Method and apparatus for dynamically reestablishing multiple links

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for dynamically reestablishing multiple links are disclosed. The method for a first device comprises the steps of: performing a first communication with a second device according to an NSTR operation on one link from a first link and a second link; transmitting STR reconfiguration information including one or more information elements required for the conditional STR operation to the second device over one link; second communications are performed with the second device on the first link and the second link according to a conditional STR operation based on the one or more information elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication technology, and more particularly, to a technology for reconfiguring multiple links and / or operating on multiple links. Background Art

[0002] Recently, as the distribution of mobile devices expands, wireless local area network technology that can provide fast wireless communication services for mobile devices has attracted attention. Wireless local area network (WLAN) technology can be a technology that supports mobile devices such as smart phones, smart tablets, laptops, portable multimedia players, embedded devices, etc. to access the Internet wirelessly based on wireless communication technology.

[0003] Standards for using wireless LAN technology are mainly developed as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards. As the above-mentioned wireless LAN technology has been developed and widely adopted, applications utilizing the wireless LAN technology have been diversified, and there has been a demand for wireless LAN technology supporting higher throughput. A wireless LAN may support multi-link operation, and in this case, a method for (re)configuring the multi-link may be required.

[0004] On the other hand, the background technologies of the present invention are written to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may include contents that are not known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The present invention is directed to providing a method and apparatus for changing and / or reconfiguring link information in a wireless local area network supporting multiple links.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for a first device to achieve the above-mentioned purpose may include: performing a first communication with a second device on one link of a first link and a second link according to a non-simultaneous send and receive (NSTR) operation; sending simultaneous send and receive (STR) reconfiguration information including one or more information elements required for a conditional STR operation to the second device on one link; and performing a second communication with the second device on the first link and the second link according to a conditional STR operation based on the one or more information elements, wherein the second communication is performed simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

[0009] The one or more information elements may include at least one of information on a preferred modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information on a preferred number of spatial streams (NSS), or reconfiguration information of (one or more) multilink parameters.

[0010] Performing a second communication with a second device may include: sending a first data frame to the second device on a first link; receiving a second data frame from the second device on a second link, wherein the second data frame is generated based on a first MCS index indicated by information about a preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index.

[0011] Performing a second communication with a second device may include: receiving a first data frame generated based on a third MCS index from the second device on a first link; receiving a second data frame from the second device on a second link, wherein the second data frame is generated based on a first MCS index indicated by information about a preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index, wherein the third MCS index is higher than the first MCS index or the second MCS index.

[0012] When a data frame is received from the second device in the first communication, a reception response frame of the data frame may include STR reconfiguration information.

[0013] Sending the STR reconfiguration information to the second device on a link may include: generating a data frame including the STR reconfiguration information; and sending the data frame to the second device on a link.

[0014] Sending the STR reconfiguration information to the second device on a link may include: generating an action frame including the STR reconfiguration information; and sending the action frame to the second device on a link.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for a second device to achieve the above-mentioned purpose may include: performing a first communication with the first device on one link of the first link and the second link according to a non-simultaneous send and receive (NSTR) operation; receiving simultaneous send and receive (STR) reconfiguration information including one or more information elements required for the conditional STR operation from the first device on one link; and performing a second communication with the first device on the first link and the second link according to the conditional STR operation based on the one or more information elements, wherein the second communication is performed simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

[0016] The one or more information elements may include at least one of information on a preferred modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information on a preferred number of spatial streams (NSS), or reconfiguration information of (one or more) multilink parameters.

[0017] Performing a second communication with the first device may include: receiving a first data frame from the first device on a first link; and sending a second data frame to the first device on a second link, wherein the second data frame is generated based on a first MCS index indicated by information about a preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index.

[0018] Performing a second communication with the first device may include: sending a first data frame generated based on a third MCS index to the first device on a first link; sending a second data frame to the first device on a second link, wherein the second data frame is generated based on a first MCS index indicated by information about a preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index, wherein the third MCS index is higher than the first MCS index or the second MCS index.

[0019] Performing the second communication with the first device may include: sending a first data frame to the first device on the first link; and sending a second data frame to the first device on the second link using a spatial stream equal to or less than n indicated by the information about the preferred NSS.

[0020] When a data frame is transmitted to the first device in the first communication, a reception response frame of the data frame may include STR reconfiguration information.

[0021] Receiving STR reconfiguration information from the first device on a link may include receiving a data frame including the STR reconfiguration information from the first device on a link.

[0022] Receiving STR reconfiguration information from the first device on a link may include receiving an action frame including the STR reconfiguration information from the first device on a link.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first device for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include a processor, and the processor may enable the first device to execute: on one link of the first link and the second link, perform a first communication with the second device according to a non-simultaneous send and receive (NSTR) operation; send simultaneous send and receive (STR) reconfiguration information including one or more information elements required for conditional STR operation to the second device on one link; based on the one or more information elements, perform a second communication with the second device on the first link and the second link according to the conditional STR operation, wherein the second communication is performed simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

[0024] The one or more information elements may include at least one of information on a preferred modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information on a preferred number of spatial streams (NSS), or reconfiguration information of (one or more) multilink parameters.

[0025] When performing a second communication with a second device, the processor may further cause the first device to execute: sending a first data frame to the second device on a first link; receiving a second data frame from the second device on a second link, wherein the second data frame is generated based on a first MCS index indicated by information about a preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index.

[0026] When performing a second communication with a second device, the processor may further cause the first device to perform: receiving a first data frame generated based on a third MCS index from the second device on a first link; receiving a second data frame from the second device on a second link, wherein the second data frame is generated based on a first MCS index indicated by information about a preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index, wherein the third MCS index is higher than the first MCS index or the second MCS index.

[0027] When sending the STR reconfiguration information to the second device on a link, the processor may further cause the first device to execute: generating a data frame or an action frame including the STR reconfiguration information; and sending the data frame or the action frame to the second device on a link.

[0028] Beneficial Effects

[0029] According to the present invention, a device (e.g., a station (STA) or an access point (AP)) can perform a simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) operation on multiple links. STR operations can be performed on multiple links according to channel conditions and / or the state of the device. The STA can send information indicating whether the STR operation can be performed, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) information, and / or information about the number of spatial streams (NSS) to the AP. Based on the information received from the STA, the AP can dynamically reconfigure the multi-link information. In other words, a process for reconfiguring the multi-link information between the AP and the STA can be executed. According to the above method, communication on multiple links can be smoothly performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a first exemplary embodiment of a communication node constituting a wireless LAN system.

[0031] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a first exemplary embodiment of a plurality of links configured between multi-link devices (MLDs).

[0032] Figure 3a is a timing diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of STR operation.

[0033] Figure 3b is a timing diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of STR operation.

[0034] Figure 3c is a timing diagram illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of STR operation.

[0035] Figure 4a is a timing diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a method for reconfiguring multilink information.

[0036] Figure 4b is a timing diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a method for reconfiguring multilink information.

[0037] Figure 5 is a timing diagram illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of a method for reconfiguring multilink information.

[0038] Figure 6a is a block diagram illustrating a first exemplary implementation for reconfiguring an A-control field of multilink information.

[0039] Figure 6b is a block diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment for reconfiguring an A-control field of multilink information.

[0040] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of an action frame for reconfiguring multilink information.

[0041] Figure 8 is a timing diagram showing a first exemplary implementation of a retransmission method using reconfigured multilink information.

[0042] Fig. 9 is a timing diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of an EMLSR operation method using reconfigured multi-link information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Since the present invention can be variously modified and has various forms, specific exemplary embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the specific embodiments. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present invention to specific exemplary embodiments. But on the contrary, the present invention covers all modifications and alternative forms that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0044] Relational terms such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component can be named as the second component, and the second component can also be similarly named as the first component. The term "and / or" refers to any one or a combination of multiple related and described matters.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, "at least one of A and B" may mean "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of a combination of one or more of A and B". In addition, "one or more of A and B" may mean "one or more of A or B" or "one or more combinations of one or more of A and B".

[0046] When it is mentioned that a certain component is "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the certain component is directly "coupled" or "connected" to the other component, or another component may be provided therebetween. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a certain component is "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that no other component is provided therebetween.

[0047] The terms used in the present invention are only used to describe specific exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present invention, terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but it should be understood that these terms do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms commonly used in dictionaries and already in dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings that match the contextual meanings in the art. In this specification, unless explicitly defined, terms are not necessarily interpreted as having formal meanings.

[0049] Hereinafter, the form of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the present invention, in order to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the present invention, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the description of the accompanying drawings, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] Hereinafter, a wireless communication system to which an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention is applied will be described. The wireless communication system to which an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention is applied is not limited to the contents described below, and the exemplary embodiment according to the present invention can be applied to various wireless communication systems. The wireless communication system can be referred to as a "wireless communication network".

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, "configuration of an operation (e.g., a transmission operation)" may mean signaling "configuration information (e.g., information element, parameter) of an operation" and / or "information indicating execution of an operation". "Configuration of an information element (e.g., parameter)" may mean signaling an information element. "Configuration of a resource (e.g., a resource region)" may mean signaling setting information of a resource.

[0052] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a first exemplary embodiment of a communication node constituting a wireless LAN system.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown in , the communication node 100 may be an access point, a station (Station), an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) or a non-AP MLD. An access point may be referred to as an "AP", and a station may be referred to as a "STA" or a "non-AP STA". The operating channel width supported by the AP may be 20 megahertz (MHz), 80 MHz, 160 MHz, etc. The operating channel width supported by the STA may be 20 MHz, 80 MHz, etc.

[0054] The communication node 100 may include at least one processor 110, a memory 120, and a transceiver 130 connected to a network to perform communication. The transceiver 130 may be referred to as a transceiver, a radio frequency (RF) unit, an RF module, etc. In addition, the communication node 100 may further include an input interface device 140, an output interface device 150, a storage device 160, etc. The various components included in the communication node 100 may be connected to communicate with each other via a bus 170.

[0055] However, the respective components included in the communication node 100 may be connected through a separate interface or a separate bus centered around the processor 110 instead of the common bus 170. For example, the processor 110 may be connected to at least one of the memory 120, the transceiver 130, the input interface device 140, the output interface device 150, and the storage device 160 through a dedicated interface.

[0056] The processor 110 may execute program instructions stored in at least one of the memory 120 and the storage device 160. The processor 110 may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor that executes a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The memory 120 and the storage device 160 may each be configured as at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory 120 may be configured with at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0057] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a first exemplary embodiment of multi-links configured between multi-link devices (MLDs).

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown in , the MLD may have a Medium Access Control (MAC) address. In an exemplary embodiment, the MLD may represent an AP MLD and / or a non-AP MLD. The MAC address of the MLD may be used in a multi-link establishment process between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD. The MAC address of the AP MLD may be different from the MAC address of the non-AP MLD. The APs associated with the AP MLD may have different MAC addresses, and the stations associated with the non-AP MLD may have different MAC addresses. Each of the APs with different MAC addresses within the AP MLD may be responsible for each link and may perform the role of an independent AP.

[0059] Each of the STAs with different MAC addresses within the non-AP MLD may be responsible for each link and may perform the role of an independent STA. The non-AP MLD may be referred to as a STA MLD. The MLD may support simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) operations. In this case, the MLD may perform a transmit operation in link 1 and may perform a receive operation in link 2. An MLD that supports STR operations may be referred to as an STR MLD (e.g., STR AP MLD, STR non-AP MLD). In an exemplary embodiment, a link may represent a channel or a frequency band. A device that does not support STR operations may be referred to as a non-STR (NSTR) AP MLD or an NSTR non-AP MLD (or NSTR STAMLD).

[0060] MLD can send and receive frames in multiple links by utilizing a non-contiguous bandwidth extension scheme (e.g., 80MHz+80MHz). Multi-link operation can include multi-band transmission. AP MLD can include multiple APs, and the multiple APs can operate in different links. Each of the multiple APs can perform the functions of the lower MAC layer. Each of the multiple APs can be referred to as a "communication node" or a "lower-level entity". The communication node (i.e., AP) can be in the upper layer (or Figure 1 The non-AP MLD may include multiple STAs, and the multiple STAs may operate in different links. Each of the multiple STAs may be referred to as a "communication node" or a "lower-level entity". The communication node (i.e., STA) may be in the upper layer (or Figure 1 The system operates under the control of the processor 110 shown in FIG.

[0061] MLD can perform communication in multiple frequency bands (i.e., multi-band). For example, MLD can perform communication using 80MHz bandwidth in the 2.4GHz band according to a channel extension scheme (e.g., bandwidth extension scheme), and perform communication using 160MHz bandwidth in the 5GHz band according to a channel extension scheme. MLD can perform communication using 160MHz bandwidth in the 5GHz band, and can perform communication using 160MHz bandwidth in the 6GHz band. A frequency band (e.g., a channel) utilized by MLD can be defined as a link. Alternatively, multiple links can be configured in a frequency band utilized by MLD. For example, MLD can configure one link in the 2.4GHz band and two links in the 6GHz band. Each link can be referred to as a first link, a second link, and a third link. Alternatively, each link can be referred to as link 1, link 2, link 3, etc. The link number can be set by the access point, and an identifier (ID) can be assigned to each link.

[0062] MLD (e.g., AP MLD and / or non-AP MLD) may configure multi-link by performing an access procedure and / or a negotiation procedure for multi-link operation. In this case, the number of links and / or links utilized in the multi-link may be configured. Non-AP MLD (e.g., STA) may identify information about a frequency band capable of communicating with AP MLD. In the negotiation process for multi-link operation between non-AP MLD and AP MLD, non-AP MLD may configure one or more of the links supported by AP MLD for multi-link operation. A station that does not support multi-link operation (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax STA) may be connected to one or more links of the multi-link supported by AP MLD.

[0063] When the frequency band spacing between multiple links (for example, the frequency band spacing between link 1 and link 2 in the frequency domain) is sufficient, the MLD can perform the STR operation. For example, the MLD can use link 1 among the multiple links to send physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) 1, and can use link 2 among the multiple links to receive PPDU 2. On the other hand, if the MLD performs the STR operation when the frequency band spacing between multiple links is insufficient, in-device coexistence (IDC) interference, that is, interference between multiple links, will occur. Therefore, when the frequency band spacing between multiple links is insufficient, the MLD may not be able to perform the STR operation. The link pair with the above-mentioned interference relationship may be a non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) limited link pair. Here, the MLD may be referred to as an "NSTR AP MLD" or an "NSTR non-AP MLD".

[0064] For example, a multi-link including link 1, link 2, and link 3 may be configured between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD 1. When the frequency band interval between link 1 and link 3 is sufficient, the AP MLD may perform the STR operation using link 1 and link 3. That is, the AP MLD may send a frame using link 1 and receive a frame using link 3. When the frequency band interval between link 1 and link 2 is insufficient, the AP MLD may not be able to perform the STR operation using link 1 and link 2. When the frequency band interval between link 2 and link 3 is insufficient, the AP MLD may not be able to perform the STR operation using link 2 and link 3.

[0065] On the other hand, in a wireless local area network system, a negotiation process for multi-link operation can be performed in an access process between a station and an access point. A device (e.g., an access point, a station) that supports multiple links may be referred to as a "multi-link device (MLD)". An access point that supports multiple links may be referred to as an "AP MLD", and a station that supports multiple links may be referred to as a "non-AP MLD" or a "STA MLD". AP MLD may have a physical address (e.g., a MAC address) for each link. APMLD may be implemented as if there is an AP responsible for each link alone. Multiple APs may be managed within one AP MLD. Therefore, coordination between multiple APs belonging to the same AP MLD is possible. STAMLD may have a physical address (e.g., a MAC address) for each link. STA MLD may be implemented as if there is an STA responsible for each link alone. Multiple STAs may be managed within one STA MLD. Therefore, coordination between multiple STAs belonging to the same STA MLD is possible.

[0066] For example, AP1 of AP MLD and STA1 of STA MLD may each be responsible for the first link and perform communication using the first link. AP2 of AP MLD and STA2 of STA MLD may each be responsible for the second link and perform communication using the second link. STA2 may receive state change information for the first link on the second link. In this case, STAMLD may collect information (e.g., state change information) received on each link and control the operation performed by STA1 based on the collected information.

[0067] Hereinafter, a method for transmitting and receiving data in a wireless local area network system will be described. Even when describing a method (e.g., transmission or reception of a signal) performed at a first communication node among communication nodes, a corresponding second communication node may perform a method (e.g., reception or transmission of a signal) corresponding to the method performed at the first communication node. That is, when describing the operation of an STA, an AP corresponding thereto may perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the STA. Conversely, when describing the operation of an AP, an STA corresponding thereto may perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the AP.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the operation of STA may be interpreted as the operation of STA MLD, the operation of STAMLD may be interpreted as the operation of STA, the operation of AP may be interpreted as the operation of AP MLD, and the operation of AP MLD may be interpreted as the operation of AP. The STA of STAMLD may refer to the STA to which STAMLD is attached, and the AP of AP MLD may refer to the AP to which AP MLD is attached. When STA MLD includes a first STA operating on a first link and a second STA operating on a second link, the operation of STA MLD on the first link may be interpreted as the operation of the first STA, and the operation of STA MLD on the second link may be interpreted as the operation of the second STA. When AP MLD includes a first AP operating on the first link and a second AP operating on the second link, the operation of AP MLD on the first link may be interpreted as the operation of the first AP, and the operation of AP MLD on the second link may be interpreted as the operation of the second AP. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission time of a frame may refer to the transmission start time or the transmission end time, and the reception time of a frame may refer to the reception start time or the reception end time. The transmission time may be interpreted as corresponding to the reception time. The time point may be interpreted as the time, and the time may be interpreted as the time point.

[0069] The AP MLD, the AP, the STA MLD and / or the STA may perform a reconfiguration process of the multi-link information. The reconfiguration process of the multi-link information may be performed dynamically.

[0070] Figure 3a is a timing diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of STR operation.

[0071] like Figure 3a As shown, AP MLD1 may include AP1-1 operating on a first link and AP1-2 operating on a second link. STAMLD1 may include STA1-1 operating on the first link and STA1-2 operating on the second link. AP MLD1 and STA MLD1 may perform uplink communication on the first link. AP MLD1 and STA MLD1 may perform downlink communication on the second link. STA MLD1 may perform STR operation. In uplink communication, STA1-1 may send a data frame (e.g., an uplink frame) to AP1-1. In other words, the operation of STA1-1 sending a data frame to AP1-1 may be uplink communication. Uplink communication may include uplink transmission operation and / or uplink reception operation.

[0072] In downlink communication, AP1-2 may send a data frame (e.g., a downlink frame) to STA1-2. In other words, the operation of AP1-2 sending a data frame to STA1-2 may be downlink communication. Downlink communication may include a downlink transmission operation and / or a downlink reception operation. In each of uplink communication and downlink communication, a frame including a data unit may be sent and received. The data unit may be a medium access control (MAC) layer protocol data unit (MPDU), an aggregation (A)-MPDU, and / or a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU).

[0073] Figure 3b is a timing diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of STR operation.

[0074] like Figure 3b As shown, AP MLD1 may include AP1-1 operating on a first link and AP1-2 operating on a second link. STAMLD1 may include STA1-1 operating on the first link and STA1-2 operating on the second link. AP MLD1 and STA MLD1 may perform uplink communication on the first link. AP MLD1 and STA MLD1 may perform downlink communication on the second link. The first link and the second link (on which STA MLD1 operates) may form an NSTR link pair. In other words, STA1-1 and STA1-2 may be STAs operating on an NSTR link pair. In other words, STA MLD1 may configure the first link and the second link as an NSTR link pair. Communication of STA1-1 on the first link may cause interference to STA1-2 on the second link. Communication of STA1-2 on the second link may cause interference to STA1-1 on the first link. For example, when STA1-1 performs uplink communication on the first link, the reception operation of STA1-2 on the second link may not be performed due to self-interference and / or in-device coexistence interference.

[0075] Figure 3c is a timing diagram illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of STR operation.

[0076] like Figure 3cAs shown, AP MLD1 may include AP1-1 operating on a first link and AP1-2 operating on a second link. STA MLD1 may include STA1-1 operating on a first link and STA1-2 operating on a second link. AP MLD1 and STA MLD1 may perform uplink communication on the first link. AP MLD1 and STA MLD1 may perform downlink communication on the second link. STA MLD1 may be an NSTR MLD, and each of STA1-1 and STA1-2 may be an NSTR STA. The first link and the second link may form an NSTR link pair.

[0077] When STAMLD1 performs uplink communication on the first link, AP MLD1 can perform downlink communication on the second link. In the downlink communication, AP1-2 can generate a frame (e.g., PPDU) using a low modulation and coding scheme (MCS) to reduce reception errors at STA1-2, and send the frame to STA1-2. In the present invention, a frame generated using a low MCS can be referred to as a "low MCS frame", and a frame generated using a high MCS (e.g., non-low MCS) can be referred to as a "high MCS frame". STA1-2 may not receive a high MCS frame due to its own interference, and may receive a low MCS frame. In other words, when the STR operation is performed on the first link and the second link, the reception of a high MCS frame on the second link may fail, and the reception of a low MCS frame on the second link may succeed. If the reception of a low MCS frame on the second link is successful, STA1-2 may send a reception response frame for a low MCS frame to AP1-2. In the present invention, the reception response frame may be an acknowledgment (ACK) frame and / or a block ACK (BA) frame.

[0078] If the status of an NSTR link pair (e.g., (one or more) links belonging to the NSTR link pair) is good, an STR operation may also be performed on the NSTR link pair. In other words, if specific conditions are met, an STR operation may also be performed on the NSTR link pair. The STR operation that may be performed on the NSTR link pair may be referred to as a "conditional STR operation." For example, when STA1-1 performs uplink communication with AP1-1 on a first link, AP1-2 may perform downlink communication with STA1-2 on a second link. In the downlink communication, AP1-2 may send a low MCS frame to STA1-2. STA1-2 may receive a low MCS frame from AP1-2 and send a reception response frame for the low MCS frame to AP1-2. In other words, STA MLD1 may perform a conditional STR operation.

[0079] Figure 4a is a timing diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of a method for reconfiguring multilink information.

[0080] like Figure 4a As shown, AP MLD1 may include AP1-1 operating on a first link and AP1-2 operating on a second link. STA MLD1 may include STA1-1 operating on the first link and STA1-2 operating on the second link. The first link and the second link (on which STA MLD1 operates) may form an NSTR link pair. In other words, STA1-1 and STA1-2 may be STAs operating on the NSTR link pair. The first link and the second link may form an NSTR link pair. STA MLD1 may perform NSTR operation on the first link and the second link. When performing NSTR operation, STA MLD1 may use one link of the first link and the second link to perform communication with AP MLD1 (e.g., communication according to NSTR operation).

[0081] For example, AP1-1 may send a downlink frame (e.g., a data frame) to STA1-1 on the first link. STA1-1 may receive the downlink frame from AP1-1 and send a reception response frame for the downlink frame to AP1-1 on the first link. When STA MLD1 supports NSTR operation, in the case where communication is performed between STA MLD1 (e.g., STA1-1) and AP MLD1 (e.g., AP1-1) on the first link, communication between STA MLD1 (e.g., STA1-2) and APMLD1 (e.g., AP1-2) may not be performed on the second link.

[0082] STA MLD1 may send STR reconfiguration information to AP MLD1 using a reception response frame (e.g., BA frame) for downlink transmission (e.g., transmission of a data frame) of AP MLD1. In other words, the reception response frame of STAMLD1 may include STR reconfiguration information. The STR reconfiguration information may include information elements required for conditional STR operation. The STR reconfiguration information may be used to request STR operation (e.g., conditional STR operation) of STAMLD1. The reception response frame may include reception response information and STR reconfiguration information. The reception response information may indicate a reception status (e.g., ACK or NACK) for downlink transmission. For example, the reception response information may be a block ACK (BA) bitmap. The reception response frame including the reception response information and the STR reconfiguration information may have an A-MPDU form.

[0083] Alternatively, the STR reconfiguration information may be included in the MAC header of the BA frame. The STR reconfiguration information may include at least one of information about a preferred MCS or information about a preferred number of spatial streams (NSS). Information about a preferred MCS (i.e., preferred MCS information) may indicate a preferred MCS index (e.g., MCS level) for establishing an NSTR link pair and / or conditional STR operation. Information about a preferred NSS (i.e., preferred NSS information) may indicate a preferred NSS for establishing an NSTR link pair and / or conditional STR operation. STA MLD1 may generate STR reconfiguration information including preferred MCS information and / or preferred NSS information for conditional STR operation. In other words, the STR reconfiguration information may include information elements required for conditional STR operation. In addition, the STR reconfiguration information may further include information for reconfiguring multilink parameters (e.g., multilink information).

[0084] AP MLD1 may receive a reception response frame from STA MLD1, and may identify reception response information and STR reconfiguration information included in the reception response frame. AP MLD1 may reconfigure the performance of STA MLD1 based on the STR reconfiguration information received from STA MLD1. AP MLD1 may determine that STA MLD1 is capable of performing conditional STR operation based on the STR reconfiguration information. AP MLD1 may perform conditional STR operation for STA MLD1 based on preferred MCS information and / or preferred NSS information included in the STR reconfiguration information. For example, AP MLD1 may perform downlink transmission to STA MLD1 based on the STR reconfiguration information of STA MLD1.

[0085] In the downlink communication between AP MLD1 and STA MLD1, AP MLD1 can perform downlink transmission using n spatial streams indicated by the preferred NSS information of STA MLD1. n can be a natural number. When the preferred NSS information indicates n, AP MLD1 can perform downlink transmission using n or fewer spatial streams. In the downlink communication between AP MLD1 and STA MLD1, AP MLD1 can generate a frame using the MCS index indicated by the preferred MCS information of STAMLD1 or an MCS index lower than the MCS index indicated by the preferred MCS information, and send the frame. In this case, a conditional STR operation can be performed. For example, when STA1-1 performs uplink transmission on the first link, AP1-2 can send a low MCS frame on the second link. In other words, AP1-2 can send a frame generated using a low MCS index on the second link. STA1-2 can receive a frame generated using a low MCS index on the second link.

[0086] In order to remove the NSTR link pair, STAMLD1 may send STR reconfiguration information including change information of the NSTR link pair to AP MLD1. The change information of the NSTR link pair may request to change, reconfigure, or remove the NSTR link pair. APMLD1 may receive the STR reconfiguration information from STAMLD1 and remove the NSTR link pair based on the change information of the NSTR link pair included in the STR reconfiguration information. If the NSTR link pair is removed, STAMLD1 may perform a STR operation.

[0087] In order to add an NSTR link pair, STAMLD1 may send STR reconfiguration information including change information of the NSTR link pair to AP MLD1. The change information of the NSTR link pair may request to change, reconfigure, or add the NSTR link pair. APMLD1 may receive the STR reconfiguration information from STA MLD1, and add the NSTR link pair based on the change information of the NSTR link pair included in the STR reconfiguration information. If the NSTR link pair is added, STA MLD1 may not perform STR operation on the NSTR link pair.

[0088] Figure 4b is a timing diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a method for reconfiguring multilink information.

[0089] like Figure 4bAs shown, AP MLD1 may include AP1-1 operating on a first link and AP1-2 operating on a second link. STAMLD1 may include STA1-1 operating on the first link and STA1-2 operating on the second link. The first link and the second link (on which STAMLD1 operates) may form an NSTR link pair. In other words, STA1-1 and STA1-2 may be STAs operating on an NSTR link pair. The first link and the second link may form an NSTR link pair. STAMLD1 may generate an uplink frame (e.g., a data frame) including STR reconfiguration information, and may send the uplink frame to AP MLD1. The uplink frame may include a data unit and STR reconfiguration information. The uplink frame including the data unit and the STR reconfiguration information may have an A-MPDU form. Alternatively, the STR reconfiguration information may be included in a MAC header (e.g., an A-control field of a control field) of an uplink frame. The STR reconfiguration information may include at least one of preferred MCS information, preferred NSS information, or reconfiguration information of (one or more) multilink parameters.

[0090] AP MLD1 may reconfigure the performance of STA MLD1 based on the STR reconfiguration information received from STA MLD1. AP MLD1 may change the STR operation for STA MLD1 based on the preferred MCS information and / or preferred NSS information included in the STR reconfiguration information. For example, AP MLD1 may perform downlink transmission to STA MLD1 based on the STR reconfiguration information of STA MLD1.

[0091] In the downlink communication between AP MLD1 and STA MLD1, AP MLD1 can perform downlink transmission using multiple spatial streams equal to or less than n indicated by the preferred NSS information of STA MLD1. n can be a natural number. In the downlink communication between AP MLD1 and STA MLD1, AP MLD1 can generate a frame using the MCS index indicated by the preferred MCS information of STA MLD1 or an MCS index lower than the MCS index indicated by the preferred MCS information, and send the frame. In this case, a conditional STR operation can be performed. For example, when STA1-1 performs uplink transmission on the first link, AP1-2 can send a low MCS frame on the second link. In other words, AP1-2 can send a frame generated using a low MCS index on the second link.

[0092] In order to remove the NSTR link pair, STA MLD1 may send STR reconfiguration information including change information of the NSTR link pair to AP MLD1. The change information of the NSTR link pair may request to change, reconfigure, or remove the NSTR link pair. AP MLD1 may receive the STR reconfiguration information from STA MLD1, and remove the NSTR link pair based on the change information of the NSTR link pair included in the STR reconfiguration information. If the NSTR link pair is removed, STA MLD1 may perform an STR operation.

[0093] In order to add an NSTR link pair, STA MLD1 may send STR reconfiguration information including change information of the NSTR link pair to AP MLD1. The change information of the NSTR link pair may request to change, reconfigure, or add the NSTR link pair. AP MLD1 may receive the STR reconfiguration information from STA MLD1, and add the NSTR link pair based on the change information of the NSTR link pair included in the STR reconfiguration information. If the NSTR link pair is added, STA MLD1 may not perform STR operation on the NSTR link pair.

[0094] Figure 5 is a timing diagram illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of a method for reconfiguring multilink information.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, AP MLD1 may include AP1-1 operating on a first link and AP1-2 operating on a second link. STA MLD1 may include STA1-1 operating on a first link and STA1-2 operating on a second link. The first link and the second link (on which STA MLD1 operates) may form an NSTR link pair. In other words, STA1-1 and STA1-2 may be STAs operating on an NSTR link pair. The first link and the second link may form an NSTR link pair. STA MLD1 (e.g., STA1-1) may send an STR reconfiguration frame including STR reconfiguration information to AP MLD1 (e.g., AP1-1). The STR reconfiguration frame may be an action frame (e.g., an extremely high throughput (EHT) action frame). The STR reconfiguration frame may be sent separately. Alternatively, the STR reconfiguration frame may have an A-MPDU form. In other words, a STR reconfiguration frame including STR reconfiguration information and other information (e.g., data unit, reception response information) may be sent.

[0096] The STR reconfiguration information may include at least one of preferred MCS information, preferred NSS information, or reconfiguration information of (one or more) multilink parameters. AP MLD1 may receive a STR reconfiguration frame from STA MLD1, and send a reception response frame for the STR reconfiguration frame to STAMLD1. AP MLD1 may identify the STR reconfiguration information included in the STR reconfiguration frame. AP MLD1 may reconfigure the performance of STAMLD1 based on the STR reconfiguration information received from STAMLD1. AP MLD1 may change the STR operation for STA MLD1 based on the preferred MCS information and / or preferred NSS information included in the STR reconfiguration information. For example, AP MLD1 may perform downlink transmission to STA MLD1 based on the STR reconfiguration information of STA MLD1.

[0097] In the downlink communication between AP MLD1 and STA MLD1, AP MLD1 can perform downlink transmission using multiple spatial streams equal to or less than n indicated by the preferred NSS information of STA MLD1. n can be a natural number. In the downlink communication between AP MLD1 and STA MLD1, AP MLD1 can generate a frame using the MCS index indicated by the preferred MCS information of STA MLD1 or an MCS index lower than the MCS index indicated by the preferred MCS information, and send the frame. In this case, a conditional STR operation can be performed. For example, when STA1-1 performs uplink transmission on the first link, AP1-2 can send a low MCS frame on the second link. In other words, AP1-2 can send a frame generated using a low MCS index on the second link.

[0098] In order to remove the NSTR link pair, STA MLD1 may send STR reconfiguration information including change information of the NSTR link pair to AP MLD1. The change information of the NSTR link pair may request to change, reconfigure, or remove the NSTR link pair. AP MLD1 may receive the STR reconfiguration information from STA MLD1, and remove the NSTR link pair based on the change information of the NSTR link pair included in the STR reconfiguration information. If the NSTR link pair is removed, STAMLD1 may perform a STR operation.

[0099] In order to add an NSTR link pair, STAMLD1 may send STR reconfiguration information including change information of the NSTR link pair to AP MLD1. The change information of the NSTR link pair may request to change, reconfigure, or add the NSTR link pair. APMLD1 may receive the STR reconfiguration information from STA MLD1, and add the NSTR link pair based on the change information of the NSTR link pair included in the STR reconfiguration information. If the NSTR link pair is added, STAMLD1 may not perform STR operation on the NSTR link pair.

[0100] On the other hand, a control field and / or frame for reconfiguring multilink information may be configured as follows.

[0101] Figure 6a is a block diagram illustrating a first exemplary implementation for reconfiguring an A-control field of multilink information.

[0102] like Figure 6a As shown, the A-control field may include a control identifier (ID), a link ID, and an NSTR indication bitmap. The link ID may indicate a link to which other information elements included in the A-control field are applied. The NSTR indication bitmap may indicate a link belonging to an NSTR link pair. The link indicated by the NSTR indication bitmap and the link indicated by the link ID may form an NSTR link pair. For example, a link corresponding to a bit having a first value (e.g., 0) in the NSTR indication bitmap and a link indicated by the link ID may not form an NSTR link pair, and a link corresponding to a bit having a second value (e.g., 1) in the NSTR indication bitmap and a link indicated by the link ID may form an NSTR link pair.

[0103] Figure 6b is a block diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment for reconfiguring an A-control field of multilink information.

[0104] like Figure 6b As shown, the A-Control field may include a control ID, a link ID, preferred MCS information, and preferred NSS information. The preferred MCS information may indicate the maximum MCS index for performing conditional STR operation. The preferred NSS information may indicate the maximum NSS for performing conditional STR operation. The preferred NSS information may indicate the maximum number of spatial streams available to a STA operating on the link indicated by the link ID.

[0105] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of an action frame for reconfiguring multilink information.

[0106] like Figure 7As shown, an action frame (e.g., an EHT action frame) can be used to reconfigure multilink information. The EHT action frame may include STR reconfiguration information. The EHT action frame may be referred to as an STR reconfiguration frame. The STR reconfiguration frame may be an EHT protection action frame. The EHT action frame may include a MAC header, an action field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field. The action field may include a category field, a (protected) EHT action field, a conversation token field, and a basic multilink element field. The basic multilink element field may be used to change (one or more) multilink parameters.

[0107] The basic multilink element field may include information that the STA MLD (e.g., STA) wishes to change. For example, the STA may generate a basic multilink element field that includes information required to add or remove an NSTR link pair. The STA may change (one or more) multilink parameters. STR reconfiguration information may be included in the basic multilink element field. The STR reconfiguration information may include information elements required for conditional STR operation. The basic multilink element field may include at least one of preferred MCS information, preferred NSS information, or reconfiguration information of (one or more) multilink parameters. The preferred MCS information, preferred NSS information, and / or reconfiguration information of (one or more) multilink parameters may be included in a separate field within a STR reconfiguration frame (e.g., an EHT action frame).

[0108] On the other hand, after reconfiguring the multi-link information, a retransmission operation, a multi-link single radio (MLSR) switching operation, and / or an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) switching operation may be performed. The retransmission operation, the MLSR switching operation, and / or the EMLSR switching operation may be performed using the reconfigured multi-link information.

[0109] Figure 8 is a timing diagram showing a first exemplary implementation of a retransmission method using reconfigured multilink information.

[0110] like Figure 8As shown, AP MLD1 may include AP1-1 operating on a first link and AP1-2 operating on a second link. STA MLD1 may include STA1-1 operating on a first link and STA1-2 operating on a second link. The first link and the second link (on which STA MLD1 operates) may form an NSTR link pair. In other words, STA1-1 and STA1-2 may be STAs operating on an NSTR link pair. The first link and the second link may form an NSTR link pair. (One or more) multi-link parameters may be changed by STR reconfiguration information and / or STR reconfiguration frames. After changing (one or more) multi-link parameters, a retransmission operation may be performed based on the indicated information (e.g., the immediately indicated information).

[0111] For example, AP MLD1 may send a downlink frame (e.g., a data frame) to STA MLD1. STA MLD1 may receive the downlink frame from AP MLD1 and send a reception response frame (e.g., a BA frame) for the downlink frame to AP MLD1. The reception response frame may include STR reconfiguration information. The STR reconfiguration information of STA MLD1 may include STR performance information indicating that an STR operation (e.g., a conditional STR operation) is possible. AP MLD1 may receive a reception response frame from STA MLD1 and identify the STR reconfiguration information included in the reception response frame. AP MLD1 may determine that an STR operation (e.g., a conditional STR operation) can be performed in STA MLD1 based on the STR performance information included in the STR reconfiguration information.

[0112] If the reception response frame of STA MLD1 indicates a partial or complete reception failure of the downlink frame, and STA MLD1 is capable of performing an STR operation (e.g., a conditional STR operation), AP MLD1 may retransmit the downlink frame based on the STR operation (e.g., a conditional STR operation). For example, AP1-1 retransmits the downlink frame to STA1-1 on the first link, and AP1-2 may transmit the downlink frame to STA1-2 on the second link. The transmission of the downlink frame of AP1-2 on the second link may be a retransmission of the data that AP1-1 failed to transmit on the first link. Alternatively, the transmission of the downlink frame of AP1-2 on the second link may be the transmission of data (e.g., new data) in the transmission queue of the AP MLD (e.g., AP1-2), rather than a retransmission of the data that AP1-1 failed to transmit on the first link. The downlink frame on the first link may be generated based on the first MCS index, and the downlink frame on the second link may be generated based on the second MCS index. The first MCS index may be higher than the second MCS index. Alternatively, the first MCS index may be lower than the second MCS index. Alternatively, the first MCS index may be equal to the second MCS index.The second MCS index for generating a downlink frame on the second link may be selected within the MCS range (eg, maximum MCS index) indicated by the preferred MCS information included in the STR reconfiguration information.

[0113] The transmission period of the downlink frame on the first link may overlap with the transmission period of the downlink frame on the second link. The start time and / or end time of the downlink frame on the first link may be inconsistent with the start time and / or end time of the downlink frame on the second link. In other words, synchronous transmission of the downlink frames on the first link and the second link may not be performed. When STA1-2 receives the downlink frame on the second link, STA1-1 may send a reception response frame for the downlink frame to AP1-1 on the first link. Since STA MLD1 is capable of performing an STR operation (e.g., a conditional STR operation), STA MLD1 can successfully perform a reception operation of the downlink frame on the second link and a transmission operation of the reception response frame on the first link.

[0114] Fig. 9 is a timing diagram illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of an EMLSR operation method using reconfigured multi-link information.

[0115] like Fig. 9As shown, AP MLD1 may include AP1-1 operating on a first link and AP1-2 operating on a second link. STA MLD1 may include STA1-1 operating on a first link and STA1-2 operating on a second link. STAMLD1 may perform EMLSR operation. The links on which STA MLD1 performs EMLSR operation may be the first link and the second link. In other words, the first link and the second link may be EMLSR links. STA MLD1 may be referred to as EMLSR MLD, and each of STA1-1 and STA1-2 to which STA MLD1 is attached may be referred to as EMLSR STA. (One or more) multi-link parameters may be changed by STR reconfiguration information and / or STR reconfiguration frames. After changing (one or more) multi-link parameters, the EMLSR operation may be changed.

[0116] The STR reconfiguration information and / or the STR reconfiguration frame may include information indicating a change in EMLSR operation (e.g., NSS information) and / or information controlling EMLSR operation. For example, STA MLD1 may send an STR reconfiguration frame (e.g., an EHT action frame) to AP MLD1. The STR reconfiguration frame of STA MLD1 may include information indicating stopping EMLSR operation and / or information indicating stopping utilizing the second link.

[0117] AP MLD1 may receive a STR reconfiguration frame from STA MLD1, and identify information (e.g., changed (one or more) parameters) included in the STR reconfiguration frame. AP MLD1 may not perform a transmission operation based on an EMLSR operation according to the information included in the STR reconfiguration frame. In other words, AP MLD1 may determine that STAMLD1 does not perform an EMLSR operation based on the information included in the STR reconfiguration frame. Multilink information may be reconfigured based on the information included in the STR reconfiguration frame. Therefore, AP MLD1 may send a downlink frame (e.g., a data frame) to STA MLD1 without performing an EMLSR operation. STAMLD1 that does not perform an EMLSR operation may receive a downlink frame from AP MLD1, and send a reception response frame for the downlink frame to AP MLD1.

[0118] When performing the EMLSR operation, AP MLD1 may first transmit an initial control frame (eg, a multi-user (MU)-RTS frame), and then transmit a data frame to STAMLD1 after receiving a response frame (eg, a CTS frame) for the initial control frame.

[0119] The operation of the method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include a recording device of all types having data that can be read by a computer system. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium can store and execute programs or codes, which can be distributed in a computer system connected via a network and read by a computer in a distributed manner.

[0120] Computer readable recording media may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM or flash memory. Program instructions may include not only machine language codes created by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.

[0121] Although some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, these aspects can indicate the corresponding description according to the method, and a block or device can correspond to the step of the method or the feature of the step. Similarly, the aspects described in the context of the method can be expressed as the feature of a corresponding block or project or a corresponding device. Some or all steps of the method can be performed by (or utilizing) a hardware device such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important steps of the method can be performed by such a device.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, a programmable logic device such as a field programmable gate array can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the field programmable gate array can be operated with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. Typically, the method is preferably performed by a specific hardware device.

[0123] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore variant forms that do not deviate from the essence of the present invention are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Such variant forms should not be regarded as deviations from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of a first device, comprising: performing a first communication with a second device on one of the first link and the second link according to a non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) operation; sending, on a link to a second device, a simultaneous send and receive (STR) reconfiguration message including one or more information elements required for conditional STR operation; as well as performing a second communication with the second device according to a conditional STR operation over the first link and the second link based on the one or more information elements, The second communication is performed simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more information elements include at least one of information on a preferred modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information on a preferred number of spatial streams (NSS), or reconfiguration information of multi-link parameters.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Performing a second communication with a second device includes: sending a first data frame to a second device over a first link; and A second data frame is received from a second device on a second link, the second data frame being generated based on the first MCS index indicated by the information about the preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Performing a second communication with a second device includes: receiving, from the second device on the first link, a first data frame generated based on a third MCS index; and receiving a second data frame from a second device on a second link, the second data frame being generated based on the first MCS index indicated by the information about the preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index, The third MCS index is higher than the first MCS index or the second MCS index.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When a data frame is received from the second device in the first communication, a reception response frame of the data frame includes STR reconfiguration information.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Sending a STR reconfiguration message to a second device on a link includes: generating a data frame including STR reconfiguration information; and A data frame is sent over a link to a second device.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Sending a STR reconfiguration message to a second device on a link includes: generating an action frame including STR reconfiguration information; and An action frame is sent over a link to a second device.

8. A method of a second device, comprising: performing a first communication with a first device on one of the first link and the second link according to a non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) operation; receiving, from a first device on a link, simultaneous send and receive (STR) reconfiguration information including one or more information elements required for conditional STR operation; as well as performing a second communication with the first device according to a conditional STR operation over the first link and the second link based on the one or more information elements, The second communication is performed simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more information elements include at least one of information on a preferred modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information on a preferred number of spatial streams (NSS), or reconfiguration information of multi-link parameters.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Performing a second communication with the first device includes: receiving a first data frame from a first device over a first link; and A second data frame is transmitted to the first device on the second link, the second data frame being generated based on the first MCS index indicated by the information about the preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Performing a second communication with the first device includes: Sending a first data frame generated based on a third MCS index to the first device on the first link; and sending a second data frame to the first device on the second link, the second data frame being generated based on the first MCS index indicated by the information about the preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index, The third MCS index is higher than the first MCS index or the second MCS index.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Performing a second communication with the first device includes: sending a first data frame to a first device over a first link; and A second data frame is transmitted to the first device on the second link using a spatial stream equal to or less than n indicated by the information about the preferred NSS.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein: When a data frame is transmitted to the first device in the first communication, a reception response frame of the data frame includes STR reconfiguration information.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein: Receiving STR reconfiguration information from the first device on a link includes receiving a data frame including the STR reconfiguration information from the first device on a link.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein: Receiving STR reconfiguration information from the first device on a link includes receiving an action frame including the STR reconfiguration information from the first device on a link.

16. A first device comprising a processor, wherein: The processor causes the first device to execute: performing a first communication with a second device on one of the first link and the second link according to a non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) operation; sending, on a link to a second device, a simultaneous send and receive (STR) reconfiguration message including one or more information elements required for conditional STR operation; as well as performing a second communication with the second device according to a conditional STR operation over the first link and the second link based on the one or more information elements, The second communication is performed simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

17. The first device according to claim 16, wherein: The one or more information elements include at least one of information on a preferred modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information on a preferred number of spatial streams (NSS), or reconfiguration information of multi-link parameters.

18. The first device according to claim 17, wherein: When performing the second communication with the second device, the processor further causes the first device to execute: sending a first data frame to a second device over a first link; as well as A second data frame is received from a second device on a second link, the second data frame being generated based on the first MCS index indicated by the information about the preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index.

19. The first device according to claim 17, wherein: In performing the second communication with the second device, the processor further causes the first device to execute: receiving, from the second device on the first link, a first data frame generated based on a third MCS index; as well as receiving a second data frame from a second device on a second link, the second data frame being generated based on the first MCS index indicated by the information about the preferred MCS or a second MCS index lower than the first MCS index, The third MCS index is higher than the first MCS index or the second MCS index.

20. The first device according to claim 16, wherein: When sending STR reconfiguration information to a second device on a link, the processor further causes the first device to execute: generating a data frame or an action frame including STR reconfiguration information; as well as A data frame or an action frame is sent to a second device over a link.

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