Access point multi-link device, station and method associated therewith

Abstract

An access point (AP) multilink device (MLD) for facilitating wireless communications in a wireless network, the AP MLD device comprising processing circuitry configured to: transmit a first frame to a station (STA) affiliated to a non-AP MLD, the first frame comprising a request for operational information from the STA, where the STA is operating on a first link; receiving a second frame from the STA, the second frame including a response to the request for operation information; determining to allocate a second link to the STA based on a response to the request for the operational information; and transmitting a third frame to the STA, the third frame including a link allocation recommendation to allocate the second link to the STA.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to multi-link device link allocation in, for example but not limited to, wireless networks. Background Art

[0002] Wireless local area network (WLAN) devices are widely deployed in various environments to provide various communication services such as video, cloud access, broadcasting, and offloading. Some of these environments have many access point (AP) sites and non-AP sites in a geographically limited area. WLAN technology has been moving towards increasing data rates and has continued its growth in various markets such as homes, enterprises, and hotspots since the late 1990s. The recently released standard (IEEE802.11ax-2021) provides improved network performance in high-density scenarios by adopting OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology. These improvements can be used to support environments such as outdoor hotspots, dense residential / office areas, and stadiums.

[0003] However, improved WLANs are often needed to support real-time or delay-sensitive applications that have stringent requirements on latency and packet loss rates. These applications include online gaming, real-time video streaming, virtual reality, and remote-controlled drones and vehicles.

[0004] The descriptions set forth in the Background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely because they are set forth in the Background section. The Background section may describe aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) for facilitating wireless communications in a wireless network. The AP MLD device includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to: send a first frame to a station (STA) attached to a non-AP MLD, the first frame including a request for operation information from the STA, wherein the STA is operating on a first link. The processing circuit is configured to: receive a second frame from the STA, the second frame including a response to the request for operation information. The processing circuit is configured to: determine to allocate a second link to the STA based on the response to the request for operation information. The processing circuit is configured to: send a third frame to the STA, the third frame including a link allocation recommendation to allocate the second link to the STA.

[0006] In some embodiments, the response to the request for operation information is used to indicate that: the number of STAs operating on the first link is greater than a first threshold; the amount of traffic accumulated in the cache of one or more STAs operating on the first link is greater than a second threshold; or the STA is located near the edge of coverage or has a signal-to-noise ratio lower than a third threshold.

[0007] In some embodiments, the request for operating information is included in a medium access control (MAC) frame of the first frame; and the response to the request for operating information is included in a MAC frame of the second frame.

[0008] In some embodiments, the request for operational information is included in a control field of the first frame; and a response to the request for operational information is included in a control field of the second frame.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame including the request for operational information; and the second frame is a clear to send (CTS) frame including a response to the request for operational information.

[0010] In some embodiments, the processing circuit is further configured to: receive a fourth frame from the STA, the fourth frame comprising capability information associated with links or operating bands supported by the STA; and determine the link allocation recommendation based on the capability information.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second frame includes a signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) or a buffer status of the STA.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a station (STA) associated with a non-access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) for connecting to a wireless network, comprising a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to: receive a first frame from a first AP attached to the AP MLD, the first frame including a request for operation information, wherein the STA is operating on a first link. The processing circuit is configured to: send a second frame to the first AP, the second frame including a response to the request for operation information. The processing circuit is configured to: receive a third frame from the first AP, the third frame including a link allocation recommendation for allocating a second link to the STA, wherein the second AP attached to the AP MLD operates on the second link. The processing circuit is configured to: initiate communication with the second AP on the second link based on the link allocation recommendation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the response to the request for operation information indicates that: the number of STAs operating on the first link is greater than a first threshold; the amount of traffic accumulated in the cache of one or more STAs operating on the first link is greater than a second threshold; or the STA is located near the edge of coverage or has a signal-to-noise ratio lower than a third threshold.

[0014] In some embodiments, the request for operating information is included in a medium access control (MAC) frame of the first frame; and the response to the request for operating information is included in a MAC frame of the second frame.

[0015] In some embodiments, the request for operational information is included in a control field of the first frame; and a response to the request for operational information is included in a control field of the second frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame including the request for operational information; and the second frame is a clear to send (CTS) frame including a response to the request for operational information.

[0017] In some embodiments, the processing circuit is further configured to: send a fourth frame to the first AP, the fourth frame including capability information.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second frame includes a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) or a buffer status of the STA.

[0019] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for facilitating wireless communications in a wireless network through an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD). The method includes: sending a first frame to a station STA attached to a non-AP MLD, the first frame including a request for operating information from the STA, wherein the STA is operating on a first link. The method includes: receiving a second frame from the STA, the second frame including a response to the request for operating information. The method includes: determining to allocate a second link to the STA based on the response to the request for operating information. The method includes: sending a third frame to the STA, the third frame including a link allocation recommendation for allocating the second link to the STA.

[0020] In some embodiments, the operation information indicates that: the number of STAs operating on the first link is greater than a first threshold; the amount of traffic accumulated in the cache of one or more STAs operating on the first link is greater than a second threshold; or the STA is located near the edge of coverage or has a signal-to-noise ratio lower than a third threshold.

[0021] In some embodiments, the request for operating information is included in a medium access control (MAC) frame of the first frame; and the response to the request for operating information is included in a MAC frame of the second frame.

[0022] In some embodiments, the request for operational information is included in a control field of the first frame; and a response to the request for operational information is included in a control field of the second frame.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame including the request for operational information; and the second frame is a clear to send (CTS) frame including a response to the request for operational information.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving a fourth frame from the STA, the fourth frame comprising capability information; and determining the link allocation recommendation based on the capability information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication network according to an embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 An example of a timing diagram illustrating inter-frame space (IFS) relationships between wireless devices according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 Examples of OFDM symbols and OFDMA symbols according to an embodiment are shown.

[0028] Figure 4A An example of a PPDU format according to an embodiment is shown. PPDU can be used for SU and MU transmission.

[0029] Figure 4B Another example of the PPDU format according to the embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing an example of a transmitter according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing an example of a receiver according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 An MLO operation with two links is shown according to an embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 9An example topology of an AP MLD and associated STAs according to an embodiment is shown.

[0035] Fig.10 An example communication between a STA and an AP MLD for exchanging capability information according to an embodiment is shown.

[0036] Fig.11 An example exchange of link information through a link information request frame and a link information response frame according to an embodiment is shown.

[0037] Fig.12 Exchanging link information during data transmission according to an embodiment is shown.

[0038] Fig.13 Transmitting link information in a control frame according to an embodiment is shown.

[0039] Fig.14 An AP MLD providing link allocation recommendation to a STA according to an embodiment is shown.

[0040] Fig.15 STAs operating on different links based on link allocation recommendations from the AP MLD according to an embodiment are shown.

[0041] Fig.16 A flow chart illustrating an example process of AP allocating links according to an embodiment.

[0042] Fig.17 A flow chart illustrating an example process for a STA to configure a link based on a recommendation according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The detailed description provided below is intended to describe various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiment. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in nature. The same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0044] The following detailed description has been described with reference to a WLAN system based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless standard (including current and future modifications). However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings herein are applicable to other network environments, such as cellular telecommunication networks and wired telecommunication networks.

[0045] In some embodiments, an apparatus or device such as an AP site and a non-AP site may include one or more hardware and software logic structures for performing one or more operations described herein. For example, the apparatus or device may include at least one memory unit that stores instructions that can be executed by a hardware processor installed in the apparatus; and at least one processor that is configured to perform the operations or processes described in the present disclosure. In addition, the apparatus may include one or more other hardware or software elements, such as a network interface and a display device.

[0046] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication network according to an embodiment is shown. The wireless communication network may include a basic service set (BSS) 10. BSS 10 provides a basic organizational unit and includes multiple wireless devices that may be referred to as stations (STAs). In some embodiments, a wireless device may include multiple STAs internally. According to the IEEE 802.11 standard, a STA may be a logical entity that is a separate addressable instance of a medium access control (MAC) and a physical layer (PHY) interface to a wireless medium (WM). A STA may be an access point (AP) STA and a non-AP STA. An AP STA may be an entity that includes one STA and provides access to a distribution system service for associated STAs via a wireless medium. A non-AP STA may be a STA that is not included in an AP STA. AP STAs and non-AP STAs may be collectively referred to as STAs. For simplicity of description, an AP STA may be referred to as an AP, and a non-AP STA may be referred to as a STA or a station. An AP STA may include, be implemented as, or be included in a wireless device such as a centralized controller, a base station (BS), a node B, a base transceiver system (BTS), a site controller, a network adapter, and a router. Similarly, a non-APSTA may include, be implemented as, or be included in a wireless communication device, such as a terminal, a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal, a mobile user unit, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a battery pack, and a non-mobile computing device.

[0047] Reference Figure 1, the BSS 10 in the wireless communication network may include one AP STA 11 and multiple non-AP STAs 12. The AP STA 11 may send information to a single station in the non-AP STA 12, or may send information to two or more stations in the non-AP STA 12 at the same time. The AP STA 11 may use a downlink (DL) multi-user (MU) transmission scheme such as DL OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Access) and DL MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) for simultaneous transmission. Similarly, each non-AP STA 12 may send information to the AP STA individually, or may send information simultaneously with one or more other non-AP STAs 12. The non-AP STA 12 may use an uplink (UL) MU transmission scheme such as UL OFDMA and UL MU-MIMO for simultaneous transmission. In MU-MIMO transmission, a transmitting station may use one or more antennas on the same subcarrier to send information to multiple receiving stations at the same time. Different spatial streams may be used as different resources in MU-MIMO transmission. In OFDMA transmission, a transmitting station can send information to multiple receiving stations simultaneously on different subcarrier groups.Different frequencies (subcarriers) can be used as different resources in OFDMA transmission.

[0048] Figure 2 An example of a timing diagram illustrating inter-frame space (IFS) relationships between wireless devices according to an embodiment. Figure 2 Depicted is a CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access) / CA (Collision Avoidance) frame transmission process for preventing collisions between frames on a channel. These frames may include data frames, control frames, or management frames exchanged between wireless devices.

[0049] Data frames can be used for transmission of data forwarded to higher layers in the receiving station. Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, when the medium is busy, the access of the wireless device to the medium is postponed until the IFS duration has passed. For example, when the distributed coordination function (DCF) IFS (DIFS) has expired, the wireless device can send a data frame after completing the backoff period. Management frames can be used to exchange management information that is not forwarded to the higher layer in the receiving station. Management frames include beacon frames, association request / response frames, disassociation frames, reassociation request / response frames, probe request / response frames, and authentication request / response frames and action frames. Control frames can be used to control access to the medium. Control frames include request to send (RTS) frames, clear to send (CTS) frames, and acknowledgement (ACK) frames, block acknowledgement (BlockAck) request / response frames, and NDP (empty data PPDU) announcement frames. If the control frame is not a response frame to another frame, the wireless device can send the control frame after performing the backoff operation when the DIFS has passed. However, if the control frame is a response frame to another frame, the wireless device may send the control frame without performing a backoff operation when the short IFS (SIFS) has passed. In addition, when the arbitration IFS (AIFS) of the access category (AC) (i.e., AIFS [AC]) has passed, the QoS (Quality of Service) STA may send a frame after performing a backoff operation. In some embodiments, when the PCF IFS (PIFS) has passed, an AP STA with a point coordination function (PCF) enabled may send a frame after performing a backoff operation. The PIFS duration may be less than the DIFS duration, but greater than the SIFS duration.

[0050] Figure 3 An example of an OFDM symbol and an OFDMA symbol according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 3 In (a) and 3(b), OFDM / OFDMA symbols are shown along the time dimension, and subcarriers are shown along the frequency dimension.

[0051] OFDMA is introduced in the IEEE 802.11ax standard, which is also called high-efficiency (HE) WLAN. OFDMA will also be used for the next modification of the IEEE 802.11 standard, such as ultra-high throughput (EHT) WLAN. One or more STAs may be allowed to use one or more resource units (RUs) to send data simultaneously over the entire working bandwidth. A RU may be a subcarrier group allocated as a subcarrier for transmission. In some aspects, a non-AP STA may be associated or unassociated with an AP STA when a response frame is sent simultaneously in the assigned RU after a specific time period (such as SIFS). SIFS may be the time from the end of the last symbol of the previous frame or the signal extension (if any) to the beginning of the first symbol of the preamble of the subsequent frame.

[0052] OFDMA is a multiple access scheme based on OFDM, where different subcarrier groups are assigned to different users, which allows simultaneous transmission to one or more users with high precision synchronization for frequency orthogonality. OFDMA allows users to be assigned to different subcarrier groups in each PPDU (physical layer protocol data unit). Depending on the bandwidth of the PPDU, an OFDM symbol in OFDMA can include multiple subcarriers. Figure 3 The difference between OFDM and OFDMA is shown in Figure 3 As shown in (a), the OFDM symbol includes a single user (user A), while the OFDMA symbol includes multiple users (user A, user B, user C and user D), and each user is assigned and allocated to a different subcarrier group, as shown in Figure 3 (b) as shown.

[0053] In the case of UL MU transmission, the AP STA can control the medium by using a more scheduled access mechanism that allows AP STA and non-AP STA to use OFDMA and MU-MIMO. The UL MU PPDU may be sent by a non-AP STA as a response to a trigger frame sent by an AP STA. The trigger frame may have information for the receiving STA and assign a single or multiple RUs to the receiving STA. This allows the non-AP STA to send an OFDMA-based frame in the form of a triggered (TB) PPDU (e.g., HE TB PPDU or EHT TB PPDU), where the operating bandwidth is segmented into multiple RUs and each RU is used as a response to the trigger frame. To simplify the description, a single RU and multiple RUs (MRUs) allocated to a non-AP STA may be collectively referred to as RUs. In some embodiments, an MRU may indicate a combination of two RUs.

[0054] Figure 4A An example of a PPDU format according to an embodiment is shown. The PPDU can be used for SU and MU transmission. The PPDU can be used as an EHT MU PPDU according to IEEE 802.11be, or can be used as a PPDU according to any future modification of the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0055] refer to Figure 4A, the EHT MU PDU 40 may include an EHT preamble (which may be referred to as a preamble or a PHY preamble), a data field, and a packet extension (PE) field. The EHT preamble may include a pre-EHT modulation field and an EHT modulation field. The pre-EHT modulation field may include a legacy short training field (L-STF), a legacy long training field (L-LTF), a legacy signal (L-SIG) field, a repeated legacy signal (RL-SIG) field, a universal signal (U-SIG) field, and an EHT signal (EHT-SIG) field. The EHT modulation field may include an EHT short training field (EHT-STF) and one or more EHT long training fields (EHT-LTF).

[0056] The L-STF may be used for packet detection, automatic gain control (AGC), and coarse frequency offset correction. The L-LTF may be used for channel estimation, fine frequency offset correction, and symbol timing. The L-SIG field may provide information for communication, such as data rate, length associated with the EHT PPDU 40. The RL-SIG field may be a repetition of the L-SIG field and may be used to distinguish the EHT PPDU from other PPDUs that conform to other IEEE 802.11 standards (such as IEEE 802.11a / n / ac). The U-SIG field may provide information required for the receiving STA to interpret the EHT MU PPDU. The EHT-SIG may provide additional information to the U-SIG field for the receiving STA to interpret the EHT MU PPDU 40. For simplicity of description, the U-SIG field, the EHT-SIG field, or both may be referred to herein as the SIG field. The EHT-LTF may enable the receiving STA to estimate the MIMO channel between a set of constellation mapper outputs and the receive chain. The data field may carry one or more PHY service data units (PSDUs). The PE field may provide additional receive processing time at the end of the EHT MU PPDU.

[0057] Figure 4B Another example of the PPDU format according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 4B The PPDU in may be used for SU and MU transmissions. The PPDU 45 may be used as an EHT TB (trigger-based) PPDU according to IEEE 802.11be, or may be used as a PPDU that complies with any future amendment to the IEEE 802.11 standard. In some embodiments, the EHT TB PPDU 45 is used for transmissions by a non-AP STA as a response to a trigger frame from an AP STA.

[0058] like Figure 4BAs shown, the EHT TB PPDU 45 may include an EHT preamble (which may be referred to as a preamble or a PHY preamble), a data field, and a packet extension (PE) field. The EHT preamble may include a pre-EHT modulation field and an EHT modulation field. The pre-EHT modulation field may include an L-STF field, an L-LTF field, an L-SIG field, an RL-SIG field, and a U-SIG field. The EHT modulation field may include an EHT-STF and one or more EHT-LTFs. Unlike the EHT MU PPDU 40, the EHT-SIG may not be present in the EHT TB PPDU 45. On the contrary, the duration (8us) of the EHT-STF of the EHT TB PPDU 45 may be twice the duration (4us) of the EHT-STF of the EHT MU PPDU 40. A detailed description of other fields in the EHT TB PPDU 45 will be omitted because the description of each field in the EHT MU PPDU 40 may be applied to each corresponding field of the EHT TB PPDU 45.

[0059] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The electronic device 50 may be Figure 1 Examples of AP STA 11 or non-AP STA 12 are shown.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 , the electronic device 50 may include a processor 51, a memory 52, a transceiver 53, and an antenna unit 54. The transceiver 53 may include a transmitter 100 and a receiver 200.

[0061] The processor 51 may perform a medium access control (MAC) function, a PHY function, an RF function, or a combination of some or all of the above. In some embodiments, the processor 51 may include some or all of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200. The processor 51 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the memory 52. ​​In some embodiments, the processor 51 may include one or more processors.

[0062] The memory 52 may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor 51, cause the electronic device 50 to perform the operations, methods, or processes set forth in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the memory 52 may store instructions required by one or more of the processor 51, the transceiver 53, and other components of the electronic device 50. The memory may also store operating systems and applications. The memory 52 may include, be implemented as, or be included in a read-write memory, a read-only memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a combination of some or all of the foregoing.

[0063] Antenna unit 54 includes one or more physical antennas. When MIMO or MU-MIMO is used, antenna unit 54 may include more than one physical antenna.

[0064] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing an example of a transmitter according to an embodiment. Figure 6 The transmitter in can be Figure 5 An example of a transmitter is shown in .

[0065] Reference Figure 6 , the transmitter 100 may include an encoder 101, an interleaver 103, a mapper 105, an inverse Fourier transformer (IFT) 107, a guard interval (GI) inserter 109 and an RF transmitter 111.

[0066] The encoder 101 may encode the input data to generate the encoded data. For example, the encoder 101 may be a forward error correction (FEC) encoder. The FEC encoder may include or be implemented as a binary convolutional code (BCC) encoder or a low density parity check (LDPC) encoder. The interleaver 103 may interleave the bits of the encoded data from the encoder 101 to change the order of the bits, and output the interleaved data. In some embodiments, when BCC encoding is adopted, interleaving may be applied. The mapper 105 may map the interleaved data into a constellation point to generate a block of constellation points. If LDPC encoding is used in the encoder 101, the mapper 105 may further perform LDPC tone mapping instead of constellation mapping. The IFT 107 may convert the block of constellation points into a time domain block corresponding to the symbol by using an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) or an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT). The GI inserter 109 may preset a GI for the symbol. The RF transmitter 111 may convert the symbol into an RF signal and transmit the RF signal via the antenna unit 34.

[0067] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing an example of a receiver according to an embodiment. Figure 7 The receiver in can be Figure 5 An example of a receiver is shown in .

[0068] Reference Figure 7, the receiver 200 according to an embodiment may include an RF receiver 201, a GI remover 203, a Fourier transformer (FT) 205, a demapper 207, a deinterleaver 209, and a decoder 211. The RF receiver 201 may receive an RF signal via an antenna unit 34 and convert the RF signal into one or more symbols. The GI remover 203 may remove the GI from the symbol. Depending on the implementation, the FT 205 may convert the symbol corresponding to the time domain block into a block of constellation points by using a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) or a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The demapper 207 may demap the block of constellation points to demap the data bits. If LDPC encoding is used, the demapper 207 may also perform LDPC tone demapping before constellation demapping. The deinterleaver 209 may deinterleave the demapped data bits to generate deinterleaved data bits. In some embodiments, when BCC encoding is used, deinterleaving may be applied. The decoder 211 may decode the deinterleaved data bits to generate decoded bits. For example, the decoder 211 may be a FEC decoder. The FEC decoder may include a BCC decoder or an LDPC decoder. To support the HARQ process, the decoder 211 may combine the retransmitted data with the initial data. The descrambler 213 may descramble the descrambled data bits based on the scrambler seed.

[0069] Multi-link operation (MLO) is a feature of next generation WLAN systems. Since many multi-link devices (MLDs) incorporate dual-band, tri-band or more capabilities, MLO can achieve packet-level link aggregation across different PHY links in the MAC layer. In some embodiments, MLDs can perform load balancing based on traffic requirements, so MLO can achieve significantly higher throughput, lower latency, and enhanced reliability compared to single-link configurations in heavily loaded networks.

[0070] With MLO, an MLD may include multiple "subordinate" devices that communicate with an upper logical link control (LLC) layer, which may allow simultaneous data transmission and reception in multiple channels across a single or multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, etc.).

[0071] Figure 8An MLO operation with two links according to an embodiment is shown. As shown, AP 1 and AP 2 are attached to the APMLD. STA 1 and STA 2 are attached to the non-AP MLD. AP 1 is associated with STA 1 on link 1. AP 2 is associated with STA 2 on link 2. AP 1 can send data to STA 1 on link 1, and STA 1 can send an acknowledgment (ACK) frame to AP 1. STA 2 can send data to AP 2 on link 2, and AP 2 can send an ACK frame to STA 2.

[0072] Existing wireless devices connected to a single link may be able to switch to different frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, among others. However, these devices typically experience switching overhead or latency (e.g., up to 100 ms or more) when switching between different frequency bands. Therefore, MLO may be highly desirable for latency-sensitive applications, including real-time applications such as video conferencing, applications utilizing wireless VR headsets, cloud gaming applications, and the like.

[0073] The IEEE 802.11be standard defines a specific channel access protocol for MLD communications. The protocol may include different transmission modes for transmitting frames on a link, including an asynchronous mode and a synchronous mode. In the asynchronous transmission mode, the MLD transmits frames asynchronously across multiple links without aligning the start time. In the synchronous transmission mode, the start time of the frames transmitted by the MLD is aligned across multiple links. In either mode, the links may have their own primary channels and associated link parameters. The link parameters may include various parameters, including parameters related to the physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), modulation and coding scheme (MCS) parameters, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters, and other parameters.

[0074] As described herein, MLO may allow data traffic to be sent and received simultaneously over different frequency bands and links, which may provide higher transmission rates, reduce latency, and improve network connectivity, among other benefits. However, to maximize the benefits of MLO, effective link allocation may be required to optimize communications across different links of the MLO. In some embodiments, link allocation may take into account various characteristics of the links within the MLO, including the number of STAs connected to each link, the amount of traffic to be transmitted on each link, and other factors.

[0075] In some embodiments, the AP MLD may identify that a particular link may be suitable for a STA to achieve an improved transmission rate, and therefore may allocate the link to the STA so that the STA may operate on the link. Efficient link allocation may be beneficial because some legacy devices may only be able to support a single link, and therefore may have fewer opportunities to acquire channels than MLD devices that may have more channel access opportunities. Therefore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a technique for improving the transmission rate of MLO and improving network stability through efficient link allocation is provided, and the efficient link allocation takes into account the operating characteristics of the links within the network and the associated STAs operating on the links. In some embodiments, the AP MLD may establish a basic service set (BSS) by associating with a STA or STA MLD for each link supported by the AP MLD.

[0076] Fig. 9 An example topology of an AP MLD and associated STAs according to an embodiment is shown. As shown, the AP MLD has the ability to operate on three or more links and can be attached to several APs operating on different frequency bands, including AP 1 operating on link 1, AP 2 operating on link 2, and AP 3 operating on link 3. For example, link 1 uses the 2.4 GHz band, link 2 uses the 5 GHz band, and link 3 uses the 6 GHz band. As shown, STA 1-1, STA 1-2, and STA 1-3 can be associated with AP 1 of the AP MLD. STA 2-1 and STA 2-2 can be associated with AP 2 of the AP MLD. STA 3-1, STA 3-2, STA 3-3, and STA 3-4 can be associated with AP 3 of the AP MLD. STA 1-1, STA 1-2, and STA 1-3 can establish a basic service set (BSS) 1 by associating with AP 1 on link 1. STA 2-1 and STA 2-2 may establish an association with AP 2 over link 2 and form BSS 2. STA 3-1, STA 3-2, and STA 3-3 may establish an association with AP 3 over link 3 and form BSS 3.

[0077] In some embodiments, the number of links supported by the AP MLD may be greater than the number of links supported by the STA MLD. In some embodiments, the STA may be replaced by a STA MLD that has fewer supported links than the AP MLD.

[0078] The AP MLD may recommend or instruct one or more STAs to change or reconfigure one or more links on which the STAs operate. In some embodiments, the AP MLD may periodically send reconfiguration requests based on network conditions. In certain embodiments, the AP MLD may send reconfiguration requests at any time based on the operational characteristics of the network traffic of one or more STAs operating on the one or more links. For example, the AP MLD may send a reconfiguration request when a STA on a particular link experiences a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) of a particular threshold level and / or based on the buffer status of the STA on the link.

[0079] As described herein, link allocation may refer to when the AP MLD reconfigures one or more links on which one or more STAs are operating based on the operating conditions of the one or more links. In some embodiments, the STA and / or link that is the target of the link allocation may be based on various factors. In some embodiments, the link may be allocated based on the level of competition between STAs for channel acquisition. In particular, if a large number of STAs operate on a particular link, it may be difficult for a particular STA to quickly acquire a channel to send data accumulated in a buffer, which may cause delay problems for the STA. Similarly, even if the number of STAs operating on a particular link is minimal, if the amount of traffic accumulated in the buffer of a particular STA is large, the time that a particular STA occupies the channel may be too long, which may cause delay problems for other STAs on the link because the channel occupancy time of other STAs may be reduced.

[0080] In some embodiments, if the STA is physically located far away from the AP MLD and / or at the coverage edge of the BSS, the STA may experience a low SINR and thus may have a high probability of transmission failure when communicating with the AP MLD. Therefore, reconfiguring the link allocation of the STA to different links to improve transmission efficiency may improve the overall performance of the total BSS established by the AP MLD.

[0081] In some embodiments, the AP MLD and the STA may exchange capability information with each other. In some embodiments, the STA associated with the APMLD may inform the AP MLD of the links and / or operating bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz) supported by the STA. In some embodiments, the STA may send an association request frame, a probe request frame, and / or other management frames that may include information about the supported links and / or operating bands of the STA.

[0082] In some embodiments, the AP MLD may inform the STA of the links and / or frequency bands supported by the AP MLD (e.g., link 1 is 2.4 GHz, link 2 is 5 GHz, link 3 is 6 GHz, etc.). The AP MLD may send an association response frame, a probe response frame, and / or other management frames that may include information about supported links and operating frequency bands. Thus, the AP MLD may determine the capabilities of the STA, including the links and / or frequency bands on which the STA can operate, so as to effectively allocate links to the STA.

[0083] Fig.10 An example communication for exchanging capability information between a STA and an AP MLD according to an embodiment is shown. As shown, AP 1, AP 2, and AP 3 are attached to the AP MLD. AP 1 is associated with STA 1-1 on link 1 and operates on the 2.4 GHz band. AP 2 operates on link 2 in the 5 GHz band. AP 3 operates on link 3 in the 6 GHz band. STA 1-1 sends an association request frame 1001 to AP 1 on link 1. The association request frame may include information about the operating bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, etc.) supported by STA 1-1.

[0084] AP 1 sends an association response frame 1003 to STA 1-1 on Link 1. The association response frame 1003 may include information about links and / or frequency bands supported by the APMLD, including Link 1 for 2.4 GHz, Link 2 for 5 GHz, or Link 3 for 6 GHz. Thus, the AP MLD may identify the frequency bands on which STA 1-1 may operate, and may allocate one of the links to the STA 1-1 based on the capabilities of the AP MLD and STA 1-1.

[0085] In some embodiments, the AP MLD may request link information from the STA. In some embodiments, the AP MLD may send a link information request frame to the STA.

[0086] Fig.11 An example exchange of link information through a link information request frame and a link information response frame according to an embodiment is shown. In some embodiments, the link information request frame and the link information response frame may be newly definable MAC frames. Fig.11As shown, AP 1, AP 2, and AP 3 are attached to AP MLD. AP 1 is associated with STA 1-1 on link 1 and operates on the 2.4 GHz band. AP 2 operates on link 2 in the 5 GHz band. AP 3 operates on link 3 in the 6 GHz band. AP 1 sends a link information request frame 1101 to STA 1-1 on link 1. The link information request frame 1101 may request the SINR and / or buffer status of STA 1-1. In some embodiments, the information request frame 1101 may request other network and / or operating characteristics of the STA and / or one or more links on which the STA is operating.

[0087] Upon receiving the link information request frame 1101, STA 1-1 may send the requested information to AP1 of the AP MLD. In some embodiments, the STA may send a link information response frame 1103 including SINR and / or buffer status information to the AP MLD. In some embodiments, the link information response frame 1103 may include one or more fields indicating the measured SINR value and the amount of traffic accumulated in the buffer. In some embodiments, the SINR information may provide an average value of the SINR measured during communication with the AP MLD. In some embodiments, the buffer information may provide the amount of traffic currently accumulated in the buffer of STA 1-1.

[0088] In some embodiments, the STA may periodically provide the AP MLD with link operation status information, such as SINR values ​​measured when exchanging frames with the APMLD and / or the amount of traffic accumulated in the buffer. The frequency at which the STA provides operation status information may be configured based on the network conditions of the BSS (e.g., frequent, less frequent, etc.).

[0089] In some embodiments, in response to a request from the AP MLD, the STA may send link state information when sending an acknowledgement (ACK) frame, a block acknowledgement (BA) frame, and various other types of frames to the AP MLD.

[0090] Fig.12 FIG. 2 shows the exchange of link information during data transmission according to an embodiment. Specifically, Fig.12It is shown that AP 1, which is attached to AP MLD, operates on link 1, and STA 1-1 also operates on link 1. AP 1 sends data 1201 including one or more control fields. Specifically, data 1201 may include a link information request field. The link information request field may request the SINR and / or buffer status of the responder STA 1-1. Accordingly, STA 1-1 sends an ACK or BA frame 1203 including a link information response field. The link information response field may include information about the average value of the SINR measured during communication with AP MLD and the current accumulated traffic in the buffer of STA 1-1. In some embodiments, the link formation request field and the link information response field may be control fields. In some embodiments, the link formation request field and the link information response field may be subfields of an HT (high throughput) control field or a QoS control field.

[0091] In some embodiments, the STA and the AP MLD may include the link information in a control frame, such as a request to send (RTS) frame or a clear to send (CTS) frame, so that the AP MLD may obtain the link information of the STA.

[0092] Fig.13 1 shows that link information is transmitted in an RTC frame and a CTS frame according to an embodiment. As shown, AP 1 is attached to AP MLD and operates on link 1. STA 1-1 operates on link 1. AP 1 transmits an RTS frame 1301 including a link information request field. STA 1-1 transmits a CTS frame 1303 including a link information response field. As shown, the link formation request field and the link information response field may be included in a control frame such as an RTS frame and a CTS frame.

[0093] In some embodiments, the AP MLD may determine link allocation of one or more links to improve the transmission rate and / or stabilize the network based on link information obtained from one or more STAs (e.g., all STAs) and for one or more links (e.g., link 1, link 2, link 3, etc.). In some embodiments, the parameters used for link allocation may be SINR and / or buffer status of one or more STAs on one or more links within the network, as well as other parameters and operating characteristics.

[0094] In some embodiments, STAs with low SINR may be assigned to a different, better link that provides an improved SINR, thereby increasing the transmission rate of that link. In some embodiments, load balancing may be achieved by assigning STAs from a link that may suffer from delays due to a large amount of accumulated traffic in the STA's buffer to a different link that does not experience heavy traffic.

[0095] Fig.14 An AP MLD providing a link allocation recommendation to a STA according to an embodiment is shown. As shown in the figure, AP 1, AP 2, and AP 3 are attached to the AP MLD. AP 1 is associated with STA 1-1 on link 1. AP 2 operates on link 2 in the 5 GHz band. AP 3 operates on link 3 in the 6 GHz band. AP 1 sends a link allocation recommendation frame 1401 to STA 1-1. For example, the link allocation recommendation frame 1401 may recommend link 2 for STA 1-1. STA 1-1 sends a link allocation response frame 1403 to AP 1. STA 1-1 may accept or reject the recommendation of the AP MLD through the link allocation response frame 1403. According to an embodiment, if STA 1-1 agrees to the recommended link allocation, STA 1-1 may operate on the recommended link (e.g., link 2), as shown in FIG. Fig.15 In particular, Fig.15 STA1 - 1 is shown currently operating on link 2 with AP 2 .

[0096] In some embodiments, a STA may be a target of link allocation. In particular, a STA may attempt to establish a new association with an AP MLD and thus become a target of link allocation. In some embodiments, a STA may be a STA in a power save (PS) mode and may become a target of link allocation.

[0097] In some embodiments, for a STA attempting to establish a new association with the AP MLD, the AP MLD may recommend that the STA operate on the least congested link currently. In some embodiments, for a STA in PS mode, when the STA receives a beacon frame, the beacon frame may include a recommendation of the least congested link on which the STA should operate.

[0098] Fig.16 A flowchart illustrating an example process for an AP to provide link configuration recommendations according to an embodiment. Although one or more operations are described or illustrated in a particular sequential order, in other embodiments, the operations may be rearranged in a different order, which may include performing multiple operations in at least partially overlapping time periods. Fig.16 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 shows that in an AP MLD (such as Figure 8 The process 1600 starts at operation 1601.

[0099] In operation 1601, the AP receives capability information from the STA. In some embodiments, the STA may provide information about the operating bands supported by the STA (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, etc.). In some embodiments, the capability information may be provided in any of various types of frames, including an association request frame, a probe request frame, and / or other management frames.

[0100] In operation 1603, the AP sends capability information to the STA. In some embodiments, the AP may provide information about links and frequency bands supported by the AP MLD (e.g., link 1 for 2.4 GHz, link 2 for 5 GHz, or link 3 for 6 GHz, etc.). In some embodiments, the AP capability information may be provided in any of various types of frames, including an association response frame, a probe response frame, and / or other management frames.

[0101] In operation 1605, the AP requests link operation information from the STA. In some embodiments, the AP may send a link information request frame to the STA. The link information request frame may include an indicator requesting the SINR and / or buffer status information of the STA. In some embodiments, the link information request may be transmitted to the STA in a data transmission. In some embodiments, the link information may be requested in an RTS frame.

[0102] In operation 1607, the AP receives link operation information from the STA. In some embodiments, the link operation information may be received in a link information response frame. In some embodiments, the link information response frame may include a field indicating the measured SINR and the amount of traffic accumulated in the buffer. In some embodiments, the link operation information may include an average value of the SINR measured during communication with the AP MLD and the amount of traffic currently accumulated in the buffer of the STA. In some embodiments, the AP may receive frequent link operation information from the STA, which may be sent in an ACK or block acknowledgment frame from the STA. In some embodiments, the AP may receive a CTS frame including the link operation information.

[0103] In operation 1609, the AP determines a link allocation recommendation based on the link operation information and the STA capability information. In some embodiments, the AP performs link allocation based on the link information of one or more STAs (e.g., all STAs) operating on one or more links to improve the transmission rate and stabilize the network. In some embodiments, the parameters used for link allocation may be the SINR and buffer status of each STA. In particular, STAs with low SINR may be allocated to other better links based on the expected SINR, which may increase the transmission rate of one or more links. In some embodiments, load balancing may be achieved by allocating STAs from current links that suffer delays due to a large amount of traffic accumulated in the STA's buffer to other links with less accumulated traffic. In some embodiments, if the STA is physically located far away from the AP or at the edge of coverage, the STA may have a low SINR and a high probability of transmission failure, and may therefore be allocated to different links.

[0104] In operation 1611, the AP sends a link allocation recommendation to the STA. In some embodiments, the AP may send a link allocation recommendation frame to the STA. The link allocation recommendation may recommend different links on which the STA should operate.

[0105] In operation 1613, the AP receives a link allocation response from the STA. In some embodiments, the AP may receive a link allocation response frame from the STA. The STA may indicate in the link allocation response frame that it accepts or rejects the AP MLD recommendation. If the STA accepts the recommendation, the AP MLD and the STA may begin operating on the newly recommended link.

[0106] Fig.17 A flowchart illustrating an example process of configuring a link based on a link allocation recommendation by a STA according to an embodiment. Although one or more operations are described or illustrated in a particular sequential order, in other embodiments, the operations may be rearranged in a different order, which may include performing multiple operations in at least partially overlapping time periods. Fig. 9 The flowchart depicted in FIG. 1 shows that in a non-AP STA (eg Figure 8 The operations performed in the non-AP STA) shown in FIG.

[0107] Process 1700 begins at operation 1701 .

[0108] In operation 1701, the STA sends capability information to the AP. In some embodiments, the STA may provide information about the operating bands supported by the STA (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, etc.). In some embodiments, the capability information may be provided in any of various types of frames, including an association request frame, a probe request frame, and / or other management frames.

[0109] In operation 1703, the STA receives AP capability information from the AP. In some embodiments, the AP may provide information about links and frequency bands supported by the AP MLD (e.g., link 1 for 2.4 GHz, link 2 for 5 GHz, or link 3 for 6 GHz, etc.). In some embodiments, the AP capability information may be provided in any of various types of frames, including an association response frame, a probe response frame, and / or other management frames.

[0110] In operation 1705, the STA receives a request for link operation information from the AP. In some embodiments, the STA may receive a link information request frame from the AP. The link information request frame may include an indicator requesting SINR and / or buffer status information of the STA. In some embodiments, the link information request may be received within a data transmission from the AP. In some embodiments, the link information may be requested in an RTS frame received from the AP.

[0111] In operation 1707, the STA sends a response with link operation information to the AP. In some embodiments, the link operation information may be sent in a link information response frame. In some embodiments, the link information response frame may include a field indicating the measured SINR and the amount of traffic accumulated in the buffer. In some embodiments, the link operation information may include an average value of the SINR measured during communication with the AP MLD and the current amount of traffic accumulated in the STA's buffer. In some embodiments, the STA may send frequent link operation information to the AP, which may be sent in an ACK or block acknowledgment frame from the STA. In some embodiments, the STA may send a CTS frame including link operation information to the AP.

[0112] In operation 1709, the STA receives a link allocation recommendation from the AP. In some embodiments, the STA may receive a link allocation recommendation frame from the AP. The link allocation recommendation may recommend different links on which the STA should operate.

[0113] In operation 1711, the STA sends a link allocation recommendation response to the AP. In some embodiments, the STA may send a link allocation response frame to the AP. The STA may indicate in the link allocation response frame whether it accepts or rejects the AP MLD recommendation.

[0114] In operation 1713 , if the STA accepts the recommendation in the link allocation recommendation response, the process proceeds to operation 1715 .

[0115] In operation 1715, the STA operates on the recommended new link based on the link allocation recommendation from the AP.

[0116] In operation 1713 , if the STA does not accept the recommendation in the link allocation recommendation response, the process proceeds to operation 1717 .

[0117] In operation 1717, the STA continues to operate on the current link on which it has been operating.

[0118] To illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, items such as various illustrative blocks, modules, components, methods, operations, instructions, and algorithms have been generally described in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. A skilled person may implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application.

[0119] Unless otherwise specified, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one, but rather one or more. For example, "a" module may refer to one or more modules. An element followed by "a", "an", "the" or "said" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements without further constraints.

[0120] Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word example is used to indicate use as an example or illustration. To the extent that the terms "including," "having," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when used as a transition word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0121] Phrases such as an aspect, this aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, an example, an example, another example, some examples, one or more examples, a configuration, this configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof, etc. are for convenience and do not imply that the disclosure associated with such phrases is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures involving such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as one or more aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to the other aforementioned phrases.

[0122] The phrase "at least one of" following a list of items (with the terms "and" or "or" separating any of the items) modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of the items; rather, the phrase permits a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" means only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0123] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the disclosed steps, operations or processes is a diagram of an exemplary method. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations or processes can be performed in different orders. Some steps, operations or processes can be performed simultaneously, or can be performed as part of one or more other steps, operations or processes. The attached method claims (if any) present the elements of various steps, operations or processes in a sample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These can be performed serially, linearly, in parallel or in different orders. It should be understood that the instructions, operations and systems described can usually be integrated together in a single software / hardware product or packaged into multiple software / hardware products.

[0124] The present disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0125] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to one of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, the content disclosed herein is not intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. A claim element should not be interpreted under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase means, or in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase step.

[0126] The title, background technology, brief description of the drawings, abstract and drawings are incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than as limiting descriptions. It should be understood that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure, various features are grouped together in various embodiments. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than the features explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0127] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to encompass subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. An access point AP multi-link device MLD for facilitating wireless communications in a wireless network, the AP MLD device comprising a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to: A first frame is sent to a station STA attached to a non-AP MLD, wherein the first frame includes a request for operation information from the STA, wherein: The STA is operating on a first link; receiving a second frame from the STA, the second frame comprising a response to the request for operational information; Determining, based on a response to the request for the operational information, to allocate a second link to the STA; as well as A third frame is sent to the STA, wherein the third frame includes a link allocation recommendation for allocating the second link to the STA.

2. The AP MLD according to claim 1, wherein: A response to the request for operational information, indicating: The number of STAs operating on the first link is greater than a first threshold; The amount of traffic accumulated in the buffer of the STA among the one or more STAs operating on the first link is greater than a second threshold; or The STA is located near the coverage edge or has a signal-to-noise ratio lower than a third threshold.

3. The AP MLD according to claim 1, wherein: The request for operating information is included in a medium access control (MAC) frame of the first frame; as well as A response to the request for operational information is included in a MAC frame of the second frame.

4. The AP MLD according to claim 1, wherein: The request for operational information is included in a control field of the first frame; and A response to the request for operational information is included in a control field of the second frame.

5. The AP MLD according to claim 1, wherein: The first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame, and the request to send (RTS) frame includes the request for operation information; and The second frame is a Clear to Send (CTS) frame including a response to the request for operational information.

6. The AP MLD according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: receiving a fourth frame from the STA, the fourth frame including capability information associated with a link or an operating band supported by the STA; and Based on the capability information, the link allocation recommendation is determined.

7. The AP MLD according to claim 1, wherein: The second frame includes a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) or a buffer status of the STA.

8. A station STA associated with a non-access point AP multi-link device MLD to be connected to a wireless network, comprising a processing circuit, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: A first frame is received from a first AP affiliated with the AP MLD, the first frame including a request for operation information, wherein: The STA is operating on a first link; sending a second frame to the first AP, the second frame comprising a response to the request for operating information; receiving a third frame from the first AP, the third frame comprising a link allocation recommendation for allocating a second link to the STA, wherein a second AP affiliated with the AP MLD operates on the second link; as well as Based on the link allocation recommendation, initiating communication with the second AP over the second link.

9. The STA according to claim 8, wherein: A response to the request for operational information, indicating: The number of STAs operating on the first link is greater than a first threshold; The amount of traffic accumulated in the buffer of the STA among the one or more STAs operating on the first link is greater than a second threshold; or The STA is located near the coverage edge or has a signal-to-noise ratio lower than a third threshold.

10. The STA according to claim 8, wherein: The request for operating information is included in a medium access control (MAC) frame of the first frame; and A response to the request for operational information is included in a MAC frame of the second frame.

11. The STA according to claim 8, wherein: The request for operational information is included in a control field of the first frame; and A response to the request for operational information is included in a control field of the second frame.

12. The STA according to claim 8, wherein: The first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame, and the request to send (RTS) frame includes the request for operation information; and The second frame is a Clear to Send (CTS) frame including a response to the request for operational information.

13. The STA according to claim 8, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: A fourth frame is sent to the first AP, where the fourth frame includes capability information.

14. The STA according to claim 8, wherein: The second frame includes a signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) or a buffer status of the STA.

15. A computer-implemented method for facilitating wireless communications in a wireless network via an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD), the method comprising: Sending a first frame to a station STA attached to a non-AP MLD, the first frame including a request for operation information from the STA, wherein the STA is operating on a first link; receiving a second frame from the STA, the second frame comprising a response to the request for operational information; Determining, based on a response to the request for operational information, to allocate a second link to the STA; and A third frame is sent to the STA, wherein the third frame includes a link allocation recommendation for allocating the second link to the STA.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein: A response to the request for operational information, indicating: The number of STAs operating on the first link is greater than a first threshold; The amount of traffic accumulated in the buffer of the STA among the one or more STAs operating on the first link is greater than a second threshold; or The STA is located near the coverage edge or has a signal-to-noise ratio lower than a third threshold.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein: The request for operating information is included in a medium access control (MAC) frame of the first frame; as well as A response to the request for operational information is included in a MAC frame of the second frame.

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein: The request for operational information is included in a control field of the first frame; and A response to the request for operational information is included in a control field of the second frame.

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein: The first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame, and the request to send (RTS) frame includes the request for operation information; and The second frame is a Clear to Send (CTS) frame including a response to the request for operational information.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving a fourth frame from the STA, the fourth frame including capability information; as well as Based on the capability information, the link allocation recommendation is determined.

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