An enhanced multi-link single-wireless operation method, communication device, multi-link equipment, and storage medium.

Abstract

This disclosure provides an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) operation method and a multi-link device (MLD). The method includes: a first site determining a duration, wherein the duration at least covers a first duration during which the first site loses media synchronization, wherein the first site is attached to the MLD, the MLD operates in EMLSR mode, and the first site operates on a first EMLSR link among a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and the first site determining, based on the duration, whether to start a media synchronization delay timer, or based on a previous media synchronization delay timer, whether to update the time value of the media synchronization delay timer.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT / CN2022 / 070367, filed on January 5, 2022, entitled "Operation Method of Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio, Communication Device, Multi-Link Device, and Storage Medium", which entered the National Phase of the People's Republic of China on January 5, 2022, and was assigned application number 202280083363.9. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[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 listen to the EMLSR links by having the non-AP stations (STAs) attached to the non-AP MLD correspond to the EMLSR links in an awake state. The listening operation performed by the MLD includes clear channel assessment (CCA) and reception of the initial control frame of a frame exchange sequence initiated by the AP MLD.

[0005] Step 2: The AP attached to the AP MLD initiates a frame exchange with the non-AP MLD on one of the EMLSR links, which should start the frame exchange by transmitting the initial control frame to the non-AP MLD with the above specified limitations.

[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 is received and not transmit or receive frames on other one or more EMLSR links until the end of the frame exchange sequence, and subject to the spatial stream capability of the non-AP MLD, the operating mode and the link switching delay, the non-AP MLD shall be able to receive a presentation protocol data unit (PPDU) that is transmitted using more than one spatial stream on the link on which the initial control frame is received in a short interval frame space (SIFS) after the end of the response frame transmission requested by the initial control frame. During the frame exchange sequence, the AP MLD shall not transmit frames to the non-AP MLD on other one or more EMLSR links. The non-AP MLD switches back to the listening operation on the enabled link immediately after the end of the frame exchange sequence.

[0007] However, the following problems need to be solved regarding EMLSR. (1) When a non-AP station (STA) of the non-AP MLD exchanges frames with an AP of the AP MLD on one of the EMLSR links, other non-AP STAs on the 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 operation. In addition, when the non-AP MLD performs the listening operation, the non-AP MLD can only decode orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) PPDU and non-high throughput (HT) PPDU formats, and thus can be limited to synchronization with the medium.

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

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure relates to an operation method of 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 technical problems.

[0010] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an operating method of an EMLSR is provided. The method includes determining, by a first station, a duration, wherein the duration covers at least a first duration in which the first station loses medium synchronization, wherein the first station is affiliated to a MLD, the MLD operates in an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and determining, by the first station, whether to start a medium synchronization deferral timer based on the duration or whether to update a time value of the medium synchronization deferral timer based on a previous medium synchronization deferral timer.

[0011] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, an operating method of an EMLSR is provided. The method includes starting, by a first station, a medium synchronization deferral timer when determining that a duration exceeds a medium synchronization threshold, or updating, by the first station, a time value of the medium synchronization deferral timer when determining that a previous medium synchronization deferral timer is not expired, wherein the first station is affiliated to a MLD, the MLD operates in an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and determining, by the first station, whether to transmit an initial frame of a transmission opportunity (TXOP) obtained by the first station based on the medium synchronization deferral timer.

[0012] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes a determining module 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 affiliated to a MLD, the MLD operates in an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and determine whether to start a medium synchronization deferral timer based on the duration or whether to update a time value of the medium synchronization deferral timer based on a previous medium synchronization deferral timer.

[0013] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes a determining module configured to start, by a first station, a medium synchronization deferral timer when determining that a duration exceeds a medium synchronization threshold, or update, by the first station, a time value of the medium synchronization deferral timer when determining that a previous medium synchronization deferral timer is not expired, wherein the first station is affiliated to a MLD, the MLD operates in an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and determine, by the first station, whether to transmit an initial frame of a transmission opportunity (TXOP) obtained by the first station based on the medium synchronization deferral timer.

[0014] According to one or more example 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 with the memory and configured to execute the instructions, so that the MLD performs the operation method of the EMLSR described above.

[0015] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a chip is provided. The chip is used to implement the operation method of the EMLSR described above.

[0016] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium stores program codes, so that the computer performs the operation method of the EMLSR described above.

[0017] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program instructions, so that the computer performs the operation method of the EMLSR described above.

[0018] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer program enables the computer to perform the operation method of the EMLSR described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0032] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a communication apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers 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”. Key content of EMLSR is described as follows.

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

[0037] (1) The non-AP MLD shall be capable of listening to the EMLSR links to which the non-AP STAs affiliated to the non-AP MLD correspond by having the non-AP STAs in an awake state. The listening operation includes CCA and reception of 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 transmitted in the format of OFDM PPDU or non-HT duplicate PPDU using 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. Reception of the MU-RTS trigger frame and the BSRP trigger frame is mandatory for the non-AP MLD in the EMLSR mode. The number of spatial streams used to respond to the BSRP trigger frame shall be limited to one.

[0040] (4) The non-AP MLD shall indicate the duration of the delay in the EMLSR delay subfield of the EML capability subfield in the common info field of the basic multi-link element.

[0041] (5) The AP affiliated to the AP MLD initiates the frame exchange with the non-AP MLD on one of the EMLSR links by transmitting the initial control frame to the non-AP MLD with the above-mentioned restrictions to start the frame exchange.

[0042] (6) After receiving the initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence, the non-AP MLD shall be capable of transmitting or receiving frames on the link on which the initial control frame is received until the end of the frame exchange sequence and the non-AP MLD shall be capable of receiving a PPDU transmitted using more than one spatial stream on the link on which the initial control frame is received in the SIFS after the end of the response frame transmission requested by the initial control frame, subject to the spatial stream capability of the non-AP MLD, the operating mode, and the link switching delay. The AP MLD shall not transmit frames to the non-AP MLD on the other one or more EMLSR links during the frame exchange sequence. The non-AP MLD switches back to the listening operation on the enabled link immediately after the end of the frame exchange sequence.

[0043] (7) Only one non-AP STA affiliated to the non-AP MLD operating on one of the EMLSR links can initiate a frame exchange with the AP MLD. In one embodiment, the non-AP STA affiliated to the 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 embodiments of the present disclosure, when the non-AP MLD operates in EMLSR mode, the non-AP STA affiliated to the non-AP MLD operating on one of the EMLSR links cannot listen on its corresponding link, and during the period in which the non-AP MLD does not operate on listening on the EMLSR links, the non-AP STA considers that it has lost medium synchronization for one of the other one or more non-AP STAs operating on the other one or more EMLSR links affiliated to the same non-AP MLD. The listening operation includes CCA and reception of the initial control frame of the frame exchange sequence initiated by the AP MLD.

[0045] In embodiments of the present disclosure, to solve the above technical problems, an operation method of EMLSR is provided. The following will be discussed in detail.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 1 which shows a flowchart of an operation method of EMLSR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method of the present embodiment can be performed by the first station 110. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first station 110 is one of the non-AP STAs affiliated to the non-AP MLD 10 operating in EMLSR mode. In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 has multiple EMLSR links, and the first station 110 operates on a first EMLSR link L1 of the multiple EMLSR links of the non-AP MLD 10.

[0047] In step S110, the first station 110 determines a duration T0. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the duration T0 covers at least a first duration D1 in which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization. In one embodiment, the duration T0 can be equal to the first duration D1. In one 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 can 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 defer timer based on the time duration To, or to update the time value of the medium synchronization defer timer based on a previous medium synchronization defer timer.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first duration Dl during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least a second duration D2 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 back from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation, where the frame exchange operation is performed on a second EMLSR link L2 operated by the second station 120. In one embodiment, the second duration D2 can be equal to the first duration Dl. In one embodiment, the first duration Dl includes the second duration D2, which means that the second duration D2 is a part of the first duration Dl. In one embodiment, the time duration To, the first duration Dl and the second duration D2 are the same as each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0050] In another embodiment, the first duration Dl during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least a third duration D3 between a first event and a second event. In one embodiment, the first event is when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation. In one embodiment, the second event is when the non-AP MLD 10 switches back from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation. In one embodiment, the third duration D3 can be equal to the first duration Dl. In one embodiment, the first duration Dl includes the third duration D3, which means that the third duration D3 is a part of the first duration Dl. In one embodiment, the time duration To, the first duration Dl 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 affiliated to the non-AP MLD 10, and the second EMLSR link L2 is one of a plurality of EMLSR links of the non-AP MLD 10, which 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 during the frame exchange operation of the non-AP MLD 10.

[0053] In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 can be configured to communicate with the 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, where the first AP STA 210 can correspond to the first station 110 and the second AP STA 220 can 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 can determine whether the non-AP MLD 110 is performing a listening operation. In one embodiment, when it is determined that the non-AP MLD 10 is performing a listening operation, the first station 110 can determine whether the first station 110 loses medium synchronization due to a frame exchange initiated between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. In one embodiment, the first station 110 cannot listen to the first EMLSR link L1 during the frame exchange performed by the second station 120 with the second AP STA 220.

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

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

[0057] Referring to Figure 2A , a schematic diagram of an EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 2A , 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 the end of the frame exchange and a 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 the exchange frame on one of the plurality of EMLSR links to the listening operation on the plurality of EMLSR links. In Figure 2A , the switching delay is indicated in the EMLSR switching delay subfield of the EML capability subfield of the basic multi-link element, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0058] In Figure 2A , when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode with the AP MLD 20 supporting the EMLSR mode, the non-AP MLD 10 can switch from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation after the initial control frame of the frame exchange is received at the second station 120. In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 can switch back to the listening operation after an (EMLSR) transition delay D22 after the end of the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220.

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

[0060] In Figure 2A , for one of the other non-AP STAs operating on the other EMLSR links, the duration T0 that the first station 110 loses medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 can be equal to Figure 2A the first duration D1 in . If the duration T0 that 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 a medium synchronization threshold (shown as aMedium-SyncThreshold in Figure 2A and other figures), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (shown as MediumSyncDelay timer in Figure 2A and other figures) immediately after the non-AP MLD returns to the listening operation.

[0061] Referring to Figure 2B , another schematic diagram of the EMLSR transmission between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 2B , the first duration D1 is the sum of the duration D21 from the non-AP MLD 10 switching from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to the end of the frame exchange and the transition delay D22 of the non-AP MLD 10.

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

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

[0064] In Figure 2B , the duration T0 in which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization for one of the other non-AP STAs operating on the other EMLSR link covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 can be equal to Figure 2B the first duration D1 in . If the duration T0 in which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization is greater than a medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 in 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, the first station 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer is not expired. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can 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] Referring to Figure 3 , a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0067] In Figure 3 , when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode with the condition that the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode, once the second station 120, which is affiliated to the non-AP MLD 10 operating on the second EMLSR link L2, initiates a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 for or in a first transmission opportunity (TXOP), the non-AP MLD 10 determines that the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 starts. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 starts switching 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 the medium synchronization. If the transmission of the MPDU in the initial PPDU of the TXOP fails, when the second station 220 confirms 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] In Figure 3 , the duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses the medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 can be equal to Figure 3 the first duration D1 in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the transition delay D32 and the duration D31 between the first timing point TP1, at which the non-AP MLD 10 switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the second timing point TP2, at which 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] InFigure 3 In one embodiment, the second timing point TP2 can be determined by adding a waiting time to the end of the PPDU. In one embodiment, the waiting time can be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0070] In the second embodiment, if the duration To that 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 a medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration To that 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, the first station 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer is not expired. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can 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] Referring to 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] In Figure 4In the third embodiment, when the non-AP MLD 10 operates in the EMLSR mode with the condition that the AP MLD 20 supports the EMLSR mode, once the second station 120, which is affiliated 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 that the frame exchange is started between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 starts switching 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 the medium synchronization. In the third embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 will switch back to the listening operation after the frame exchange ends or after an EMLSR transition delay following the end of the first TXOP.

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

[0075] Figure 4 In the third embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of an (EMLSR) transition delay D42 and a duration D41 between a first timing point TP1 and a third timing point TP3, where the first timing point TP1 is the 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 the timing point of the end time of the frame exchange (e.g., the end time of the BA 412) or the end time of the first TXOP. Figure 4

[0076] ​​In the third embodiment, if the duration T0 that 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 a medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation. On the other hand, if the duration T0 that 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 is not expired, the first station 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can 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] Referring to Figure 5 , a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmissions between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0079] In 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 that the frame exchange is started between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 starts switching 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 end of the frame exchange (e.g., the end time of the BA 512) or the EMLSR transition delay after the end of the first TXOP.

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

[0081] In the third embodiment, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 can exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 511 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) a BA 512 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. Figure 5 In the third embodiment, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 can exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 511 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) a BA 512 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. Figure 5 In the third embodiment, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 can exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 511 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) a BA 512 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120.

[0082] In the third embodiment, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 can exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 511 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) a BA 512 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120.

[0083] In the third embodiment, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 can exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 511 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) a BA 512 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120.

[0084] Referring to 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. In the fifth embodiment, the frame exchange between the second station 120 and the second AP STA 220 can exemplarily include: (1) a PPDU 511 sent from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) a BA 512 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. Figure 6In this embodiment, non-AP MLD 10 operates in EMLSR mode, and AP MLD 20 supports EMLSR mode. In the fifth embodiment, the second station 120 can send an RTS frame 611 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 220 can respond to the RTS frame 611 by sending a CTS frame 612 to the second station 120. The CTS frame 612 can be used to notify the second station 120 that it has obtained a TXOP with the second AP STA 220, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0085] In the fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the second site 120 has acquired a TXOP with the second AP STA 220, the non-AP MLD 10 determines to initiate frame switching between the second site 120 and the second AP STA 220. Therefore, the non-AP MLD 10 begins to switch from listening operation to frame switching operation. In this case, other non-AP STAs operating on other EMLSR links (e.g., the first site 110) will lose media synchronization. In the fifth embodiment, if a non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 613) for the TXOP fails, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to listening operation after the EMLSR transition delay. Furthermore, the second site 120 can perform a backoff during the TXOP.

[0086] exist Figure 6 In this scenario, the duration T0 of the first station 110 losing media synchronization at least covers the first duration D1. For example, duration T0 could be equal to... Figure 6 The first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) transition 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 the timing point when the non-AP MLD 10 switches from listening operation to frame switching operation, and the fourth timing point TP4 is the timing point when the second station 120 determines that the non-initial PPDU (e.g., PPDU 613) of TXOP has failed.

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

[0088] In the fifth embodiment, if the other duration of the first station 110 losing medium synchronization is greater than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 can immediately start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., the MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to the listening operation again.

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

[0090] In one embodiment, the non-AP MLD 10 can switch back to the listening operation again in response to the BA 615, and another duration of the first station 110 losing medium synchronization the second time can cover at least the first duration D1’. For example, the other duration can be equal to the first duration D1’ in Figure 6 In one embodiment, the way of determining the first duration D1’ can refer to the discussion of determining the first duration D1 in Figure 4 and / or Figure 5 herein.

[0091] In the fifth embodiment, if the other duration of the first station 110 losing medium synchronization is greater than the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 can immediately start the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., the MediumSyncDelay timer) after the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to the listening operation again.

[0092] In the fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer is not expired, the first station 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. In one embodiment, the first station 110 can update the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer to a predetermined value. In another embodiment, the first station 110 can 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] Referring to Figure 7 , another schematic diagram of the EMLSR transmission between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0094] In 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 can send the RTS frame 711 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 220 can send the CTS frame 712 to the second station 120 in response to the RTS frame 711, wherein the CTS frame 712 can be used to inform the second station 120 that the second station 120 obtains the 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 the 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 the medium synchronization. In the fifth embodiment, when the non-initial PPDU (e.g., the PPDU 713) of the TXOP fails, the non-AP MLD 10 switches back to the listening operation after the EMLSR transition delay. In addition, the second station 120 can perform the backoff in the TXOP.

[0096] In Figure 7 , the duration T0 in which the first station 110 loses the medium synchronization covers at least the first duration D1. For example, the duration T0 can be equal to Figure 7In the fifth embodiment, the first duration D1 is the sum of the (EMLSR) transition delay D72 and a duration D71 between the first timing point TP1 and the fourth timing point TP4, where the first timing point TP1 is the 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 the timing point when the second station 120 determines that the non-initial PPDU (e.g., the PPDU 713) of the TXOP fails.

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

[0098] In the fifth embodiment, if the duration T0 that 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 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately after the non-AP MLD 10 returns to the listening operation.

[0099] In the fifth embodiment, the fourth timing point TP4 can be determined by adding the waiting time to the end of the PPDU 713. In one embodiment, the waiting time can be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay. Figure 7 In the fifth embodiment, after the second station 120 performs the backoff, the first station 110 can send the RTS frame 714 to the first AP STA 210, and the first AP STA 210 can send the CTS frame 715 to the first station 110 in response to the RTS frame 714. Thereafter, the frame exchange can be started between the first AP STA 210 and the first station 110, which can exemplarily include: (1) the PPDU 716 sent from the first station 110 to the first AP STA 210; (2) the BA 717 sent from the first AP STA 210 to the first station 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0100] Figure 7 In the fifth embodiment, the fourth timing point TP4 can be determined by adding the waiting time to the end of the PPDU 713. In one embodiment, the waiting time can be the sum of aSIFSTime, aSlotTime, and aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0101] ​​In the fifth embodiment, the second station 120 can determine a corresponding duration in which the second station 120 loses medium synchronization (due to the frame exchange by the first station 110 on the first EMLSR link L1). 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 can start a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer) immediately 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 can perform further operations based on the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. Detailed discussion will be provided in the following.

[0103] Referring to Figure 8 , which shows another flowchart of the method of operating EMLSR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method of the present embodiment can also be performed by the first station 110, and the introduction of the first station 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 station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., MediumSyncDelay timer), or when it is determined that the previous medium synchronization delay timer is not expired, the first station 110 updates the time value of the medium synchronization delay timer. The details of step S810 can refer to the above description, which will not be repeated here.

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

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

[0107] In the present embodiment, the second station 120 can initiate a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 on the second EMLSR link L2. In Figure 9In this transmission sequence, the transmission sequence may exemplary 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; and (4) BA 914 sent from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. As described above, the first station 110 will lose media synchronization, and the first station 110 can obtain the duration T0 of the loss of media synchronization (duration T0 at least covers the first duration D1). For example, the duration T0 may be equal to Figure 9 The first duration D1 is described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0108] exist Figure 9 In this context, assuming that the first station 110 determines that the duration T0 exceeds the medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts the medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., the MediumSyncDelay timer).

[0109] In one embodiment, the first station 110 may determine whether the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value. In one embodiment, when it is determined that the media 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, the first station 110 performs CCA when the media synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value. Furthermore, when it is determined that the media synchronization delay timer has expired, the first station 110 may initiate a transmission upon obtaining another TXOP.

[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 the initial frame of the TXOP obtained by the first station 110.

[0112] See Figure 10 It illustrates a schematic diagram of EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a second variant of the sixth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0113] In this embodiment, the second station 120 can initiate a transmission sequence with the second AP STA 220 on the second EMLSR link L2. Figure 10In the scenario of FIG. 10, the transmission sequence can include: (1) a PPDU 1011 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) a BA 1012 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120; (3) a PPDU 1013 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (4) a BA 1014 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. As mentioned above, the first station 110 will lose medium synchronization, and the first station 110 can obtain a duration To (the duration To covers at least the first duration Dl) during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization. For example, the duration To can be equal to the first duration Dl in FIG. 10. The first duration Dl can be introduced with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be described herein again. Figure 10

[0114] In the scenario of FIG. 10, the transmission sequence can include: (1) a PPDU 1011 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (2) a BA 1012 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120; (3) a PPDU 1013 transmitted from the second station 120 to the second AP STA 220; (4) a BA 1014 transmitted from the second AP STA 220 to the second station 120. As mentioned above, the first station 110 will lose medium synchronization, and the first station 110 can obtain a duration To (the duration To covers at least the first duration Dl) during which the first station 110 loses medium synchronization. For example, the duration To can be equal to the first duration Dl in FIG. 10. The first duration Dl can be introduced with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be described herein again. Figure 10

[0115] In one embodiment, the first station 110 can 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) conversion 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 the RTS frame as the initial frame of the TXOP obtained by the first station 110.

[0117] In the scenario of FIG. 10, 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 can allow the first station 110 to transmit the RTS frame 1015 as the initial frame of the TXOP. Figure 10 In the scenario of FIG. 10, 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 can allow the first station 110 to transmit the RTS frame 1015 as the initial frame of the TXOP.

[0118] Figure 10 In the scenario of FIG. 10, after the first station 110 transmits the RTS frame 1015 to the first AP STA 210, the second station 120 will lose medium synchronization accordingly.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 10, the first station 110 can transmit the RTS frame 1015 to the first AP STA 210, and the first AP STA 210 can transmit the BA 1016 to the first station 110. Figure 11 ​​​Fig. 11 shows a schematic diagram of an EMLSR transmission between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD according to a third variant of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] In the present embodiment, the second station 120 can send an RTS frame 1111 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 120 can send a CTS frame 1112 in response to the RTS frame 1111, where the CTS frame 1112 can be used to inform the second station 120 that the second station 120 obtains a TXOP. After that, the second station 120 can send a PPDU 1113 to the second AP STA 220, and the second AP STA 120 can send a BA 1114 to the second station 120. As mentioned above, the first station 110 will lose the medium synchronization, and the first station 110 can obtain a duration T0 during which the first station 110 loses the medium synchronization (the duration T0 covers at least the first duration D1). The first duration D1 can be referred to the above-mentioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] In Figure 11 , it is assumed that the first station 110 determines that the duration T0 exceeds a medium synchronization threshold (i.e., aMediumSyncThreshold), the first station 110 starts a medium synchronization delay timer (i.e., a MediumSyncDelay timer).

[0122] In one embodiment, the first station 110 can 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 allows the first station 110 to transmit an RTS frame 1116 as an initial frame of a TXOP, where the first station 110 is not allowed to switch to a receiving or transmitting operation using more than one spatial stream unless the first station 110 obtains the TXOP.

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

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

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

[0126] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a communication apparatus 1200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to Figure 12 The communication apparatus 1200 applied to the above non-AP MLD (for example, the non-AP MLD 10) and / or the STA (for example, the first station 110) attached to the non-AP MLD can include a determination module 1210.

[0127] In one embodiment, the determination module 1210 determines 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 an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link 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 in which the first station loses medium synchronization covers at least a second duration, and the second duration is from the MLD switching from a listening operation to a frame exchange operation to the MLD switching back from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation.

[0129] In one embodiment, the second station performs frame exchange during the frame exchange operation of the MLD, the second station is attached to the MLD, 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 that the first station loses medium synchronization covers at least the third duration, the third duration being between the first event and the 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 back from the frame exchange operation 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 determining module 1210 performs: when determining that the MLD is performing the listening operation, the first station determines whether the first station loses medium synchronization due to a frame exchange initiated between the second station and the second AP STA; when determining 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 performs: when determining that the MLD switches back to the listening operation based on an end of the frame exchange, the first station determines that the MLD switches back from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation.

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

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

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

[0138] In one embodiment, the first duration is a sum of a conversion 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 the listening operation to the frame exchange operation, and the second timing point is a timing point when the MLD determines that a transmission of a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) in an initial indication protocol data unit (PPDU) of the first TXOP fails.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first duration is a sum of a switching delay and a duration between the first timing point and the third timing point, where 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 determining module 1210 performs: when determining that the second station obtains the first TXOP with the second AP STA, the MLD determines to start the frame exchange between the second station and the second AP STA.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first duration is a sum of a switching delay and a duration between the first timing point and the third timing point, where 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 a sum of a switching delay and a duration between the first timing point and the fourth timing point, where the first timing point is a timing point when the MLD switches from the listening operation to the 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 determining module 1210 performs: when determining that the duration exceeds the medium synchronization threshold, the first station starts a medium synchronization delay timer; or when determining that a previous medium synchronization delay timer is not expired, the first station updates a time value of the medium synchronization delay timer.

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

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

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

[0147] In one embodiment, the determining module 1210 performs: when it is determined that the medium synchronization delay timer has a non-zero value and the accumulated time length of the first station exceeds the medium synchronization threshold, the first station is prohibited from transmitting the 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 accumulated time length of the first station is less than or equal to the medium synchronization threshold, the first station is allowed to transmit the 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 the short interframe space (SIFS) time of the RTS frame, the slot time, the receive physical start delay, the switching delay, and the PPDU length.

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

[0150] In one embodiment, the determining module 1210 performs: 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 functional modules. The term "module" used herein should be understood as the broadest possible meaning. The object used to implement the function described by each "module" can be, for example, an integrated circuit ASIC, a single circuit or chip, which is used to execute one or more software or firmware. The processor (shared processor, dedicated processor or chip set) and memory of the program, combination logic circuit and / or other suitable components that provide the above-mentioned functions.

[0152] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a multi-link device 1300 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 13 , the multi-link device 1300 applied to the above-mentioned non-AP MLD can include one or more transceivers 1310, one or more memories 1320, and one or more processors 1330. The program code is stored on the memory 1320 and runs on the processor 1330. When the program code is executed on the processor, the functions of Figure 1 and Figure 8The steps of any one of the described communication methods. The transceiver 1310 communicates with other electronic devices over a wireless network (e.g., a WLAN) and typically operates in accordance with IEEE standards (e.g., IEEE 802.11ax, 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, a user equipment, a wireless transmitter / receiver unit (WTRU), a mobile station, an advanced mobile station (AMS), a telephone apparatus, a customer premise equipment (CPE), a wireless sensor, a handheld device with wireless communication functionality, 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 here will not be repeated.

[0154] In addition, one embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, which stores program code, so that the computer executes Figure 1 andthe communication method described in any one of Figure 8

[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 here will not be repeated.

[0156] It should be noted that, for the purpose of description, the above method embodiments are all described as a combination of a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the application is not limited by the order of the described actions. Because according to the present disclosure, certain 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 essential to the application.

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

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

[0159] The modules described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules can or can not be physical units, and the components shown as modules can be located in one location or distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the goal of the solution of the present 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 alone, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or a 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 storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the present disclosure essentially or contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions can be implemented in the form of a software product stored in a storage medium, and a plurality of instructions contained in the software product enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-mentioned storage medium includes a flash disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program codes.

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

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

[0164] The memory can be a separate device independent of the processor, or the memory can be integrated in the processor.

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

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

[0167] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the chip can implement the corresponding process implemented by the network device in various methods in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For brevity, 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 process implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal device in various methods in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For brevity, relevant details are omitted.

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

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

[0171] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program product including computer program instructions.

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

[0173] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program.

[0174] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the communication device in the embodiments of the present disclosure. When the computer program runs on the computer, the computer can perform the corresponding processes implemented by the communication device in various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The relevant details are omitted for brevity.

[0175] In general, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an operating 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 suitable for adoption in Wi-Fi AP and STA.

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

Claims

1. A method of operating an enhanced multi-link single radio, EMLSR, comprising: determining, by a first station, a duration, wherein the duration covers at least a first duration in which the first station loses medium synchronization, wherein the first station is affiliated with a multi-link device, MLD, operating in an EMLSR mode, and the first station operates on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; and determining, by the first station, whether to start a medium synchronization defer timer based on the duration, wherein the first duration in which the first station loses the medium synchronization covers at least a third duration, the third duration being a duration between a first event and a second event, wherein the first event is the MLD switching from a listening operation to a frame exchange operation, and the second event is the MLD switching back from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation; wherein the MLD is a non-access point, non-AP, MLD.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, a second station performs a frame exchange during the frame exchange operation of the MLD, the second station being affiliated with the MLD, and the frame exchange being performed on a second EMLSR link operated by the second station.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first duration does not start with a multi-user request to send, MU-RTS, trigger frame.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, the MU-RTS trigger frame is an initial control frame, ICF.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first duration is equal to the third duration, the third duration being a duration from the MLD switching from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to an end of the frame exchange operation and a duration from the end of the frame exchange operation to the MLD switching back from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein, the first station communicates with a first AP station in an AP MLD over the first EMLSR link, and the second station communicates with a second AP station in the AP MLD over the second EMLSR link.

7. The method of claim 6, comprising: determining, by the first station, whether the first station loses the medium synchronization due to the frame exchange starting between the second station and the second AP station when it is determined that the MLD is performing the listening operation; determining, by the first station, that the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation when it is determined that the first station loses the medium synchronization.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: determining, by the first station, that the MLD switches back from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation when it is determined that the MLD switches back to the listening operation based on an end of the frame exchange.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, the first duration is a sum of: a duration from the MLD switching from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to an end of the frame exchange; and a switching delay of the MLD.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, the medium synchronization threshold is a threshold, aMediumSyncThreshold, corresponding to the medium synchronization defer timer.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first station starts the medium synchronization defer timer immediately after the MLD returns to the listening operation if the duration in which the first station loses medium synchronization is greater than the medium synchronization threshold.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein, If a duration that the first station loses medium synchronization is less than or equal to a medium synchronization threshold, the first station does not start a medium synchronization deferral timer after the MLD returns to a listening operation.

13. A method of operation of an enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR), comprising: starting, by a first station, a medium synchronization deferral timer when a duration is determined to exceed a medium synchronization threshold, wherein the first station is affiliated with a multi-link device (MLD) that operates in an EMLSR mode, the first station operating on a first EMLSR link of a plurality of EMLSR links of the MLD; determining, by the first station, whether to transmit an initial frame of a transmission opportunity (TXOP) obtained by the first station based on the medium synchronization deferral timer, wherein the MLD is a non-access point (non-AP) MLD, determining, by the first station, a duration, wherein the duration covers at least a first duration that the first station loses medium synchronization, wherein the first station is affiliated with the MLD on the first EMLSR link; and determining, by the first station, whether to start the medium synchronization deferral timer based on the duration; the first duration that the first station loses the medium synchronization covers at least a third duration, the third duration being a duration between a first event and a second event, wherein the first event is the MLD switching from a listening operation to a frame exchange operation, the second event is the MLD switching back from the frame exchange operation to the listening operation.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, performing, by a second station, a frame exchange during the MLD is in the frame exchange operation, the second station being affiliated with the MLD, the frame exchange being performed on a second EMLSR link operated by the second station.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, the first station communicates with a first AP station in an AP MLD over the first EMLSR link, the second station communicates with a second AP station in the AP MLD over the second EMLSR link.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising: determining, by the first station, whether the first station loses the medium synchronization due to the frame exchange initiated between the second station and the second AP station when it is determined that the MLD is performing the listening operation; determining, by the first station, that the MLD switches from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation when it is determined that the first station loses the medium synchronization.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, the first duration is a sum of: a duration from the MLD switching from the listening operation to the frame exchange operation to the frame exchange ending; and a turnaround delay of the second station.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein, If a duration that the first station loses medium synchronization is greater than a medium synchronization threshold, the first station starts a medium synchronization deferral timer immediately after the MLD returns to a listening operation.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein, If a duration that the first station loses medium synchronization is less than or equal to a medium synchronization threshold, the first station does not start a medium synchronization deferral timer after the MLD returns to a listening operation.

20. A multi-link device, MLD, comprising: the MLD comprises: a memory configured to store instructions; a processor coupled with the memory and configured to execute the instructions to cause the MLD to perform the method of any one of claims 1-12.

21. A multi-link device, MLD, comprising: The MLD comprises: a memory configured to store instructions; a processor coupled with the memory and configured to execute the instructions to cause the MLD to perform the method of any one of claims 13-19.

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