Enhanced multi-link single wireless operation method, communication device, multi-link equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an operation method of an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) and a multi-link device (MLD). The method comprises: a first station determines a duration, the duration at least covering a first duration when the first station loses medium synchronization, the first station being attached to an MLD, the MLD operating in an EMLSR mode, the first station operating on a first EMLSR link in a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and the first station determines whether to start the media synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or determines whether to update the time value of the media synchronization delay timer based on a previous media synchronization delay timer.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT international patent application PCT / CN2022 / 070367 with an application date of January 5, 2022, which has entered the Chinese national phase with Chinese patent application number 202280083363.9 and the invention name being "An enhanced multi-link single wireless operation method, communication device, multi-link device and storage medium". Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to communication mechanisms, and in particular to an operation method of an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR), a communication apparatus, a multi-link device (MLD), a chip, a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, and a computer program. Background Art

[0003] IEEE 802.11be draft 1.3 specifies enhanced multi-link single radio operation, which mainly includes the following steps.

[0004] Step 1: A non-access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) should be able to monitor these EMLSR links by making the non-AP station (STA) to which the non-AP MLD is attached correspond to the EMLSR links in the awake state. The monitoring operation performed by the MLD includes clear channel assessment (CCA) and receiving the initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence initiated by the AP MLD.

[0005] Step 2: The AP to which the AP MLD is attached initiates a frame exchange with the non-AP MLD on one of these EMLSR links. The frame exchange shall begin by transmitting an initial control frame to the non-AP MLD with the restrictions specified above.

[0006] Step 3: After receiving the initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence, the non-AP MLD shall be able to transmit or receive frames on the link on which the initial control frame was received and not transmit or receive frames on the other one or more EMLSR links before the end of the frame exchange sequence, and subject to the spatial stream capabilities, operation mode and link switching latency of the non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD shall be able to receive presentation protocol data units (PPDUs) sent using more than one spatial stream on the link on which the initial control frame was received in the short interval frame space (SIFS) after the end of the response frame transmission to the initial control frame request. During the frame exchange sequence, the APMLD shall not transmit frames to the non-AP MLD on the other one or more EMLSR links. The non-AP MLD switches back to listening operation on the enabled link immediately after the end of the frame exchange sequence.

[0007] However, the following issues need to be addressed regarding EMLSR. (1) When a non-AP station (STA) of a non-AP MLD exchanges frames with an AP of an AP MLD on one of these EMLSR links, the other non-AP STAs on these EMLSR links are in a blind state. This is similar to the blind state problem of non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) non-AP MLD operations. In addition, when a non-AP MLD performs a listening operation, the non-AP MLD can only decode orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) PPDU and non-high throughput (HT) PPDU formats, and may therefore be limited to being synchronized with the medium.

[0008] (2) A non-AP STA of a non-AP MLD in EMLSR mode may lose medium synchronization during a frame exchange sequence of another non-AP STA attached to the same MLD. Therefore, in EMLSR mode, a non-AP STA of an MLD also needs a medium access recovery procedure, which is not clear in the current IEEE 802.11be draft 1.3. Summary of the invention

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure relates to an operating method of an EMLSR, a communication device, an MLD, a chip, a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, and a computer program, which can be used to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0010] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an operation method of EMLSR is provided. The method includes: a first station determines a duration, wherein the duration at least covers a first duration in which the first station loses medium synchronization, wherein the first station is attached to an MLD, the MLD operates in EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link among multiple EMLSR links of the MLD; and the first station determines whether to start a medium synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or determines whether to update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on a previous medium synchronization delay timer.

[0011] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an operation method of EMLSR is provided. The method includes: when it is determined that the duration exceeds the medium synchronization threshold, the first station starts the medium synchronization delay timer, or when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first station updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer, wherein the first station is attached to the MLD, the MLD operates in the EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on the first EMLSR link among the multiple EMLSR links of the MLD; and the first station determines whether to send an initial frame of a transmission opportunity (TXOP) obtained by the first station based on the medium synchronization delay timer.

[0012] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a determination module, which is configured to: determine a duration, wherein the duration covers at least a first duration in which a first station loses medium synchronization, wherein the first station is attached to an MLD, the MLD operates in EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link among a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and determine whether to start a medium synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or determine whether to update a time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on a previous medium synchronization delay timer.

[0013] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a determination module, which is configured to: when it is determined that the duration exceeds a medium synchronization threshold, the first station starts a medium synchronization delay timer, or when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first station updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer, wherein the first station is attached to an MLD, the MLD operates in EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link among multiple EMLSR links of the MLD; and determine whether to send a TXOP initial frame obtained by the first station based on the medium synchronization delay timer.

[0014] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an MLD is provided. The MLD includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The processor is coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions, so that the MLD executes the above-mentioned EMLSR operation method.

[0015] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a chip is provided, which is used to implement the above-mentioned EMLSR operation method.

[0016] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores program codes, so that the computer executes the above-mentioned EMLSR operation method.

[0017] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, which includes computer program instructions, and enables a computer to execute the above-mentioned EMLSR operation method.

[0018] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer program enables the computer to execute the above-mentioned EMLSR operation method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 A flowchart of an operation method of the EMLSR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 2A A schematic diagram showing EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 2B Another schematic diagram shows EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 Another schematic diagram shows EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8 Another flow chart of an operation method of the EMLSR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a first variation of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the second variation of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the third variation of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Fig.12 is a block diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a multi-link device (MLD) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0035] IEEE 802.11be draft 1.3 specifies "35.3.16 Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio Operation". The key contents of EMLSR are described as follows.

[0036] When a non-AP MLD operates in EMLSR mode and the AP MLD supports EMLSR mode, the following applies.

[0037] (1) The non-AP MLD should be able to monitor these EMLSR links by making the non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD correspond to the EMLSR links in the awake state. The monitoring operation includes CCA and receiving the initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence initiated by the AP MLD.

[0038] (2) The initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence shall be sent in the OFDM PPDU or non-HT repeat PPDU format at a rate of 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, or 24 Mbps.

[0039] (3) The initial control frame shall be a multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) trigger frame or a buffer status report poll (BSRP) trigger frame. For non-AP MLDs in EMLSR mode, receiving MU-RTS trigger frames and BSRP trigger frames is mandatory. The number of spatial streams used to respond to BSRP trigger frames shall be limited to one.

[0040] (4) The non-AP MLD shall indicate the delay duration in the EMLSR Delay subfield of the EML Capability subfield in the Common Information field of the Basic Multilink Element.

[0041] (5) An AP attached to an AP MLD initiating a frame exchange with a non-AP MLD on one of these EMLSR links shall start the frame exchange by transmitting an initial control frame to the non-AP MLD with the restrictions specified above.

[0042] (6) After receiving the initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence, the non-AP MLD shall be able to transmit or receive frames on the link on which the initial control frame was received, and shall not transmit or receive frames on the other one or more EMLSR links before the end of the frame exchange sequence, and subject to the spatial stream capabilities, operation mode and link switching latency of the non-AP MLD, the non-AP MLD shall be able to receive PPDUs that are sent using more than one spatial stream on the link on which the initial control frame was received within SIFS after the end of the transmission of the response frame to the initial control frame request. During the frame exchange sequence, the AP MLD shall not transmit frames to the non-AP MLD on the other one or more EMLSR links. The non-AP MLD switches back to listening operation on the enabled link immediately after the end of the frame exchange sequence.

[0043] (7) Only a non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD operating on one of the EMLSR links can initiate a frame exchange with the AP MLD. In one embodiment, a non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD operating in EMLSR mode does not need to transmit an initial control frame to initiate a frame exchange with the AP MLD.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a non-AP MLD operates in EMLSR mode, a non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD operating on one of the EMLSR links cannot listen on its corresponding link, and during a period when the non-AP MLD is not listening on the EMLSR links, the non-AP STA considers that medium synchronization has been lost for one of the other one or more non-AP STAs operating on the other one or more EMLSR links attached to the same non-AP MLD. The listening operation includes CCA and receiving an initial control frame of a frame exchange sequence initiated by the AP MLD.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to solve the above technical problems, an operation method of EMLSR is provided, which will be discussed in detail below.

[0046] See also Figure 1 , which shows a flow chart of an operation method of EMLSR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method of this embodiment may be performed by the first station 110. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first station 110 is a non-AP STA among non-AP STAs attached to the non-AP MLD 10, and the non-AP MLD 10 operates in EMLSR mode. In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 has multiple EMLSR links, and the first station 110 operates on the first EMLSR link L1 among the multiple EMLSR links of the non-AP MLD 10.

[0047] In step S110, the first site 110 determines a duration T0. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration T0 covers at least a first duration D1 during which the first site 110 loses medium synchronization. In an embodiment, the duration T0 may be equal to the first duration D1. In an embodiment, the duration T0 includes the first duration D1, which means that the first duration D1 is a part of the duration T0, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various embodiments, the duration T0 and the first duration D1 may be implemented in different ways, which will be discussed together with the following embodiments.

[0048] In step S120 , the first station 110 determines whether to start the medium synchronization delay timer based on the duration T0 , or determines whether to update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on the previous medium synchronization delay timer.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first duration D1 during which the first site 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least a second duration D2, the second duration D2 being from when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from a listening operation on the EMLSR link to a frame exchange operation to when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation, wherein the frame exchange operation is performed on the second EMLSR link L2 operated by the second site 120. In one embodiment, the second duration D2 may be equal to the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the first duration D1 includes the second duration D2, which means that the second duration D2 is a part of the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the duration T0, the first duration D1, and the second duration D2 are identical to each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0050] In another embodiment, the first duration D1 in which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least a third duration D3, and the third duration D3 is between the first event and the second event. In one embodiment, the first event is that the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In one embodiment, the second event is that the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation. In one embodiment, the third duration D3 may be equal to the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the first duration D1 includes the third duration D3, which means that the third duration D3 is a part of the first duration D1. In one embodiment, the duration T0, the first duration D1, and the third duration D3 are the same as each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0051] In one embodiment, the listening operation is performed on the EMLSR link. In some embodiments, the frame exchange operation is performed on a second EMLSR link L2 operated by the second station 120. In one embodiment, the second station 120 is another non-AP STA attached to the non-AP MLD 10, and the second EMLSR link L2 is one of the multiple EMLSR links of the non-AP MLD 10, and the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode.

[0052] In the following embodiments, the second station 120 is assumed to be a non-AP STA that performs frame exchange while the non-AP MLD 10 is in a frame exchange operation.

[0053] In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 may be used to communicate with an AP MLD 20 including a plurality of AP STAs. In one embodiment, the AP STAs of the AP MLD 20 include a first AP STA 210 and a second AP STA 220, wherein the first AP STA 210 may correspond to the first station 110, and the second AP STA 220 may correspond to the second station 120. Specifically, the first station 110 communicates with the first AP STA 210 in the AP MLD 20 through a first EMLSR link L1, and the second station 120 communicates with the second AP STA 220 in the AP MLD 20 through a second EMLSR link L2.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first station 110 may determine whether the non-AP MLD 110 is performing a listening operation. In one embodiment, when it is determined that the non-AP MLD 110 is performing a listening operation, the first station 110 may determine whether the first station 110 loses medium synchronization due to a frame exchange started between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. In one embodiment, during the period in which the second station 120 performs a frame exchange with the second AP STA 220, the first station 110 cannot listen to the first EMLSR link L1.

[0055] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the first station 110 loses medium synchronization, the first station 110 may determine that the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In one embodiment, when it is determined that the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to the listening operation based on the end of the frame exchange, the first station 110 may determine that the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation.

[0056] As described above, the first duration D1 may be implemented in different ways, and further details will be provided below.

[0057] See also Figure 2A , which shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A In the embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the duration D21 from when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to when the frame exchange ends, and the switching delay D22 of the non-AP MLD 10. In one embodiment, the switching delay is the time required for the non-AP MLD 10 to switch from switching frames on one of the multiple EMLSR links to the listening operation on the multiple EMLSR links. Figure 2A In the embodiment, the switching delay is indicated in the EMLSR switching delay subfield of the EML capability subfield of the basic multilink element, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0058] exist Figure 2A In the embodiment, when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode when the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode, the non-AP MLD 10 may switch from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation after the second station 120 receives the initial control frame of the frame exchange. In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 may switch back to the listening operation after the (EMLSR) switching delay D22 after the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 ends.

[0059] exist Figure 2A , the frame exchange between the second site 120 and the second AP STA 220 may exemplarily include: (1) a MU-RTS frame from the second AP STA 220 to the second site 120; (2) a clear to send (CTS) frame from the second site 120 to the second AP STA 220; (3) a data frame from the second AP STA 220 to the second site 120; and (4) a block acknowledgment (BA) from the second site 120 to the second AP STA 220, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0060] exist Figure 2A In the scenario of , for one of the other non-AP STAs operating on the other EMLSR links, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Figure 2A If the first station 110 (due to the frame exchange of the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) loses the medium synchronization for a duration T0 greater than the medium synchronization threshold (in Figure 2A and other figures as aMedium-SyncThreshold), then after the non-AP MLD returns to the listening operation, the first station 110 immediately starts the medium synchronization delay timer (at Figure 2A and MediumSyncDelay timer in other figures).

[0061] See also Figure 2B , which shows another schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B In the example, the first duration D1 is the sum of a duration D21 from when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to when the frame exchange ends and a switching delay D22 of the non-AP MLD 10 .

[0062] exist Figure 2B , the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 may exemplarily include: (1) a MU-RTS frame from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120; and (2) a CTS frame from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220.

[0063] exist Figure 2B In the embodiment, the end of the frame exchange between the second AP STA 220 and the second station 120 can be determined by adding a waiting time to the end of the CTS frame. In one embodiment, the waiting time can be a short interframe space (SIFS) time (in Figure 2B and other figures as aSIFSTime), the time slot time (in Figure 2B and other figures as aSlotTime), receiving physical start delay (in Figure 2B and the sum of aRxPHYStartDelay as shown in other figures, wherein the definitions / values ​​of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime and aRxPHYStartDelay may refer to relevant communication standards, such as IEEE 802.11be, etc.

[0064] exist Figure 2B In the scenario of , for one of the other non-AP STAs operating on the other EMLSR links, the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Figure 2B If the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (due to the frame exchange of the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is greater than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 immediately starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation.

[0065] In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first site 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. In one embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to the time value of the previous medium synchronization delay timer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] See also Figure 3 , which shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode when the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode, once the second station 120 attached to the non-AP MLD 10 operating on the second EMLSR link L2 initiates a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 for a first transmission opportunity (TXOP) or in a TXOP, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to start frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 starts to switch from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. If the transmission of the MPDU in the initial PPDU of the TXOP fails, when the second station 220 confirms that the transmission of the MPDU in the initial PPDU of the TXOP fails, the non-AP MLD 10 will switch back to the listening operation after the EMLSR transition delay.

[0068] exist Figure 3 In the scenario of , the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization at least covers the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Figure 3 In the second embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the switching delay D32 and the duration D31 between the first timing point TP1 and the second timing point TP2, wherein the first timing point TP1 is a timing point when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the second timing point TP2 is a timing point when the non-AP MLD 10 determines that the transmission of the medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) in the initial PPDU of the first TXOP fails.

[0069] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the second timing point TP2 may be determined by adding the waiting time to the end of the PPDU. In one embodiment, the waiting time may be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime and aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0070] In the second embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (due to frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is greater than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 immediately starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation.

[0071] In the second embodiment, when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first site 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. In one embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to the time value of the previous medium synchronization delay timer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0072] See also Figure 4 , which shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] exist Figure 4In the embodiment, when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode when the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode, once the second station 120 attached to the non-AP MLD 10 operating on the second EMLSR link L2 initiates a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 in the first TXOP, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to start frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 starts to switch from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the third embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 will switch back to the listening operation after the EMLSR transition delay after the frame exchange ends or the first TXOP ends.

[0074] exist Figure 4 , the transmission sequence between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 may exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 411 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; and (2) a BA 412 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120.

[0075] exist Figure 4 In the scenario of , the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization at least covers the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Figure 4 In the third embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) switching delay D42 and the duration D41 between the first timing point TP1 and the third timing point TP3, wherein the first timing point TP1 is a timing point when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the third timing point TP3 is a timing point of the end time of the frame exchange (for example, the end time of the BA 412) or the end time of the first TXOP.

[0076] In the third embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (due to frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is greater than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 immediately starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation.

[0077] In the third embodiment, when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first site 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. In one embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to the time value of the previous medium synchronization delay timer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] See also Figure 5 , which shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] exist Figure 5 , the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode, and the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode. In the fourth embodiment, when it is determined that the second station 120 obtains the first TXOP with the second AP STA 220, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to start frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 starts to switch from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the fourth embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to the listening operation after the frame exchange ends (e.g., the end time of BA 512) or the EMLSR conversion delay after the end of the first TXOP.

[0080] exist Figure 5, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 may exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 511 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; and (2) a BA 512 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120.

[0081] exist Figure 5 In the scenario of , the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization at least covers the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Figure 5 In the fourth embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) switching delay D52 and the duration D51 between the first timing point TP1 and the third timing point TP3, wherein the first timing point TP1 is a timing point when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the third timing point TP3 is a timing point of the frame exchange end time or the first TXOP end time.

[0082] In the fourth embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (due to frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is greater than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 immediately starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation.

[0083] In the fourth embodiment, when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first site 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. In one embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to the time value of the previous medium synchronization delay timer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0084] See also Figure 6 , which shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6, the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode, and the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode. In the fifth embodiment, the second station 120 may send an RTS frame 611 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 220 may send a CTS frame 612 to the second station 120 in response to the RTS frame 611, wherein the CTS frame 612 may be used to notify the second station 120 that the second station 120 obtains a TXOP with the second AP STA 220, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0085] In the fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the second station 120 obtains the TXOP with the second AP STA 220, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to start frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 starts to switch from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the fifth embodiment, when the non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 613) of the TXOP fails, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to the listening operation after the EMLSR conversion delay. In addition, the second station 120 can perform a backoff during the TXOP.

[0086] exist Figure 6 In the scenario of , the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization at least covers the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Figure 6 In the fifth embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) switching delay D62 and the duration D61 between the first timing point TP1 and the fourth timing point TP4, wherein the first timing point TP1 is a timing point when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the fourth timing point TP4 is a timing point when the second station 120 fails to determine the non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 613) of the TXOP.

[0087] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, the fourth timing point TP4 may be determined by adding the waiting time to the end of the PPDU 613. In one embodiment, the waiting time may be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0088] In the fifth embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (due to frame exchange by the second station 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is greater than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 immediately starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 does not start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation.

[0089] In addition, after the second station 120 performs the backoff, the second station 120 may send another PPDU 614 to the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 will again switch from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, so that the first station 110 will again lose the medium synchronization in the TXOP. In one embodiment, the second AP STA 220 may send a BA 615 to the second station 120 in response to the PPDU 614.

[0090] In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 may switch back to the listening operation again in response to the BA 615, and the other duration for which the first station 110 loses the medium synchronization for the second time may at least cover the first duration D1'. For example, the other duration may be equal to Figure 6 In one embodiment, the method for determining the first duration D1' can refer to Figure 4 and / or Figure 5 The discussion on determining the first duration D1 in will not be repeated here.

[0091] In the fifth embodiment, if the first site 110 loses medium synchronization for another duration greater than a medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first site 110 may immediately start a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., aMediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation again.

[0092] In the fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first site 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. In one embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first site 110 may update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to the time value of the previous medium synchronization delay timer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0093] See also Figure 7 , which shows another schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] exist Figure 7 , the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode, and the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode. In the fifth embodiment, the second station 120 may send an RTS frame 711 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 220 may send a CTS frame 712 to the second station 120 in response to the RTS frame 711, wherein the CTS frame 712 may be used to notify the second station 120 that the second station 120 obtains a TXOP with the second AP STA 220, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0095] In the fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the second station 120 obtains the TXOP with the second AP STA 220, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to start frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 110 starts to switch from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the first station 110) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the fifth embodiment, when the non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 713) of the TXOP fails, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to the listening operation after the EMLSR conversion delay. In addition, the second station 120 can perform a fallback in the TXOP.

[0096] exist Figure 7 In the scenario of , the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization at least covers the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Figure 7In the fifth embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) switching delay D72 and the duration D71 between the first timing point TP1 and the fourth timing point TP4, wherein the first timing point TP1 is a timing point when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the fourth timing point TP4 is a timing point when the second station 120 fails to determine the non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 713) of the TXOP.

[0097] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the fourth timing point TP4 may be determined by adding the waiting time to the end of the PPDU 713. In one embodiment, the waiting time may be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0098] In the fifth embodiment, if the duration T0 during which the first site 110 loses medium synchronization (due to frame exchange by the second site 120 on the second EMLSR link L2) is greater than a medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first site 110 immediately starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., aMediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation.

[0099] exist Figure 7 , after the second station 120 performs the backoff, the first station 110 may send an RTS frame 714 to the first AP STA 210, and the first AP STA 210 may send a CTS frame 715 to the first station 110 in response to the RTS frame 714. Thereafter, a frame exchange may be started between the first AP STA 210 and the first station 110, wherein the frame exchange may exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 716 sent from the first station 110 to the first AP STA 210; and (2) a BA 717 sent from the first AP STA 210 to the first station 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0100] exist Figure 7 , the non-AP MLD 10 determines that a frame exchange starts between the first station 110 and the first AP STA 210. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 starts switching from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In addition, other non-AP STAs (e.g., the second station 120) operating on other EMLSR links will lose medium synchronization. In the fifth embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to the listening operation after the EMLSR conversion delay after the end of the frame exchange (e.g., the end time of BA 717), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0101] In a fifth embodiment, the second station 120 may determine a corresponding duration of time that the second station 120 loses medium synchronization (due to frame exchange on the first EMLSR link L1 by the first station 110). In one embodiment, if the corresponding duration of the second station 120 is greater than a medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the second station 120 may immediately start a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., aMediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0102] In other embodiments, the non-AP MLD 10 may perform further operations based on the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. A detailed discussion will be provided below.

[0103] See also Figure 8 , which shows another flow chart of the operation method of the EMLSR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method of this embodiment can also be executed by the first site 110, and the introduction of the first site 110 can refer to the above description, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] In step S810, when it is determined that the duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first site 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., aMediumSyncDelay timer), or when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first site 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. The details of step S810 can be referred to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0105] In step S820, the first station 110 determines whether to send an initial frame of the TXOP obtained by the first station 110 based on the medium synchronization delay timer. Details related to step S820 will be introduced through the following embodiments.

[0106] See also Fig. 9 , which shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the first variation of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] In this embodiment, the second station 120 may initiate a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 on the second EMLSR link L2. Fig. 9, the transmission sequence may exemplarily include: (1) PPDU 911 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) BA 912 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120; (3) PPDU 913 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (4) BA 914 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. As described above, the first station 110 will lose medium synchronization, and the first station 110 may obtain a duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (the duration T0 at least covers the first duration D1). For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Fig. 9 The first duration D1 in the embodiment. The introduction of the first duration D1 can refer to the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0108] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, assuming that the first station 110 determines that the duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (ie, aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (ie, aMediumSyncDelay timer).

[0109] In one embodiment, the first station 110 may determine whether the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value. In one embodiment, when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station 110 prohibits the first station 110 from transmitting the RTS frame 915 as the initial frame of the TXOP obtained by the first station 110.

[0110] In one embodiment, when the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station 110 performs a CCA. In addition, when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer expires, the first station 110 may initiate a transmission when another TXOP is available.

[0111] In another embodiment, when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer does not have a non-zero value, the first station 110 allows the first station 110 to transmit the RTS frame 915 as an initial frame of the TXOP acquired by the first station 110 .

[0112] See also Fig.10 , which shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the second variation of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In this embodiment, the second station 120 may initiate a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 on the second EMLSR link L2. Fig.10In the embodiment, the transmission sequence may include: (1) PPDU 1011 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) BA 1012 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120; (3) PPDU 1013 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (4) BA 1014 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. As described above, the first station 110 will lose medium synchronization, and the first station 110 may obtain a duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (the duration T0 at least covers the first duration D1). For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Fig.10 The first duration D1 in the embodiment. The introduction of the first duration D1 can refer to the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0114] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, assuming that the first station 110 determines that the duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (ie, aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (ie, aMediumSyncDelay timer).

[0115] In one embodiment, the first station 110 may determine whether the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and whether the accumulated time length of the first station 110 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold. In one embodiment, the accumulated time length of the first station 110 is the sum of the above-mentioned waiting time (i.e., the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay), the (EMLSR) switching delay, and the PPDU length of the RTS frame.

[0116] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and the accumulated time length of the first station 110 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold, the first station 110 prohibits the first station 110 from transmitting an RTS frame as an initial frame of a TXOP obtained by the first station 110.

[0117] exist Fig.10 In the scenario, when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and the accumulated time length of the first station 110 is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold, the first station 110 may allow the first station 110 to transmit the RTS frame 1015 as the initial frame of the TXOP.

[0118] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, after the first station 110 transmits the RTS frame 1015 to the first AP STA 210, the second station 120 will lose the medium synchronization accordingly.

[0119] See also Fig.11, which shows a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the third variation of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] In this embodiment, the second station 120 may send an RTS frame 1111 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 120 may send a CTS frame 1112 in response to the RTS frame 1111, wherein the CTS frame 1112 may be used to notify the second station 120 that the second station 120 obtains the TXOP. Thereafter, the second station 120 may send a PPDU 1113 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 120 may send a BA 1114 to the second station 120. As described above, the first station 110 will lose medium synchronization, and the first station 110 may obtain a duration T0 for which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization (the duration T0 at least covers the first duration D1). The introduction of the first duration D1 may refer to the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment, assuming that the first station 110 determines that the duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (ie, aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (ie, aMediumSyncDelay timer).

[0122] In one embodiment, the first station 110 may determine whether the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value. In one embodiment, when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station 110 is allowed to transmit the RTS frame 1116 as an initial frame of a TXOP, wherein the first station 110 is not allowed to switch to a receive or transmit operation using more than one spatial stream unless the first station 110 obtains the TXOP.

[0123] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment, since the second AP STA 210 does not send a CTS frame back to the first station 110, the first station 110 may send another RTS frame 1116 to the second AP STA 210 to try to obtain a TXOP. In one embodiment, the first station 110 may wait for the above-mentioned waiting time to send the RTS frame 1116 after the end of the RTS frame 1115. In this case, the first station 110 is not allowed to switch to a reception or transmission operation using more than one spatial stream before successfully obtaining a TXOP, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0124] The above mainly introduces the solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure from the perspective of the execution process on the method side. It can be understood that in order to implement the above functions, each STA / MLD includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should easily recognize that, in combination with the modules and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments provided herein, the present disclosure can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be regarded as exceeding the scope of this application.

[0125] The embodiments of the present disclosure may divide the functional modules of the MLD according to the above method examples. For example, each functional module may be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the division of modules is schematic and is only the division of logical functions. In actual implementation, there may be another division method.

[0126] Fig.12 1 is a block diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 The communication device 1200 applied to the above-mentioned non-AP MLD (for example, the non-AP MLD 10 ) and / or a STA affiliated with the non-AP MLD (for example, the first station 110 ) may include a determining module 1210 .

[0127] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 determines a duration, wherein the duration covers at least a first duration that the first station loses medium synchronization, wherein the first station is attached to an MLD, the MLD operates in EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link among a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD. The determination module 1210 determines whether to start a medium synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or determines whether to update a time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on a previous medium synchronization delay timer.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first duration for which the first station loses medium synchronization covers at least a second duration from when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to when the MLD switches from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation.

[0129] In one embodiment, the second station performs frame exchange during a frame exchange operation of the MLD to which the second station is attached, and the frame exchange is performed on a second EMLSR link operated by the second station.

[0130] In one embodiment, the MLD is a non-AP MLD.

[0131] In one embodiment, the first duration during which the first station loses medium synchronization covers at least a third duration, and the third duration is between a first event and a second event, wherein the first event is the MLD switching from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the second event is the MLD switching from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation.

[0132] In one embodiment, the first station communicates with a first AP STA in the AP MLD through a first EMLSR link, and the second station communicates with a second AP STA in the AP MLD through a second EMLSR link.

[0133] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs: when it is determined that the MLD is performing a listening operation, the first station determines whether the first station loses medium synchronization due to a frame exchange started between the second station and the second AP STA; when it is determined that the first station loses medium synchronization, the first station determines that the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation.

[0134] In one embodiment, the determining module 1210 executes: when determining that the MLD switches back to the listening operation based on the end of the frame exchange, the first station determines that the MLD switches from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation.

[0135] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the duration from when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to when the frame exchange ends and a switching delay of the MLD.

[0136] In one embodiment, the first station cannot listen on the first EMLSR link during the frame exchange performed by the second station.

[0137] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 executes: when it is determined that the second station initiates a transmission sequence with the second AP STA in the first transmission opportunity (TXOP), the MLD determines to start frame exchange between the second station and the second AP STA.

[0138] In one embodiment, the first duration is a sum of a switching delay and a duration between a first timing point and a second timing point, wherein the first timing point is a timing point when the MLD switches from a listening operation to a frame exchange operation, and the second timing point is a timing point when the MLD determines that transmission of a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) in an initial presentation protocol data unit (PPDU) of the first TXOP has failed.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the switching delay and the duration between the first timing point and the third timing point, wherein the first timing point is a timing point when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the third timing point is a timing point of an end time of the frame exchange or an end time of the first TXOP.

[0140] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 executes: when it is determined that the second station obtains the first TXOP with the second AP STA, the MLD determines to start frame exchange between the second station and the second AP STA.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the switching delay and the duration between the first timing point and the third timing point, wherein the first timing point is a timing point when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the third timing point is a timing point of an end time of the frame exchange or an end time of the first TXOP.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first duration is the sum of the switching delay and the duration between a first timing point and a fourth timing point, wherein the first timing point is a timing point when the MLD switches from a listening operation to a frame exchange operation, and the fourth timing point is a timing point when the second station determines that a non-initial PPDU of the first TXOP fails.

[0143] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs: when it is determined that the duration exceeds the media synchronization threshold, the first site starts the media synchronization delay timer; or when it is determined that the previous media synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first site updates the time value of the media synchronization delay timer.

[0144] In one embodiment, after starting the medium synchronization delay timer, the determination module 1210 executes: determining whether to send an initial frame of the TXOP obtained by the first station based on the medium synchronization delay timer.

[0145] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs: when determining that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station prohibits the first station from sending a request to send (RTS) frame as an initial frame of the TXOP obtained by the first station.

[0146] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 further executes: when the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station performs a clear channel assessment (CCA); when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer expires, the first station initiates transmission when obtaining another TXOP.

[0147] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs: when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and the cumulative time length of the first station exceeds the medium synchronization threshold, prohibiting the first station from sending an RTS frame as the initial frame of the TXOP obtained by the first station; when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and the cumulative time length of the first station is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold, allowing the first station to send an RTS frame as the initial frame of the TXOP.

[0148] In one embodiment, the accumulated time length of the first station is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) time of the RTS frame, a slot time, a receive physical start delay, a switching delay, and a PPDU length.

[0149] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 performs: when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value, the first station allows the first station to send an RTS frame as an initial frame of a TXOP, wherein the first station is not allowed to switch to a receiving or transmitting operation using more than one spatial stream unless the first station obtains the TXOP.

[0150] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 executes: when it is determined that the duration is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold, the first station does not start the medium synchronization delay timer.

[0151] It should be noted that the user device described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is presented in the form of a functional module. The term "module" used herein should be understood as having the broadest possible meaning. The object used to implement the functions described by each "module" may be, for example, an integrated circuit ASIC, a single circuit or a chip, which is used to execute one or more software or firmware. The processor (shared processor, dedicated processor or chipset) and memory of the program, combinational logic circuits and / or other suitable components that provide the above functions.

[0152] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a multi-link device 1300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 The multi-link device 1300 applied to the non-AP MLD may include one or more transceivers 1310, one or more memories 1320, and one or more processors 1330. The program code is stored in the memory 1320 and runs on the processor 1330. When the program code is executed on the processor, the implementation Figure 1 and Figure 8The steps of any of the communication methods described in . The transceiver 1310 communicates with other electronic devices via a wireless network (e.g., WLAN) and generally operates according to IEEE standards (e.g., IEEE802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ay, IEEE 802.11be, etc.). One transceiver 1310 can establish multiple EMLSR links (e.g., a first EMLSR link L1 and a second EMLSR link L2). The multi-link device 1300 can be any type of device, including but not limited to user equipment, a wireless transmitter / receiver unit (WTRU), a mobile station, an advanced mobile station (AMS), a telephone device, a customer premises equipment (CPE), a wireless sensor, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, etc.

[0153] Since the program code stored in the multi-link device 1300 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments when executed by the processor 1330, the program code at least has all the advantageous effects brought by all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0154] In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a program code stored thereon, which enables a computer to execute Figure 1 and Figure 8 Any of the communication methods described in .

[0155] Since the program code stored in the computer-readable storage medium adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments when executed by the processor, the program code at least has all the advantageous effects brought by all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0156] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the above method embodiments are described as a series of action combinations. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the application is not limited by the described order of actions. Because according to the present disclosure, some steps can be performed in another order or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily necessary for the application.

[0157] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its focus. For parts that are not described in detail in one embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0158] In some embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed device can be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-mentioned device embodiments are only schematic. For example, the division of modules is only a division in logical functions. In actual implementation, there may be another division method. For example, multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some functions can be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or modules, and the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be in electrical form or other forms.

[0159] Modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and components shown as modules may or may not be physical units, and components shown as modules may be located in one location or may be distributed across multiple network elements. Some or all modules may be selected based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solution of this embodiment.

[0160] In addition, each functional module in each embodiment of the present disclosure can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The above-mentioned integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or software program module.

[0161] When the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software program module and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated module can be stored in a computer-readable memory. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure is essentially or contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be implemented in the form of a software product stored in a memory, and several instructions are included in the software product so that a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server or a network device, etc.) can perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-mentioned memory includes a flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and other media that can store program codes.

[0162] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a chip, which includes a processor, and the processor can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory. The processor may call and run a computer program from the memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] The memory may be a separate device from the processor, or the memory may be integrated into the processor.

[0165] Optionally, the chip may further include an input interface. The processor may control the input interface to communicate with other devices or chips. Specifically, the processor may obtain information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0166] Optionally, the chip may further include an output interface. The processor may control the output interface to communicate with other devices or chips. Specifically, the processor may output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0167] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiment of the present disclosure, and the chip can implement the corresponding process implemented by the network device in various ways in the embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the relevant details are omitted.

[0168] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal device in various ways in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the relevant details are omitted.

[0169] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be referred to as a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system, or a system on a chip, etc.

[0170] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memory is exemplary but not restrictive. For example, the memory in the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be static RAM (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic RAM (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous DRAM (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (synch link DRAM, SLDRAM) and direct bus RAM (direct Rambus RAM, DR RAM), etc. That is, the memory in the embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to include but is not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0171] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0172] Optionally, the computer program product may be applied to the communication device in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the communication device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the relevant details are omitted.

[0173] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program.

[0174] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the communication device in the embodiment of the present disclosure. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer can execute the corresponding process implemented by the communication device in the various methods of the embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the relevant details are omitted.

[0175] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an operation method of EMLSR. EMLSR operation is an important function specified in the next generation Wi-Fi standard IEEE 802.11be. Some solutions described in the present disclosure are suitable for application to the 802.11be standard and are suitable for use in Wi-Fi APs and STAs.

[0176] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. In view of the above, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and changes of the present invention as long as the modifications and changes fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An operation method of an enhanced multi-link single-radio EMLSR, comprising: a first station determines a duration, wherein the duration covers at least a first duration during which the first station loses medium synchronization, wherein the first station is attached to a multi-link device MLD, the MLD operates in EMLSR mode, the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and The first station determines whether to start a medium synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or determines whether to update a time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on a previous medium synchronization delay timer, The MLD is a non-AP MLD.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first duration during which the first station loses the medium synchronization covers at least a second duration, where the second duration is a duration from when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchanging operation to when the MLD switches from the frame exchanging operation back to the listening operation.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: A second station performs frame exchange during the frame exchange operation of the MLD, the second station being attached to the MLD, and the frame exchange is performed on a second EMLSR link operated by the second station.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first duration during which the first station loses the medium synchronization covers at least a third duration, and the third duration is the duration between a first event and a second event, wherein the first event is the MLD switching from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the second event is the MLD switching from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The first station communicates with a first AP station in the AP MLD through the first EMLSR link, and the second station communicates with a second AP station in the AP MLD through the second EMLSR link.

6. The method according to claim 5, comprising: When it is determined that the MLD is performing the listening operation, the first station determines whether the first station loses the medium synchronization due to the frame exchange started between the second station and the second AP station; When it is determined that the first station has lost the medium synchronization, the first station determines that the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchanging operation.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The first duration is the sum of: The duration from when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to when the frame exchange ends; and The switching delay of the MLD.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first station determines whether to start the medium synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or determines whether to update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on the previous medium synchronization delay timer, including: When it is determined that the duration exceeds the medium synchronization threshold, the first station starts the medium synchronization delay timer; or When it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first station updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: If the duration of the first station losing medium synchronization is greater than the medium synchronization threshold, the first station immediately starts the medium synchronization delay timer after the MLD returns to the listening operation.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: If the duration of the first station losing medium synchronization is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold, the first station does not start the medium synchronization delay timer after the MLD returns to the listening operation.

11. An operation method of an enhanced multi-link single-radio EMLSR, comprising: The first station starts a medium synchronization delay timer when it is determined that the duration exceeds a medium synchronization threshold, or updates a time value of the medium synchronization delay timer when it is determined that a previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, wherein the first station is attached to a multi-link device MLD, the MLD operates in an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link among a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; The first station determines whether to send an initial frame of a transmission opportunity TXOP obtained by the first station based on the medium synchronization delay timer, The MLD is a non-AP MLD.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: The first station determines a duration, wherein the duration covers at least a first duration during which the first station loses medium synchronization, wherein the first station is attached to the MLD on the first EMLSR link; and The first station determines whether to start the medium synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or determines whether to update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on the previous medium synchronization delay timer.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first duration during which the first station loses the medium synchronization covers at least a second duration, where the second duration is a duration from when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchanging operation to when the MLD switches from the frame exchanging operation back to the listening operation.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: A second station performs frame exchange during the frame exchange operation of the MLD, the second station being attached to the MLD, and the frame exchange is performed on a second EMLSR link operated by the second station.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first duration during which the first station loses the medium synchronization covers at least a third duration, and the third duration is the duration between a first event and a second event, wherein the first event is the MLD switching from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the second event is the MLD switching from the frame exchange operation back to the listening operation.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The first station communicates with a first AP station in the APMLD through the first EMLSR link, and the second station communicates with a second AP station in the AP MLD through the second EMLSR link.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising: When it is determined that the MLD is performing the listening operation, the first station determines whether the first station loses the medium synchronization due to the frame exchange started between the second station and the second AP station; When it is determined that the first station has lost the medium synchronization, the first station determines that the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchanging operation.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The first duration is the sum of: The duration from when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to when the frame exchange ends; and The switching delay of the second site.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first station determines whether to start the medium synchronization delay timer based on the duration, or determines whether to update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer based on the previous medium synchronization delay timer, including: When it is determined that the duration exceeds the medium synchronization threshold, the first station starts the medium synchronization delay timer; or When it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer has not expired, the first station updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein: If the duration of the first station losing medium synchronization is greater than the medium synchronization threshold, the first station immediately starts the medium synchronization delay timer after the MLD returns to the listening operation.

21. The method according to claim 11, wherein: If the duration of the first station losing medium synchronization is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold, the first station does not start the medium synchronization delay timer after the MLD returns to the listening operation.

22. A multi-link device MLD, characterized in that: The MLD includes: a memory configured to store instructions; A processor coupled to the memory is configured to execute the instructions so that the MLD executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

23. A multi-link device MLD, characterized in that: The MLD includes: a memory configured to store instructions; A processor coupled to the memory is configured to execute the instructions so that the MLD executes the communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

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