Wireless communication method and device, equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a wireless communication method and device, equipment and a storage medium, and the method comprises the steps that an access point multi-link device AP MLD and a non-access point device carry out frame exchange on a first link, the link mode of the AP MLD comprises a first mode, and the link mode of the AP MLD comprises a second mode; the number of available spatial streams used for receiving or sending of the first link when the AP MLD is in the first mode comprises a first number, the number of available spatial streams used for receiving or sending of the first link when the AP MLD is not in the first mode comprises a second number, and the first number is greater than the second number.

Description

Wireless communication method, device, equipment, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of mobile communication technology, and specifically to a wireless communication method and apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The wireless LAN industry is currently one of the fastest-growing sectors in the entire data communications sector. As a supplement and extension of traditional wired LANs, wireless LAN solutions have rapidly gained popularity among home network users, small and medium-sized offices, enterprises, and telecom operators due to their flexibility, mobility, scalability, and low investment costs. An increasing number of wireless LAN devices now support mobile access point (AP) functionality.

[0003] An AP multi-link device (MLD) with Mobile AP functionality has a nonsimultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) link pair. One link in the NSTR link pair serves as the primary link to transmit beacon frames and probe response frames, while the other link serves as the secondary link and does not transmit beacon frames or probe response frames.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a wireless communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium.

[0006] The wireless communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes:

[0007] An access point multi-link device AP MLD exchanges frames with a non-access point device on a first link, where a link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, and when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number; and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, where the first number is greater than the second number.

[0008] The wireless communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes:

[0009] A non-access point device exchanges frames with an access point multi-link device AP MLD on a first link, where a link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, and when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number; and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, where the first number is greater than the second number.

[0010] The wireless communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to an AP MLD, including:

[0011] The first communication unit is configured to exchange frames with the non-access point device on a first link, wherein the link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for reception or transmission on the first link includes a first number, and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for reception or transmission on the first link includes a second number, and the first number is greater than the second number.

[0012] The wireless communication apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present application, applied to a non-access point device, includes:

[0013] The second communication unit is configured to exchange frames with an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) on a first link, where a link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, and when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number; and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, and the first number is greater than the second number.

[0014] The communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application may be the AP MLD described in the above solution or the non-access point device described in the above solution. The communication device includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the above wireless communication method.

[0015] The chip provided in the embodiment of the present application is used to implement the above-mentioned wireless communication method.

[0016] Specifically, the chip includes: a processor, which is used to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes the above-mentioned wireless communication method.

[0017] The computer-readable storage medium provided in an embodiment of the present application is used to store a computer program, and the execution of the computer program enables the computer to execute the above-mentioned wireless communication method.

[0018] The computer program product provided in the embodiments of the present application includes computer program instructions, and the execution of the computer program instructions enables a computer to execute the above-mentioned wireless communication method.

[0019] The computer program provided in the embodiment of the present application, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the above-mentioned wireless communication method.

[0020] Through the above technical solution, the first mode of AP MLD is utilized to increase the number of available spatial streams of the first link, enhance the spatial stream capacity of the first link, and improve the transmission efficiency of AP MLD. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0022] FIG1 is an optional schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG2A is an optional schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG2B is an optional schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG3 is an optional schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG5 is an optional schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG6A is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG6B is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the format of the Presence Bitmap field in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the format of the Common Info field in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the format of the EL Capabilities field in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of an encoding method of the EL Padding Delay field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of an encoding method of the EL Transition Delay field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the format of the EML Capabilities field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the format of the EML Capabilities field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the format of the Action field of the EL OMN according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the encoding method of the Action field of the modified EL OMN according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the format of the EL Control field in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of an encoding method of the EL Control field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the format of the EML Control field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of the format of Control Information according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG21 is an optional schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG22 is an optional schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG24 is an optional flowchart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG26 is an optional schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG27 is an optional schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG28A is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG28B is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG30 is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG31 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG32 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 33 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following will describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), or other communication systems. WLAN can support frequency bands including, but not limited to, low frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) and high frequency bands (60 GHz).

[0060] FIG1 is an example of a communication system architecture applied in an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] As shown in FIG1 , the communication system 100 may include an AP 110 and a STA 120 that accesses the network through the AP 110. In some scenarios, the AP 110 may be referred to as an AP STA, meaning that, in a sense, the AP 110 is also a type of STA. In some scenarios, the STA 120 may be referred to as a non-AP STA. In some scenarios, the STA 120 may include both AP STAs and non-AP STAs. Communication in the communication system 100 may include communication between the AP 110 and the STA 120, communication between the STA 120 and another STA 120, or communication between the STA 120 and a peer STA. A peer STA may refer to a device communicating with the STA 120, for example, a peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0062] AP 110 can be used as a bridge between wired and wireless networks, connecting wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to Ethernet. AP 110 can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) equipped with a WiFi chip.

[0063] It should be noted that the role of STA 120 in the communication system is not absolute. In other words, the role of STA 120 in the communication system can switch between AP and STA. For example, in some scenarios, when a mobile phone is connected to a router, the mobile phone is a STA. When the mobile phone is used as a hotspot for other mobile phones, the mobile phone plays the role of AP.

[0064] In some embodiments, AP 110 and STA 120 can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0065] In some embodiments, AP 110 may be a device supporting the 802.11be standard. The AP may also be a device supporting various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. In some embodiments, STA 120 may support the 802.11be standard. The STA may also support various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0066] In some embodiments, AP 110 and / or STA 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on the water surface (such as a ship); can also be deployed in the air (for example, on an airplane, balloon, and satellite, etc.).

[0067] In some embodiments, STA 120 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless device in industrial control, a set-top box, a wireless device in self-driving, an in-vehicle communication device, a wireless device in remote medical, a wireless device in a smart grid, a wireless device in transportation safety, a wireless device in a smart city or a wireless device in a smart home, an in-vehicle communication device, a wireless communication chip / application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) / system on chip (SoC), etc. that supports WLAN / WiFi technology.

[0068] For example, STA 120 can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices can also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that use wearable technology to intelligently design and develop wearable devices, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. In a broad sense, wearable smart devices include those that are full-featured, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0069] It should be understood that Figure 1 is merely an example of the present application and should not be construed as limiting the present application. For example, Figure 1 only exemplarily illustrates one AP and two STAs. In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may include multiple APs and other numbers of STAs, which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0070] FIG2A is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2A, communication system 200 may include: AP MLD 210 and non-AP MLD 220. AP MLD 210 is an electronic device capable of forming a wireless local area network 230 based on transmitted signals, such as a router or a mobile phone with hotspot functionality. Non-AP MLD 220 is an electronic device connected to the wireless local area network 230 formed by AP MLD 210, such as a mobile phone, smart washing machine, air conditioner, or electronic lock. Non-AP MLD 220 communicates with AP MLD 210 via wireless local area network 230. AP MLD 210 may be a soft AP MLD, a mobile AP MLD, or the like.

[0072] As shown in FIG2B , in the communication system described in FIG2A , AP MLD 210 is associated with at least two APs 2101, and non-AP MLD 220 is associated with at least two STAs (STAs) 2201. Each AP is connected to a different STA in non-AP MLD 220 via a different link. An AP associated with an AP MLD is also referred to as an AP MLD-associated AP, and a STA associated with a non-AP MLD is also referred to as a non-AP MLD-associated STA.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present application, the AP MLD 210 and the non-AP MLD 220 may be terminal devices, which may refer to access terminals, user equipment (UE), subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication devices, user agents, or user devices. Access terminals may be cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5th generation (5G) networks, or terminal devices in future Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), etc.

[0074] The communication system 200 shown in Figure 2A may also include a network device, which may be an access network device that communicates with a terminal device. The access network device may provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and may communicate with terminal devices within the coverage area.

[0075] FIG2A exemplarily shows an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD. Optionally, the wireless communication system 200 may include multiple non-AP MLDs connected to the wireless local area network 230 , which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0076] It should be noted that Figures 1, 2A, and 2B are merely examples of the systems to which this application applies. Of course, the methods described in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other systems. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" herein simply describes an association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " herein generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship. It should also be understood that the "indication" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct indication, an indirect indication, or an indication of an associated relationship. For example, "A indicates B" can mean that A directly indicates B, for example, B can obtain information through A; it can also mean that A indirectly indicates B, for example, A indicates C, and B can obtain information through C; it can also mean that A and B have an associated relationship. It should also be understood that the “correspondence” mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or an association relationship between the two, or a relationship between indication and being indicated, configuration and being configured, etc. It should also be understood that the “predefined” or “predefined rules” mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in devices (for example, including terminal devices and network devices), and the present application does not limit its specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to what is defined in the protocol. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the “protocol” may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, for example, it may include LTE protocols, NR protocols, and related protocols used in future communication systems, and the present application does not limit this.

[0077] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the relevant technologies of the embodiments of the present application are described below. The following relevant technologies can be arbitrarily combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and they all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] The protocol defines the concept of non-simultaneous transmit and receive mobile access point multi-link device (NSTR Mobile AP MLD). To avoid inter-domain conflicts in NSTR Mobile AP MLD data transmission, the concepts of primary and non-primary links are clarified, requiring that all management frames be transmitted only on the primary link. The protocol also defines synchronous transmission rules for NSTR Mobile AP MLD, requiring that non-primary links can only transmit data when the primary link holds a transmission opportunity (TXOP). Furthermore, data frames between the primary and non-primary links must be aligned in start and end time.

[0079] During data transmission between AP MLD and non-AP MLD, in addition to using synchronous transmission rules to resolve inter-domain conflicts, the enhanced multi-link (EML) operating mode can also be used. This mode switches spatial streams on multiple links to a single working link, using spatial diversity or spatial multiplexing for transmission. This improves device transmission efficiency while avoiding inter-domain conflicts during data exchange.

[0080] Although synchronous transmission rules can resolve inter-domain conflicts in NSTR Mobile AP MLD, they cannot fully utilize all the spatial stream resources owned by NSTR Mobile AP MLD. For example, when the non-primary link of NSTR Mobile AP MLD is idle, the data transmission rate of NSTR Mobile AP MLD will be greatly limited by the number of spatial streams owned by the AP on the primary link.

[0081] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above related technologies can be combined arbitrarily with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and all of them fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application include at least part of the following contents.

[0082] The wireless communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the AP MLD, as shown in FIG3 , and includes:

[0083] S301: An access point multi-link device (AP MLD) exchanges frames with a non-access point device on a first link. A link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode. When the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number. When the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, and the first number is greater than the second number.

[0084] The wireless communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to a non-access point device, as shown in FIG4 , and includes:

[0085] S401: A non-access point device and an AP MLD exchange frames on a first link, where a link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, and when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number; and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, and the first number is greater than the second number.

[0086] The wireless communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to a wireless communication system including an AP MLD and a non-access point device, as shown in FIG5 , including:

[0087] S501: An AP MLD exchanges frames with a non-access point device on a first link. The link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode. When the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number. When the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, and the first number is greater than the second number.

[0088] Below, the wireless communication method shown in Figure 3, Figure 4 or Figure 5 provided in the embodiments of the present application is further described.

[0089] The link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, which can be understood as a link enhancement (EL) working mode or a link enhancement mode.

[0090] If the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams of the first link includes the first number; if the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the AP MLD is in a mode other than the first mode, and the number of available spatial streams of the first link is the second number.

[0091] In an example, if the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams of the first link is M; if the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams of the first link includes N, and N is greater than M.

[0092] It is understandable that the number of available spatial streams for reception of the AP MLD is independent of the number of available spatial streams for transmission. Optionally, when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for reception includes the second number, and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for reception is the first number; or, when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for transmission includes the second number, and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for transmission is the first number.

[0093] The AP MLD is in the first mode, which can be understood as the communication between the AP MLD and one or more non-access point devices is in the first mode, and the number of available spatial streams of the first link for communication between the AP MLD and the one or more non-access point devices includes the first number.

[0094] The AP MLD uses the first link to perform frame exchange with the non-access point device. The number of spatial streams used by the AP MLD for frame exchange is less than or equal to the number of available spatial streams of the first link. If the number of available spatial streams of the first link is a first number when the AP MLD performs frame exchange, the number of spatial streams used by the first link for frame exchange is less than or equal to the first number. If the number of available spatial streams of the first link is a second number when the AP MLD performs frame exchange, the number of spatial streams used by the first link for frame exchange is less than or equal to the second number.

[0095] The AP MLD exchanges frames with the non-access point device, which can be understood as the AP MLD interacting with the non-access point device based on the first link. Frames in the frame exchange process may include data frames and other frames such as management frames.

[0096] In an example scenario, the AP MLD sends a frame to a non-AP device on a first link. After receiving the frame, the non-AP device sends an acknowledgment frame to the AP MLD on the first link. The acknowledgment frame indicates that the non-AP device has received the frame. In this case, the frame exchanged is an uplink frame.

[0097] In an example scenario, a non-access point device sends a frame to the AP MLD on a first link. After receiving the sent frame, the AP MLD sends an acknowledgment frame to the non-access point device on the first link. The acknowledgment frame is used to indicate that the AP MLD has received the frame sent by the non-access point device.

[0098] Understandably, when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams of the first link may further include a second number. If the AP MLD is in the first mode and the number of available spatial streams of the first link is the second number, the number of spatial streams used for frame exchange on the first link is less than or equal to the second number.

[0099] Optionally, the non-access point device includes a Non-AP MLD or a Non-AP STA.

[0100] A non-AP MLD is associated with at least two STAs (STAs). The STAs associated with the non-AP MLD are referred to as associated STAs. If the AP MLD operating in the first mode exchanges frames with the non-AP MLD using the first link, the AP MLD exchanges frames with the associated STAs in the non-AP MLD using the first link.

[0101] Optionally, the first link is a primary link and the second link is a secondary link. In this case, the AP MLD may switch available space of the secondary link to the primary link.

[0102] In the embodiment of the present application, the AP MLD may include but is not limited to the NSTR Mobile AP MLD, and the AP MLD includes at least two links. Optionally, the AP MLD is the NSTR Mobile AP MLD, and the NSTR Mobile AP MLD includes two links, and the two links included in the NSTR Mobile AP MLD constitute an NSTR link pair.

[0103] In some embodiments, if the AP MLD is in the first mode, the available spatial streams of the first link of the AP MLD include available spatial streams switched to the first link on a second link, where the second link is a link of the AP MLD other than the first link.

[0104] It can be understood that the first link is an enhanced-link (EL) working link, and the other link of the AP MLD, ie, the second link, is a non-EL working link.

[0105] Optionally, part or all of the available spatial streams of the second link of the AP MLD can be switched to the first link, so that the available spatial streams of the first link include the available spatial streams switched from the second link to the first link.

[0106] Optionally, for a second link, all or part of the available spatial streams of the second link can be switched to the first link.

[0107] When the AP MLD is in the first mode, the available spatial streams of the second link may be switched to the first link. Optionally, if the AP MLD is in the first mode, whether the available spatial streams of the second link are switched to the first link is determined based on the number of available spatial streams of the non-access point device.

[0108] Switching the available spatial stream of the second link to the first link can be understood as switching the available spatial stream for reception or transmission of the second link to the first link for frame exchange on the first link.

[0109] If the available spatial stream for reception on the second link is switched to the first link for frame exchange on the first link, the available spatial stream for reception on the first link includes its original available spatial stream for reception and the available spatial stream for reception on the second link. That is, the available spatial streams for reception on multiple links of the AP MLD are merged, and the merged available spatial stream for reception is applied to the first link.

[0110] If the available spatial stream for sending on the second link is switched to the first link for frame exchange on the first link, the available spatial stream for sending on the first link includes its original available spatial stream for sending and the available spatial stream for sending on the second link. That is, the available spatial streams for sending on multiple links of the AP MLD are merged, and the merged available spatial stream for sending is applied to the first link.

[0111] Taking the case where the available switching flow of the second link is not switched to the first link as an example, the AP MLD has multiple links, each link has a corresponding available spatial stream, and the number of available spatial streams of different links is independent. The number of available spatial streams of the first link is the second number.

[0112] Taking the switching of all available switching flows of the second link to the first link as an example, the AP MLD has multiple links, the first link has corresponding available spatial streams, and the number of the corresponding available spatial streams includes all available spatial streams of the second link, and the second link does not have corresponding available spatial streams.

[0113] Taking the switching of part of the available switching flows of the second link to the first link as an example, the AP MLD has multiple links, the first link has corresponding available spatial streams, and the number of the corresponding available spatial streams includes part of the available spatial streams of the second link, and the second link has part of the available spatial streams.

[0114] In one example, AP MLD includes three links: link 1, link 2, and link 3. Link 1 is a first link, and link 2 and link 3 are different second links. If the available spatial streams of the second link are not switched to the first link, the number of available spatial streams for reception on link 1 is 2, the number of available spatial streams for reception on link 2 is 2, and the number of available spatial streams for reception on link 3 is 2. If all available spatial streams for reception on links 2 and 3 are switched to link 1, the number of available spatial streams for reception on link 1 is 6, and the number of available spatial streams for reception on links 2 and 3 is 0. If some available spatial streams for reception on links 2 and 3 are switched to link 1, the number of available spatial streams for reception on link 1 is 4, and the number of available spatial streams for reception on links 2 and 3 is 1, respectively.

[0115] The available spatial streams of the second link among the multiple links of the AP MLD are switched to the first link, so that the available spatial streams of the first link include the available spatial streams of the second link. This increases the number of available spatial streams of the first link, enhances the spatial stream capacity, and improves the working efficiency of the first link.

[0116] In some embodiments, the AP MLD further performs the following steps:

[0117] The AP MLD sends a first frame, where the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0118] At this time, the non-access point device receives the first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the non-access point device determines whether the AP MLD enters or exits the first mode based on the first frame.

[0119] In this embodiment of the present application, the first frame is used to notify a non-access point device associated with the AP MLD that the AP MLD is about to enter or exit the first mode. If the AP MLD needs to enter or exit the first mode, the AP MLD sends the first frame to the associated non-access point device to notify the associated non-access point device of the AP MLD to enter or exit the first mode. The non-access point device associated with the AP MLD receives the first frame and determines whether the AP MLD enters or exits the first mode based on the first frame.

[0120] If the first frame instructs the AP MLD to start the first mode, the AP MLD enters the first mode based on sending the first frame, and the non-access point device determines that the AP MLD enters the first mode based on the first frame.

[0121] If the first frame instructs the AP MLD to end the first mode, the AP MLD exits the first mode based on sending the first frame, and the non-access point device determines that the AP MLD exits the first mode based on the first frame.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first mode includes: an independent operation mode and a group operation mode;

[0123] In the independent operation mode, the AP MLD sends a first frame to the non-access point device, the first frame is used to instruct the AP

[0124] MLD starts or ends the first mode;

[0125] In the group operation mode, the AP MLD broadcasts the first frame.

[0126] In the independent operation mode, the AP MLD sends a first frame to a non-access point device on a first link, and only notifies the non-access point device to start or end the first mode based on the first frame.

[0127] When the AP MLD starts the independent operation mode, the AP MLD enters the first mode with only one non-access point device. The AP MLD sends a first frame to the non-access point device on a first link, and the non-access point device receives the first frame on the first link.

[0128] In the independent operation mode, the AP MLD notifies the non-AP device on the first link that it is about to start or end the first mode. At this time, the first mode is effective for communications between the AP MLD and the non-AP device. Communications between the AP MLD and AP devices other than the AP device are not in the first mode.

[0129] In the group operation mode, the AP MLD broadcasts a first frame, and multiple non-access point devices associated with the AP MLD monitor the first frame.

[0130] If the AP MLD enables group operation mode, the AP MLD will broadcast to its associated non-AP devices that it is about to start or end the first mode. In group operation mode, the first mode is effective for communications between the AP MLD and all non-AP devices associated with the AP MLD.

[0131] Optionally, if the operation mode of the first mode is the group operation mode, the method further includes: the AP MLD entering or exiting the first mode after completing sending the first frame.

[0132] Taking the first frame instructing the AP MLD to start the first mode as an example, the AP MLD broadcasts the first frame for instructing to start the first mode, and enters the first mode after completing the broadcast of the first frame.

[0133] Taking the first frame instructing the AP MLD to end the first mode as an example, the AP MLD broadcasts the first frame for instructing the end of the first mode, and exits the first mode after completing the broadcast of the first frame.

[0134] Optionally, if the operation mode of the first mode is the independent operation mode, the method further includes: the AP MLD enters or exits the first mode at a second moment after the first moment or after completing the reception of the second frame, the second moment is separated from the first moment by a first time length, the first moment is the moment when the sending of the first frame is completed, and the second frame is used to respond to the first frame.

[0135] Optionally, the first duration is the maximum duration of waiting for the second frame after sending the first frame.

[0136] In the independent operation mode, the AP MLD sends a first frame to a non-access point device on a first link, starts timing after a first moment of completing the transmission of the first frame, and enters or exits the first mode after a first duration of time after completing the transmission of the first frame or after receiving a second frame sent by the non-access point device in response to the first frame.

[0137] Taking the first frame instructing the AP MLD to start the first mode as an example, the AP MLD sends the first frame for instructing to start the first mode on the first link. The AP MLD enters the first mode at the second moment after completing sending the first frame or completing receiving the second frame.

[0138] Taking the first frame instructing the AP MLD to end the first mode as an example, the AP MLD sends the first frame on the first link to indicate the end of the first mode; the AP MLD exits the first mode at a second moment after completing sending the first frame or completing receiving the second frame.

[0139] Optionally, the second frame responding to the first frame includes a dialog token having the same value as that included in the first frame.

[0140] Optionally, if the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to enable the first mode, the first frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to enable the first mode.

[0141] Optionally, if the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode, the first frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first frame is further used to indicate whether the operation mode of the AP MLD is an independent operation mode or a group operation mode.

[0143] Optionally, the first frame carries third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the AP MLD is an independent operation mode.

[0144] Optionally, the first frame carries fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the AP MLD is a group operation mode.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first identifier, the first identifier having a first value is first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to start the first mode; the first identifier having a second value is second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode.

[0146] The first flag is a bit indicating whether the AP MLD starts or ends the first mode. The first flag may include one or more bits.

[0147] It is understandable that the first value and the second value can be different values. For example, if the first identifier includes 1 bit, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0; or the first value is 0 and the second value is 1.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a second identifier, the first identifier whose value is a third value is third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the first mode is an independent operation mode, and the second identifier whose value is a fourth value is fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the first mode is a group operation mode.

[0149] The second flag is a bit indicating the operation mode of the AP MLD, and the second flag may include one or more bits.

[0150] It is understandable that the third value and the fourth value are different values. Taking the second identifier including 1 bit as an example, the third value is 1 and the fourth value is 0; or the third value is 0 and the fourth value is 1.

[0151] Optionally, the first frame includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0152] The third identifier is a bit indicating the first link, and the third identifier may include one or more bits.

[0153] When the third identifier includes multiple bits, different bits correspond to different links, and the link corresponding to the bit with the set value is the first link. It is understandable that the number of bits included in the third identifier can be greater than or equal to the number of links in the AP MLD.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first frame is a setup frame or an enhanced multi-link operating mode notification (EML OMN) frame.

[0155] For the set frame

[0156] If the first frame is a configured frame, ie, a newly created frame, the first frame may be called an enhanced link operating mode notification (EL OMN) frame.

[0157] Optionally, if the first frame is a set frame, the action field of the set frame includes a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0158] Optionally, the action field of the set frame includes at least one of the following fields: a type field, an action field, and an enhanced mode control field, and the first identifier is located in the enhanced mode control EL control field.

[0159] The Type field is used to indicate the type of the configured frame.

[0160] The Action field can be understood as the Protected EHT Action field. The Action field is used to indicate whether the frame is used for operation mode indication. When the value of the Action field is a set value, the Action field is used to indicate that the frame is used for operation mode indication.

[0161] The EL control field includes a first flag.

[0162] Optionally, the enhanced mode control field further includes a second identifier, and the second identifier is used to indicate an operation mode of the AP MLD.

[0163] Optionally, the enhanced mode control field also includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0164] Optionally, the EL control field includes 18 bits, the 0th bit is the second identifier, indicating whether the operation mode of the AP MLD is the group operation mode or the independent operation mode, the 1st bit is the first identifier, indicating whether to start or end the first mode, and bits 2 to 17 are the third identifier, used to indicate the first link.

[0165] For EML OMN frames

[0166] If the first frame is an EML OMN frame, the EML OMN frame is multiplexed, and some attribute fields of the EML OMN frame are modified to obtain the first frame.

[0167] Optionally, if the first frame is an EML OMN frame, the reserved field of the EML OMN frame includes a first flag, and the first flag is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0168] Optionally, the reserved field of the EML OMN frame further includes a second identifier, and the second identifier is used to indicate an operation mode of the first mode.

[0169] The 18th to 23rd bits of the EML OMN frame are reserved fields, one of the 18th to 23rd bits of the multiplexed EML OMN frame is a first identifier and one of the 18th to 23rd bits of the multiplexed EML OMN frame other than the first identifier is a second identifier.

[0170] Optionally, the EML OMN frame further includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0171] The third identifier may be located in a bit other than the first identifier and the second identifier in a reserved field of the EML OMN frame, or may be a newly added field in the EML OMN frame.

[0172] If the third identifier is a newly added field in the EML OMN frame, the third identifier may be located at any position in the EML OMN frame. Optionally, the third identifier may be located at the end of the EML OMN frame.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first mode includes:

[0174] A first operation, in which the first link and the second link of the AP MLD are in a listening state, and the second link is a link of the AP MLD other than the first link;

[0175] a second operation, wherein the first link uses spatial streams less than or equal to the second number for frame exchange, and the second link has available spatial streams that can be used for frame exchange;

[0176] A third operation is performed, in which the first link uses spatial streams greater than the second number and less than or equal to the first number to perform frame exchange, and the second link cannot perform frame exchange.

[0177] It can be understood that the AP MLD exchanges frames with the non-access point device on the first link in the second operation or the third operation of the first mode.

[0178] For the first operation, the AP MLD does not perform frame exchange with the non-access point device, but monitors on the first link and the second link to monitor whether frame exchange is required.

[0179] For the second operation, the AP MLD performs frame exchange with the non-access point device, and both the first link and the second link can be used for frame exchange, both the first link and the second link have available spatial streams, and the available spatial streams of the first link do not include the available spatial streams of the second link. Then, the available spatial streams of the first link are a second number, and the first link uses spatial streams that are less than or equal to the second number for frame exchange.

[0180] In the third operation, the AP MLD performs frame exchange with the non-access point device, and the first link is available for frame exchange, and the available spatial streams of the first link include the available spatial streams of the second link. The available spatial streams of the first link are a first number, and the first link uses spatial streams less than or equal to the first number for frame exchange; the second link cannot be used for frame exchange. Optionally, the second link has no available spatial streams.

[0181] Optionally, after the AP MLD turns on the first mode, it enters the first operation.

[0182] After the AP MLD turns on the first mode, it first enters the first operation under the first mode to monitor whether frame exchange is required under the first operation. When frame exchange is required, it performs frame exchange under the second operation or the third operation. After the frame exchange is completed, it exits the second operation or the third operation.

[0183] In this embodiment of the present application, the AP MLD performs transitions between the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation in the following two scenarios:

[0184] Scene 1: Frame exchange begins;

[0185] Scene 2: Frame exchange ends.

[0186] Scene 1

[0187] In scenario 1, the first mode of the AP MLD is transferred from the first operation to the second operation or the third operation to perform frame exchange.

[0188] Optionally, the AP MLD switches from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

[0189] When it is monitored that frame exchange is required in the first operation, the second operation is entered or the third operation is switched to, and frame exchange is performed in the second operation or the third operation.

[0190] In an embodiment of the present application, when the AP MLD needs to perform frame exchange, it may enter a second operation and perform frame exchange under the second operation, wherein the AP MLD enters the second operation from the first operation. When the AP MLD needs to perform frame exchange, it may switch to a third operation and perform frame exchange under the third operation, wherein the AP MLD may first enter the second operation from the first operation and then switch from the second operation to the third operation, or it may switch directly from the first operation to the third operation. If the AP MLD first enters the second operation from the first operation and then switches from the second operation to the third operation, after the AP MLD enters the second operation, while performing frame exchange under the second operation, it switches the available spatial streams of the second link to the first link to switch from the second operation to the third operation. After completing the switching of the available spatial streams, the switch to the third operation is completed, and frame exchange is performed under the third operation.

[0191] When the AP MLD switches from the first operation to the second operation, it is not necessary to switch the available spatial streams of the second link to the first link. Switching from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation requires switching the available spatial streams of the second link to the first link so that the number of available spatial streams of the first link is the first number.

[0192] As shown in FIG6A , the AP MLD enters the first mode at time T1 and enters the first operation for monitoring at time T1. When the AP MLD monitors that a frame exchange is required at time T2, the AP MLD switches to the third operation at time T2 and completes the switching to the third operation at time T3.

[0193] As shown in FIG6B , the AP MLD enters the first mode at time T1 and enters the first operation for monitoring at time T1. When it detects that a frame exchange is required at time T2, the AP MLD enters the second operation at time T2 and switches to the third operation at time T3. The switching to the third operation is completed at time T4.

[0194] Optionally, if the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is less than or equal to the second number, the AP MLD enters the second operation from the first operation.

[0195] If the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is less than or equal to the second number, the number of spatial streams used by the AP MLD to perform frame exchange with the non-access point device is less than or equal to the second number, and the number of available spatial streams of the first link of the AP MLD does not need to be expanded, then the AP MLD enters a second operation and performs frame exchange under the second operation.

[0196] Optionally, if the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is greater than the second number, the AP MLD enters the second operation from the first operation and switches from the second operation to the third operation, or switches from the first operation to the third operation.

[0197] When the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is greater than the second number, the number of spatial streams used by the AP MLD to perform frame exchange with the non-access point device may be greater than the second number and less than or equal to the first number. The AP MLD expands the number of available spatial streams of the first link, and the AP MLD switches from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation, and performs frame exchange under the third operation.

[0198] In an embodiment of the present application, the AP MLD determines whether to enter the second operation or switch to the third operation based on the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device. If the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is less than or equal to the second number, i.e., the number of available spatial streams when the first link is not in enhanced mode, no switching of available spatial streams is required, and the AP MLD enters the second operation. If the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is greater than the second number, switching of available spatial streams may be performed to enhance the spatial stream capability of the first link, and the AP MLD switches to the third operation, thereby increasing the number of available spatial streams of the first link and improving the transmission capability of the first link.

[0199] Optionally, a duration for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation is less than or equal to a second duration. The second duration can be understood as the minimum duration required for the AP MLD to switch the available spatial streams of the second link to the first link, which can be identified as an EL padding delay.

[0200] In the operation transfer process shown in FIG6A , the interval between time T2 and time T3 is greater than or equal to the second time length.

[0201] In the operation transfer process shown in FIG6B , the interval between time T3 and time T4 is greater than or equal to the second time length.

[0202] Optionally, a triggering timing for the AP MLD to switch to the third operation includes at least one of the following:

[0203] At triggering opportunity A1, the AP MLD obtains a transmission opportunity of the first link, where the transmission opportunity is used to send a data frame;

[0204] Triggering timing A2: the AP MLD receives a data frame that meets a first rule on the first link;

[0205] At triggering time A3, the AP MLD receives a third frame on the first link, where the third frame is used to request sending a data frame to the AP MLD.

[0206] Here, trigger opportunities A1 through A3 can be understood as trigger conditions when the AP MLD determines that a switching of available spatial streams is necessary. Trigger opportunity A1 applies when the AP MLD sends downlink data frames to a non-access point device. Trigger opportunities A2 and A3 apply when a non-access point device sends uplink data frames to the AP MLD.

[0207] Optionally, the triggering opportunity A1 is applicable to the independent operation mode or the group operation mode, the triggering opportunity A2 is applicable to the independent operation mode, and the triggering opportunity A3 is applicable to the independent operation mode.

[0208] At triggering opportunity A1, AP MLD obtains a transmission opportunity and determines that frame exchange is required. AP MLD obtains the transmission opportunity in the first operation and switches from the first operation to the third operation based on the obtained transmission opportunity to send data frames in the third operation based on the obtained transmission opportunity.

[0209] Optionally, after the AP MLD obtains the transmission opportunity of the first link, it protects the wireless resources of the first link, and the protection duration is greater than or equal to the second duration, so that the wireless resources of the first link are protected during the process of AP MLD switching from the first operation to the third operation.

[0210] The AP MLD protects the radio resources of the first link in at least one of the following ways:

[0211] Protection mode 1: The AP MLD sends a fourth frame on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate that the network allocation vector NAV of the first link is a third duration, where the third duration is greater than or equal to a second duration, where the second duration is a duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

[0212] Protection mode 2: The AP MLD sends at least one fifth frame to the non-access point device on the first link, where a sending duration of the at least one fifth frame is greater than or equal to a second duration, where the second duration is a duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

[0213] For protection method 1,

[0214] The non-access point device receives a fourth frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate that the network allocation vector NAV of the first link is a third duration, where the third duration is greater than or equal to a second duration, and the second duration is a duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

[0215] The AP MLD prevents the wireless resources of the first link from being used by other devices by setting the NAV of the first link, wherein the duration of the NAV indicated by the fourth frame is the third duration, and the third duration is greater than or equal to the second duration, so that the wireless resources of the first link will not be used by other devices during the switching process of the AP MLD from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

[0216] Optionally, the fourth frame is a request to send (RTS) frame.

[0217] For protection method 2,

[0218] The non-access point device receives at least one fifth frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where a sending duration of the at least one fifth frame is greater than or equal to a second duration, where the second duration is a duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

[0219] The AP MLD occupies the radio resources of the first link by sending at least one fifth frame, so that the radio resources of the first link are not used by other devices. The at least one fifth frame is sent for a duration greater than or equal to a second duration, so that the radio resources of the first link are not used by other devices during the second duration.

[0220] Optionally, the fifth frame includes at least one of the following:

[0221] Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) and Neighbor Discovery Protocols (NDP);

[0222] Self allows sending CTS to self frame;

[0223] Quality of Service-Null QoS-null frame;

[0224] Data frame.

[0225] For triggering opportunity A2, the AP MLD receives data satisfying the first rule on the first link, and then the AP MLD determines to switch to the third operation. Here, triggering opportunity A2 can be understood as an implicit start mode of the third operation using the transmission rule.

[0226] When the non-access point device sends a data frame, it sends the data frame to the AP MLD based on the first rule. The AP MLD receives the data frame sent by the non-access point on the first connection, parses the received data frame, and determines that the received data frame meets the first rule, and then starts switching to the third operation.

[0227] It can be understood that the AP MLD receives a data frame that meets the first rule on the first link under the second operation. That is, when the first link transmits the data frame that meets the first rule, the number of available spatial streams is the second number, and the AP MLD uses spatial streams that are less than or equal to the second number to receive the data frame that meets the first rule.

[0228] Optionally, the first rule includes at least one of the following:

[0229] Set frame format and set sending rate.

[0230] The set frame format includes at least one of the following: a non-high throughput (non-HT) presentation protocol data unit (PPDU) format and a non-HT duplicate PPDU format.

[0231] The set transmission rate includes at least one of the following: 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, or 24 Mbps.

[0232] For the triggering opportunity A3, the third frame can be understood as a triggering frame for triggering the switching of the third operation, and the triggering opportunity A3 can be understood as a starting method for starting the third operation by displaying the triggering frame.

[0233] The non-access point device needs to send a data frame to the AP MLD and sends a third frame to the AP MLD to request the AP to send the data frame. Upon receiving the third frame sent by the non-access point device, the AP switches from the first operation to the third operation and, after switching to the third operation, receives the data frame sent by the non-access point device on the first link.

[0234] Optionally, the third frame is a control frame.

[0235] Optionally, the third frame includes fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request sending a data frame to the AP MLD.

[0236] Optionally, the third frame includes an A-Control field, the A-Control field includes a control identification field and a control information field, if the value of the control identification field is the fifth value, the control information field includes a first field, and the fifth indication information is the first field with a sixth value.

[0237] Here, the first field is added to the A-Control field: the EL Request Control field. When the value of the control identification field in the A-Control field is the fifth value, the control information field of the A-Control field includes the first field.

[0238] Optionally, the control information field of the A-Control field includes two bits, the first bit is the first field, and the second bit is a reserved bit. When the value of the first field is the sixth value, the first field is used to indicate the fifth indication information.

[0239] Optionally, the sixth value is 1.

[0240] Scene 2

[0241] In scenario 2, the AP MLD ends the frame exchange, enters the first operation from the second operation or switches from the third operation to the first operation, and releases the combined available spatial streams to fall back to the listening state.

[0242] In some embodiments, the AP MLD switches from the third operation to the first operation.

[0243] When the AP MLD switches from the third operation to the first operation, the available spatial streams of the second link included in the available spatial streams of the first link are switched back to the second link, and the combined available spatial streams are released, so that the number of available spatial streams of the first link changes from the first number to the second number.

[0244] Optionally, a duration for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation to the first operation is less than or equal to a fourth duration.

[0245] The fourth duration may be understood as the duration required for the AP MLD to switch the available spatial streams of the second link included in the available spatial streams of the first link back to the second link, and may be identified as an EL Transition Delay.

[0246] Optionally, a triggering timing for the AP MLD to switch to the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0247] Triggering timing B1: the AP MLD actively completes sending of data frames;

[0248] Trigger timing B2: If the data frame received by the AP MLD does not require an immediate reply, the media access control (MAC) layer of the AP MLD does not receive sixth indication information sent by the physical layer of the AP MLD within a fifth time duration after the AP MLD receives the data frame, the sixth indication information being used to indicate receipt of a first acknowledgment frame, the first acknowledgment frame being used to respond to a sent data frame, and the fifth time duration being the time required to receive the first acknowledgment frame;

[0249] Triggering timing B3: if the data frame received by the AP MLD requires an immediate reply, the MAC layer of the AP MLD does not receive the sixth indication information within the fifth time period after the AP MLD completes sending the first confirmation frame;

[0250] Triggering timing B4: If the data frame received by the AP MLD requires an immediate reply, the AP MLD does not send the first confirmation frame within a short interframe space (SIFS).

[0251] Here, trigger opportunities B1 through B4 can be understood as the times when the AP MLD determines that frame exchange is complete. Trigger opportunity B1 applies when the AP MLD sends downlink data frames to a non-access point device. Trigger opportunities B2 and B4 apply when a non-access point device sends uplink data frames to the AP MLD.

[0252] Optionally, the triggering opportunity B1 may be applied to the independent operation mode or the group operation mode, and the triggering opportunities B2 to B4 may be applied to the independent operation mode.

[0253] When the AP MLD determines that the frame exchange is completed at the triggering timing, it switches from the third operation to the first operation.

[0254] For the triggering opportunity B1, when the AP MLD finishes the downlink data frame transmission with the non-access point device, it can immediately switch the available spatial stream to switch from the third operation to the first operation.

[0255] For trigger opportunity B2, if the last data frame received by the AP MLD from the non-access point device does not require an immediate reply, the time when the data frame is completely received is used as the time starting point, and timing starts from this time starting point. If the AP's MAC layer does not receive the sixth indication information within the fifth time period, it is determined that the frame exchange is completed and the third operation is switched to the first operation.

[0256] The fifth time duration is a prescribed time for receiving the first confirmation frame. If the MAC layer of the AP does not receive the sixth indication information within the prescribed time, it indicates that an error may have occurred during the frame exchange process.

[0257] Optionally, the fifth duration is aSIFSTime+aSlotTime+aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0258] Optionally, the sixth indication information includes a service primitive start reception indication PHY-RXSTART.indication sent by the physical layer to the MAC layer.

[0259] For trigger opportunity B3, the AP MLD requires an immediate reply to the last data frame received from the non-access point device. The AP MLD uses the time when the first acknowledgment frame used to respond to the data frame is sent as the starting point. If the MAC layer of the AP MLD does not receive the sixth indication information within the fifth time period, the AP MLD determines that the frame exchange is complete and switches from the third operation to the first operation.

[0260] For trigger opportunity B4, the AP MLD needs to reply to the last data frame received from the non-access point device immediately. The AP MLD does not reply to the non-access point device with a first confirmation frame within one SIFS. Then, the AP MLD determines that the frame exchange is completed and switches from the third operation to the first operation.

[0261] In some embodiments, after establishing a link with a non-AP device, the AP MLD exchanges capabilities with the non-AP device. The AP MLD notifies the non-AP device of its capabilities and / or the non-AP device reports its capabilities to the AP MLD.

[0262] Optionally, the AP MLD sends a sixth frame to the non-access point device, where the sixth frame includes seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the AP MLD supports the first mode.

[0263] At this time, the non-access point device receives the sixth frame sent by the AP MLD, where the sixth frame includes seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the AP MLD supports the first mode.

[0264] For a non-access point device, the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the non-access point device supports the AP MLD to enable the first mode.

[0265] Optionally, the sixth frame is a management frame.

[0266] Optionally, the seventh indication information is located in the second field of the sixth frame, the second field is located in a basic multilink element, and the second field is a set field or an enhanced multilink EML capability field.

[0267] The second field is used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports the first mode, and may be identified as an EL Support field.

[0268] The second field being a set field can be understood as the second field being a newly added field in the basic multilink element.

[0269] The second field is the EML capability field, which can be understood as multiplexing the EML capability field in the basic multi-link element to indicate whether the AP MLD has the first mode, namely, link enhancement capability.

[0270] Optionally, the second field further includes at least one of the following information:

[0271] a second duration, where the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation of the first mode to the third operation of the first mode;

[0272] a fourth duration, where the fourth duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation to the first operation;

[0273] A first duration is provided, where the first duration is a valid duration of a first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0274] Taking the second field as the set field as an example, the value of the third field set in the basic multi-link element is the seventh value, then the basic multi-link element includes the set field, and the third field is used to indicate whether the basic multi-link element includes the set field.

[0275] Optionally, the third field is a presence bit subfield (Presence Bitmap subfield). When the value of the third field is the seventh value, the basic multilink element includes a newly added field indicating whether the AP MLD supports the first mode. It is understandable that if the value of the third field is a value other than the seventh value, the basic multilink element does not include the set field.

[0276] Optionally, the set field includes: a first subfield and at least one of the following subfields: a second subfield, a third subfield and a fourth subfield, the first subfield is used to indicate the seventh indication information, the second subfield is used to indicate the second duration, the third subfield is used to indicate the fourth duration, and the fourth subfield is used to indicate the first duration.

[0277] Taking the second field as the EML capability field as an example, if the value of the EML capability presence field in the basic multilink element is the eighth value, then the basic multilink element includes the EML capability field.

[0278] It can be understood that if the value of the EML capability field is a value other than the eighth value, the basic multilink element does not include the EML capability field.

[0279] Optionally, the second field is an EML capability field, and the seventh indication information is located in the fourth field in the EML capability field, and the fourth field is an enhanced multi-link single radio (EML SR) support field or a reserved field in the EML capability field.

[0280] In the embodiment of the present application, the EML SR support field in the EML capability field may be reused to indicate whether the AP MLD supports the first mode, and the reserved field in the EML capability field may be used to indicate whether the AP MLD supports the first mode.

[0281] If the second capability indicates a second duration, the EML capability field indicates the second duration as follows: the EMLSR padding delay Padding Delay field in the EML capability field is used to indicate the second duration, and the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation of the first mode to the third operation of the first mode.

[0282] Here, the EMLSR Padding Delay field in the multiplexing EML capability field indicates the second duration.

[0283] If the second capability indicates a fourth duration, the EML capability field indicates the fourth duration in the following manner: the EMLSR transmission delay Transition Delay field in the second EML capability field is used to indicate the fourth duration, and the fourth duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation of the first mode to the first operation of the first mode.

[0284] Here, the EMLSR Transition Delay field in the multiplexing EML capability field indicates the fourth duration.

[0285] If the second capability indicates a first duration, the EML capability field indicates the first duration in the following manner: the Transition Timeout field in the second EML capability field is used to indicate the first duration, where the first duration is the valid duration of the first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0286] Here, the Transition Timeout field in the multiplexing EML capability field indicates the first duration.

[0287] The following further describes the wireless communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0288] The wireless communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application utilizes a method for switching spatial streams in enhanced multi-link mode. This method, designed for use in NSTR Mobile AP MLD (Multi-Link Device) scenarios, provides a point-to-point link enhancement mode for NSTR Mobile AP MLDs. This mode switches spatial streams from non-working links to working links, enhancing the spatial stream capacity of the NSTR Mobile AP MLD working links. This solution avoids inter-domain conflicts within NSTR Mobile AP MLDs while improving the transmission efficiency of spatial stream capacity on NSTR Mobile AP MLD working links and fully utilizing all NSTR Mobile AP MLD capacity resources.

[0289] NSTR mobile AP MLD link enhancement mode definition

[0290] NSTR mobile AP MLDs with link enhancement capabilities can communicate with non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs using broadcasts, enabling point-to-multipoint operation. They can also communicate with non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs using unicasts, enabling point-to-point operation. These operating modes are collectively referred to as NSTR mobile AP MLD Enhancement Link (EL) mode.

[0291] After the NSTR mobile AP MLD enables link enhancement mode, it can switch the spatial streams of non-EL working links to the EL working link, enhancing the spatial stream capacity of the EL working link and improving transmission efficiency.

[0292] The following is an explanation of the link enhancement working mode of NSTR mobile AP MLD

[0293] After the NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD or non-AP STA enable link enhancement mode, the link associated with the NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD or non-AP STA is set as an EL working link, and all other links are set as non-EL working links. By default, the main link established between the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA and the NSTR mobile AP MLD is set as the EL working link, and all links in the NSTR mobile AP MLD other than the EL working link are set as non-EL working links. During data frame exchange with EL mode enabled, the NSTR mobile AP MLD should switch spatial streams on the non-EL working link to the EL working link. EL data frame exchange between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD or non-AP STA should only be performed on the EL working link.

[0294] The link enhancement working mode of NSTR mobile AP MLD has two operation modes: group operation mode and independent operation mode.

[0295] When an NSTR mobile AP MLD enables group operation mode, it broadcasts to its associated non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs that it is about to enter link enhancement mode. After the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters group operation mode, the link enhancement mode takes effect for communications between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and all non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs.

[0296] When an NSTR mobile AP MLD enables independent operation, it only notifies a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA that it is about to enter link enhancement mode. After an NSTR mobile AP MLD notifies an associated non-AP MLD or non-AP STA that it is about to enter link enhancement mode, this mode applies only to communications between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and that non-AP MLD or non-AP STA. Communications between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and other non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs that do not have link enhancement mode enabled remain in non-link enhancement mode.

[0297] After the NSTR mobile AP MLD with link enhancement capability enters the link enhancement working mode, the communication between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA will default to the initial working state.

[0298] Before the NSTR mobile AP MLD starts the link enhancement working mode, the NSTR mobile AP MLD shall execute the link enhancement working mode start procedure; before the NSTR mobile AP MLD wants to end the link enhancement working mode, the NSTR mobile AP MLD shall execute the link enhancement working mode end procedure.

[0299] In the link enhancement mode of the NSTR mobile AP MLD, there are two operating states: initial operating state and enhanced operating state.

[0300] In the initial working state, i.e., the first operation, each link of the NSTR mobile AP MLD communicates data based on its original spatial flow capability and the corresponding operation mode. In the initial working state, the NSTR mobile AP MLD uses the synchronous transmission rule between the primary link and the non-primary link by default.

[0301] In the enhanced working state, or the third operation, the NSTR mobile AP MLD switches the spatial streams on the non-EL working link to the EL working link. Data communication between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA is completed on the EL working link, based on the current spatial stream capabilities and corresponding operating mode of the EL working link. During data communication between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, the NSTR mobile AP MLD does not transmit any data on the non-EL working link.

[0302] After the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the link enhancement working mode, the NSTR mobile AP MLD will be in the initial working state; when the NSTR mobile AP MLD is ready to send or receive link enhancement data frames, the NSTR mobile AP MLD switches from the initial working state to the enhanced working state; when the NSTR mobile AP MLD finishes sending or receiving the link enhancement data frame sequence, the NSTR mobile AP MLD switches from the enhanced working state to the initial working state.

[0303] NSTR mobile AP MLD link enhancement capability information indication

[0304] Instruction method 1: Add capability information field

[0305] In the Common Info of the basic multilink element, a new capability field is added: the mobile AP MLD EL Capabilities subfield, also known as the EL Capabilities subfield. This added capability field indicates the current device's ability to support the link enhancement working mode of NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0306] Add the mobile AP MLD EL Capabilities Present subfield to the Presence Bitmap subfield in the basic multilink element. When the value of this field is 1, the device can perform operations related to the link enhancement mode of the NSTR mobile AP MLD, and the corresponding "mobile AP MLD EL Capabilities subfield" exists. When this field is 0, the device cannot perform operations related to the link enhancement mode of the NSTR mobile AP MLD, and the "mobile AP MLD EL Capabilities subfield" does not exist.

[0307] NSTR mobile AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs that support link enhancement mode need to set the mobile AP MLD EL Capabilities Present field in the basic multilink element of the management frame to 1 and the EL Support field in the mobile AP MLD EL Capabilities subfield to 1. The other attribute fields of the mobile AP MLD EL Capabilities subfield are set according to their own capabilities.

[0308] The format of the modified Presence Bitmap subfield is shown in Figure 7, where bit (B) 0 is the Link ID Info Present field, B1 is the BSS parameter change count preset field, B2 is the Medium Synchronization Delay Information Present field, B3 is the EML Capabilities Present field, B4 is the MLD Capabilities and Operations Present field, B5 is the MLD ID Present field, B6 is the Mobile AP MLD EL Capabilities Present field, and B7 is a reserved field.

[0309] In Figure 7, the Link ID Info Present field is used to indicate whether the Link ID Info field exists in Common Info; the BSS Parameters Change Count Present field is used to indicate whether the BSS Parameters Change Count field exists in Common Info; the Medium Synchronization Delay Information Present field is used to indicate whether the Medium Synchronization Delay Information field exists in Common Info; the EML Capabilities Present field is used to indicate whether the EML Capabilities field exists in Common Info; the MLD Capabilities and Operations Present field is used to indicate whether the MLD Capabilities and Operations field exists in Common Info; and the MLD ID Present field is used to indicate whether the MLD ID field exists in Common Info.

[0310] The format of the modified Basic Multilink Element Common Info is shown in Figure 8. The Common Info Length field occupies one sub-byte and indicates the length of the Common Info in bytes. The MLD MAC Address field occupies six sub-bytes and indicates the MAC address of the non-access point device sending the current Basic Multilink Element. The Link ID Info field occupies 0 or 1 sub-byte and indicates which link the current Basic Multilink Element describes. It is sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD. The Basic Service Set Parameters Change Count field occupies 0 and 1 sub-bytes and changes its value based on the operation of the NSTR mobile AP MLD. The Medium Synchronization Delay Information field occupies 0 or 2 sub-bytes and indicates the delay required for media synchronization operations. It is sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD. The EML Capabilities field occupies 0 or 2 sub-bytes and is used to declare its own capabilities related to EMLSR and EMLMR operations. The Operations field occupies 0 or 2 sub-blocks and contains multilink device-related operation instructions, such as traffic identifier (TID) to link (TID-to-link) mapping capability support and AAR capability support. The MLD Identifier (ID) field occupies 0 or 1 sub-block, and the EL Capabilities field occupies 0 or 2 sub-blocks and is used to indicate the identification information of the AP MLD instructed by the current multilink element.

[0311] The format of the newly added EL Capabilities field is shown in Figure 9. The EL Support field occupies 1 bit: B0, the EL Padding Delay field occupies 3 bits: B1 to B3, the EL Transition Delay field occupies 3 bits: B4 to B6, the Transition Timeout field occupies 4 bits: B7 to B10, and the Reserved field occupies 5 bits: B11 to B15.

[0312] The EL Support field indicates whether the device supports the link enhancement mode of NSTR mobile AP MLD. In an NSTR mobile AP MLD, a value of 1 for EL Support indicates that NSTR mobile AP MLD supports link enhancement mode. A value of 0 indicates that NSTR mobile AP MLD does not support link enhancement mode. In a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, a value of 1 for EL Support indicates that the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA supports link enhancement mode enabled by NSTR mobile AP MLD. A value of 0 indicates that the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA does not support link enhancement mode enabled by NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0313] The EL Padding Delay field indicates the time required for the NSTR mobile AP MLD to transition from the initial working state to the enhanced working state after entering the link enhancement working mode. The EL Padding Delay of a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA is 0. Figure 10 shows the encoding method of the EL Padding Delay.

[0314] The EL Transition Delay field indicates the time required for the NSTR mobile AP MLD to switch from the enhanced working state back to the initial working state. Figure 11 shows the encoding method of the EL Transition Delay.

[0315] The Transition Timeout field indicates the expiration time of the EL OMN frame.

[0316] Indication method 2: Reuse existing capability field:

[0317] The EML Capabilities field in the basic multilink element is reused to describe the link enhancement capability information of the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0318] First, add the EL Support field to the EML Capabilities field to indicate whether the device supports the link enhancement mode of NSTR mobile AP MLD. NSTR mobile AP MLD supports link enhancement mode. When EL Support is 0, NSTR mobile AP MLD does not support link enhancement mode. For non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, when EL Support is 1, it indicates that the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA supports link enhancement mode enabled by NSTR mobile AP MLD. When EL Support is 0, it indicates that the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA does not support link enhancement mode enabled by NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0319] NSTR mobile AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs that support link enhancement mode must first set the EML Capabilities Present field in the Basic Multilink Element of the management frame to 1 and the EL Support capability field in the EML Capabilities field to 1; other attribute fields are set according to their own capabilities.

[0320] The EMLSR Padding Delay in the EML Capabilities field of the NSTR mobile AP MLD indicates the time required for the NSTR mobile AP MLD to switch from the initial operating state to the enhanced operating state. The EMLSR Transition Delay in the EML Capabilities field of the NSTR mobile AP MLD indicates the time required for the NSTR mobile AP MLD to recover from the enhanced operating state to the initial operating state. The Transition Timeout in the EML Capabilities field of the NSTR mobile AP MLD indicates the expiration time of the EL OMN frame. The encoding method remains the same as before.

[0321] The indication mode of the EL support field includes implicit indication mode and explicit indication mode.

[0322] EL Support field implicit indication method

[0323] In the implicit capability indication mode, the EMLSR Support field will be reinterpreted

[0324] For NSTR mobile AP MLD, this bit indicates whether NSTR mobile AP MLD supports the link enhancement working mode: if NSTR mobile AP MLD supports the link enhancement working mode, B0 is set to 1; if NSTR mobile AP MLD does not support the link enhancement working mode, B0 is set to 0.

[0325] For non-AP MLD or non-AP STA devices, this bit indicates whether the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA supports the link enhancement working mode of NSTR Mobile AP MLD: If the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA supports the link enhancement working mode of NSTR Mobile AP MLD, B0 is set to 1; if the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA does not support the link enhancement working mode of NSTR Mobile AP MLD, B0 is set to 0.

[0326] Figure 12 shows the modified EML Capabilities field. As shown in Figure 12, the EMLSR Support field occupies 1 bit B0, the EMLSR Padding Delay field occupies 3 bits B1 to B3, the EMLSR Transition Delay field occupies 3 bits B4 to B6, the enhanced multi-link Multi Rdio (EML MR) Support field occupies 1 bit B7, the EMLMR Delay field occupies 3 bits B8 to B10, the Transition Timeout field occupies 4 bits B11 to B14, and the reserved bit occupies one bit B15.

[0327] In Figure 12, the EMLSR Support field is used to indicate whether the current device supports EMLSR operation; the EMLSR Padding Delay field is used to indicate the time required to complete spatial stream merging or spatial stream switching in EMLSR working mode; the EMLSR Transition Delay field is used to indicate the time required to release the spatial stream merging state in EMLMR working mode; the EMLMR Support field is used to indicate whether the current device supports EMLMR operation; the EMLMR Delay field is used to indicate the minimum time required for the device to complete spatial stream merging in EMLMR working mode; and the Transition Timeout field is used to indicate the maximum time to wait for a reply after sending an enhanced multi-link operation mode announcement frame.

[0328] EL Support field explicit indication method

[0329] In the display capability indication method, the reserved bit B15 in the EML Capabilities field is set to EL Support to describe the required functions.

[0330] For NSTR mobile AP MLD, this bit indicates whether NSTR mobile AP MLD supports the link enhancement working mode: if NSTR mobile AP MLD supports the link enhancement working mode, B15 is set to 1; if NSTR mobile AP MLD does not support the link enhancement working mode, B15 is set to 0.

[0331] For non-AP MLD or non-AP STA devices, this bit indicates whether the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA supports NSTR Mobile AP MLD to enable link enhancement mode: If the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA supports NSTR Mobile AP MLD to enable link enhancement mode, B15 is set to 1; if the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA does not support NSTR Mobile AP MLD to enable link enhancement mode, B15 is set to 0.

[0332] Figure 13 shows the modified EML Capabilities field. As shown in Figure 13, the EMLSR Support field occupies 1 bit B0, the EMLSR Padding Delay field occupies 3 bits B1 to B3, the EMLSR Transition Delay field occupies 3 bits B4 to B6, the EML MR Support field occupies 1 bit B7, the EMLMR Delay field occupies 3 bits B8 to B10, the Transition Timeout field occupies 4 bits B11 to B14, and the EL Support field occupies one bit B15.

[0333] NSTR mobile AP MLD link enhancement mode activation and deactivation process

[0334] Design description of EL mode operation frame

[0335] There are two ways to design the EL mode operation frame. One is to create a new operation mode indication frame to enable and disable the EL operation mode. The other is to reuse the existing EML OMN and add EL operation mode related attributes in the EML Control to enable and disable the EL operation mode.

[0336] Design Method 1: Establishing a New EL OMN

[0337] The EL OMN is sent by the NSTR mobile AP MLD to notify the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA of changes to its operating mode. The EL OMN Action field, shown in Figure 14, includes the Category field, the Protected Extremely High Throughput Action field, the Dialog Token, and the EL Control field.

[0338] An EL operating mode notification flag is added to the Protected EHT Action field. The encoding method of the modified Protected EHT Action field is shown in FIG15 . When the value of the Protected EHT Action field is 7 (ELO Operating Mode Notification), it indicates that the EL OMN includes an EL control field.

[0339] The Dialog Token value is a non-zero value selected by the NSTR mobile AP MLD. When a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA receives a unicast EL OMN, the Dialog Token in the returned EL OMN will be the same as the Dialog Token received from the EL OMN.

[0340] The format of the EL Control field is shown in FIG16 , which includes 18 bits. The EL Mode field occupies 2 bits B0 and B1, and the EL Link Bitmap field occupies 16 bits B2 to B17.

[0341] The EL Mode field has two bits. The first bit indicates whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD is operating in group or independent link enhancement mode. The second bit indicates whether the NSTR mobile AP MLD is enabling or disabling link enhancement mode. Figure 17 shows the encoding of the EL Mode field.

[0342] An available link between an NSTR mobile AP MLD and a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA that participates in Link Enhancement Mode is called an EL link. EL links are indicated by the EL Link Bitmap in the EL OMN. If bit i of the Link Bitmap is 1, the i-th link is an EL link and participates in Link Enhancement Mode.

[0343] Design Method 2: Reusing Existing EML OMN

[0344] The existing EML OMN is reused and some of its attribute fields are modified. As shown in Figure 18, the EL Mode field is added to B18 and B19 of the EMLControl field in the EML OMN frame, and the EL Link Bitmap field is added to the end of the EML OMN frame. As shown in Figure 18, the EML OMN includes: the EML SR mode field, the EML MR mode field, the EML SR link bitmap field, the reserved field, the EML MR link bitmap field, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) map count field, the EML MR supported MCS and number of spatial streams (NSS) set (Support MCS And NSS Set) field, and the EL link bitmap field.

[0345] The formats of the EL Mode field and the EL Link Bitmap field are designed the same as the first design method.

[0346] Link Enhancement Mode Enabling Process

[0347] 1) Startup process in group operation mode

[0348] When an NSTR mobile AP MLD wants to enable group operation mode in link enhancement mode, it broadcasts an EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame with an EL Mode of 01 to inform all associated non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs that it is about to enter link enhancement mode. After receiving the EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame with an EL Mode of 01, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA does not need to reply to the frame. After the NSTR mobile AP MLD completes sending the EML OMN frame, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters link enhancement mode. After the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters link enhancement mode, non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs cannot send EML OMN to enable EMLSR or EMLMR mode.

[0349] When an NSTR mobile AP MLD is associated with multiple non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs that support Link Enhancement Mode, and the NSTR mobile AP MLD is about to enable Link Enhancement Mode with one of these non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can choose to use group operation mode instead of independent operation mode. This notifies the associated non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs that it is about to enter Link Enhancement Mode. Furthermore, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can handle situations where other non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs are about to enable Link Enhancement Mode with the NSTR mobile AP MLD, reducing negotiation overhead between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and the non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs and improving work efficiency.

[0350] 2) Startup process in independent operation mode

[0351] If the NSTR mobile AP MLD wishes to enter the independent link enhancement mode, it sends an EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame with an EL Mode of 11 to the associated STA on the primary link, informing the STA that it is about to enter link enhancement mode. After receiving an EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame with an EL Mode of 10, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA must reply with an EML OMN message and set the EL Mode to 11. The NSTR mobile AP MLD begins timing based on the end time of the EML OMN frame. After the timer indicated by the Transition Timeout expires or the AP receives an EML OMN or EL OMN frame sent back from the STA, the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters link enhancement mode. After the device enables link enhancement mode for the NSTR mobile AP MLD, it will be in the initial state of link enhancement mode when communicating with the STA. After the NSTR mobile AP MLD enters the link enhancement mode, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA cannot send EML OMN to enable EMLSR or EMLMR mode.

[0352] Link Enhancement Mode Disable Procedure

[0353] 1) Closing process of group operation mode

[0354] When an NSTR mobile AP MLD wants to exit group mode within Link Enhancement Mode, it broadcasts an EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame with EL Mode set to 00, informing all associated non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs that it is exiting Link Enhancement Mode. Upon receiving the EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame with EL Mode set to 00, the non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs do not need to respond. After the NSTR mobile AP MLD completes sending the EML OMN frame, it exits Link Enhancement Mode.

[0355] 2) Shutdown process of independent operation mode

[0356] If the NSTR mobile AP MLD wants to exit the independent operation mode of the Link Enhancement Mode, it sends an EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame with an EL Mode of 10 to the associated STA on the primary link, informing the corresponding STA that it is about to exit Link Enhancement Mode. After the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA receives the EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame with an EL Mode of 10, it needs to reply with an EML OMN frame with the EL Mode set to 10. The NSTR mobile AP MLD starts timing at the end time of the EML OMN frame. After the timer indicated by the Transition Timeout expires or after the AP receives the EML OMN frame sent back from the STA, the NSTR mobile AP MLD exits Link Enhancement Mode.

[0357] NSTR mobile AP MLD EL data frame transmission start and end

[0358] 1) Downlink EL data transmission start flag

[0359] When the NSTR mobile AP MLD enables link enhancement mode and obtains a TXOP, before transmitting downlink EL data with a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, the NSTR mobile AP MLD must first switch from the initial working state to the enhanced working state within the EL Padding Delay time.

[0360] To prevent transmission resources between the NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD or non-AP STA from being preempted during the switching period, the NSTR mobile AP MLD can protect transmission resources during the working state switching period after obtaining the TXOP. The methods for protecting transmission resources during the working state switching period include:

[0361] Protection method 1: At the beginning of a TXOP, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends an RTS frame to the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA to set the NAV for the current TXOP. After completing the working state switch, the NSTR mobile AP MLD will perform downlink EL data transmission in the enhanced working state.

[0362] Protection Method 2: At the start of a TXOP, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends one or more frames of a specific type to the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA. These frames include, but are not limited to, NDPA+NDP, CTS to self, QoS-null, and data frames. This frame sequence achieves TXOP protection. After the NSTR mobile AP MLD completes the operating state transition, it transmits downlink EL data in the enhanced operating state. This method is described in detail in Example 3.

[0363] 2) How to start uplink EL data transmission

[0364] There are two ways to enable uplink EL data transmission: implicit enabling using transmission rules and explicit enabling using trigger frames.

[0365] Enabling method 1: Implicitly enabling the method using transmission rules

[0366] When the NSTR mobile AP MLD is in link enhancement mode and receives an initial data frame sent in a spatial stream from a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA requests the NSTR mobile AP MLD to initiate an uplink EL data frame exchange. The initial data frame should be sent in non-HT PPDU or non-HT duplicate PPDU format at a transmission rate of 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, or 24 Mbps.

[0367] Here, the NSTR mobile AP MLD is in the link enhancement mode and receives an initial data frame sent in one spatial stream from a non-AP MLD or a non-AP STA in the second operation. After receiving the initial data frame in one spatial stream from the non-AP MLD or the non-AP STA, the NSTR mobile AP MLD needs to switch from the first operation to the enhanced mode, i.e., the third operation.

[0368] Method 2: Use the control frame to open the display method

[0369] In the A-Control field, add the EL Request Control field and set its Control ID value to 10. The modified Control ID code of the A-Control is shown in Table 1.

[0370] Table 1. Control ID code definition example

[0371]

[0372] As shown in Table 1, when the Control ID of the A-Control is 10, the A-Control is an EL Request Control; the EL Request Control contains a Control Information field for describing flag information, and the length of the Control Information field in the EL Request Control is 2.

[0373] Figure 19 shows the Control Information format for the EL Request Control, which includes the EL Request field and the Reversed field. The EL Request bit in the Control Information for the EL Request Control is B0, occupying one bit. This indicates that the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA sending this control frame requests to initiate an uplink EL data frame exchange. The reserved bit occupies bit B1.

[0374] When the NSTR mobile AP MLD is in link enhancement mode, if the EL Request field in the EL Request Control field of the initial data frame received by the NSTR mobile AP MLD from a non-AP MLD or a non-AP STA is 1, it means that the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA requests the NSTR mobile AP MLD to start an uplink EL data frame exchange and switch from the initial working state to the enhanced working state. If the EL Request field in the EL Request Control field of the initial data frame received by the NSTR mobile AP MLD is 0 or does not contain the EL Request Control field, no uplink EL data frame exchange will be carried out thereafter.

[0375] The NSTR mobile AP MLD must complete the operating mode switch within the EL Padding Delay time. After the EL Padding Delay time for sending the initial data frame or RTS, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA can perform uplink EL data transmission with the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0376] When the NSTR mobile AP MLD is in standalone operation mode, it allows non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs to initiate uplink EL data transmission using either of the two methods described above. When the NSTR mobile AP MLD is in group operation mode, it only allows non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs to initiate uplink EL data transmission using the explicit start method using a trigger frame. That is, when the NSTR mobile AP MLD is in group operation mode, a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA must actively send an RTS frame to request the start of uplink EL data transmission.

[0377] 3) End mark

[0378] When the NSTR mobile AP MLD is about to end downlink EL data transmission with the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, the NSTR mobile AP MLD does not need to notify the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA that it will end EL data transmission. After ending EL data transmission, the NSTR mobile AP MLD should immediately perform spatial stream switching and return to the listening mode, that is, the initial working state, within the EL Transition Delay time.

[0379] When an NSTR mobile AP MLD transmits uplink EL data to a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, the AP considers the following events as end markers:

[0380] 1) If the last PPDU from the STA does not require an immediate response, the end time of receiving the PPDU is used as the time starting point. If the last PPDU from the STA requires an immediate response, the end time of sending the response confirmation frame of the PPDU is used as the time starting point. From this time starting point, the AP MAC does not receive the PHY-RXSTART.indication service primitive within aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0381] 2) For a PPDU that requires an immediate response, the AP does not respond to the STA within one SIFS.

[0382] After receiving the end flag, the AP will return to its initial working state within the EL Transition Delay time.

[0383] Below, the above wireless communication method is further described through the scenario shown in Figure 20.

[0384] As shown in Figure 20, the left side of Figure 20 shows an NSTR mobile AP MLD device. The AP MLD has two subordinate APs, each with one spatial stream (ss). The right side shows a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA. The STA has two spatial streams. After the STA's enhanced working state is switched, the STA is connected to AP1 of the NSTR mobile AP MLD through the primary link, and the transmitted data frames are transmitted using two spatial streams.

[0385] In the scenario shown in Figure 20, if data transmission is performed according to existing multi-link access rules, the following limitations will occur:

[0386] Limitation 1: AP1 is limited by the number of spatial streams. When AP1 exchanges data with a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, it uses one spatial stream for data transmission, and the other spatial stream owned by the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA will be idle.

[0387] Limitation 2: Limited by NSTR mobile AP MLD transmission rules: When AP1 exchanges data with a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA on the primary link, AP2 cannot exchange data with other STAs, wasting the spatial stream resources owned by AP2 of the NSTR mobile AP MLD.

[0388] In the embodiment of the present application, the scenario shown in FIG20 can be implemented as follows:

[0389] Example 1: NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD or non-AP STA downlink EL data frame interaction

[0390] As shown in Figure 21, the NSTR mobile AP MLD broadcasts EML OMN frames or EL OMN frames to enable link enhancement mode in group operation mode, or exchanges unicast EML OMN or EL OMN frames with a specific non-AP MLD or non-AP STA to enable link enhancement mode in independent operation mode. Before enabling downlink EL data frame exchange, the NSTR mobile AP MLD must complete the transition from the initial operating state to the enhanced operating state. After the enhanced operating state transition is complete, the NSTR mobile AP MLD exchanges downlink EL data frames with the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, and the transmitted downlink EL data uses two spatial streams.

[0391] Embodiment 2: NSTR mobile AP MLD interacts with non-AP MLD or non-AP STA downlink EL data frames, and uses NAV settings to protect TXOP.

[0392] As shown in Figure 22, the NSTR mobile AP MLD initiates link enhancement mode in group operation mode by broadcasting an EML OMN frame or an EL OMN frame, or initiates link enhancement mode in standalone operation mode by exchanging unicast EML OMN or EL OMN frames with a specific non-AP MLD or non-AP STA. Before initiating downlink EL data frame exchange, the NSTR mobile AP MLD first sends an RTS frame to the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA on the primary link to set NAV protection for the current primary link, preventing the current TXOP from being preempted by other devices while the NSTR mobile AP MLD is operating. After receiving the RTS frame, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA returns a CTS frame to the NSTR mobile AP MLD on the primary link. After completing the enhanced operation mode transition, the NSTR mobile AP MLD uses two SSs for downlink EL data transmission. After the RTS / CTS exchange, the AP sends a data frame for a duration greater than the EL padding delay required for the NSTR mobile AP MLD to transition from the initial operation mode to the enhanced operation mode to establish channel occupancy. Among them, one SS is used to interact with RTS / CTS and data frames before the enhanced working state switching is completed.

[0393] Embodiment 3: NSTR mobile AP MLD interacts with non-AP MLD or non-AP STA downlink EL data frames and protects TXOP by sending a frame exchange sequence.

[0394] As shown in Figures 23 to 26, the NSTR mobile AP MLD first sends a broadcast EML OMN or EL OMN frame to enable group operation mode, or exchanges unicast EML OMN or EL OMN frames with a specific non-AP MLD or non-AP STA to enable independent operation mode. Before enabling downlink EL data frame exchange, the NSTR mobile AP MLD first sends a specific frame sequence to the non-AP MLD or non-APSTA on the main link to busy the current link and prevent the current TXOP from being preempted by other devices during the NSTR mobile AP MLD's operating state switching. After completing the enhanced operating state switch, the NSTR mobile AP MLD uses two SSs to transmit downlink EL data. The duration of the specific frame sequence should be greater than or equal to the EL padding delay required for the NSTR mobile AP MLD to switch from the initial operating state to the enhanced operating state. The NSTR mobile AP MLD uses one SS to send this specific frame sequence.

[0395] In Figure 23, the specific frame sequence includes NDPA + NDP, and NDPA + NDP is used for downlink EL data transmission with TXOP protection. In Figure 24, the specific frame sequence includes multiple CTS to self frames, and CTS to self frames are used for downlink EL data transmission with TXOP protection. In Figure 25, the specific frame sequence includes multiple QoS-null frames, and QoS-null frames are used for downlink EL data transmission with TXOP protection. In Figure 26, the specific frame sequence includes multiple Data frames, and Data frames are used for downlink EL data transmission with TXOP protection.

[0396] Example 4: Interaction of uplink EL data frames between NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLD or non-AP STA using transmission rules

[0397] As shown in Figure 27, the NSTR mobile AP MLD interacts with a specific non-AP MLD or non-AP STA to start an independent operation mode by unicasting EML OMN frames or EL OMN frames. When using the transmission rule to start an uplink EL data frame interaction on the main link, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA needs to send an initial data frame (initial PPDU) on the main link. The interaction duration of the initial data frame needs to be greater than or equal to the EL Padding Delay of the NSTR Mobile AP MLD, and the initial data frame should be sent in the non-HT PPDU or non-HT duplicate PPDU format with a transmission rate of 6Mbps, 12Mbps, or 24Mbps. Optionally, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA performs padding in the initial data frame, and the padding duration is selected from the EL Padding Delay of the NSTR Mobile AP MLD, so that the duration of the initial data frame is greater than the EL Padding Delay. When an NSTR Mobile AP MLD, operating in enhanced link mode, receives an initial data frame on a single spatial stream from a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA and determines that the initial data frame meets the transmission rules, it switches to the enhanced state within aSIFStime of the response frame it sends back. After switching to the enhanced state, the NSTR Mobile AP MLD uses two SSs for uplink EL data transmission.

[0398] Example 5: Using frame-triggered NSTR mobile AP MLD to interact with non-AP MLD or non-AP STA uplink EL data frames

[0399] As shown in Figure 28A, the NSTR mobile AP MLD sends a broadcast EML OMN frame or EL OMN frame to enable group operation mode, or exchanges unicast EML OMN frames or EL OMN frames with a specific non-AP MLD or non-AP STA to enable independent operation mode. When using frame triggering to start an uplink EL data frame exchange on the main link, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA needs to send an RTS frame on the main link. When the NSTR mobile AP MLD operates in link enhancement mode and receives an RTS frame from a non-AP MLD or non-AP STA, the NSTR mobile AP MLD will switch its operating state and complete the operating mode switch within the EL padding delay time after receiving the RTS. When the NSTR mobile AP MLD is in group operation mode of link enhancement mode, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA must select this triggering method.

[0400] As shown in Figure 28A, the NSTR mobile AP MLD MLD has two APs, each with one spatial stream; the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA has two spatial streams. The NSTR mobile AP MLD and the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA are connected through the primary link.

[0401] If the RTS / CTS exchange time cannot meet the EL padding delay requirement for mobile AP MLD switching, then after the RTS / CTS exchange ends, as shown in Figure 28B, the non-AP MLD or non-AP STA sends a frame sequence consisting of data frames to occupy the time, ensuring that the mobile AP MLD has sufficient time to switch the working mode.

[0402] As shown in FIG28A or FIG28B, before completing the enhanced working state switching, the NSTR mobile AP MLD uses 1 SS to transmit RTS / CTS and uplink data frames; after completing the enhanced working state switching, the NSTR mobile AP MLD uses 2 SSs to transmit uplink EL data.

[0403] In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 21 to FIG. 28B , the interval between two frames exchanged between a non-AP MLD or a non-AP STA and an AP MLD is one SIFS.

[0404] In related technologies, when the AP MLD type is NSTR mobile AP MLD, data transmission efficiency in the network is limited by the resource constraints of both the NSTR mobile AP MLD and non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs, as well as the need to adhere to the NSTR mobile AP MLD's synchronization transmission rules to avoid inter-domain conflicts. The wireless communication method provided in the present application improves the performance of the NSTR mobile AP MLD by designing a link enhancement operating mode for the NSTR mobile AP MLD. This not only increases the available transmission resources for both parties, but also effectively avoids the inter-domain conflicts faced by the NSTR mobile AP MLD during data transmission. Through a reasonable scheduling method, resources used by the NSTR mobile AP MLD are dynamically allocated based on the real-time traffic transmission and reception status, completing enhanced processing for NSTR mobile AP MLD data transmission and reception.

[0405] In this embodiment of the present application, the link enhancement operating mode can be used by entities including, but not limited to, NSTR mobile AP MLDs, as well as other AP MLDs, non-AP MLDs, or non-AP STAs. Using the link enhancement operating mode and attribute fields, spatial stream capability enhancement can be performed on any AP MLD, or supported non-AP MLDs or non-AP STAs, on an EL operating link.

[0406] The preferred embodiments of the present application are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present application is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present application, the technical solution of the present application can be subjected to a variety of simple modifications, and these simple modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present application. For example, the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present application will no longer describe the various possible combinations separately. For another example, the various different embodiments of the present application can also be arbitrarily combined, as long as they do not violate the idea of ​​the present application, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed in the present application. For another example, under the premise of no conflict, the various embodiments and / or the technical features in each embodiment described in the present application can be arbitrarily combined with the prior art, and the technical solution obtained after the combination should also fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0407] It should also be understood that in the various method embodiments of the present application, the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes do not imply a precedence in the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terms "downlink," "uplink," and "sidelink" are used to indicate the transmission direction of signals or data, where "downlink" is used to indicate the first direction of transmission of signals or data from a site to a user equipment in a cell, "uplink" is used to indicate the second direction of transmission of signals or data from a user equipment in a cell to a site, and "sidelink" is used to indicate the third direction of transmission of signals or data from user equipment 1 to user equipment 2. For example, "downlink signal" indicates that the transmission direction of the signal is the first direction. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. Specifically, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0408] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to an AP MLD. As shown in FIG29 , the wireless communication device 2900 includes:

[0409] The first communication unit 2901 is configured to exchange frames with the non-access point device on a first link, where the link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number, and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, and the first number is greater than the second number.

[0410] In some embodiments, if the AP MLD is in the first mode, the available spatial streams of the first link of the AP MLD include available spatial streams switched to the first link on a second link, where the second link is a link of the AP MLD other than the first link.

[0411] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 2901 is further configured to send a first frame, where the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0412] In some embodiments, the first mode includes: an independent operation mode and a group operation mode;

[0413] In the independent operation mode, the AP MLD sends a first frame to the non-access point device, where the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode;

[0414] In the group operation mode, the AP MLD broadcasts the first frame.

[0415] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 2900 further includes: a first control unit 2902 configured to enter or end the first mode after completing the transmission of the first frame if the operation mode of the first mode is the group operation mode.

[0416] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 2900 also includes: a second control unit 2903, configured to enter or exit the first mode at a second moment after the first moment or after completing the reception of the second frame if the operating mode of the first mode is the independent operating mode, the second moment is separated from the first moment by a first time length, the first moment is the moment when the sending of the first frame is completed, and the second frame is used to respond to the first frame.

[0417] In some embodiments, if the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to enable the first mode, the first frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to enable the first mode.

[0418] In some embodiments, if the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode, the first frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode.

[0419] In some embodiments, the first frame further carries third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the AP MLD is an independent operation mode.

[0420] In some embodiments, the first frame further carries fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the AP MLD is a group operation mode.

[0421] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first identifier, the first identifier having a first value is first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to start the first mode; the first identifier having a second value is second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode.

[0422] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a second identifier, the second identifier having a third value is third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the first mode is an independent operation mode, and the second identifier having a fourth value is fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the first mode is a group operation mode.

[0423] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0424] In some embodiments, the first frame is a setup frame or an enhanced multi-link operation mode announcement EML OMN frame.

[0425] In some embodiments, if the first frame is a setting frame, the action field of the setting frame includes a first flag, and the first flag is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0426] In some embodiments, the action field of the set frame includes at least one of the following fields: a type field, an action field, and an enhanced mode control field, and the first identifier is located in the enhanced mode control field.

[0427] In some embodiments, the enhanced mode control field further includes a second flag, and the second flag is used to indicate the operation mode of the AP MLD.

[0428] In some embodiments, the enhanced mode control field further includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0429] In some embodiments, if the first frame is an EML OMN frame, a reserved field of the EML OMN frame includes a first flag, and the first flag is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0430] In some embodiments, the reserved field of the EML OMN frame further includes a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate an operation mode of the first mode.

[0431] In some embodiments, the EML OMN frame further includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0432] In some embodiments, the first mode includes:

[0433] A first operation, in which the first link and the second link of the AP MLD are in a listening state, and the second link is a link of the AP MLD other than the first link;

[0434] a second operation, wherein the first link uses spatial streams less than or equal to the second number for frame exchange, and the second link has available spatial streams that can be used for frame exchange;

[0435] A third operation is performed, in which the first link uses spatial streams greater than the second number and less than or equal to the first number to perform frame exchange, and the second link cannot perform frame exchange.

[0436] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 2900 includes a third control unit 2904 configured to enter the first operation after turning on the first mode.

[0437] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 2900 includes a fourth control unit 2905 configured to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

[0438] In some embodiments, if the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is less than or equal to the second number, the AP MLD enters the second operation from the first operation when performing frame exchange.

[0439] In some embodiments, if the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is greater than the second number, the AP MLD enters the second operation from the first operation and switches from the second operation to the third operation, or switches from the first operation to the third operation when performing frame exchange.

[0440] In some embodiments, a duration for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation is less than or equal to a second duration.

[0441] In some embodiments, a triggering timing for the AP MLD to switch to the third operation includes at least one of the following:

[0442] The AP MLD obtains a transmission opportunity of the first link, where the transmission opportunity is used to send a data frame;

[0443] The AP MLD receives a data frame that meets a first rule on the first link;

[0444] The AP MLD receives a third frame on the first link, where the third frame is used to request that a data frame be sent to the AP MLD.

[0445] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 2901 is further configured to, after obtaining a transmission opportunity for the first link, send a fourth frame to the non-access point device on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate that the network allocation vector of the first link is a third duration, where the third duration is greater than or equal to a second duration, and where the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third state.

[0446] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 2901 is further configured to, after obtaining a transmission opportunity for the first link, send at least one fifth frame to the non-access point device on the first link, where a sending duration of the at least one fifth frame is greater than or equal to a second duration, and the second duration is a duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third state.

[0447] In some embodiments, the fifth frame includes at least one of the following:

[0448] Empty data packets announce NDPA and Neighbor Discovery Protocol NDP;

[0449] Self allows sending CTS to self frame;

[0450] Quality of Service-Null QoS-null frame;

[0451] Data frame.

[0452] In some embodiments, the first rule includes at least one of the following:

[0453] Set frame format and set sending rate.

[0454] In some embodiments, the third frame includes fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request sending a data frame to the AP MLD.

[0455] In some embodiments, the third frame includes an A-Control field, the A-Control field includes a control identification field and a control information field, if the value of the control identification field is the fifth value, the control information field includes a first field, and the fifth indication information is the first field with a sixth value.

[0456] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 2900 includes a fifth control unit 2906 configured to switch from the third operation to the first operation.

[0457] In some embodiments, a duration for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation to the first operation is less than or equal to a fourth duration.

[0458] In some embodiments, a triggering timing for the AP MLD to switch to the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0459] The AP MLD actively completes the sending of data frames;

[0460] If the data frame received by the AP MLD does not require an immediate reply, the media access control (MAC) layer of the AP MLD does not receive sixth indication information sent by the physical layer of the AP MLD within a fifth time period after the AP MLD receives the data frame, the sixth indication information being used to indicate receipt of a first acknowledgment frame, the first acknowledgment frame being used to respond to the sent data frame, and the fifth time period being the time required to receive the first acknowledgment frame;

[0461] If the data frame received by the AP MLD requires an immediate reply, the MAC layer of the AP MLD does not receive the sixth indication information within the fifth time period after the AP MLD completes sending the first confirmation frame;

[0462] If the data frame received by the AP MLD requires an immediate reply, the AP MLD does not send the first confirmation frame within one SIFS.

[0463] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 2901 is further configured to send a sixth frame to the non-access point device, where the sixth frame includes seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the AP MLD supports the first mode.

[0464] In some embodiments, the seventh indication information is located in the second field of the sixth frame, the second field is located in a basic multilink element, and the second field is a setting field or an enhanced multilink EML capability field.

[0465] In some embodiments, the second field further includes at least one of the following information:

[0466] a second duration, where the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation of the first mode to the third operation of the first mode;

[0467] a fourth duration, where the fourth duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation to the first operation;

[0468] A first duration is provided, where the first duration is a valid duration of a first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0469] In some embodiments, if the second field is a set field, and the value of the third field set in the basic multi-link element is the seventh value, then the basic multi-link element includes the set field, and the third field is used to indicate whether the basic multi-link element includes the set field.

[0470] In some embodiments, the set field includes: a first subfield and at least one of the following subfields: a second subfield, a third subfield and a fourth subfield, the first subfield is used to indicate the seventh indication information, the second subfield is used to indicate the second duration, the third subfield is used to indicate the fourth duration, and the fourth subfield is used to indicate the first duration.

[0471] In some embodiments, if the second field is an EML capability field, and the value of the EML capability presence field in the basic multilink element is an eighth value, then the basic multilink element includes the EML capability field.

[0472] In some embodiments, the second field is an EML capability field, the seventh indication information is located in a fourth field in the EML capability field, and the fourth field is an enhanced multi-link single radio EML SR support field or a reserved field in the EML capability field.

[0473] In some embodiments, the EMLSR padding delay Padding Delay field in the first EML capability field is used to indicate a second duration, which is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation of the first mode to the third operation of the first mode.

[0474] In some embodiments, the EMLSR Transition Delay field in the second EML capability field is used to indicate a fourth duration, where the fourth duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation of the first mode to the first operation of the first mode.

[0475] In some embodiments, the Transition Timeout field in the second EML capability field is used to indicate a first duration, where the first duration is the valid duration of a first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0476] In some embodiments, the first link is a primary link among the links of the AP MLD, and the second link is a secondary link among the links of the AP MLD.

[0477] In some embodiments, the non-access point device is a non-access point multi-link device (Non-AP MLD) or a non-AP station device.

[0478] FIG30 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a non-access point device. As shown in FIG30 , the wireless communication device 3000 includes:

[0479] The second communication unit 3001 is configured to perform frame exchange with an access point multi-link device on a first link. The link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode. When the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number. When the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, and the first number is greater than the second number.

[0480] In some embodiments, if the AP MLD is in the first mode, the available spatial streams of the first link of the AP MLD include available spatial streams switched to the first link on a second link, where the second link is a link of the AP MLD other than the first link.

[0481] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3001 is further configured to receive a first frame sent by the AP MLD, where the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0482] In some embodiments, the first mode includes: an independent operation mode and a group operation mode;

[0483] In the independent operation mode, the AP MLD sends a first frame to the non-access point device, where the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode;

[0484] In the group operation mode, the AP MLD broadcasts the first frame.

[0485] In some embodiments, if the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to enable the first mode, the first frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to enable the first mode.

[0486] In some embodiments, if the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode, the first frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode.

[0487] In some embodiments, the first frame further carries third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the AP MLD is an independent operation mode.

[0488] In some embodiments, the first frame further carries fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the AP MLD is a group operation mode.

[0489] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first identifier, the first identifier having a first value is first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to start the first mode; the first identifier having a second value is second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode.

[0490] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a second identifier, the second identifier having a third value is third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the first mode is an independent operation mode, and the second identifier having a fourth value is fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the first mode is a group operation mode.

[0491] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0492] In some embodiments, the first frame is a setup frame or an enhanced multi-link operation mode announcement EML OMN frame.

[0493] In some embodiments, if the first frame is a setting frame, the action field of the setting frame includes a first flag, and the first flag is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0494] In some embodiments, the action field of the set frame includes at least one of the following fields: a type field, an action field, and an enhanced mode control field, and the first identifier is located in the enhanced mode control field.

[0495] In some embodiments, the enhanced mode control field further includes a second flag, and the second flag is used to indicate the operation mode of the AP MLD.

[0496] In some embodiments, the enhanced mode control field further includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0497] In some embodiments, if the first frame is an EML OMN frame, a reserved field of the EML OMN frame includes a first flag, and the first flag is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0498] In some embodiments, the reserved field of the EML OMN frame further includes a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate an operation mode of the first mode.

[0499] In some embodiments, the EML OMN frame further includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

[0500] In some embodiments, the first mode includes:

[0501] A first operation, in which the first link and the second link of the AP MLD are in a listening state, and the second link is a link of the AP MLD other than the first link;

[0502] a second operation, wherein the first link uses spatial streams less than or equal to the second number for frame exchange, and the second link has available spatial streams that can be used for frame exchange;

[0503] A third operation is performed, in which the first link uses spatial streams greater than the second number and less than or equal to the first number to perform frame exchange, and the second link cannot perform frame exchange.

[0504] In some embodiments, the triggering timing for switching to the third operation includes at least one of the following:

[0505] The AP MLD obtains a transmission opportunity of the first link, where the transmission opportunity is used to send a data frame;

[0506] The AP MLD receives a data frame that meets a first rule on the first link;

[0507] The AP MLD receives a third frame on the first link, where the third frame is used to request that a data frame be sent to the AP MLD.

[0508] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3001 is further configured to receive a fourth frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate that the network allocation vector of the first link is a third duration, where the third duration is greater than or equal to a second duration, and where the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third state.

[0509] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3001 is further configured to receive at least one fifth frame sent by the AP MLD on the first link, and the sending duration of the at least one fifth frame is greater than or equal to a second duration, and the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third state.

[0510] In some embodiments, the fifth frame includes at least one of the following:

[0511] Empty data packets announce NDPA and Neighbor Discovery Protocol NDP;

[0512] Self allows sending CTS to self frame;

[0513] Quality of Service-Null QoS-null frame;

[0514] Data frame.

[0515] In some embodiments, the first rule includes at least one of the following:

[0516] Set frame format and set sending rate.

[0517] In some embodiments, the third frame includes fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request sending a data frame to the AP MLD.

[0518] In some embodiments, the third frame includes an A-Control field, the A-Control field includes a control identification field and a control information field, if the value of the control identification field is the fifth value, the control information field includes a first field, and the fifth indication information is the first field with a sixth value.

[0519] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3001 is further configured to receive a sixth frame sent by the AP MLD, where the sixth frame includes seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the AP MLD supports the first mode.

[0520] In some embodiments, the seventh indication information is located in the second field of the sixth frame, the second field is located in a basic multilink element, and the second field is a setting field or an enhanced multilink EML capability field.

[0521] In some embodiments, the second field further includes at least one of the following information:

[0522] a second duration, where the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation of the first mode to the third operation of the first mode;

[0523] a fourth duration, where the fourth duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation to the first operation;

[0524] A first duration is provided, where the first duration is a valid duration of a first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0525] In some embodiments, if the second field is a set field, and the value of the third field set in the basic multi-link element is the seventh value, then the basic multi-link element includes the set field, and the third field is used to indicate whether the basic multi-link element includes the set field.

[0526] In some embodiments, the set field includes: a first subfield and at least one of the following subfields: a second subfield, a third subfield and a fourth subfield, the first subfield is used to indicate the seventh indication information, the second subfield is used to indicate the second duration, the third subfield is used to indicate the fourth duration, and the fourth subfield is used to indicate the first duration.

[0527] In some embodiments, if the second field is an EML capability field, and the value of the EML capability presence field in the basic multilink element is an eighth value, then the basic multilink element includes the EML capability field.

[0528] In some embodiments, the second field is an EML capability field, the seventh indication information is located in a fourth field in the EML capability field, and the fourth field is an enhanced multi-link single radio EML SR support field or a reserved field in the EML capability field.

[0529] In some embodiments, the EMLSR padding delay Padding Delay field in the first EML capability field is used to indicate a second duration, which is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation of the first mode to the third operation of the first mode.

[0530] In some embodiments, the EMLSR Transition Delay field in the second EML capability field is used to indicate a fourth duration, where the fourth duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation of the first mode to the first operation of the first mode.

[0531] In some embodiments, the Transition Timeout field in the second EML capability field is used to indicate a first duration, where the first duration is the valid duration of a first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

[0532] In some embodiments, the first link is a primary link among the links of the AP MLD, and the second link is a secondary link among the links of the AP MLD.

[0533] In some embodiments, the non-access point device is a non-access point multi-link device (Non-AP MLD) or a non-AP station device.

[0534] Those skilled in the art should understand that the relevant description of the above-mentioned wireless communication device in the embodiment of the present application can be understood with reference to the relevant description of the wireless communication method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0535] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 3100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be an AP MLD or a non-access point device. The communication device 3100 shown in Figure 31 includes a processor 3110, which can call and execute a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0536] Optionally, as shown in FIG31 , the communication device 3100 may further include a memory 3120. The processor 3110 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 3120 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0537] The memory 3120 may be a separate device independent of the processor 3110 , or may be integrated into the processor 3110 .

[0538] Optionally, as shown in FIG31 , the communication device 3100 may further include a transceiver 3130 , and the processor 3110 may control the transceiver 3130 to communicate with other devices, specifically, to send information or data to other devices, or to receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0539] The transceiver 3130 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 3130 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0540] Optionally, the communication device 3100 may specifically be the AP MLD of the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 3100 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the AP MLD in each method of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0541] Optionally, the communication device 3100 may be a non-access point device in the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 3100 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the non-access point device in each method in the embodiment of the present application, which will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0542] Figure 32 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 3200 shown in Figure 32 includes a processor 3210, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0543] Optionally, as shown in FIG32 , the chip 3200 may further include a memory 3220. The processor 3210 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 3220 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0544] The memory 3220 may be a separate device independent of the processor 3210 , or may be integrated into the processor 3210 .

[0545] Optionally, the chip 3200 may further include an input interface 3230. The processor 3210 may control the input interface 3230 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may obtain information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0546] Optionally, the chip 3200 may further include an output interface 3240. The processor 3210 may control the output interface 3240 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0547] Optionally, the chip may be applied to the AP MLD in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the AP MLD in the various methods in the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0548] Optionally, the chip may be applied to a non-access point device in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip may implement corresponding processes implemented by the non-access point device in various methods in the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0549] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip chip, etc.

[0550] FIG33 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 3300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG33 , the communication system 3300 includes an AP MLD 3310 and a non-access point device 3320 .

[0551] The AP MLD 3310 may be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the AP MLD in the above method, and the non-access point device 3320 may be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the non-access point device in the above method. For the sake of brevity, they are not described here in detail.

[0552] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiments of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or software instructions. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0553] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0554] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memories are exemplary but not restrictive. For example, the memories in the embodiments of the present application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM RAM (DR RAM), etc. In other words, the memories in the embodiments of the present application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0555] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0556] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may be applied to the AP MLD in the embodiment of the present application, and the execution of the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the AP MLD in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not described here.

[0557] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may be applied to a non-access point device in an embodiment of the present application, and the execution of the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the non-access point device in each method of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not described here in detail.

[0558] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0559] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the AP MLD in the embodiments of the present application, and the execution of the computer program instructions enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the AP MLD in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0560] Optionally, the computer program product may be applied to a non-access point device in an embodiment of the present application, and the execution of the computer program instructions enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the non-access point device in each method of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not described here in detail.

[0561] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program.

[0562] Optionally, the computer program may be applied to the AP MLD in the embodiments of the present application. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the AP MLD in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not described here.

[0563] Optionally, the computer program may be applied to a non-access point device in the embodiments of the present application. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the non-access point device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not described here.

[0564] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or 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 considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0565] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0566] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0567] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0568] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0569] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0570] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, the method comprising: An access point multi-link device AP MLD exchanges frames with a non-access point device on a first link, where a link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, and when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number; and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, where the first number is greater than the second number.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein If the AP MLD is in the first mode, the available spatial streams of the first link of the AP MLD include available spatial streams switched to the first link on a second link, where the second link is a link of the AP MLD other than the first link.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method further comprises: The AP MLD sends a first frame, where the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The first mode includes: an independent operation mode and a group operation mode; In the independent operation mode, the AP MLD sends a first frame to the non-access point device, where the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode; In the group operation mode, the AP MLD broadcasts the first frame.

5. The method according to claim 4, if the operation mode of the first mode is the group operation mode, the method further comprises: The AP MLD enters or ends the first mode after completing sending the first frame.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein: If the operation mode of the first mode is the independent operation mode, the method further includes: The AP MLD enters or exits the first mode at a second moment after the first moment or after completing reception of the second frame, the second moment being separated from the first moment by a first time length, the first moment being the moment when the sending of the first frame is completed, and the second frame being used to respond to the first frame.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein If the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to enable the first mode, the first frame carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to enable the first mode.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein If the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode, the first frame carries second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The first frame further carries third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the AP MLD is an independent operation mode.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The first frame further carries fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the AP MLD is a group operation mode.

11. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein The first frame includes a first identifier, the first identifier having a first value is first indication information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to start the first mode. The first identifier having a second value is second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the AP MLD to end the first mode.

12. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein The first frame includes a second identifier, the second identifier with a third value is third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the first mode is an independent operation mode, and the second identifier with a fourth value is fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the operation mode of the first mode is a group operation mode.

13. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein The first frame includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

14. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein The first frame is a setting frame or an enhanced multi-link operation mode announcement EML OMN frame.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein If the first frame is a set frame, the action field of the set frame includes a first flag, and the first flag is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The action field of the set frame includes at least one of the following fields: a type field, an action field, and an enhanced mode control field, and the first identifier is located in the enhanced mode control field.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The enhanced mode control field also includes a second flag, and the second flag is used to indicate the operation mode of the AP MLD.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein The enhanced mode control field also includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein If the first frame is an EML OMN frame, the reserved field of the EML OMN frame includes a first flag, and the first flag is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The reserved field of the EML OMN frame further includes a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate an operation mode of the first mode.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein The EML OMN frame further includes a third identifier, and the third identifier is used to indicate the first link.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein The first mode includes: A first operation, in which the first link and the second link of the AP MLD are in a listening state, and the second link is a link of the AP MLD other than the first link; a second operation, wherein the first link uses spatial streams less than or equal to the second number for frame exchange, and the second link has available spatial streams that can be used for frame exchange; A third operation is performed, in which the first link uses spatial streams greater than the second number and less than or equal to the first number to perform frame exchange, and the second link cannot perform frame exchange.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The method further comprises: After the AP MLD turns on the first mode, it enters the first operation.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein The method further comprises: The AP MLD switches from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein If the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is less than or equal to the second number, the AP MLD enters the second operation from the first operation when performing frame exchange.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein If the number of available spatial streams supported by the non-access point device is greater than the second number, the AP MLD enters the second operation from the first operation and switches from the second operation to the third operation, or switches from the first operation to the third operation, when performing frame exchange.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein A duration for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation is less than or equal to a second duration.

28. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein The triggering timing for the AP MLD to switch to the third operation includes at least one of the following: The AP MLD obtains a transmission opportunity of the first link, where the transmission opportunity is used to send a data frame; The AP MLD receives a data frame that meets a first rule on the first link; The AP MLD receives a third frame on the first link, where the third frame is used to request that a data frame be sent to the AP MLD.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein After the AP MLD obtains the transmission opportunity of the first link, the method further includes: The AP MLD sends a fourth frame to the non-access point device on the first link, where the fourth frame is used to indicate that the network allocation vector of the first link is a third duration, where the third duration is greater than or equal to a second duration, and where the second duration is a duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein After the AP MLD obtains the transmission opportunity of the first link, the method further includes: The AP MLD sends at least one fifth frame to the non-access point device on the first link, where a sending duration of the at least one fifth frame is greater than or equal to a second duration, where the second duration is a duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation to the third operation.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein The fifth frame includes at least one of the following: Empty data packets announce NDPA and Neighbor Discovery Protocol NDP; Self allows sending CTS to self frame; Quality of Service-Null QoS-null frame; Data frame.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein: The first rule includes at least one of the following: Set frame format and set sending rate.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein: The third frame includes fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request sending a data frame to the AP MLD.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein The third frame includes an A-Control field, and the A-Control field includes a control identification field and a control information field. If the value of the control identification field is the fifth value, the control information field includes a first field, and the fifth indication information is the first field with a sixth value.

35. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein The method further comprises: The AP MLD switches from the third operation to the first operation.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein A duration during which the AP MLD switches from the third operation to the first operation is less than or equal to a fourth duration.

37. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein The triggering timing for the AP MLD to switch to the first operation includes at least one of the following: The AP MLD actively completes the sending of data frames; If the data frame received by the AP MLD does not require an immediate reply, the media access control (MAC) layer of the AP MLD does not receive sixth indication information sent by the physical layer of the AP MLD within a fifth time period after the AP MLD receives the data frame, the sixth indication information being used to indicate receipt of a first acknowledgment frame, the first acknowledgment frame being used to respond to the sent data frame, and the fifth time period being the time required to receive the first acknowledgment frame; If the data frame received by the AP MLD requires an immediate reply, the MAC layer of the AP MLD does not receive the sixth indication information within the fifth time period after the AP MLD completes sending the first confirmation frame; If the data frame received by the AP MLD requires an immediate reply, the AP MLD does not send the first confirmation frame within one SIFS.

38. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein The method further comprises: The AP MLD sends a sixth frame to the non-access point device, where the sixth frame includes seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the AP MLD supports the first mode.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein The seventh indication information is located in the second field of the sixth frame, the second field is located in the basic multilink element, and the second field is a setting field or an enhanced multilink EML capability field.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein The second field also includes at least one of the following information: a second duration, where the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation of the first mode to the third operation of the first mode; a fourth duration, where the fourth duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation to the first operation; A first duration is provided, where the first duration is a valid duration of a first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

41. The method according to claim 39 or 40, wherein If the second field is a set field, and the value of the third field set in the basic multilink element is the seventh value, the basic multilink element includes the set field, and the third field is used to indicate whether the basic multilink element includes the set field.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein The set fields include: a first subfield and at least one of the following subfields: a second subfield, a third subfield and a fourth subfield, the first subfield is used to indicate the seventh indication information, the second subfield is used to indicate the second duration, the third subfield is used to indicate the fourth duration, and the fourth subfield is used to indicate the first duration.

43. The method according to claim 39 or 40, wherein If the second field is the EML capability field, and the value of the EML capability presence field in the basic multilink element is the eighth value, then the basic multilink element includes the EML capability field.

44. The method of claim 39, 40 or 43, wherein The second field is the EML capability field, the seventh indication information is located in the fourth field in the EML capability field, and the fourth field is the enhanced multi-link single radio EML SR support field or the reserved field in the EML capability field.

45. The method of claim 39, 40, 43 or 44, wherein The EMLSR Padding Delay field in the first EML Capability field is used to indicate a second duration, where the second duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the first operation or the second operation of the first mode to the third operation of the first mode.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 39, 40, 43 to 45, wherein The EMLSR Transition Delay field in the second EML capability field is used to indicate a fourth duration, where the fourth duration is the duration required for the AP MLD to switch from the third operation of the first mode to the first operation of the first mode.

47. The method according to any one of claims 39, 40, 43 to 46, wherein The Transition Timeout field in the second EML capability field is used to indicate a first duration, where the first duration is the valid duration of a first frame sent by the AP MLD, and the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

48. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein The first link is a primary link among the links of the AP MLD, and the second link is a secondary link among the links of the AP MLD.

49. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein The non-access point device is a non-access point multi-link device Non-AP MLD or a non-AP station device.

50. A wireless communication method, the method comprising: A non-access point device exchanges frames with an access point multi-link device AP MLD on a first link, where a link mode of the AP MLD includes a first mode, and when the AP MLD is in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a first number; and when the AP MLD is not in the first mode, the number of available spatial streams for receiving or sending on the first link includes a second number, where the first number is greater than the second number.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein: The method further comprises: The non-access point device receives a first frame sent by the AP MLD, where the first frame is used to instruct the AP MLD to start or end the first mode.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein The first frame is a setting frame or an enhanced multi-link operation mode announcement EML OMN frame.

53. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein The first mode includes: A first operation, in which the first link and the second link are in a listening state, and the second link is a link in the AP MLD except the first link; a second operation, wherein the first link uses spatial streams less than or equal to the second number for frame exchange, and the second link has available spatial streams that can be used for frame exchange; A third operation is performed, in which the first link uses spatial streams greater than the second number and less than or equal to the first number to perform frame exchange, and the second link cannot perform frame exchange.

54. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein The method further comprises: The non-access point device receives a sixth frame sent by the AP MLD, where the sixth frame includes seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information is used to indicate that the AP MLD supports the first mode.

55. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein The first link is a primary link among the links of the AP MLD, and the second link is a secondary link among the links of the AP MLD.

56. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 55, wherein The non-access point device is a non-access point multi-link device Non-AP MLD or a non-AP station device.

57. An access point multi-link device (AP MLD), comprising: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, so that the AP MLD performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 49.

58. A non-access point device, comprising: A processor and a memory, the memory being configured to store a computer program, the processor being configured to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the non-access point device executes the method according to any one of claims 50 to 56.

59. A chip comprising: A processor, configured to call and execute a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 49.

60. A chip, comprising: A processor, configured to call and execute a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes a method as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 56.

61. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the execution of the computer program causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 49.

62. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the execution of the computer program causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 50 to 56.

63. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions, the execution of which causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 49.

64. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions, the execution of which causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 50 to 56.

65. A computer program, the execution of which causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 49.

66. A computer program, the execution of which causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 50 to 56.

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