information or other signals for transmission or other output, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the transceiver 815, or the transceiver 815 and one or more antennas 825, or the transceiver 815 and one or more antennas 825 and one or more processors or memory components (such as the processor 840, or the memory 830, or both) may be included in a chip or chip component installed in the device 805.

[0111] The memory 830 may include RAM and ROM. The memory 830 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 835, which includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 840, cause the device 805 to perform various functions described herein. In some implementations, the memory 830 may also contain, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0112] The processor 840 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 840 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 840. The processor 840 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 830) so that the device 805 performs various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support high-frequency multi-link support system operations). For example, the device 805 or a component of the device 805 may include a processor 840 and a memory 830 coupled to or coupled to the processor 840, and the processor 840 and the memory 830 are configured to perform various functions described herein.

[0113] The processor 840 may be any one or more suitable processors capable of executing scripts or instructions of one or more software programs stored in the device 805 (e.g., in the memory 830). In some implementations, the processor 840 may be a component of a processing system. A processing system may generally refer to a system or a series of machines or components that receive inputs and process inputs to generate an output set (which may be delivered to, for example, other systems or components of the device 805). For example, the processing system of the device 805 may refer to a system including various other components or subcomponents of the device 805, such as the processor 840, the transceiver 815, or the communication manager 820, or other components or combinations of components of the device 805. The processing system of the device 805 may be docked with other components in the device 805, and may process information (such as inputs or signals) received from other components or output information to other components. For example, a chip or modem of the device 805 may include a processing system and an interface to output information or obtain information, or both. The interface may be implemented as or otherwise include one or more interfaces, such as a first interface configured to output information and a second interface configured to obtain information. In some implementations, the first interface may refer to an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem and a transmitter, so that the device 805 can send information output from the chip or modem. In some implementations, the second interface may refer to an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem and a receiver, so that the device 805 can obtain information or signal input, and the information can be passed to the processing system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the first interface can also obtain information or signal input, and the second interface can also output information or signal output. Thus, one or more interfaces may refer to a single interface configured to output information and obtain information, or may refer to multiple interfaces including one interface configured to at least output information and another interface configured to at least obtain information.

[0114] According to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 820 may support wireless communications at the first MLD. For example, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for receiving identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD. The communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for receiving control information associated with communications using a second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communications using the second radio frequency link are associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD. The communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0115] In some implementations, to support receiving identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving an indication of a restriction associated with use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link. In some implementations, to support receiving identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving an indication of a condition associated with use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with satisfaction of the condition.

[0116] In some implementations, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving, via the first radio frequency link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding a second radio frequency link to a multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on satisfaction of a condition. In some implementations, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving, via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing a second radio frequency link from a multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on no longer satisfying the condition.

[0117] In some implementations, the addition of the second radio frequency chain and the removal of the second radio frequency chain are specific to the first MLD.

[0118] In some implementations, the communication manager 820 may be configured as or otherwise support means for receiving, via a first radio frequency link, timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of a second radio frequency link, wherein timing of one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

[0119] In some implementations, the communications manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending, via the first radio frequency link, at least one of feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change to an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

[0120] In some implementations, to support receiving identification information associated with the second radio link, the communication manager 820 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving at least one of a multilink probe response frame, an association frame, or an RNR element including the identification information.

[0121] In some implementations, to support receiving control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link, the communications manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving, via the first radio frequency link, one or more management frames including information, the information including at least one of the following: a duration of the BI, timing information, a traffic indication, information associated with a service period of the second radio frequency link, an indication of a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

[0122] In some implementations, the communications manager 820 can be configured or otherwise support means for monitoring the second radio frequency link for beacon frames including a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link based on receiving an indication of a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via one or more beacon frames.

[0123] In some implementations, the one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multilink probe response, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0124] In some implementations, the communications manager 820 can be configured or otherwise support means for receiving, via the first radio frequency link, one or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link.

[0125] In some implementations, the communication manager 820 can be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a beacon frame via the second radio frequency link based on satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the first MLD.

[0126] In some implementations, the communication manager 820 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving, via the first radio frequency link, information indicating that a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand. In some implementations, the communication manager 820 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending, via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, a request for a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link, wherein satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

[0127] In some implementations, satisfaction of the condition is associated with topology around the first MLD, a high mobility configuration of the first MLD, a signal strength measurement at the first MLD being below a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second radio link, or an indication of the presence of a beacon frame on the second radio link via a management frame received on the first radio link.

[0128] In some implementations, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for performing one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, using the first radio frequency link. In some implementations, the communication manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending an indication of the one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, via the first radio frequency link, wherein performing the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with the absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

[0129] In some implementations, the communications manager 820 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving an indication of an absence of a beacon frame in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein one or more data messages are transmitted during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame in accordance with the indication of the absence of the beacon frame.

[0130] In some implementations, the communications manager 820 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending an indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link, wherein the directionality constraint indicates that the first MLD selects to use the first radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

[0131] In some implementations, the first MLD functions as a soft AP MLD. In some implementations, the soft AP MLD uses the same set of radio chains as the first MLD.

[0132] In some implementations, the communication manager 820 can be configured or otherwise support means for transmitting identification information and control information associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link and using the first AP affiliated with the soft AP MLD.

[0133] In some implementations, the first radio frequency link is a sub-7 GHz link and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

[0134] Fig. 9A block diagram 900 of an example device 905 supporting high frequency multi-link support system operations is shown. The device 905 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 920, a network communication manager 910, a transceiver 915, an antenna 925, a memory 930, code 935, a processor 940, and an inter-AP communication manager 945. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 950).

[0135] The network communication manager 910 can manage communications with the core network (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communication manager 910 can manage the transmission of data communications for client devices (eg, one or more STAs 115).

[0136] In some implementations, the device 905 may include a single antenna 925. However, in some other implementations, the device 905 may have more than one antenna 925, which may be able to send or receive multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously. The transceiver 915 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 925, wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver 915 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 915 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 925 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 925.

[0137] The memory 930 may include RAM and ROM. The memory 930 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 935, which includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 940, cause the device 905 to perform various functions described herein. In some implementations, the memory 930 may also contain, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0138] The processor 940 may include an intelligent hardware device (such as a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 940 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 940. The processor 940 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 930) so that the device 905 performs various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support high-frequency multi-link support system operations). For example, the device 905 or a component of the device 905 may include a processor 940 and a memory 930 coupled to the processor 940, and the processor 940 and the memory 930 are configured to perform various functions described herein. The processor 940 may be an example of a cloud computing platform (such as one or more physical nodes and supporting software, such as an operating system, a virtual machine, or a container instance), which may host functions (e.g., by executing code 935) to perform the functions of the device 905. The processor 940 may be any suitable processor or processors capable of executing scripts or instructions of one or more software programs stored in the device 905 (eg, within the memory 930). In some implementations, the processor 940 may be a component of a processing system.

[0139] A processing system may generally refer to a system or a series of machines or components that receive inputs and process the inputs to produce an output set (which may be delivered to, for example, other systems or components of the device 905). For example, the processing system of the device 905 may refer to a system including various other components or subcomponents of the device 905, such as a processor 940, a transceiver 915, or a communication manager 920, or a combination of other components or components of the device 905. The processing system of the device 905 may interface with other components of the device 905, and may process information (such as inputs or signals) received from other components or output information to other components. For example, a chip or modem of the device 905 may include a processing system and an interface to output information or obtain information, or both. The interface may be implemented as or otherwise include one or more interfaces, such as a first interface configured to output information and a second interface configured to obtain information. In some implementations, the first interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a transmitter, so that the device 905 can send information output from the chip or modem. In some implementations, the second interface may refer to an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem and a receiver, such that the device 905 may obtain information or signal input, and the information may be passed to the processing system. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the first interface may also obtain information or signal input, and the second interface may also output information or signal output. Thus, one or more interfaces may refer to a single interface configured to output information and obtain information, or may refer to multiple interfaces including one interface configured to at least output information and another interface configured to at least obtain information.

[0140] The inter-station communication manager 945 may manage communications with other APs 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with STAs 115 in cooperation with other APs 105. For example, the inter-station communication manager 945 may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to the APs 105 to implement various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmissions.

[0141] According to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 920 may support wireless communications at the first MLD. For example, the communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for sending identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD. The communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for sending control information associated with communications using a second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communications using the second radio frequency link are associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD. The communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

[0142] In some implementations, to support sending identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending an indication of a restriction associated with use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link. In some implementations, to support sending identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending an indication of a condition associated with use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with satisfaction of the condition.

[0143] In some implementations, the communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending, via the first radio frequency link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding a second radio frequency link to a multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on satisfaction of a condition. In some implementations, the communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending, via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio frequency link from the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on no longer satisfying the condition.

[0144] In some implementations, the addition of the second radio frequency chain and the removal of the second radio frequency chain are specific to the second MLD.

[0145] In some implementations, the communication manager 920 may be configured as or otherwise support means for sending, via a first radio frequency link, timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of a second radio frequency link, wherein timing of one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

[0146] In some implementations, the communications manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving, via the first radio frequency link, at least one of feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change to an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

[0147] In some implementations, to support sending identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the communication manager 920 may be configured as or otherwise support means for sending at least one of a multi-link probe response frame, an association frame, or an RNR element including the identification information.

[0148] In some implementations, to support sending control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link, the communications manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for sending, via the first radio frequency link, one or more management frames including information, the information including at least one of the following: a duration of the BI, timing information, a traffic indication, information associated with a service period of the second radio frequency link, an indication of a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

[0149] In some implementations, the communications manager 920 can be configured or otherwise support means for transmitting, via the second radio frequency link, a beacon frame including a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link in response to transmitting, via the one or more beacon frames, an indication of a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link.

[0150] In some implementations, the one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multilink probe response, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0151] In some implementations, the communications manager 920 can be configured or otherwise support means for transmitting one or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link.

[0152] In some implementations, the communication manager 920 can be configured or otherwise support means for transmitting a beacon frame via the second radio frequency link based on satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the second MLD.

[0153] In some implementations, the communication manager 920 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending, via the first radio frequency link, information indicating that a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand. In some implementations, the communication manager 920 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving, via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, a request for a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link, wherein satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

[0154] In some implementations, satisfaction of the condition is associated with topology around the second MLD, a high mobility configuration of the second MLD, a signal strength measurement at the second MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second radio link, or an indication of the presence of a beacon frame on the second radio link via a management frame sent on the first radio link.

[0155] In some implementations, the communications manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving an indication of one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, via the first radio frequency link, wherein receiving the indication of the one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with the absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

[0156] In some implementations, the communications manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for transmitting an indication of an absence of a beacon frame in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein one or more data messages are transmitted during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame in accordance with the indication of the absence of the beacon frame.

[0157] In some implementations, the communications manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving an indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link, wherein the directionality constraint indicates that the second MLD selects to use the first radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

[0158] In some implementations, the first radio frequency link is a sub-7 GHz link and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

[0159] Fig.10 A flowchart illustrating an example method 1000 for supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown. The operations of the method 1000 may be implemented by a STA or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1000 may be implemented by a STA or its components as described herein. Figure 1-8 In some implementations, the STA may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0160] At 1005, the method may include receiving identification information associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD. The operation of 1005 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein.

[0161] At 1010, the method may include receiving, via the first radio frequency link, control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link, wherein the communications using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD. The operations of 1010 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein.

[0162] At 1015, the method may include transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information. The operation of 1015 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein.

[0163] Fig.11 A flow chart illustrating an example method 1100 for supporting high frequency multi-link support system operation is shown. The operations of the method 1100 may be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1100 may be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. Figure 1-7 and Fig. 9 In some implementations, the AP may execute an instruction set to control functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the AP may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0164] At 1105, the method may include: sending identification information associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link according to the multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD. The operation of 1105 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein.

[0165] At 1110, the method may include sending, via the first radio frequency link, control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link, wherein the communications using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD. The operations of 1110 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein.

[0166] At 1115, the method may include transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information. The operation of 1115 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein.

[0167] The following provides a summary of some aspects of the disclosure:

[0168] Aspect 1: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD, comprising: one or more interfaces configured to: obtain identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link based on a multi-link operation between the first MLD and a second MLD; obtain control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and output one or more data messages to the second MLD via the second radio frequency link based on the control information.

[0169] Aspect 2: An apparatus according to Aspect 1, wherein, in order to obtain the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain an indication of restrictions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and obtain an indication of conditions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with the satisfaction of the conditions.

[0170] Aspect 3: An apparatus according to Aspect 2, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain, via the first RF link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second RF link to the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; and obtain, via the first RF link or the second RF link, a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second RF link from the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied.

[0171] Aspect 4: The apparatus according to aspect 3, wherein the adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the first MLD.

[0172] Aspect 5: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1-4, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain, via the first RF link, timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first RF link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first RF link and a second timing synchronization function of the second RF link, wherein the timing of the one or more data messages output via the second RF link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

[0173] Aspect 6: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to output, via the first RF link, at least one of the following items: feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages output via the second RF link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second RF link, an indication of a change in the operating condition set associated with the second RF link, or a response to a query received via the second RF link.

[0174] Aspect 7: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1-6, wherein, in order to obtain the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are also configured to: obtain at least one of a multi-link detection response frame, an association frame or an RNR element including the identification information.

[0175] Aspect 8: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1-7, wherein, in order to obtain the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are also configured to: obtain one or more management frames including information via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: duration of the BI, timing information, service indication, information associated with the service period of the second radio frequency link, critical updates to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

[0176] Aspect 9: An apparatus according to Aspect 8, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: monitor the second radio frequency link for a beacon frame including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link based on the indication of the critical update of the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link received via the one or more beacon frames.

[0177] Aspect 10: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 8-9, wherein the one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multi-link probe response, an association response frame, or a re-association response frame.

[0178] Aspect 11: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1-10, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain one or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link.

[0179] Aspect 12: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1-11, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain a beacon frame via the second RF link based on satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the first MLD.

[0180] Aspect 13: An apparatus according to Aspect 12, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain, via the first RF link, information indicating that a beacon frame on the second RF link is on demand; and obtain, via the first RF link or the second RF link, a request for the beacon frame on the second RF link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

[0181] Aspect 14: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 12-13, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with: a topology around the first MLD, a high mobility configuration of the first MLD, a signal strength measurement at the first MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second RF link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second RF link via a management frame received on the first RF link.

[0182] Aspect 15: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1-11, wherein: the processing system is configured to: perform one or more ranging measurements or one or more RF measurements, or both, using the first RF link; and the one or more interfaces are also configured to: output an indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more RF measurements, or both, via the first RF link, wherein performing the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more RF measurements, or both, is associated with the absence of a beacon frame in the second RF link.

[0183] Aspect 16: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1-11 or 15, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain an indication that a beacon frame does not exist in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein the one or more data messages are output during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame based on the indication that the beacon frame does not exist.

[0184] Aspect 17: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1-16, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output an indication of a directional constraint associated with the first RF link and the second RF link, wherein the directional constraint indicates that the first MLD selects to use the first RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

[0185] Aspect 18: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1-17, wherein the first MLD functions as a soft AP MLD, and the soft AP MLD uses the same set of radio frequency chains as the first MLD.

[0186] Aspect 19: The apparatus according to Aspect 18, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output the identification information and the control information associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link and using a first AP attached to the soft AP MLD.

[0187] Aspect 20: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1-19, wherein the first radio frequency link is a sub-7 GHz link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

[0188] Aspect 21: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD, comprising: one or more interfaces configured to: output identification information associated with a second RF link via a first RF link based on a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; output control information associated with communication using the second RF link via the first RF link, wherein the communication using the second RF link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and obtain one or more data messages from the second MLD via the second RF link based on the control information.

[0189] Aspect 22: An apparatus according to Aspect 21, wherein, in order to output the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output an indication of restrictions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and output an indication of conditions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with the satisfaction of the conditions.

[0190] Aspect 23: An apparatus according to Aspect 22, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output, via the first RF link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second RF link to the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; and output, via the first RF link or the second RF link, a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second RF link from the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied.

[0191] Aspect 24: The apparatus according to Aspect 23, wherein the adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the second MLD.

[0192] Aspect 25: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-24, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output, via the first RF link, timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first RF link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first RF link and a second timing synchronization function of the second RF link, wherein the timing of the one or more data messages obtained via the second RF link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

[0193] Aspect 26: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-25, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to obtain, via the first radio frequency link, at least one of the following items: feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages obtained via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change in the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

[0194] Aspect 27: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-26, wherein, in order to output the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are also configured to: output at least one of a multi-link detection response frame, an association frame or an RNR element including the identification information.

[0195] Aspect 28: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-27, wherein, in order to output the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are also configured to: output one or more management frames including information via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: duration of the BI, timing information, service indication, information associated with the service period of the second radio frequency link, critical updates to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

[0196] Aspect 29: An apparatus according to Aspect 28, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output a beacon frame including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via the second radio frequency link based on the indication of the critical update of the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link sent via the one or more beacon frames.

[0197] Aspect 30: An apparatus according to any one of aspects 28-29, wherein the one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multi-link probe response, an association response frame, or a re-association response frame.

[0198] Aspect 31: An apparatus according to any one of aspects 21-30, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output one or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link.

[0199] Aspect 32: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-31, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output a beacon frame via the second RF link based on satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the second MLD.

[0200] Aspect 33: An apparatus according to Aspect 32, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output, via the first RF link, information indicating that the beacon frame on the second RF link is on demand; and obtain, via the first RF link or the second RF link, a request for the beacon frame on the second RF link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

[0201] Aspect 34: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 32-33, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with: the topology around the second MLD, the high mobility configuration of the second MLD, the signal strength measurement at the second MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, the frequency of beam training on the second RF link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second RF link via a management frame sent on the first RF link.

[0202] Aspect 35: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-31, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain an indication of one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, via the first radio frequency link, wherein receiving the indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with the absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

[0203] Aspect 36: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-31 or 35, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: output an indication that a beacon frame does not exist in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein the one or more data messages are obtained during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame based on the indication that the beacon frame does not exist.

[0204] Aspect 37: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-36, wherein the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtain an indication of a directional constraint associated with the first RF link and the second RF link, wherein the directional constraint indicates that the second MLD selects to use the first RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

[0205] Aspect 38: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 21-37, wherein the first radio frequency link is a sub-7 GHz link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

[0206] Aspect 39: A method for wireless communication at a first MLD, comprising: receiving identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link based on a multi-link operation between the first MLD and a second MLD; receiving control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmitting one or more data messages to the second MLD via the second radio frequency link based on the control information.

[0207] Aspect 40: A method according to Aspect 39, wherein receiving the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: receiving an indication of restrictions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and receiving an indication of conditions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with the satisfaction of the conditions.

[0208] Aspect 41: The method according to Aspect 40 further includes: receiving, via the first RF link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second RF link to the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; and receiving, via the first RF link or the second RF link, a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second RF link from the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied.

[0209] Aspect 42: The method according to aspect 41, wherein the adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the first MLD.

[0210] Aspect 43: The method according to any one of Aspects 39-42 further includes: receiving, via the first RF link, timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first RF link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first RF link and a second timing synchronization function of the second RF link, wherein the timing of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second RF link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

[0211] Aspect 44: The method according to any one of Aspects 39-43 also includes: sending at least one of the following via the first radio frequency link: feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link, the status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change in the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

[0212] Aspect 45: A method according to any one of Aspects 39-44, wherein receiving the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: receiving at least one of a multi-link detection response frame, an association frame or an RNR element including the identification information.

[0213] Aspect 46: A method according to any one of Aspects 39-45, wherein receiving the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link includes: receiving one or more management frames including information via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: duration of the BI, timing information, service indication, information associated with the service period of the second radio frequency link, critical updates to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

[0214] Aspect 47: The method according to Aspect 46 further includes: monitoring the second radio frequency link for a beacon frame including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link based on the indication of the critical update of the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link received via the one or more beacon frames.

[0215] Aspect 48: A method according to any one of aspects 46-47, wherein the one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multi-link probe response, an association response frame, or a re-association response frame.

[0216] Aspect 49: The method according to any one of aspects 39-48, further comprising: receiving one or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link.

[0217] Aspect 50: The method according to any one of aspects 39-49, further comprising: receiving a beacon frame via the second radio frequency link based on the satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the first MLD.

[0218] Aspect 51: The method according to Aspect 50 further includes: receiving information indicating that the beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand via the first radio frequency link; and sending a request for the beacon frame on the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

[0219] Aspect 52: A method according to any one of Aspects 50-51, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with: the topology around the first MLD, the high mobility configuration of the first MLD, the signal strength measurement at the first MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, the frequency of beam training on the second RF link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second RF link via a management frame received on the first RF link.

[0220] Aspect 53: The method according to any one of Aspects 39-49 further includes: using the first RF link to perform one or more ranging measurements or one or more RF measurements, or both; and sending an indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more RF measurements, or both, via the first RF link, wherein performing the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more RF measurements, or both, is associated with the absence of a beacon frame in the second RF link.

[0221] Aspect 54: The method according to any one of Aspects 39-49 or 53 further includes: receiving an indication that a beacon frame does not exist in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein the one or more data messages are transmitted during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame based on the indication that the beacon frame does not exist.

[0222] Aspect 55: The method according to any one of Aspects 39-54 further includes: sending an indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first RF link and the second RF link, wherein the directionality constraint indicates that the first MLD selects to use the first RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

[0223] Aspect 56: The method according to any one of aspects 39-55, wherein the first MLD functions as a soft AP MLD, and the soft AP MLD uses the same set of radio frequency chains as the first MLD.

[0224] Aspect 57: The method according to aspect 56 further includes: sending the identification information and the control information associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link and using a first AP affiliated with the soft AP MLD.

[0225] Aspect 58: The method according to any one of Aspects 39-57, wherein the first radio frequency link is a sub-7 GHz link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

[0226] Aspect 59: A method for wireless communication at a first MLD, comprising: sending identification information associated with a second RF link via a first RF link based on a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; sending control information associated with communication using the second RF link via the first RF link, wherein the communication using the second RF link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmitting one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second RF link based on the control information.

[0227] Aspect 60: A method according to Aspect 59, wherein sending the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: sending an indication of restrictions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and sending an indication of conditions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with the satisfaction of the conditions.

[0228] Aspect 61: The method according to Aspect 60 further includes: sending a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second radio frequency link to the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition via the first radio frequency link; and sending a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio frequency link from the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link.

[0229] Aspect 62: The method according to aspect 61, wherein the adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the second MLD.

[0230] Aspect 63: The method according to any one of Aspects 59-62 further includes: sending timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the timing of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

[0231] Aspect 64: The method according to any one of Aspects 59-63 also includes: receiving at least one of the following via the first radio frequency link: feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link, the status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change in the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

[0232] Aspect 65: A method according to any one of Aspects 59-64, wherein sending the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: sending at least one of a multi-link detection response frame, an association frame or an RNR element including the identification information.

[0233] Aspect 66: A method according to any one of Aspects 59-65, wherein sending the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link includes: sending one or more management frames including information via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: duration of the BI, timing information, service indication, information associated with the service period of the second radio frequency link, critical updates to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

[0234] Aspect 67: The method according to Aspect 66 further includes: sending a beacon frame including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via the second radio frequency link based on the indication of the critical update of the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link sent via the one or more beacon frames.

[0235] Aspect 68: A method according to any one of aspects 66-67, wherein the one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multi-link probe response, an association response frame, or a re-association response frame.

[0236] Aspect 69: The method according to any one of aspects 59-68 further includes: sending one or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link.

[0237] Aspect 70: The method according to any one of aspects 59-69, further comprising: sending a beacon frame via the second radio frequency link based on the satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the second MLD.

[0238] Aspect 71: The method according to Aspect 70 further includes: sending information indicating that the beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand via the first radio frequency link; and receiving a request for the beacon frame on the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

[0239] Aspect 72: A method according to any one of Aspects 70-71, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with: the topology around the second MLD, the high mobility configuration of the second MLD, the signal strength measurement at the second MLD is lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, the frequency of beam training on the second RF link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second RF link via a management frame sent on the first RF link.

[0240] Aspect 73: The method according to any one of Aspects 59-69 further includes: receiving an indication of one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, via the first radio frequency link, wherein receiving the indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with the absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

[0241] Aspect 74: The method according to any one of Aspects 59-69 or 73 further includes: sending an indication that a beacon frame does not exist in the beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein the one or more data messages are transmitted during a beacon sending interval associated with the beacon frame based on the indication that the beacon frame does not exist.

[0242] Aspect 75: The method according to any one of Aspects 59-74 further includes: receiving an indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first RF link and the second RF link, wherein the directional constraint indicates that the second MLD selects to use the first RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

[0243] Aspect 76: A method according to any one of Aspects 59-75, wherein the first radio frequency link is a sub-7 GHz link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

[0244] Aspect 77: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD, comprising: a unit for receiving identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link based on a multi-link operation between the first MLD and a second MLD; a unit for receiving control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and a unit for transmitting one or more data messages to the second MLD via the second radio frequency link based on the control information.

[0245] Aspect 78: An apparatus according to Aspect 77, wherein the unit for receiving the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: a unit for receiving an indication of restrictions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and a unit for receiving an indication of conditions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with the satisfaction of the conditions.

[0246] Aspect 79: The apparatus according to Aspect 78 further includes: a unit for receiving, via the first RF link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second RF link to the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; and a unit for receiving, via the first RF link or the second RF link, a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second RF link from the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied.

[0247] Aspect 80: The apparatus according to Aspect 79, wherein the adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the first MLD.

[0248] Aspect 81: The device according to any one of Aspects 77-80 further includes: a unit for receiving timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the timing of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

[0249] Aspect 82: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 77-81 further includes: a unit for sending at least one of the following via the first radio frequency link: feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change in the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

[0250] Aspect 83: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 77-82, wherein the unit for receiving the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: a unit for receiving at least one of a multi-link detection response frame, an association frame or an RNR element including the identification information.

[0251] Aspect 84: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 77-83, wherein the unit for receiving the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link includes: a unit for receiving one or more management frames including information via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: duration of the BI, timing information, service indication, information associated with the service period of the second radio frequency link, critical updates to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

[0252] Aspect 85: The apparatus according to Aspect 84 further includes: a unit for monitoring the second radio frequency link for a beacon frame including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link based on the indication of the critical update of the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link received via the one or more beacon frames.

[0253] Aspect 86: An apparatus according to any one of aspects 84-85, wherein the one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multi-link probe response, an association response frame, or a re-association response frame.

[0254] Aspect 87: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 77-86 further includes: a unit for receiving one or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link.

[0255] Aspect 88: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 77-87 further includes: a unit for receiving a beacon frame via the second radio frequency link based on the satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the first MLD.

[0256] Aspect 89: The apparatus according to Aspect 88 further includes: a unit for receiving, via the first RF link, information indicating that a beacon frame on the second RF link is on demand; and a unit for sending a request for the beacon frame on the second RF link via the first RF link or the second RF link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

[0257] Aspect 90: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 88-89, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with: a topology around the first MLD, a high mobility configuration of the first MLD, a signal strength measurement at the first MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second RF link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second RF link via a management frame received on the first RF link.

[0258] Aspect 91: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 77-87 further includes: a unit for performing one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, using the first radio frequency link; and a unit for sending an indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, via the first radio frequency link, wherein performing the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with the absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

[0259] Aspect 92: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 77-87 or 91, further comprising: a unit for receiving an indication that a beacon frame does not exist in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein the one or more data messages are transmitted during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame based on the indication that the beacon frame does not exist.

[0260] Aspect 93: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 77-92 further includes: a unit for sending an indication of a directional constraint associated with the first RF link and the second RF link, wherein the directional constraint indicates that the first MLD selects to use the first RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

[0261] Aspect 94: An apparatus according to any one of aspects 77-93, wherein: the first MLD functions as a soft AP MLD, and the soft AP MLD uses the same set of radio frequency chains as the first MLD.

[0262] Aspect 95: The apparatus according to Aspect 94 further includes: a unit for transmitting the identification information and the control information associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link and using a first AP affiliated with the soft AP MLD.

[0263] Aspect 96: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 77-95, wherein the first radio frequency link is a sub-7 GHz link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

[0264] Aspect 97: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first MLD, comprising: a unit for sending identification information associated with a second RF link via a first RF link based on a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; a unit for sending control information associated with communication using the second RF link via the first RF link, wherein the communication using the second RF link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and a unit for transmitting one or more data messages to the second MLD via the second RF link based on the control information.

[0265] Aspect 98: An apparatus according to Aspect 97, wherein the unit for sending the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: a unit for sending an indication of restrictions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via an RNR element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and a unit for sending an indication of conditions associated with the use of the second radio frequency link via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with the satisfaction of the conditions.

[0266] Aspect 99: The apparatus according to Aspect 98 further includes: a unit for sending, via the first RF link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second RF link to the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; and a unit for sending, via the first RF link or the second RF link, a second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second RF link from the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied.

[0267] Aspect 100: The apparatus according to Aspect 99, wherein the adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the second MLD.

[0268] Aspect 101: The device according to any one of Aspects 97-100 further includes: a unit for sending timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the timing of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

[0269] Aspect 102: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 97-101 further includes: a unit for receiving at least one of the following via the first radio frequency link: feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change in the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

[0270] Aspect 103: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 97-102, wherein the unit for sending the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: a unit for sending at least one of a multi-link detection response frame, an association frame or an RNR element including the identification information.

[0271] Aspect 104: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 97-103, wherein the unit for sending the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link includes: a unit for sending one or more management frames including information via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: duration of the BI, timing information, service indication, information associated with the service period of the second radio frequency link, critical updates to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

[0272] Aspect 105: The apparatus according to Aspect 104 further includes: a unit for sending a beacon frame including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via the second radio frequency link based on the indication of the critical update to the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link sent via the one or more beacon frames.

[0273] Aspect 106: An apparatus according to any one of aspects 104-105, wherein the one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multi-link probe response, an association response frame, or a re-association response frame.

[0274] Aspect 107: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 97-106 further includes: a unit for transmitting one or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link.

[0275] Aspect 108: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 97-107 further comprises: means for transmitting a beacon frame via the second radio frequency link based on satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the second MLD.

[0276] Aspect 109: The apparatus according to Aspect 108 further includes: a unit for sending information indicating that a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand via the first radio frequency link; and a unit for receiving a request for the beacon frame on the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

[0277] Aspect 110: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 108-109, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with: a topology around the second MLD, a high mobility configuration of the second MLD, a signal strength measurement at the second MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second radio frequency link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second radio frequency link via a management frame sent on the first radio frequency link.

[0278] Aspect 111: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 97-107 further includes: a unit for receiving an indication of one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, via the first radio frequency link, wherein receiving the indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with the absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

[0279] Aspect 112: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 97-107 or 111, further comprising: a unit for sending an indication that a beacon frame does not exist in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein the one or more data messages are transmitted during a beacon sending interval associated with the beacon frame based on the indication that the beacon frame does not exist.

[0280] Aspect 113: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 97-112 further includes: a unit for receiving an indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first RF link and the second RF link, wherein the directional constraint indicates that the second MLD selects to use the first RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second RF link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

[0281] Aspect 114: An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 97-113, wherein the first radio frequency link is a sub-7 GHz link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

[0282] Aspect 115: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first MLD, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to: receive identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link based on a multi-link operation between the first MLD and a second MLD; receive control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmit one or more data messages to the second MLD via the second radio frequency link based on the control information.

[0283] Aspect 116: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first MLD, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to: send identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link based on a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; send control information associated with communication using the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link, wherein the communication using the second radio frequency link is associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and transmit one or more data messages with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link based on the control information.

[0284] As used herein, the terms "determine" or "determining" include a wide variety of actions, and thus, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., via looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure), inferring, ascertaining, etc. Furthermore, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data stored in a memory), etc. Furthermore, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and other such similar actions.

[0285] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of: a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc.

[0286] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been generally described around functionality and shown in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented using hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0287] Hardware and data processing devices for implementing the various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the various aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some implementations, a particular process or method may be performed by circuits specific to a given function.

[0288] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be implemented using hardware, digital electronic circuitry, computer software, firmware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or any combination thereof. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may also be implemented as one or more computer programs, such as one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on computer storage media to be executed by data processing apparatus or to control the operation of data processing apparatus.

[0289] If implemented in software, one or more instructions or codes of a computer-readable medium can be used to store or send functions. The process of the method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented in a processor executable software module, which can reside on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, and communication media include any medium that can transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. As an example and not a limitation, such a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or may be used to store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and any other medium that can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any connection may be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. As used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and blue-ray disks. Disks can copy data magnetically, while optical disks can copy data optically using lasers. The combination of the above should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine-readable medium and a computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0290] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but to conform to the broadest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0291] In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the terms "upper" and "lower" are sometimes used for ease of describing the drawings and indicate relative positions corresponding to the orientation of the drawings on a correctly oriented page, and may not reflect the correct orientation of any device as implemented.

[0292] Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while features may be described above as functioning in some combination and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and a claimed combination may involve subcombinations or variations of subcombinations.

[0293] Similarly, although the operations are depicted in a specific order in the figure, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order or to perform all the operations shown to achieve the desired result. Further, the accompanying drawings may schematically depict one or more exemplary processes in the form of a flow chart. However, other operations not depicted can be incorporated into the exemplary processes schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, at the same time, or between any operations in the illustrated operations. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of the various system components in the implementation described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, but it should be understood that the described program components and systems can usually be integrated together in a single software product, or be packaged as multiple software products. In addition, other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims. In some implementations, the actions recorded in the claims can be performed in different orders, and the desired results are still achieved.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first multi-link device (MLD), comprising: One or more interfaces, which are configured as: obtaining identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD; obtaining, via the first radio frequency link, control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link, wherein the communications using the second radio frequency link are associated with a configuration for directional transmissions between the first MLD and the second MLD; and One or more data messages are output to the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: In order to obtain the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtaining an indication of a restriction associated with use of the second radio frequency link via a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; as well as An indication of a condition associated with the use of the second radio frequency link is obtained via a multi-link probe response, wherein setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with satisfaction of the condition.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtaining, via the first radio frequency link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second radio frequency link to a multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; as well as A second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio frequency link from the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied is obtained via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the first MLD.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: Timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of the second radio frequency link are obtained via the first radio frequency link, wherein timing of the one or more data messages output via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: outputting, via the first radio frequency link, at least one of feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages output via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change to the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: In order to obtain the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are further configured to: At least one of a multilink probe response frame, an association frame, or a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element including the identification information is obtained.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: To obtain the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are further configured to: One or more management frames including information are obtained via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: a duration of a beacon interval (BI), timing information, a traffic indication, information associated with a service period of the second radio frequency link, a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: Based on receiving the indication of the critical update to the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via one or more beacon frames, the second radio frequency link is monitored for beacon frames including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multilink probe response, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: One or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link are obtained via the first radio frequency link.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: A beacon frame is obtained via the second radio frequency link according to the satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the first MLD.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtaining, via the first radio frequency link, information indicating that a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand; as well as A request for the beacon frame is obtained on the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The satisfaction of the condition is associated with: a topology around the first MLD, a high mobility configuration of the first MLD, a signal strength measurement at the first MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second radio frequency link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second radio frequency link via a management frame received on the first radio frequency link.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing system is configured to: performing one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, using the first radio frequency link; and the one or more interfaces are further configured to: An indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is outputted via the first radio frequency link, wherein performing the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with an absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more interfaces are further configured to: An indication of the absence of a beacon frame in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link is obtained, wherein the one or more data messages are output during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame in accordance with the indication of the absence of the beacon frame.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: Outputting an indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link, wherein the directionality constraint indicates that the first MLD selects to use the first radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first MLD functions as a soft access point (AP) MLD, and wherein the soft AP MLD uses the same set of radio frequency chains as the first MLD.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: The identification information and the control information associated with the second radio frequency link are output via the first radio frequency link and using a first AP affiliated with the soft AP MLD.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first radio frequency link is a sub-7 gigahertz (GHz) link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

21. An apparatus for wireless communication at a first multi-link device (MLD), comprising: One or more interfaces, which are configured as: outputting identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; outputting, via the first radio frequency link, control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link, wherein the communications using the second radio frequency link are associated with a configuration for directional transmission between the first MLD and the second MLD; and One or more data messages are obtained from the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein To output the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are further configured to: outputting an indication of a restriction associated with use of the second radio frequency link via a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; as well as An indication of a condition associated with the use of the second radio frequency link is output via a multi-link probe response, wherein setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with satisfaction of the condition.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: outputting, via the first radio frequency link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second radio frequency link to a multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; as well as A second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio frequency link from the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied is outputted via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein: The adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the second MLD.

25. The device according to claim 21, wherein The one or more interfaces are further configured to: Outputting, via the first radio frequency link, timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of the second radio frequency link, wherein timing of the one or more data messages obtained via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

26. The device according to claim 21, wherein The one or more interfaces are further configured to: obtaining, via the first radio frequency link, at least one of feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages obtained via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change to the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

27. The device according to claim 21, wherein To output the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are further configured to: At least one of a multilink probe response frame, an association frame, or a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element including the identification information is output.

28. The device according to claim 21, wherein To output the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link, the one or more interfaces are further configured to: outputting, via the first radio frequency link, one or more management frames including information including at least one of the following: a duration of a beacon interval (BI), timing information, a traffic indication, information associated with a service period of the second radio frequency link, a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein The one or more interfaces are further configured to: In accordance with sending the indication of the critical update to the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via one or more beacon frames, outputting a beacon frame including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via the second radio frequency link.

30. The device according to claim 28, wherein The one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multilink probe response, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

31. The device according to claim 21, wherein The one or more interfaces are further configured to: One or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link are output via the first radio frequency link.

32. The device according to claim 21, wherein The one or more interfaces are further configured to: A beacon frame is output via the second radio frequency link according to the satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the second MLD.

33. The device according to claim 32, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: outputting, via the first radio frequency link, information indicating that a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand; as well as A request for the beacon frame is obtained on the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

34. The device according to claim 32, wherein: The satisfaction of the condition is associated with: a topology around the second MLD, a high mobility configuration of the second MLD, a signal strength measurement at the second MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second radio link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second radio link via a management frame sent on the first radio link.

35. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: An indication of one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is obtained via the first radio frequency link, wherein receiving the indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with an absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

36. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: Outputting an indication of the absence of a beacon frame in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link, wherein the one or more data messages are obtained during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame in accordance with the indication of the absence of the beacon frame.

37. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: The one or more interfaces are further configured to: An indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link is obtained, wherein the directionality constraint indicates that the second MLD selects to use the first radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

38. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: The first radio frequency link is a sub-7 gigahertz (GHz) link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

39. A method for wireless communication at a first multi-link device (MLD), comprising: receiving identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the first MLD and the second MLD; receiving, via the first radio frequency link, control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link, wherein the communications using the second radio frequency link are associated with configuration for directional transmissions between the first MLD and the second MLD; as well as One or more data messages are communicated with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein: Receiving the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: receiving an indication of a restriction associated with use of the second radio frequency link via a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and An indication of a condition associated with the use of the second radio frequency link is received via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with satisfaction of the condition.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: receiving, via the first radio frequency link, a first multi-link reconfiguration message associated with adding the second radio frequency link to a multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; as well as A second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio frequency link from the multi-link setup between the first MLD and the second MLD based on the condition no longer being satisfied is received via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein: The adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the first MLD.

43. The method of claim 39, further comprising: receiving, via the first radio frequency link, timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of the second radio frequency link, wherein timing of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

44. The method of claim 39, further comprising: At least one of the following is sent via the first radio frequency link: feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change to the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

45. The method of claim 39, wherein: Receiving the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: At least one of a multilink probe response frame, an association frame, or a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element including the identification information is received.

46. ​​The method of claim 39, wherein: Receiving the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link comprises: One or more management frames including information are received via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: a duration of a beacon interval (BI), timing information, a traffic indication, information associated with a service period of the second radio frequency link, a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising: Based on receiving the indication of the critical update to the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via one or more beacon frames, the second radio frequency link is monitored for beacon frames including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein: The one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multilink probe response, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

49. The method of claim 39, further comprising: One or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link are received via the first radio frequency link.

50. The method of claim 39, further comprising: A beacon frame is received via the second radio frequency link based on the satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the first MLD.

51. The method of claim 50, further comprising: receiving, via the first radio frequency link, information indicating that a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand; as well as A request for the beacon frame is sent on the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein: The satisfaction of the condition is associated with: a topology around the first MLD, a high mobility configuration of the first MLD, a signal strength measurement at the first MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second radio frequency link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second radio frequency link via a management frame received on the first radio frequency link.

53. The method of claim 39, further comprising: performing one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, using the first radio frequency link; as well as An indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is sent via the first radio frequency link, wherein performing the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with an absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

54. The method of claim 39, further comprising: An indication of an absence of a beacon frame in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link is received, wherein the one or more data messages are transmitted during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame in accordance with the indication of the absence of the beacon frame.

55. The method of claim 39, further comprising: An indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link is sent, wherein the directionality constraint indicates that the first MLD selects to use the first radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

56. The method of claim 39, wherein: The first MLD functions as a soft access point (AP) MLD, wherein the soft AP MLD uses the same set of radio frequency chains as the first MLD.

57. The method of claim 56, further comprising: The identification information and the control information associated with the second radio frequency link are transmitted via the first radio frequency link and using a first AP affiliated with the soft AP MLD.

58. The method of claim 39, wherein: The first radio frequency link is a sub-7 gigahertz (GHz) link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

59. A method for wireless communication at a first multi-link device (MLD), comprising: sending identification information associated with a second radio frequency link via a first radio frequency link according to a multi-link operation between the second MLD and the first MLD; transmitting, via the first radio frequency link, control information associated with communications using the second radio frequency link, wherein the communications using the second radio frequency link are associated with a configuration for directional transmissions between the first MLD and the second MLD; as well as One or more data messages are communicated with the second MLD via the second radio frequency link according to the control information.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein: Sending the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: transmitting an indication of a restriction associated with use of the second radio frequency link via a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element carried in a beacon frame or a probe response frame associated with the first radio frequency link; and An indication of a condition associated with the use of the second radio frequency link is sent via a multi-link probe response, wherein the setting of the second radio frequency link is associated with satisfaction of the condition.

61. The method of claim 60, further comprising: sending, via the first radio frequency link, a first multilink reconfiguration message associated with adding the second radio frequency link to a multilink setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the satisfaction of the condition; as well as A second multi-link reconfiguration message associated with removing the second radio frequency link from the multi-link setup between the second MLD and the first MLD based on the condition no longer being met is sent via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein: The adding of the second radio frequency link and the removing of the second radio frequency link are specific to the second MLD.

63. The method of claim 59, further comprising: and transmitting, via the first radio frequency link, timing information corresponding to a first communication using the first radio frequency link and a time domain offset between a first timing synchronization function of the first radio frequency link and a second timing synchronization function of the second radio frequency link, wherein timing of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link is associated with the timing information and the time domain offset.

64. The method of claim 59, further comprising: receiving, via the first radio frequency link, at least one of feedback information associated with at least one of the one or more data messages transmitted via the second radio frequency link, a status of an operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, an indication of a change to the operating condition set associated with the second radio frequency link, or a response to a query received via the second radio frequency link.

65. The method of claim 59, wherein: Sending the identification information associated with the second radio frequency link includes: At least one of a multilink probe response frame, an association frame, or a reduced neighbor report (RNR) element is sent including the identification information.

66. The method of claim 59, wherein: Sending the control information associated with the communication using the second radio frequency link comprises: One or more management frames including information are sent via the first radio frequency link, the information including at least one of the following: a duration of a beacon interval (BI), timing information, a traffic indication, information associated with a service period of the second radio frequency link, a critical update to one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link or an indication of a set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link, or any combination thereof.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising: In accordance with transmitting the indication of the critical update to the one or more operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via one or more beacon frames, transmitting a beacon frame including the set of operating parameters associated with the second radio frequency link via the second radio frequency link.

68. The method of claim 66, wherein: The one or more management frames include a beacon frame, a probe response frame, a multilink probe response, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

69. The method of claim 59, further comprising: One or more individually addressed management frames associated with the second radio frequency link are transmitted via the first radio frequency link.

70. The method of claim 59, further comprising: A beacon frame is transmitted via the second radio frequency link based on the satisfaction of a condition, wherein the beacon frame is associated with beam training at the second MLD.

71. The method of claim 70, further comprising: transmitting, via the first radio frequency link, information indicating that a beacon frame on the second radio frequency link is on demand; as well as A request for the beacon frame is received on the second radio frequency link via the first radio frequency link or the second radio frequency link, wherein the satisfaction of the condition is associated with the request for the beacon frame.

72. The method of claim 70, wherein: The satisfaction of the condition is associated with: a topology around the second MLD, a high mobility configuration of the second MLD, a signal strength measurement at the second MLD being lower than a threshold signal strength measurement, a frequency of beam training on the second radio link, or an indication of the presence of the beacon frame on the second radio link via a management frame sent on the first radio link.

73. The method of claim 59, further comprising: An indication of one or more ranging measurements or one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is received via the first radio frequency link, wherein receiving the indication of the one or more ranging measurements or the one or more radio frequency measurements, or both, is associated with an absence of a beacon frame in the second radio frequency link.

74. The method of claim 59, further comprising: An indication of the absence of a beacon frame in a beacon interval of the second radio frequency link is transmitted, wherein the one or more data messages are transmitted during a beacon transmission interval associated with the beacon frame in accordance with the indication of the absence of the beacon frame.

75. The method of claim 59, further comprising: An indication of a directionality constraint associated with the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link is received, wherein the directionality constraint indicates that the second MLD selects to use the first radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both, and to use the second radio frequency link to support an uplink or a downlink, or both.

76. The method of claim 59, wherein: The first radio frequency link is a sub-7 gigahertz (GHz) link, and the second radio frequency link is a 60 GHz link or a 45 GHz link.

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