Communication methods, devices, equipment and storage media

Abstract

This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, providing a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. The method includes: determining a first message frame, the first message frame indicating the sleep period of at least one affiliated AP of a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD); and sending the first message frame. This disclosure provides a method for indicating the sleep period of an AP device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In Ultra High Reliability (UHR) technology, power saving is a key research issue. Currently, station equipment can save power through mechanisms such as Opportunistic Power Save (OPS) and Target Wake Time (TWT). In most cases, access point (AP) devices can also save power by entering a sleep state, but how the AP device indicates the sleep cycle remains to be studied. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium, which can provide a method for transmitting the sleep cycle of an AP device.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0005] A first message frame is determined, wherein the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one affiliated AP of the first multi-link access point device (AP MLD);

[0006] Send the first message frame mentioned above.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, which is executed by a first STA device, the method comprising:

[0008] A first message frame is received, which is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one affiliated AP of the first AP MLD.

[0009] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, the device comprising:

[0010] A first processing module is configured to determine a first message frame, wherein the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one auxiliary AP of a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD).

[0011] The first transceiver module is used to send the aforementioned first message frame.

[0012] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, the device comprising:

[0013] The second transceiver module is used to receive a first wireless frame, wherein the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep period of at least one affiliated AP of the first AP MLD.

[0014] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an access point (AP) device, including one or more processors;

[0015] The aforementioned AP device is used in the communication method provided in the first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0016] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a STA device, including one or more processors;

[0017] The STA device described above is used in the communication method provided in the second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method provided in the first or second aspect of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including an AP device and a STA device; wherein the AP device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect, and the STA device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0020] The communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be used to indicate the sleep cycle of an AP device.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 This is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method shown in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 This is the second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 This is one of the schematic flowcharts illustrating a communication method performed by a first AP device according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by a first AP device according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 This is one of the schematic flowcharts illustrating a communication method performed by a first STA device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by a first STA device according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figures 8a-8b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the STA device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium.

[0035] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0036] A first message frame is determined, wherein the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one affiliated AP of the first multi-link access point device (AP MLD);

[0037] Send the first message frame mentioned above.

[0038] In the above embodiments, the sleep cycle of at least one auxiliary AP device of AP MLD can be directly indicated through the first message frame, thereby improving the efficiency of sleep cycle indication and perfecting the sleep cycle indication mechanism.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each of the first information fields corresponds to a communication link, each of the single STA configuration information fields includes a first identifier bit, the first identifier bit indicates by a first value that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link supports entering a sleep state, and the first identifier bit indicates by a second value that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link is always in an active state.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can also use the first identifier bit to support whether each auxiliary AP device of the AP MLD supports entering a sleep state or always being active, thereby reducing signaling consumption and improving the sleep cycle indication mechanism.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, each of the aforementioned first information fields includes a second identifier bit, wherein the second identifier bit indicates, through a third value, that the associated auxiliary AP device of the corresponding communication link has a sleep cycle, and wherein the second identifier bit indicates, through a fourth value, that the associated auxiliary AP device of the corresponding communication link does not have a sleep cycle.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can also indicate whether the auxiliary AP devices of the AP MLD have a sleep cycle through the second flag bit, which helps the first AP device to determine which auxiliary AP devices have a sleep cycle and improves data transmission efficiency.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, each of the first information fields includes a station STA control field, and the STA control field includes the first identifier bit and the second identifier bit.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, each of the first information fields includes a STA information field, and when the associated AP device of the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep cycle, the STA information field includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding associated AP device.

[0045] In the above embodiments, each first information field can reuse existing information fields to indicate the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device, which helps to save signaling resources.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message frame includes a basic multi-link information element field, which includes each of the first information fields; the first information field is a single STA configuration field.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, each first information field includes a basic service set parameter update count field, and when the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the basic service set parameter update count field changes, the identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field changes.

[0048] The identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate the number of times the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed. The basic service set parameters include the sleep cycle.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can also indicate whether the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device has changed through the first information field, which helps the first STA device to intuitively identify the auxiliary AP device whose sleep cycle has changed.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, each of the aforementioned first information fields includes a non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field, the indication content of the aforementioned non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field changes when the sleep period of the associated AP associated with the communication link corresponding to the aforementioned non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field changes.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can also indicate whether the indication content of the non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field corresponding to the auxiliary AP device has changed through the first information field, which is helpful for the STA device to determine the non-simultaneous transmission and reception link status of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message frame is at least one of a beacon frame, an association response frame, or a probe response frame.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can reuse existing message frames, which helps to save signaling resources.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the last downlink data frame sent to the associated first STA device when in an active state includes a first indication field, which indicates by a fifth value that the device enters a sleep state when a sleep cycle arrives;

[0055] After sending the last downlink data frame mentioned above, the method further includes:

[0056] Upon receiving the first acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA device, the device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives. The first acknowledgment frame is used to indicate that a downlink data frame has been received.

[0057] In the above embodiments, when sending downlink data frames to the first STA device while in an active state, the last downlink data frame can indicate that the device will enter a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives. This allows the first STA device to confirm that it will no longer receive downlink data frames and to determine the timing when the sender of the downlink data frame enters a sleep state.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication field is the power-saving information field in the Media Access Control (MAC) frame header.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the last uplink data frame sent by the first STA device when it is in an active state includes a second indication field, which indicates by a sixth value that the first STA device will no longer send uplink data frames.

[0060] After receiving the last uplink data frame mentioned above, the method further includes:

[0061] Send a second confirmation frame and a second message frame. The second message frame includes a third indication field. The third indication field indicates that the sleep state is entered when the sleep cycle arrives through a seventh value. The second confirmation frame is used to indicate that the uplink data frame has been received.

[0062] Upon receiving the third acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA, the device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives. The third acknowledgment frame is used to indicate that the second message frame has been received.

[0063] In the above embodiments, when receiving uplink data frames from the first STA device in an active state, the first STA device can indicate that it will no longer send uplink data frames through the last uplink data frame. Furthermore, it can indicate through a second message frame that it will enter a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives, allowing the first STA device to confirm the timing of the uplink data frame receiver entering the sleep state.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second indication field is a more data field in the MAC frame header, the third indication field is a power saving information field in the MAC frame header, and the second message frame is a quality of service empty frame.

[0065] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0066] A first message frame is received, which is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one affiliated AP of the first AP MLD.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the first STA device can determine the sleep cycle of at least one affiliated AP device of AP MLD through the first message frame, thereby improving the efficiency of sleep cycle indication and perfecting the sleep cycle indication mechanism.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each of the first information fields corresponds to a communication link, each of the single STA configuration information fields includes a first identifier bit, the first identifier bit indicates by a first value that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link supports entering a sleep state, and the first identifier bit indicates by a second value that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link is always in an active state.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the sleep cycle of at least one auxiliary AP device of AP MLD can be directly indicated through the first message frame, thereby improving the efficiency of sleep cycle indication and perfecting the sleep cycle indication mechanism.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each of the first information fields corresponds to a communication link, each of the single STA configuration information fields includes a first identifier bit, the first identifier bit indicates by a first value that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link supports entering a sleep state, and the first identifier bit indicates by a second value that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link is always in an active state.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can also use the first identifier bit to support whether each auxiliary AP device of the AP MLD supports entering a sleep state or always being active, thereby reducing signaling consumption and improving the sleep cycle indication mechanism.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, each of the aforementioned first information fields includes a second identifier bit, wherein the second identifier bit indicates, through a third value, that the associated auxiliary AP device of the corresponding communication link has a sleep cycle, and wherein the second identifier bit indicates, through a fourth value, that the associated auxiliary AP device of the corresponding communication link does not have a sleep cycle.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can also indicate whether the auxiliary AP devices of the AP MLD have a sleep cycle through the second flag bit, which helps the first AP device to determine which auxiliary AP devices have a sleep cycle and improves data transmission efficiency.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, each of the first information fields includes a station STA control field, and the STA control field includes the first identifier bit and the second identifier bit.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, each of the first information fields mentioned above includes a STA information field, and when the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep cycle, the STA information field includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0076] In the above embodiments, each first information field can reuse existing information fields to indicate the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device, which helps to save signaling resources.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message frame includes a basic multi-link information element field, which includes each of the first information fields; the first information field is a single STA configuration field.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, each first information field includes a basic service set parameter update count field, and when the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the basic service set parameter update count field changes, the identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field changes.

[0079] The identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate the number of times the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed. The basic service set parameters include the sleep cycle.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can also indicate whether the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device has changed through the first information field, which helps the first STA device to intuitively identify the auxiliary AP device whose sleep cycle has changed.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, each of the aforementioned first information fields includes a non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field, the indication content of the aforementioned non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field changes when the sleep period of the associated AP of the communication link corresponding to the aforementioned non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field changes.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can also indicate whether the indication content of the non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field corresponding to the auxiliary AP device has changed through the first information field, which is helpful for the STA device to determine the non-simultaneous transmission and reception link status of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message frame is at least one of a beacon frame, an associated response frame, or a probe response frame.

[0084] In the above embodiments, the first message frame can reuse existing message frames, which helps to save signaling resources.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the last downlink data frame received when the first AP device is in an active state includes a first indication field, wherein the first indication field indicates, through a fifth value, that the first AP device enters a sleep state when a sleep cycle arrives;

[0086] After receiving the last downlink data frame mentioned above, the method further includes:

[0087] A first acknowledgment frame is sent to the first AP device. The first message frame is used to indicate that the downlink data frame has been received.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication field is the power-saving information field in the Media Access Control (MAC) frame header.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the last uplink data frame sent to the first AP device in an active state includes a second indication field, which indicates by a sixth value that no more uplink data frames will be sent.

[0090] After sending the last uplink data frame mentioned above, the method further includes:

[0091] The system receives a second confirmation frame and a second message frame sent by the first AP device. The second message frame includes a third indication field, which indicates that the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives through a seventh value. The second confirmation frame is used to indicate that an uplink data frame has been received.

[0092] A third acknowledgment frame is sent to the first AP device, the third acknowledgment frame being used to indicate that the second message frame has been received.

[0093] In the above embodiments, when the first AP device is in an active state receiving uplink data frames, it can indicate that it will no longer send uplink data frames through the last uplink data frame. The first AP device can also indicate that it will enter a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives through the second message frame, which allows the sender of the uplink data frame to determine when the first AP device enters the sleep state.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second indication field is a more data field in the MAC frame header, the third indication field is a power saving information field in the MAC frame header, and the second message frame is a quality of service empty frame.

[0095] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which includes a first processing module and a first transceiver module; wherein the first processing module is used to determine a first message frame, and the first transceiver module is used to perform the sending of the first message frame and the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0096] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which includes a second transceiver module; wherein the second transceiver module is used to execute the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0097] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP device, the AP device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the AP device is used to execute the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect.

[0098] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide an STA device, which includes one or more processors; wherein the STA device is used to execute the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0099] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including an AP device and a STA device; wherein the AP device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, and the STA device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0100] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first and second aspects, and optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0101] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first and second aspects, and optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0102] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first and second aspects, and alternative implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0103] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first and second aspects, and optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0104] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, AP devices, STA devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication apparatus" and "information processing apparatus," and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0106] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0107] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0108] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0109] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0110] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0111] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0112] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0113] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0114] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0115] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0116] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0118] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0119] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0120] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0121] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a first AP device and a first STA device.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first STA device may be an auxiliary STA device of a multi-link site device (Non-AP Multi-LinkDevice, Non-AP MLD), and there is no limitation on this.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first AP device may be an auxiliary AP device attached to the AP Multi-Link Device (AP MLD), and there is no limitation herein.

[0125] Optionally, the first AP device can be the master AP device of the AP MLD.

[0126] Among them, a multi-link device (Non-AP MLD or AP MLD) includes one or more affiliated devices, and the affiliated devices can operate on a single link.

[0127] Among them, Non-AP MLD and AP MLD can establish multi-link communication. A non-AP MLD's auxiliary STA device and an AP MLD's auxiliary AP device can communicate through a single communication link.

[0128] The first STA device can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal. Examples include: mobile phones supporting Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) communication, tablet computers supporting WiFi communication, set-top boxes supporting WiFi communication, smart TVs supporting WiFi communication, smart wearable devices supporting WiFi communication, in-vehicle communication devices supporting WiFi communication, and computers supporting WiFi communication.

[0129] The first AP device is also known as a wireless access point or hotspot. An AP device is the access point for mobile users to access a wired network, primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. It can also be deployed outdoors. An AP device acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, an AP device can be a terminal device or network device with a WiFi chip, or it can be a base station, router, gateway, repeater, communication server, switch, or bridge, etc., with a WiFi chip. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, and repeater stations.

[0130] In some embodiments, Figure 1 The communication system shown can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Currently, the standard used for WLANs is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series. A WLAN can include multiple Basic Service Sets (BSSs), each of which can contain one Access Point (AP) device (or AP MLD) and multiple STA devices (or Non-AP MLDs) associated with that AP device.

[0131] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0132] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown, or a part thereof, but not limited to it. Figure 1 The entities shown are illustrative; a communication system may include... Figure 1 All or part of the main body, or may include Figure 1 Other entities besides the main body, the number and form of each entity are arbitrary, each entity can be physical or virtual, the connection relationship between the entities is illustrative, the entities can be unconnected or connected, and the connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0133] In this disclosed embodiment, the STA device can save power in a timely manner through OPS, TWT, Enhanced Multi-link Single Radio (EMLSR), and listen interval. Regarding AP device power saving, current research only focuses on AP devices using the TWT mechanism. However, AP devices and their associated AP MLDs also save power by entering a sleep state, and how to indicate the sleep cycle of the AP devices still requires further investigation.

[0134] To improve the aforementioned dormancy cycle indication mechanism, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0135] Figure 2 This is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0136] Step S21: The first STA device receives the first message frame sent by the first AP device.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first AP device may be an auxiliary AP device of AP MLD.

[0138] Optionally, the first AP device can be the master AP of AP MLD.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first STA device may be an auxiliary STA device of a Non-AP MLD.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first message frame is a message frame sent by the first AP device during the initial association establishment process between the first AP device and the first STA device.

[0141] Optionally, the first message frame is at least one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an association response frame.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one affiliated AP of the first AP MLD.

[0143] In this context, the first AP device is attached to the first AP MLD. Specifically, the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one attached AP device within the AP MLD to which the first AP device is attached.

[0144] In some embodiments, the sleep cycles of any two auxiliary AP devices of the first AP MLD can be the same or different.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field being used to indicate the sleep cycle of an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0146] In some embodiments, when the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one second AP device of the first AP device, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field being used to indicate the sleep cycle of an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0147] Optionally, the first message frame includes a Basic Multi-Link element field, which includes each of the first information fields.

[0148] Optionally, the first information domain can be a single STA profile (per-STA profile) domain.

[0149] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a first identifier bit, the first identifier bit indicating, through a first value, that the associated AP device of the corresponding communication link supports entering a sleep state, and the first identifier bit indicating, through a second value, that the associated AP device of the corresponding communication link is always in an active state.

[0150] The first value and the second value are different values. For example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1. There are no restrictions here.

[0151] Specifically, when the identifier value of the first identifier bit in each first information domain is a first value, the first identifier bit is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device corresponding to the first information domain supports entering a sleep state. When the identifier value of the first identifier bit is a second value, the first identifier bit is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device corresponding to the first information domain is always in an active state.

[0152] If any auxiliary AP device supports entering a sleep state, it means that the auxiliary AP device will switch between a sleep state and an active state.

[0153] Among them, any auxiliary AP device can transmit data frames with the associated STA device when it is in an active state, such as receiving uplink data frames sent by the associated STA device, or sending downlink data frames to the associated STA device.

[0154] Optionally, the first identifier bit can be at least one reserved bit in the first information field.

[0155] Optionally, each first information field includes an STA control field, which includes a first identifier bit. The first identifier bit can be one of the reserved bits in the STA control field.

[0156] In some embodiments, each first information field further includes a second identifier bit. The second identifier bit indicates, through a third value, that the first information field includes the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link, that is, it is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link has a sleep cycle; the second identifier bit indicates, through a fourth value or a null value, that the first information field does not include the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link in a sleep cycle, that is, it is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link does not have a sleep cycle.

[0157] The third and fourth values ​​are different; for example, the third value can be 1 and the fourth value can be 0. No restrictions are imposed here.

[0158] The second identifier bit can be at least one reserved bit in the first information field.

[0159] Optionally, each first information field includes an STA control field, and the STA control field includes a second identifier bit. The second identifier bit can be one of the reserved bits in the STA control field.

[0160] In some embodiments, when an auxiliary AP device associated with a communication link corresponding to each first information domain has a sleep cycle, the first information domain includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0161] Each first information field includes a STA information (STA Info) field. When the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep cycle, the STA information field includes the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device.

[0162] The STA information field can carry the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device through a sub-information element field or at least one reserved bit, or carry relevant indication information through a sub-information field or at least one reserved bit, to indirectly indicate the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0163] In some embodiments, each first information field corresponds to a communication link, and each first information field includes a link ID subfield, which is used to indicate the link ID of the communication link associated with an affiliated AP device.

[0164] Based on this, each first information field can correspond to a communication link, and each communication link is associated with an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD. Therefore, each first information field corresponds to or is associated with an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0165] Meanwhile, if a secondary AP device of the first AP MLD is associated with a secondary STA device of the Non-AP MLD through a communication link, then each first information domain corresponds to or is associated with a secondary STA device of the Non-AP MLD.

[0166] Optionally, each first information field includes a STA Control field, which includes a Link ID subfield.

[0167] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count (BSS ParameterChange Count) field. When the sleep cycle of the associated AP device on the communication link corresponding to the BSS Parameter Change Count field changes, the identifier value of the BSS Parameter Change Count field changes.

[0168] The identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate the number of times the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed.

[0169] The basic service set parameters for each auxiliary AP device include the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device.

[0170] Optionally, the first information field includes a Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count Present (BSS parameter changecount present) field. When the identifier value of the BSS parameter changecount present field is the eighth value, it is used to indicate that the first information field includes the BSS parameter changecount field. When the identifier value of the BSS parameter changecount present field is the ninth value, it is used to indicate that the first information field does not include the BSS parameter changecount field.

[0171] The eighth and ninth values ​​are different; for example, the eighth value can be 1 and the ninth value can be 0. No restrictions are imposed here.

[0172] Optionally, if the first information field includes a basic service set parameter update count field, and the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate that the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed, then the first information field includes the aforementioned second identifier bit, and the identifier value of the second identifier bit is a third value, used to indicate that the corresponding auxiliary AP device has a sleep cycle, and also used to indicate that the first information field includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0173] Optionally, the first information field includes the STA control field, which includes the Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count Present field.

[0174] Optionally, the first information field includes the STA information field, which includes the basic service set parameter update count field.

[0175] For the first STA device, after receiving the first message frame, if the Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count (BSS parameter change count present) field indicates that the first information field includes the BSS parameter change count field, then it determines whether the indication value of the BSS parameter change count field is the same as the indication value of the BSS parameter change count field in other message frames previously received from the corresponding auxiliary AP device. If they are different, it determines that the sleep period of the auxiliary AP device corresponding to the current first information field has changed, and the first message frame includes the sleep period of the auxiliary AP device.

[0176] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit-Receive (NSTR) indication bitmap field, which is used to indicate the NSTR status of the corresponding associated AP device.

[0177] Specifically, when the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the NSTR indication bitmap field changes, the indication content of the NSTR indication bitmap field changes.

[0178] As an example, the first message frame includes a Basic Multi-Link element field, which includes at least one per-STA profile field.

[0179] Each per-STA profile field includes an STA Control field and an STA Info field, with the specific format shown below:

[0180]

[0181] The STA Control field includes a first flag bit and a second flag bit. When the first flag bit is set to the first value, it indicates that the corresponding auxiliary AP device supports entering a sleep state. When the first flag bit is set to the second value, it indicates that the corresponding auxiliary AP device is always in an active state.

[0182] The second identifier bit indicates, through a third value, that the first information field includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device, that is, it is used to indicate that the corresponding auxiliary AP device has a sleep cycle; the second identifier bit indicates, through a fourth value or a null value, that the first information field does not include the corresponding auxiliary AP device in a sleep cycle, that is, it is used to indicate that the corresponding auxiliary AP device does not have a sleep cycle.

[0183] The specific format of the STA Control field is as follows:

[0184]

[0185] The STA Control field includes the Link ID field, which is used to indicate the link identifier of the communication link associated with a subordinate AP device.

[0186] The first and second identifier bits can each be at least one bit, and there is no restriction on this.

[0187] Based on this, each per-STA profile field can correspond to a communication link, and each communication link is associated with a subordinate AP device of the first AP MLD. Therefore, each per-STA profile field corresponds to or is associated with a subordinate AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0188] Meanwhile, if a secondary AP device of the first AP MLD is associated with a secondary STA device of the Non-AP MLD through a communication link, then each per-STA profile domain corresponds to or is associated with a secondary STA device of the Non-AP MLD.

[0189] The per-STA profile field includes the BSS parameter change count present field. When the identifier value of the BSS parameter change count present field is the eighth value, it indicates that the per-STA profile field includes the BSS parameter change count field. When the identifier value of the BSS parameter change count present field is the ninth value, it indicates that the first information field does not include the BSS parameter change count.

[0190] The format of the STA Info field is as follows:

[0191]

[0192] The per-STA profile field includes the NSTR indication bitmap field, which is used to indicate the NSTR status of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0193] Specifically, when the sleep cycle of the associated AP device corresponding to the NSTR indication bitmap field changes, the indication content of the NSTR indication bitmap field changes.

[0194] The STA info field may include the sleep cycle of the corresponding affiliated AP device in the sub-information field following the BSS Parameter Change Count field.

[0195] Step S22: The first STA device receives downlink data frames sent by the first AP device when the first AP device is in an active state.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first AP device may send cached downlink data frames to the first STA device when it is in an active state.

[0197] In some embodiments, the last downlink data frame received by the first STA device when the first AP device is in an active state includes a first indication field. The first indication field indicates that the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives through a fifth value. It can also be used to indicate that the first AP device switches to a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives after sending the downlink data frame.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first indication field is the Power Save field in the Medium Access Control (MAC) frame header.

[0199] The fifth value can be 1 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0200] Step S23: The first AP device receives the first acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA device.

[0201] In some embodiments, after the first AP device has sent all downlink data frames in an active state, it may receive a first acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA device. The first acknowledgment frame is used to indicate that the downlink data frames sent by the first AP device have been received.

[0202] In some embodiments, after receiving the first acknowledgment frame, the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives.

[0203] In some embodiments, steps S22-S23 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0204] In some embodiments, if the first AP device is unable to send all downlink data frames while in an active state, the AP MLD can send the unsent downlink data frames by other active auxiliary AP devices.

[0205] Figure 3 This is a second interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0206] Step S31: The first STA device receives the first message frame sent by the first AP device.

[0207] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S31 may refer to Figure 2 The optional methods for step S21 are not described here.

[0208] Step S32: The first AP device receives the uplink data frame sent by the first STA device when the first AP device is in an active state.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first AP device may receive uplink data frames sent by the first STA device when the first AP device is in an active state.

[0210] In some embodiments, the last data frame sent by the first STA device to the first AP device when the first AP device is in an active state includes a second indication field, which indicates by a sixth value that the first STA device will no longer send uplink data frames.

[0211] The sixth value can be 0 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second indication field is the More Data field in the MAC frame header.

[0213] In step S33, the first STA device receives the second confirmation frame and the second message frame.

[0214] In some embodiments, after the first STA device has sent uplink data frames while the first AP device is in an active state, it may receive a second acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP device. The second acknowledgment frame is used to indicate to the first AP device that it has acknowledged receiving the uplink data frames sent by the first STA device.

[0215] In some embodiments, after receiving the second acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP device, the first STA device may also receive a second message frame sent by the first AP device. The second message frame includes a third indication field, which indicates that the first AP device will enter a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives through a seventh value.

[0216] In some embodiments, the third indication field is the Power Save field in the Medium Access Control (MAC) frame header.

[0217] The seventh value can be 1 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second message frame may be a Quality of Service null (QoS null) frame.

[0219] Step S34: The first AP device receives the third acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP device.

[0220] In some embodiments, after sending a second message frame to a first STA device, the first AP device may receive a third acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA device. The third acknowledgment frame is used to indicate to the first STA device that it has acknowledged receiving the second message frame.

[0221] In some embodiments, after receiving the third acknowledgment frame, the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives.

[0222] In some embodiments, steps S32-S35 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0223] for Figures 2-3 In some embodiments, “get”, “obtain”, “receive”, “transmit”, “bidirectional transmission”, “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, autonomous implementation, and other meanings.

[0224] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0225] In some embodiments, see Figures 2-3 Other optional implementation methods described before or after the corresponding instruction manual.

[0226] In some embodiments, if the first AP device cannot receive all the uplink data frames from the first STA device when it is in an active state, the remaining downlink data frames from the first STA device can be received by the AP MLD through other active auxiliary AP devices.

[0227] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating a communication method performed by a first AP device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The communication method shown can be performed by a first AP device, and the method includes the following steps:

[0228] Step S41: Send the first message frame.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first AP device may be an auxiliary AP device of AP MLD.

[0230] Optionally, the first AP device can be the master AP of AP MLD.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first AP device may send a first message frame to the first AP device, and the first STA device may be an auxiliary STA device of a Non-AP MLD.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first message frame is a message frame sent by the first AP device during the initial association establishment process between the first AP device and the first STA device.

[0233] Optionally, the first message frame is at least one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an association response frame.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one affiliated AP of the first AP MLD.

[0235] In this context, the first AP device is attached to the first AP MLD. Specifically, the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one attached AP device within the AP MLD to which the first AP device is attached.

[0236] In some embodiments, the sleep cycles of any two auxiliary AP devices of the first AP MLD can be the same or different.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field being used to indicate the sleep cycle of an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0238] In some embodiments, when the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one second AP device of the first AP device, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field being used to indicate the sleep cycle of an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0239] Optionally, the first message frame includes a Basic Multi-Link element field, which includes each of the first information fields.

[0240] Optionally, the first information domain can be a single STA profile (per-STA profile) domain.

[0241] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a first identifier bit, the first identifier bit indicating, through a first value, that the associated AP device of the corresponding communication link supports entering a sleep state, and the first identifier bit indicating, through a second value, that the associated AP device of the corresponding communication link is always in an active state.

[0242] The first value and the second value are different values. For example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1. There are no restrictions here.

[0243] Specifically, when the identifier value of the first identifier bit in each first information domain is a first value, the first identifier bit is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device corresponding to the first information domain supports entering a sleep state. When the identifier value of the first identifier bit is a second value, the first identifier bit is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device corresponding to the first information domain is always in an active state.

[0244] If any auxiliary AP device supports entering a sleep state, it means that the auxiliary AP device will switch between a sleep state and an active state.

[0245] Among them, any auxiliary AP device can transmit data frames with the associated STA device when it is in an active state, such as receiving uplink data frames sent by the associated STA device, or sending downlink data frames to the associated STA device.

[0246] Optionally, the first identifier bit can be at least one reserved bit in the first information field.

[0247] Optionally, each first information field includes an STA control field, which includes a first identifier bit. The first identifier bit can be one of the reserved bits in the STA control field.

[0248] In some embodiments, each first information field further includes a second identifier bit. The second identifier bit indicates, through a third value, that the first information field includes the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link, that is, it is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link has a sleep cycle; the second identifier bit indicates, through a fourth value or a null value, that the first information field does not include the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link in a sleep cycle, that is, it is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link does not have a sleep cycle.

[0249] The third and fourth values ​​are different; for example, the third value can be 1 and the fourth value can be 0. No restrictions are imposed here.

[0250] The second identifier bit can be at least one reserved bit in the first information field.

[0251] Optionally, each first information field includes an STA control field, and the STA control field includes a second identifier bit. The second identifier bit can be one of the reserved bits in the STA control field.

[0252] In some embodiments, when an auxiliary AP device associated with a communication link corresponding to each first information domain has a sleep cycle, the first information domain includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0253] Each first information field includes a STA information (STA Info) field. When the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep cycle, the STA information field includes the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device.

[0254] The STA information field can carry the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device through a sub-information element field or at least one reserved bit, or carry relevant indication information through a sub-information field or at least one reserved bit, to indirectly indicate the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0255] In some embodiments, each first information field corresponds to a communication link, and each first information field includes a link ID subfield, which is used to indicate the link ID of the communication link associated with an affiliated AP device.

[0256] Based on this, each first information field can correspond to a communication link, and each communication link is associated with an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD. Therefore, each first information field corresponds to or is associated with an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0257] Meanwhile, if a secondary AP device of the first AP MLD is associated with a secondary STA device of the Non-AP MLD through a communication link, then each first information domain corresponds to or is associated with a secondary STA device of the Non-AP MLD.

[0258] Optionally, each first information field includes a STA Control field, which includes a Link ID subfield.

[0259] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count (BSS ParameterChange Count) field. When the sleep cycle of the associated AP device on the communication link corresponding to the BSS Parameter Change Count field changes, the identifier value of the BSS Parameter Change Count field changes.

[0260] The identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate the number of times the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed.

[0261] The basic service set parameters for each auxiliary AP device include the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device.

[0262] Optionally, the first information field includes a Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count Present (BSS parameter changecount present) field. When the identifier value of the BSS parameter changecount present field is the eighth value, it is used to indicate that the first information field includes the BSS parameter changecount field. When the identifier value of the BSS parameter changecount present field is the ninth value, it is used to indicate that the first information field does not include the BSS parameter changecount field.

[0263] The eighth and ninth values ​​are different; for example, the eighth value can be 1 and the ninth value can be 0. No restrictions are imposed here.

[0264] Optionally, if the first information field includes a basic service set parameter update count field, and the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate that the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed, then the first information field includes the aforementioned second identifier bit, and the identifier value of the second identifier bit is a third value, used to indicate that the corresponding auxiliary AP device has a sleep cycle, and also used to indicate that the first information field includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0265] Optionally, the first information field includes the STA control field, which includes the Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count Present field.

[0266] Optionally, the first information field includes the STA information field, which includes the basic service set parameter update count field.

[0267] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit-Receive (NSTR) indication bitmap field, which is used to indicate the NSTR status of the corresponding associated AP device.

[0268] Specifically, when the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the NSTR indication bitmap field changes, the indication content of the NSTR indication bitmap field changes.

[0269] Step S42: Send downlink data frames when in an active state.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first AP device may send cached downlink data frames to the first STA device when it is in an active state.

[0271] In some embodiments, the last downlink data frame sent when the first AP device is in an active state includes a first indication field. The first indication field indicates, through a fifth value, that the first AP device enters a sleep state when a sleep cycle arrives. It can also be used to indicate that the first AP device switches to a sleep state when a sleep cycle arrives after sending the downlink data frame.

[0272] In some embodiments, the first indication field is the Power Save field in the Medium Access Control (MAC) frame header.

[0273] The fifth value can be 1 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0274] Step S43: Receive the first confirmation frame.

[0275] In some embodiments, after the first AP device has sent all downlink data frames in an active state, it may receive a first acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA device. The first acknowledgment frame is used to indicate that the downlink data frames sent by the first AP device have been received.

[0276] In some embodiments, after receiving the first acknowledgment frame, the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives.

[0277] In some embodiments, steps S42-S43 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0278] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by a first AP device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 The communication method shown can be performed by a first AP device, and the method includes the following steps:

[0279] Step S51: Send the first message frame.

[0280] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S51 may refer to Figure 4 The optional methods of step S41 are not described here.

[0281] Step S52: Receive the uplink data frame sent by the first AP device when the first AP device is in an active state.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first AP device may receive uplink data frames sent by the first STA device when the first AP device is in an active state.

[0283] In some embodiments, the last data frame sent by the first STA device to the first AP device when the first AP device is in an active state includes a second indication field, which indicates by a sixth value that the first STA device will no longer send uplink data frames.

[0284] The sixth value can be 0 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0285] In some embodiments, the second indication field is the More Data field in the MAC frame header.

[0286] Step S53: Send an acknowledgment frame and a second message frame.

[0287] In some embodiments, when the first AP device is in an active state, after receiving the uplink data frame sent by the first STA device, it may send a second acknowledgment frame to the first STA device. The second acknowledgment frame is used to indicate to the first AP device that it has acknowledged receiving the uplink data frame sent by the first STA device.

[0288] In some embodiments, after sending a second acknowledgment frame, the first AP device may send a second message frame to the first STA device. The second message frame includes a third indication field, which indicates through a seventh value that the first AP device will enter a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives.

[0289] In some embodiments, the third indication field is the Power Save field in the Medium Access Control (MAC) frame header.

[0290] The seventh value can be 1 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0291] In some embodiments, the second message frame may be a Quality of Service null (QoS null) frame.

[0292] Step S54: Receive the third confirmation frame.

[0293] In some embodiments, after sending a second message frame to a first STA device, the first AP device may receive a third acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA device. The third acknowledgment frame is used to indicate to the first STA device that it has acknowledged receiving the second message frame.

[0294] In some embodiments, after receiving the third acknowledgment frame, the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives.

[0295] In some embodiments, steps S52-S54 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0296] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating a communication method performed by a first STA device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0297] Figure 6 The communication method shown can be performed by a first STA device, and the method includes the following steps:

[0298] Step S61: Receive the first message frame.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first AP device may be an auxiliary AP device of AP MLD.

[0300] Optionally, the first AP device can be the master AP of AP MLD.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first STA device may be an auxiliary STA device of a Non-AP MLD.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first message frame is a message frame sent by the first AP device during the initial association establishment process between the first AP device and the first STA device.

[0303] Optionally, the first message frame is at least one of a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an association response frame.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one affiliated AP of the first AP MLD.

[0305] In this context, the first AP device is attached to the first AP MLD. Specifically, the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one attached AP device within the AP MLD to which the first AP device is attached.

[0306] In some embodiments, the sleep cycles of any two auxiliary AP devices of the first AP MLD can be the same or different.

[0307] In some embodiments, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field being used to indicate the sleep cycle of an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0308] In some embodiments, when the first message frame is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one second AP device of the first AP device, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field being used to indicate the sleep cycle of an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0309] Optionally, the first message frame includes a Basic Multi-Link element field, which includes each of the first information fields.

[0310] Optionally, the first information domain can be a single STA profile (per-STA profile) domain.

[0311] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a first identifier bit, the first identifier bit indicating, through a first value, that the associated AP device of the corresponding communication link supports entering a sleep state, and the first identifier bit indicating, through a second value, that the associated AP device of the corresponding communication link is always in an active state.

[0312] The first value and the second value are different values. For example, the first value can be 0 and the second value can be 1. There are no restrictions here.

[0313] Specifically, when the identifier value of the first identifier bit in each first information domain is a first value, the first identifier bit is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device corresponding to the first information domain supports entering a sleep state. When the identifier value of the first identifier bit is a second value, the first identifier bit is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device corresponding to the first information domain is always in an active state.

[0314] If any auxiliary AP device supports entering a sleep state, it means that the auxiliary AP device will switch between a sleep state and an active state.

[0315] Among them, any auxiliary AP device can transmit data frames with the associated STA device when it is in an active state, such as receiving uplink data frames sent by the associated STA device, or sending downlink data frames to the associated STA device.

[0316] Optionally, the first identifier bit can be at least one reserved bit in the first information field.

[0317] Optionally, each first information field includes an STA control field, which includes a first identifier bit. The first identifier bit can be one of the reserved bits in the STA control field.

[0318] In some embodiments, each first information field further includes a second identifier bit. The second identifier bit indicates, through a third value, that the first information field includes the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link, that is, it is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link has a sleep cycle; the second identifier bit indicates, through a fourth value or a null value, that the first information field does not include the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link in a sleep cycle, that is, it is used to indicate that the auxiliary AP device associated with the corresponding communication link does not have a sleep cycle.

[0319] The third and fourth values ​​are different; for example, the third value can be 1 and the fourth value can be 0. No restrictions are imposed here.

[0320] The second identifier bit can be at least one reserved bit in the first information field.

[0321] Optionally, each first information field includes an STA control field, and the STA control field includes a second identifier bit. The second identifier bit can be one of the reserved bits in the STA control field.

[0322] In some embodiments, when an auxiliary AP device associated with a communication link corresponding to each first information domain has a sleep cycle, the first information domain includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0323] Each first information field includes a STA information (STA Info) field. When the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep cycle, the STA information field includes the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device.

[0324] The STA information field can carry the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device through a sub-information element field or at least one reserved bit, or carry relevant indication information through a sub-information field or at least one reserved bit, to indirectly indicate the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0325] In some embodiments, each first information field corresponds to a communication link, and each first information field includes a link ID subfield, which is used to indicate the link ID of the communication link associated with an affiliated AP device.

[0326] Based on this, each first information field can correspond to a communication link, and each communication link is associated with an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD. Therefore, each first information field corresponds to or is associated with an auxiliary AP device of the first AP MLD.

[0327] Meanwhile, if a secondary AP device of the first AP MLD is associated with a secondary STA device of the Non-AP MLD through a communication link, then each first information domain corresponds to or is associated with a secondary STA device of the Non-AP MLD.

[0328] Optionally, each first information field includes a STA Control field, which includes a Link ID subfield.

[0329] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count (BSS ParameterChange Count) field. When the sleep cycle of the associated AP device on the communication link corresponding to the BSS Parameter Change Count field changes, the identifier value of the BSS Parameter Change Count field changes.

[0330] The identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate the number of times the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed.

[0331] The basic service set parameters for each auxiliary AP device include the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device.

[0332] Optionally, the first information field includes a Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count Present (BSS parameter changecount present) field. When the identifier value of the BSS parameter changecount present field is the eighth value, it is used to indicate that the first information field includes the BSS parameter changecount field. When the identifier value of the BSS parameter changecount present field is the ninth value, it is used to indicate that the first information field does not include the BSS parameter changecount field.

[0333] The eighth and ninth values ​​are different; for example, the eighth value can be 1 and the ninth value can be 0. No restrictions are imposed here.

[0334] Optionally, if the first information field includes a basic service set parameter update count field, and the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate that the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed, then the first information field includes the aforementioned second identifier bit, and the identifier value of the second identifier bit is a third value, used to indicate that the corresponding auxiliary AP device has a sleep cycle, and also used to indicate that the first information field includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

[0335] Optionally, the first information field includes the STA control field, which includes the Basic Service Set Parameter Change Count Present field.

[0336] Optionally, the first information field includes the STA information field, which includes the basic service set parameter update count field.

[0337] In some embodiments, each first information field includes a Non-Simultaneous Transmit-Receive (NSTR) indication bitmap field, which is used to indicate the NSTR status of the corresponding associated AP device.

[0338] Specifically, when the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the NSTR indication bitmap field changes, the indication content of the NSTR indication bitmap field changes.

[0339] Step S62: Receive downlink data frames sent when the first AP device is in an active state.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first STA device may receive cached downlink data frames sent by the first AP device when it is in an active state.

[0341] In some embodiments, the last downlink data frame received by the first STA device when the first AP device is in an active state includes a first indication field. The first indication field indicates that the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives through a fifth value. It can also be used to indicate that the first AP device switches to a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives after sending the downlink data frame.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first indication field is the Power Save field in the Medium Access Control (MAC) frame header.

[0343] The fifth value can be 1 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0344] Step S63: Send the first confirmation frame.

[0345] In some embodiments, after receiving all downlink data frames sent by the first AP device in the active state, the first STA device may send a first acknowledgment frame to the first AP device. The first acknowledgment frame is used to indicate that the downlink data frames sent by the first AP device have been received, so that after the first AP device receives the first acknowledgment frame, it enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives.

[0346] In some embodiments, steps S62-S63 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0347] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by a first STA device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 The communication method shown can be performed by a first STA device, and the method includes the following steps:

[0348] Step S71: Receive the first message frame.

[0349] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S71 may refer to Figure 6 The optional methods of step S61 are not described here.

[0350] Step S72: Send an uplink data frame when the first AP device is in an active state.

[0351] In some embodiments, the first STA device may send uplink data frames to the first AP device when the first AP device is active.

[0352] In some embodiments, the last data frame sent by the first STA device to the first AP device when the first AP device is in an active state includes a second indication field, which indicates by a sixth value that the first STA device will no longer send uplink data frames.

[0353] The sixth value can be 0 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0354] In some embodiments, the second indication field is the More Data field in the MAC frame header.

[0355] Step S73: Receive the second confirmation frame and the second message frame.

[0356] In some embodiments, after the first STA device has sent uplink data frames while the first AP device is in an active state, it may receive a second acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP device. The second acknowledgment frame is used to indicate to the first AP device that it has acknowledged receiving the uplink data frames sent by the first STA device.

[0357] In some embodiments, after receiving the second acknowledgment frame sent by the first AP device, the first STA device may also receive a second message frame sent by the first AP device. The second message frame includes a third indication field, which indicates that the first AP device will enter a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives through a seventh value.

[0358] In some embodiments, the third indication field is the Power Save field in the Medium Access Control (MAC) frame header.

[0359] The seventh value can be 1 or any other value; there are no restrictions on it.

[0360] In some embodiments, the second message frame may be a Quality of Service null (QoS null) frame.

[0361] Step 574: Send the third confirmation frame.

[0362] In some embodiments, after receiving the second message frame sent by the first AP device, the first STA device may send a third acknowledgment frame to the first AP device. The third acknowledgment frame is used to indicate to the first STA device that it has received the second message frame, so that after receiving the third acknowledgment frame, the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives.

[0363] In some embodiments, steps S72-S74 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0364] This disclosure also provides embodiments of apparatus for implementing any of the above methods, for example... Figure 8a The apparatus shown includes a first processing module 81 and a first transceiver module 82 for implementing the steps performed by the first AP device in any of the above methods. For example... Figure 8b The apparatus shown includes a second transceiver module 83 for implementing the steps performed by the first STA device in any of the above methods.

[0365] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0366] Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9a As shown, the AP device 910 may include at least one of a transceiver module 911 and a processing module 912. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 911 is used to send a first message frame; the processing module 912 is used to determine the first message frame.

[0367] Optionally, the transceiver module 911 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the AP device 910 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S23, S32 and S34, steps S41-S43, steps S51-S54, but not limited thereto), and the processing module 912 is used to perform the processing procedures performed by the AP device 910 in any of the above methods (e.g., determining the first message frame, but not limited thereto). Further details will not be elaborated here.

[0368] Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram of the STA device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9b As shown, the STA device 920 may include at least one of a transceiver module 921, a processing module 922, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 921 is used to receive a first message frame.

[0369] Optionally, the transceiver module 921 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S21-S22, S31 and S33, S61-S63, S71-S74) performed by the STA device 920 in any of the above methods, and the processing module 922 is used to perform the processing procedure performed by the STA device 920 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0370] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0371] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0372] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. The communication device 1000 can be an AP device or a STA device, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports network devices in implementing any of the above methods, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports terminals in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0373] like Figure 10As shown, the communication device 1000 includes one or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 1000 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0374] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 further includes one or more memories 1002 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1002 may also be located outside the communication device 1000.

[0375] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 further includes one or more transceivers 1003. When the communication device 1000 includes one or more transceivers 1003, the transceivers 1003 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S21-S23, steps S31-S34, steps S41-S44, steps S51-S54, steps S61-S63, and steps S71-S74, but not limited thereto), and the processor 1001 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., determining a first message frame, but not limited thereto).

[0376] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0377] In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may include one or more interface circuits 1004. Optionally, the interface circuit 1004 is connected to the memory 1002, and the interface circuit 1004 can be used to receive signals from the memory 1002 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 1002 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1004 can read instructions stored in the memory 1002 and send the instructions to the processor 1001.

[0378] The communication device 1000 described in the above embodiments can be an AP device or a STA device, but the scope of the communication device 1000 described in this disclosure is not limited to this, and the structure of the communication device 1000 can be unrestricted. Figure 10The limitations. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0379] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 1000, cause the communication device 1000 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0380] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 1000, causes the communication device 1000 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0381] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features disclosed in this disclosure that have similar functions.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: A first message frame is determined, which is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one auxiliary AP of a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD); wherein, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field corresponds to a communication link, each first information field includes an STA information field, and when an auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep cycle, the STA information field includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device. Send the first message frame.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Each of the first information fields includes a first identifier bit; The first identifier bit indicates, through a first value, that the associated AP device of the corresponding communication link supports entering a sleep state; The first identifier bit indicates, through the second value, that the associated AP device with the corresponding communication link is always active.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first information fields includes a second identifier bit; The second identifier bit indicates, through a third value, that the associated AP device has a sleep cycle; The second identifier bit indicates, through the fourth value, that the associated AP device with the corresponding communication link does not have a sleep cycle.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first message frame includes a basic multi-link information element field, which includes each of the first information fields; the first information field is a single STA configuration field.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each first information field includes a basic service set parameter update count field. When the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the basic service set parameter update count field changes, the identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field changes. The identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate the number of times the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed. The basic service set parameters include the sleep cycle.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first information fields includes a non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field, the indication content of which changes when the sleep period of the associated AP of the communication link corresponding to the non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field changes.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The last downlink data frame sent to the associated first STA device while in an active state includes a first indication field, which indicates by a fifth value that the device enters a sleep state when a sleep cycle arrives. After sending the last downlink data frame, the method further includes: The device receives a first acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA device and enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives. The first acknowledgment frame is used to indicate that a downlink data frame has been received.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first indication field is the power-saving information field in the Media Access Control (MAC) frame header.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The last uplink data frame received by the first STA device when it is in an active state includes a second indication field, which indicates by a sixth value that the first STA device will no longer send uplink data frames. After receiving the last uplink data frame, the method further includes: Send a second confirmation frame and a second message frame. The second message frame includes a third indication field, which indicates that the device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives through a seventh value. The second confirmation frame is used to indicate that the uplink data frame has been received. The system receives a third acknowledgment frame sent by the first STA and enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives. The third acknowledgment frame is used to indicate that the second message frame has been received.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second indication field is the more data field in the MAC frame header, and the third indication field is the power saving information field in the MAC frame header; the second message frame is a quality of service empty frame.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A first message frame is received, which is used to indicate the sleep cycle of at least one auxiliary AP of the first AP MLD; wherein, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field corresponds to a communication link, each first information field includes a STA information field, and when the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep cycle, the STA information field includes the sleep cycle of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the first information fields includes a first identifier bit; The first identifier bit indicates, through a first value, that the associated AP device of the corresponding communication link supports entering a sleep state; The first identifier bit indicates, through the second value, that the associated AP device with the corresponding communication link is always active.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each of the first information fields includes a second identifier bit; The second identifier bit indicates, through a third value, that the associated AP device has a sleep cycle; The second identifier bit indicates, through the fourth value, that the associated AP device with the corresponding communication link does not have a sleep cycle.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first message frame includes a basic multi-link information element field, which includes each of the first information fields; the first information field is a single STA configuration field.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each first information field includes a basic service set parameter update count field. When the sleep cycle of the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the basic service set parameter update count field changes, the identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field changes. The identifier value of the basic service set parameter update count field is used to indicate the number of times the basic service set parameters of the corresponding auxiliary AP device have changed. The basic service set parameters include the sleep cycle.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the first information fields includes a non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field, the indication content of which changes when the sleep period of the associated AP of the communication link corresponding to the non-simultaneous transmission and reception indication bitmap field changes.

17. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The last downlink data frame received when the first AP device is in an active state includes a first indication field, which indicates, through a fifth value, that the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives. After receiving the last downlink data frame, the method further includes: A first acknowledgment frame is sent to the first AP device. The first message frame is used to indicate that a downlink data frame has been received.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first indication field is the power-saving information field in the Media Access Control (MAC) frame header.

19. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The last uplink data frame sent to the first active AP device includes a second indication field, which indicates by a sixth value that no more uplink data frames will be sent. After sending the last uplink data frame, the method further includes: The system receives a second confirmation frame and a second message frame sent by the first AP device. The second message frame includes a third indication field, which indicates that the first AP device enters a sleep state when the sleep cycle arrives through a seventh value. The second confirmation frame is used to indicate that an uplink data frame has been received. A third acknowledgment frame is sent to the first AP device, the third acknowledgment frame being used to indicate that the second message frame has been received.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second indication field is the more data field in the MAC frame header, and the third indication field is the power saving information field in the MAC frame header; the second message frame is a quality of service empty frame.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A first processing module is configured to determine a first message frame, wherein the first message frame is configured to indicate the sleep period of at least one auxiliary AP of a first multi-link access point device (AP MLD); wherein the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field corresponds to a communication link, each first information field includes an STA information field, and when an auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep period, the STA information field includes the sleep period of the corresponding auxiliary AP device. The first transceiver module is used to send the first message frame.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The second transceiver module is used to receive a first message frame, which is used to indicate the sleep period of at least one auxiliary AP of the first AP MLD; wherein, the first message frame includes at least one first information field, each first information field corresponds to a communication link, each first information field includes a STA information field, and when the auxiliary AP device associated with the communication link corresponding to the STA information field has a sleep period, the STA information field includes the sleep period of the corresponding auxiliary AP device.

23. An AP device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10.

24. A STA device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 11-20.

25. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes an AP device and a STA device, wherein the AP device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-10, and the STA device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 11-20.

26. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-10 or 11-20.

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