Multi-link based roaming

Abstract

Aspects relate to roaming using multi-link communications. In some examples, a wireless station communicating with a first access point via a multi-link connection using a first link and at least one other link may identify a fault condition associated with the at least one other link. In this case, the wireless station may use one of the links to verify a connection to a second access point while maintaining a connection with the first access point via the first link. Once a connection to the second access point is verified, the wireless station may switch its multilink connection to the second access point.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 17 / 974,156, filed Oct. 26, 2022, which is pending, assigned to the assignee of this application, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The technologies discussed below generally relate to wireless communication and, more particularly, to roaming using multi - links. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services. Some of these networks can be multi - access networks that support the communication of multiple users by sharing available network resources. For example, a wireless communication device (e.g., a wireless station) can communicate with another wireless communication device (e.g., an access point or a wireless station) of the network to obtain access to the communication services provided by the network. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following presents an overview of one or more aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This overview is not an extensive review of all the expected features of the present disclosure and is neither intended to identify the key or important elements of all aspects of the present disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] In some examples, an apparatus for wireless communication can include at least one memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one processor can be operative to cause the apparatus to communicate with a first access point via a first multi - link connection using multiple links, the multiple links including a first link and at least one other link. The at least one processor can also be operative to cause the apparatus to identify a fault condition associated with the at least one other link. The at least one processor can further be operative to cause the apparatus to verify a connection to a second access point using the first link or the at least one other link while maintaining the connection to the first access point via the first link. The at least one processor can additionally be operative to cause the apparatus to communicate with the second access point via a second multi - link connection after verifying the connection.

[0007] In some examples, a method for wireless communication at a device is disclosed. The method may include communicating with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using a plurality of links, the plurality of links including a first link and at least one other link. The method may further include identifying a fault condition associated with the at least one other link. The method may further include, after identifying the fault condition, verifying a connection to a second access point using the first link or the at least one other link while maintaining the connection to the first access point via the first link. The method may additionally include, after verifying the connection, communicating with the second access point via a second multi-link connection.

[0008] In some examples, a device for wireless communication may include means for communicating with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using a plurality of links, the plurality of links including a first link and at least one other link. The device may further include means for identifying a fault condition associated with the at least one other link. The device may further include means for, after identifying the fault condition, verifying a connection to a second access point using the first link or the at least one other link while maintaining the connection to the first access point via the first link. The device may additionally include means for, after verifying the connection, communicating with the second access point via a second multi-link connection.

[0009] In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions therein that can be executed by at least one processor of a device to communicate with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using a plurality of links, the plurality of links including a first link and at least one other link. The computer-readable medium may further store instructions therein that can be executed by the at least one processor of the device to identify a fault condition associated with the at least one other link. The computer-readable medium may further store instructions therein that can be executed by the at least one processor of the device to, after identifying the fault condition, verify a connection to a second access point using the first link or the at least one other link while maintaining the connection to the first access point via the first link. The computer-readable medium may additionally store instructions therein that can be executed by the at least one processor of the device to, after verifying the connection, communicate with the second access point via a second multi-link connection.

[0010] In some examples, a wireless station may include a transceiver, at least one memory, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory. The transceiver may be configured to communicate with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using a plurality of links, the plurality of links including a first link and at least one other link. The at least one processor may be operative to cause the wireless station to identify a fault condition associated with the at least one other link. The at least one processor may also be operative to cause the wireless station to verify a connection to a second access point using the first link or the at least one other link after identifying the fault condition, while maintaining the connection to the first access point via the first link. The transceiver may also be configured to communicate with the second access point via a second multi-link connection after verifying the connection.

[0011] In some examples, a device for wireless communication may include at least one memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one processor may be operative to cause the device to obtain at least one first message from a wireless station via a first link, the at least one first message being associated with verification of a connection between the device and the wireless station. The at least one processor may also be operative to cause the device to output at least one second message for transmission to the wireless station via the first link in response to the at least one first message, the at least one second message verifying the connection between the device and the wireless station. The at least one processor may also be operative to cause the device to communicate with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and a second link after outputting the at least one second message for transmission.

[0012] In some examples, a method for wireless communication at a device is disclosed. The method may include obtaining at least one first message from a wireless station via a first link, the at least one first message being associated with verification of a connection between the device and the wireless station. The method may also include outputting at least one second message for transmission to the wireless station via the first link in response to the at least one first message, the at least one second message verifying the connection between the device and the wireless station. The method may also include communicating with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and a second link after outputting the at least one second message for transmission.

[0013] In some examples, an apparatus for wireless communication may include components for obtaining at least one first message from a wireless station via a first link, the at least one first message being associated with authentication of a connection between the apparatus and the wireless station. The apparatus may further include components for outputting at least one second message in response to the at least one first message for transmission via the first link to the wireless station, the at least one second message authenticating the connection between the apparatus and the wireless station. The apparatus may further include components for communicating with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and a second link after outputting the at least one second message for transmission.

[0014] In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions therein that can be executed by at least one processor of an apparatus to obtain at least one first message from a wireless station via a first link, the at least one first message being associated with authentication of a connection between the apparatus and the wireless station. The computer-readable medium may further store instructions therein that can be executed by the at least one processor of the apparatus to output at least one second message in response to the at least one first message for transmission via the first link to the wireless station, the at least one second message authenticating the connection between the apparatus and the wireless station. The computer-readable medium may further store instructions therein that can be executed by the at least one processor of the apparatus to communicate with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and a second link after outputting the at least one second message for transmission.

[0015] In some examples, an access point may include a transceiver, at least one memory, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one processor may be operable to cause the access point to obtain at least one first message from a wireless station via a first link, the at least one first message being associated with authentication of a connection between the apparatus and the wireless station. The at least one processor may further be operable to cause the access point to output at least one second message in response to the at least one first message for transmission via the first link to the wireless station, the at least one second message authenticating the connection between the apparatus and the wireless station. The transceiver may be configured to communicate with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and a second link after outputting the at least one second message for transmission.

[0016] After studying the following detailed embodiments, these and other aspects of the present disclosure will be more fully understood. After studying the following description of specific example aspects of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects, features, and examples of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although the features of the present disclosure may be discussed below with respect to certain examples and drawings, all examples of the present disclosure may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although one or more examples may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various examples of the present disclosure discussed herein. In a similar manner, although example aspects may be discussed below as examples of devices, systems, or methods, it should be understood that such example aspects may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a conceptual illustration of an example of a wireless communication system according to some aspects.

[0018] Figure 2 is a conceptual illustration of another example of a wireless communication system according to some aspects.

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example of a device (e.g., a wireless communication device) according to some aspects.

[0020] Figure 4 is according to some aspects Figure 3 of a block diagram of example components of a device that can be used to transmit wireless communication signals.

[0021] Figure 5 is according to some aspects Figure 3 of a block diagram of example components of a device that can be used to receive wireless communication signals.

[0022] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an example of a device (e.g., an integrated circuit) according to some aspects.

[0023] Figure 7 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example of signaling between an access point and a wireless station according to some aspects.

[0024] Figure 8 is a conceptual illustration of an example of a frame format according to some aspects.

[0025] Figure 9 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example of roaming signaling according to some aspects.

[0026] Figure 10 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example of multi-link roaming signaling according to some aspects.

[0027] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an example of a connection during roaming in a multi-link scenario according to some aspects.

[0028] Figure 12 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of an apparatus (e.g., a wireless node such as a wireless station) employing a processing system according to some aspects.

[0029] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example roaming method according to some aspects.

[0030] Figure 14 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of an apparatus (e.g., a wireless node such as an access point) employing a processing system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example roaming method according to some aspects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0033] While aspects and examples are described herein by way of illustration of some examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional implementations and use cases can arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, aspects and / or uses can be generated via integrated chip examples and other non-module component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / shopping devices, medical devices, artificial intelligence-enabled (AI-enabled) devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specifically directed to use cases or applications, a wide variety of applicability of the described innovations can occur. Implementations can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical settings, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for the implementation and practice of the claimed and described examples. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily includes several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The aim is that the innovations described herein can be practiced in a variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc., having various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0034] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to multi-link communication in a wireless local area network (WLAN). In some examples, a first multi-link device (MLD) may communicate with multiple devices via multiple radio links. In some examples, the first MLD may communicate with a second MLD via multiple radio links. In some examples, the radio links are carried on the same radio frequency (RF) channel or RF band. In some examples, the radio links are carried on different RF channels or RF bands.

[0035] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to roaming using multi-link communication. A wireless station (STA) may initially communicate with a first access point (AP) via a multi-link connection including a first link and a second link. At some point in time, the STA may determine that the connection on the second link is unacceptable. In such a case, the STA may use one of these links to establish a connection with a second AP while maintaining the connection with the first AP via the first link. Once the connection to the second AP is verified, the STA may switch its multi-link connection to the second AP.

[0036] Figure 1Illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100, where a wireless station (STA) 102 can communicate with a first access point (AP) 104 and / or a second AP 106. In some examples, STA 102 can correspond to any one or more of the STAs or other devices described in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 . In some examples, the first AP 104 and the second AP 106 can correspond to any one or more of the APs or other devices described in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 .

[0037] Initially, STA 102 can establish a multi-link connection with the first AP 104. Thus, the first AP 104 can send a downlink (DL) transmission 108 to STA 102 via multiple links. In addition, STA 102 can send an uplink (UL) transmission 110 to the first AP 104 via multiple links.

[0038] STA 102, the first AP 104, and the second AP 106 respectively include multi-link roaming components 112, 114, and 116. In some examples, the multi-link roaming component 112 can cooperate with the multi-link roaming component 114 and / or the multi-link roaming component 116 to hand over STA 102 from the first AP 104 to the second AP 106.

[0039] For example, when communicating with the first AP 104 on a set of links (e.g., including a first link and a second link), one or more of these links (e.g., the second link) may fail. In this case, when STA 102 is communicating with the first AP 104 on the first link, STA 102 can establish a connection with the second AP 106 via another link in the set of links. Thereby, STA 102 can switch its multi-link connection from the first AP 104 to the second AP 106. Thus, the second AP 106 can send a downlink (DL) transmission 118 to STA 102 via multiple links. In addition, STA 102 can send an uplink (UL) transmission 120 to the second AP 106 via multiple links.

[0040] The various concepts presented throughout this disclosure can be implemented across a wide variety of telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Now, with reference to Figure 2 , as an illustrative example and not a limitation, aspects of this disclosure are illustrated with reference to a wireless communication system 200 that includes various wireless communication nodes. For convenience, a wireless communication node may be referred to herein as a wireless node. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 may operate in accordance with a wireless communication standard (e.g., the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard).

[0041] In some examples, a wireless node is a node (e.g., a device, entity, etc.) that communicates with another node using the wireless spectrum (e.g., the radio frequency (RF) spectrum). In some examples, a wireless node may be a mobile device. A mobile device may be referred to as a STA in IEEE 802.11, but may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal (AT), a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a cellular phone, a terminal, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable term.

[0042] A mobile device does not necessarily have to be capable of moving and may be stationary. The term mobile device or mobile equipment encompasses a wide variety of devices and technologies. A mobile device may include multiple hardware structural components whose size, shape, and arrangement facilitate communication. Such components may include antennas, antenna arrays, RF chains, amplifiers, one or more processors, etc., that are electrically coupled to each other. For example, some non-limiting examples of mobile devices include mobile equipment, cellular (cell) phones, smart phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, laptop devices, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smartbooks, tablet devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and a wide variety of embedded systems, e.g., corresponding to the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0043] The mobile device can be an automobile or other transportation vehicle, a remote sensor or actuator, a robot or robotic device, a satellite radio, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a target tracking device, a drone, a multi-axis aircraft, a quadcopter, a remote control device, a consumer and / or wearable device such as glasses, a wearable camera, a virtual reality device, a smart watch, a health or fitness tracker, a digital audio player (e.g., an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, etc. The mobile device can be a digital home or smart home device (such as a home audio, video, and / or multimedia device), an appliance, a vending machine, a smart lighting device, a home security system, a smart meter, etc. The mobile device can be a smart energy device, a security device, a solar panel or solar array, a municipal infrastructure device that controls electric power (e.g., a smart grid), lighting, water supply, etc., an industrial automation and enterprise device, a logistics controller, and / or an agricultural equipment, etc. Additionally, the mobile device can provide connected medical or telemedicine support, such as healthcare at a distance. The telehealth device can include a telehealth monitoring device and a telehealth regulatory device, and their communication information can be prioritized or given preferential access over other types of information, for example, in the form of prioritized access for critical service data transmission and / or associated quality of service (QoS) for critical service data transmission.

[0044] In some examples, the wireless node can be an access point. In 802.11, the access point can be a network element in a radio access network that is responsible for radio transmission and reception in one or more service areas. In different technologies, standards, or contexts, the access point may be differently referred to by those skilled in the art as a base station, a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a node B (NB), an evolved node B (eNB), a next-generation node B (gNB), a transmit and receive point (TRP), or some other suitable term.

[0045] In Figure 2 the example, an access point (AP) 204 is deployed in the network to provide access (e.g., network connectivity) to one or more services for one or more wireless stations (STAs) such as STA 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, and 206f (which may be collectively referred to herein as STA 206 or individually as STA 206), and the one or more stations (STAs) may be installed within the coverage area of the network or may roam throughout the coverage area. Thus, at various time points, STA 206 may be connected to AP 204 or some other access point in the network (not shown). In some examples, AP 204 may be referred to as an AP STA. In some examples, STA 206 may be referred to as a non-AP STA.

[0046] A variety of processes and methods can be used for transmissions between the AP 204 and the STA 206 in the wireless communication system 200. For example, signals can be transmitted and received between the AP 204 and the STA 206 according to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technology. In this case, the wireless communication system 200 can be referred to as an OFDM / OFDMA system. However, within the scope of the present disclosure, multiplexing and multiple access are not limited to the above schemes, and can be provided using time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA), sparse code multiple access (SCMA), resource spreading multiple access (RSMA), or other suitable multiple access schemes.

[0047] A communication link that facilitates transmission from the AP 204 to one or more STAs in the STA 206 can be referred to as a downlink (DL) (e.g., downlink 208), and a communication link that facilitates transmission from one or more STAs in the STA 206 to the AP 204 can be referred to as an uplink (UL) (e.g., uplink 210). Alternatively, the downlink 208 can be referred to as a forward link or forward channel, and the uplink 210 can be referred to as a reverse link or reverse channel. In other examples, other terms can be used for these links.

[0048] The AP 204 can act as a base station and provide wireless communication coverage in the basic service area (BSA) 202. The AP 204 and the STA 206 associated with the AP 204 and using the AP 204 for communication can be referred to as a basic service set (BSS).

[0049] The AP 204 and each STA 206 can exchange data units that can include control information and / or data. At the physical (PHY) layer, such data units (e.g., protocol data units (PDUs)) can be referred to as physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs). In some aspects, the PPDU can be referred to as a packet or a physical layer packet. Each PPDU can include a preamble and a payload. The preamble can include at least one training field (e.g., for synchronization) and at least one signaling (SIG) field (e.g., for control signaling). The payload can include, for example, a media access control (MAC) header or data from other layers, and / or user data. One or more data symbols can be used to transmit the payload. The systems, methods, and devices herein can utilize data units with training fields whose peak power ratio has been minimized.

[0050] Wireless communication system 200 may adopt a method based on unpredictable data transmission to allow efficient access to the wireless communication medium while avoiding collisions. For example, to obtain access to a channel, devices in wireless communication system 200 may support a medium access control (MAC) distributed coordination function (DCF) that employs a carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) protocol. In other examples, other types of access schemes may be used. More generally, a device having data to transmit (e.g., an AP or an STA) senses the wireless communication medium to determine whether the channel is occupied. If the device senses that the channel is idle, the device may transmit its data. Otherwise, the device may defer for a period of time before determining again whether the wireless communication medium is idle for transmission. Methods for implementing the CSMA / CA protocol may employ various gaps between successive transmissions to avoid collisions. In one aspect, a transmission may be referred to as a frame, and the gap between frames is referred to as an inter-frame space (IFS). A frame may be any one of user data, a control frame, a management frame, etc.

[0051] The IFS duration may vary depending on the type of time gap provided. Some examples of IFSs include a short inter-frame space (SIFS), a point coordination function inter-frame space (PIFS), and a DCF inter-frame space (DIFS), where SIFS is shorter than PIFS, and PIFS is shorter than DIFS. Transmissions after a shorter duration will have a higher priority than transmissions that must wait longer before attempting to access the channel.

[0052] Some wireless communication systems (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11ax) employ a target wake time (TWT) mechanism that schedules an STA to transmit or receive on the wireless communication medium at a specific time. This allows the STA to switch to a low-power mode when the STA is not actively transmitting or receiving information. Thus, the STA may save power (outside of its scheduled transmission or reception times). Additionally, using TWT scheduling may enable a BSS (e.g., an AP) to more efficiently manage traffic (e.g., by preventing communication collisions between STAs, by prioritizing traffic, etc.).

[0053] In some examples (e.g., if one or more of STAs 206e and 206f are outside the range of AP 204 or are otherwise difficult to communicate with AP 204), then STA 206d may be configured as a relay device. For example, STA206d may be configured to relay communication between AP 204 and STA 206e and to relay communication between AP 204 and STA 206f (e.g., in the case of having both STA and AP functionality).

[0054] In some specific implementations, the wireless communication network may not have a central AP 204 and instead may act as a peer-to-peer network among STAs 206. Thus, in some examples, the functionality of the AP 204 described herein may be performed by one or more of the STAs 206. Additionally, in some examples, an STA may be connected to a network served by an AP and may also establish a peer-to-peer network with another STA.

[0055] For example, STA 206b may communicate with STA 206c via signaling 214 to form a peer-to-peer network. In such a case, STAs 206b and 206c may be referred to as peer STAs. In some examples, the communication between STA 206b and 206c may operate according to a wireless communication standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 standard or some other standard). For example, a first peer STA having data to send to a second peer STA may perform a CSMA / CA procedure to obtain access to the channel. Additionally, the peer STAs may send data units compliant with the 802.11 standard (e.g., the data unit includes a header and payload compliant with a particular version of the standard).

[0056] The access point in the network may communicate with one or more network entities (represented by network entity 212 in Figure 2 for convenience) (including each other) to facilitate wide area network connections. The network entities may take various forms, such as for example one or more radios and / or core network entities. Thus, in various specific implementations, network entity 212 may represent the functionality of at least one of the following: network management (e.g., via an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) server), session management, mobility management, gateway functionality, interworking functionality, database functionality, or some other suitable network functionality. Two or more of such network entities may be co-located and / or two or more of such network entities may be distributed throughout the network.

[0057] Figure 3 Illustrated are several components of a device (e.g., a wireless node) 302 that may be deployed within the wireless communication system 200. Device 302 is an example of a device that may be configured (e.g., capable of operating as) to implement the various methods described herein. For example, device 302 may be implemented as an AP 204, a repeater (e.g., STA 206d), or Figure 2 one of the other STAs 206. In some examples, device 302 may correspond to a device in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 andFigure 14 any of the apparatuses, APs, ATs, STAs, transmitting devices, or receiving devices shown in

[0058] Device 302 may include a processing system 304 that controls the operation of Device 302. The processing system 304 may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). A memory component 306 (e.g., including at least one memory device) that may include both a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM) provides instructions and data to the processing system 304. A portion of the memory component 306 may also include a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). The processing system 304 generally performs logical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions stored within the memory component 306. The instructions in the memory component 306 may be executable to implement the methods described herein. In some aspects, Figure 3 the processing system 304 and the memory component 306 may correspond to Figure 12 the processing system 1214. In some aspects, Figure 3 the processing system 304 and the memory component 306 may correspond to Figure 14 the processing system 1414.

[0059] When Device 302 is implemented as or used as a transmitting node, the processing system 304 may be configured to select one media access control (MAC) header type from a variety of MAC header types and generate a packet having that MAC header type. For example, the processing system 304 may be configured to generate a packet including a MAC header and a payload and determine what type of MAC header to use.

[0060] When Device 302 is implemented as or used as a receiving node, the processing system 304 may be configured to process packets of a variety of different MAC header types. For example, the processing system 304 may be configured to determine the type of MAC header used in a packet and process the packet and / or the fields of the MAC header.

[0061] The processing system 304 may include or may be a component of a larger processing system implemented using one or more processors. The one or more processors may be implemented using any combination of the following: general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entity that can perform computations or other manipulations of information.

[0062] The processing system 304 may also include a machine-readable medium for storing software. Software should be broadly construed to mean any type of instructions, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other terms. The instructions may include code (e.g., in source code format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other suitable code format). When executed by one or more processors, the instructions cause the processing system 304 to perform the various functions described herein.

[0063] The apparatus 302 may also include a housing that may include a transmitter 310 and a receiver 312 to allow for sending and receiving data between the apparatus 302 and a remote location. The transmitter 310 and the receiver 312 may be combined into a single communication device (e.g., a transceiver 314). In some embodiments (e.g., where the transceiver 314 is an RF transceiver), an antenna 316 may be attached to the housing and electrically coupled to the transceiver 314. The apparatus 302 may also include (not shown) multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and / or multiple antennas. The transmitter 310 and the receiver 312 may be implemented as integrated devices (e.g., transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry embodied as a single communication device) in some embodiments, as separate transmitter devices and separate receiver devices in some embodiments, or may be embodied in other ways in other embodiments.

[0064] The transmitter 310 may be configured to wirelessly transmit packets according to one or more MAC header types (e.g., corresponding to different versions of the 802.11 standard). For example, the transmitter 310 may be configured to transmit packets having a header type generated by the processing system 304, as discussed above.

[0065] The receiver 312 may be configured to wirelessly receive packets having one or more MAC header types. In some aspects, the receiver 312 is configured to detect a particular type of MAC header and process the packet accordingly.

[0066] The receiver 312 may be used to detect and quantify the level of a signal received by the transceiver 314. The receiver 312 may detect signals such as total energy, energy per subcarrier per symbol, power spectral density, etc., or may detect signals in some other manner. The apparatus 302 may also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 320 for use in processing the signal. In some examples, the DSP 320 may be configured to generate data units for transmission. In some aspects, the data unit may include (e.g., may be) a physical layer data unit (PPDU). In some aspects, the PPDU may be referred to as a packet.

[0067] Device 302 may also include an interface 322. In an example where interface 322 is a user interface, interface 322 may include (e.g., may be) a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, a display, etc. Such a user interface may include any element or component that conveys information to and / or receives input from a user of device 302.

[0068] The various components of device 302 may be coupled together by a bus system 326. Bus system 326 may include, for example, a data bus, as well as a power bus, a control signal bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data bus. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components of device 302 may be coupled together or receive or provide input to one another using some other mechanism.

[0069] In some examples, device 302 may be an integrated circuit. In some examples, device 302 may be configured to operate in a wireless node (e.g., an AP or an STA) and perform one or more of the operations described herein.

[0070] In some specific implementations, device 302 communicates with at least one other device (not shown) via interface 322. To this end, in some specific implementations, interface 322 (e.g., a transmit / receive interface) may be coupled to processing system 304 to output and / or obtain (e.g., transmit and / or receive) information (e.g., received information, generated information, decoded information, messages, etc.) between processing system 304 and other devices. In some specific implementations, interface 322 may include an interface bus, a bus driver, a bus receiver, other suitable circuits, or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, interface 322 may include a radio frequency (RF) circuit (e.g., an RF transmitter and / or an RF receiver).

[0071] Thus, device 302 may communicate with other devices in various ways. In some examples, the device may send and receive information (e.g., frames, messages, bits, etc.) via RF signaling. In some cases, instead of sending information via RF signaling, device 302 may use interface 322 to provide (e.g., output, transmit, send, etc.) information for RF transmission. For example, processing system 304 may output information to an RF front end via a bus interface for RF transmission. Similarly, instead of receiving information via RF signaling, device 302 may use interface 322 to obtain information received by another device. For example, processing system 304 may obtain (e.g., receive) information from an RF receiver that receives information via RF signaling via a bus interface. In some specific implementations, the interface may include multiple interfaces. For example, a bidirectional interface may include a first interface for obtaining and a second interface for output.

[0072] Although Figure 3A certain number of separate components are illustrated, but one or more of these components may be combined or implemented jointly. For example, the processing system 304 can be used to implement not only the functionality described above with respect to the processing system 304, but also the functionality described above with respect to the transceiver 314 and / or the DSP 320. Figure 3 Each of the components illustrated in can be implemented using multiple separate elements. In addition, the processing system 304 can be used to implement any one of the components, modules, circuits, etc. described below, or each can be implemented using multiple separate elements.

[0073] Figure 3 The components of can be implemented in various ways. In some specific implementations, Figure 3 the components of can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit can use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing the information or executable code used by the circuit to provide the functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by Figure 3 the blocks of can be implemented by the processor and memory components of the device (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). It should be understood that these components can be implemented in different types of devices in different specific implementations (e.g., in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), in a system on a chip (SoC), etc.).

[0074] A device (e.g., device 302) operating in the wireless communication system 200 can implement only the functionality of a transmitting node, only the functionality of a receiving node, or both the functionality of a transmitting node and a receiving node. For ease of reference, when discussing device 302 operating as a transmitting node, the device may hereinafter be referred to as device 302t. Similarly, when discussing device 302 operating as a receiving node, the device may hereinafter be referred to as device 302r.

[0075] Figure 4 Illustrates various components that can be used in device 302t for transmitting wireless communications. Figure 4 The components illustrated in can be used, for example, to transmit OFDM communications. In some examples, Figure 4 the components illustrated in are used to generate and transmit packets to be transmitted over a bandwidth less than or equal to 1 MHz. In some examples, Figure 4 the components illustrated in are used to generate and transmit packets to be transmitted over a bandwidth greater than or equal to 1 MHz.

[0076] Figure 4The apparatus 302t may include a modulator 402 configured to modulate bits for transmission. For example, the modulator 402 may determine a plurality of symbols by mapping the bits to the plurality of symbols according to a constellation, for example, based on bits received from the processing system 304( Figure 3 ) or the interface 322( Figure 3 ). The bits may correspond to user data or control information. In some aspects, the bits are received in a codeword. In one example, the modulator 402 may include (e.g., may be) a QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) modulator, such as a 16-QAM modulator or a 64-QAM modulator. In other examples, the modulator 402 may include (e.g., may be) a Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) modulator, a Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulator, or an 8-PSK modulator. In other examples, other types of modulators may be used.

[0077] The apparatus 302t may further include a transform module 404 configured to convert the symbols from the modulator 402 or otherwise modulated bits into the time domain. In Figure 4 , the transform module 404 is illustrated as being implemented by an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module. Other types of transform modules may be used in other examples. In some embodiments, there may be multiple transform modules (not shown) that transform data units of different sizes. In some embodiments, the transform module 404 itself may be configured to transform data units of different sizes. For example, the transform module 404 may be configured to have multiple modes and may use a different number of points to transform symbols in each mode. For example, the IFFT may have a mode in which 32 points are used to transform symbols transmitted on 32 tones (i.e., subcarriers) into the time domain, and a mode in which 24 points are used to transform symbols transmitted on 24 tones into the time domain. The number of points used by the transform module 404 may be referred to as the size of the transform module 404.

[0078] In Figure 4 , the modulator 402 and the transform module 404 are illustrated as being implemented in the DSP 420. However, in some examples, one or both of the modulator 402 and the transform module 404 may be implemented in Figure 3 the processing system 304 or another element of the apparatus 302t.

[0079] As discussed above, the DSP 420 may be configured to generate data units for transmission. In some aspects, the modulator 402 and the transform module 404 may be configured to generate data units including a plurality of fields and a plurality of data symbols, the plurality of fields including control information.

[0080] Apparatus 302t may also include a digital-to-analog converter (D / A) 406 configured to convert the output of the transform module into an analog signal. For example, the time-domain output of transform module 404 may be converted by D / A converter 406 into a baseband OFDM signal. D / A converter 406 may be implemented in processing system 304 or in Figure 3 another element of apparatus 302. In some aspects, D / A converter 406 is implemented in Figure 3 transceiver 314 of

[0081] or in a data transmission processor. The analog signal may be wirelessly transmitted by transmitter 410. The analog signal may be further processed before being transmitted by transmitter 410, such as by being filtered or by being up-converted to an intermediate frequency or a carrier frequency. In the example illustrated in Figure 4 , transmitter 410 includes transmission amplifier 408. The analog signal may be amplified by transmission amplifier 408 before being transmitted. In some examples, amplifier 408 may include a low-noise amplifier (LNA).

[0082] Transmitter 410 is configured to transmit one or more packets or data units in a wireless signal based on an analog input signal. The data units may be generated using Figure 3 processing system 304 and / or DSP 420 of , such as using modulator 402 and transform module 404 as discussed above. Data units that may be generated and transmitted as discussed above are described in more detail herein.

[0083] Figure 5 Illustrated are various components that may be used in apparatus 302r to receive wireless communications. Figure 5 The components illustrated in Figure 5 may be used, for example, to receive OFDM communications. For example, Figure 4 the components illustrated in

[0084] may be used to receive data units transmitted by components such as those discussed above with respect to

[0085] In Figure 5In the example illustrated, receiver 512 includes a receive amplifier 501. The receive amplifier 501 may be configured to amplify the wireless signal received by the receiver 512. In some examples, the receiver 512 is configured to adjust the gain of the receive amplifier 501 using an automatic gain control (AGC) function. For example, in some aspects, the automatic gain control uses information in one or more training fields (such as a short training field (STF)) of the received data unit to adjust the gain. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand the method for performing AGC. In some aspects, the amplifier 501 may include an LNA.

[0086] Device 302r includes an analog-to-digital converter (A / D) 510, which is configured to convert the amplified wireless signal from the receiver 512 into its digital representation. In addition to being amplified, the wireless signal may also be processed (e.g., by the receiver 512) before being converted by the analog-to-digital converter 510, such as by being filtered or by being downconverted to an intermediate frequency or baseband frequency. The analog-to-digital converter 510 may be implemented in Figure 3 the processing system 304 or another element of the device 302r. In some examples, the analog-to-digital converter 510 is implemented in Figure 3 the transceiver 314 or in a data receive processor.

[0087] Device 302r may also include a transform module 504, which is configured to convert the representation of the wireless signal into a spectrum. In Figure 5 it, the transform module 504 is illustrated as being implemented by a fast Fourier transform (FFT) module. In some aspects, the transform module 504 may identify symbols for each point it uses. As described above with reference to Figure 4 the transform module 504 may be configured to have multiple modes and may use a different number of points to transform the signal in each mode. The number of points used by the transform module 504 may be referred to as the size of the transform module 504. In some aspects, the transform module 504 may identify symbols for each point it uses. Other types of transform modules may be used in other examples.

[0088] Device 302r may also include a channel estimator and equalizer 505, which is configured to form an estimate of the channel over which the data unit is received and to remove certain effects of the channel based on the channel estimate. For example, the channel estimator and equalizer 505 may be configured to approximate the function of the channel, and the channel equalizer may be configured to apply the inverse function of the function to the data in the spectrum.

[0089] Apparatus 302r may also include a demodulator 506 configured to demodulate the equalized data. For example, demodulator 506 may determine a plurality of bits based on symbols output by transform module 504 and channel estimator and equalizer 505, e.g., by inverting the mapping of bits to symbols in the constellation. The bits may be processed or evaluated by Figure 3 processing system 304 or used to display or otherwise output information to interface 322 of Figure 3 . In this way, the data and / or information may be decoded. In some aspects, the bits correspond to codewords. In one example, demodulator 506 may include a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) demodulator, such as an 8-QAM demodulator or a 64-QAM demodulator. In other aspects, demodulator 506 may include a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) demodulator or a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) demodulator. In other examples, other types of demodulators may be used.

[0090] In Figure 5 , transform module 504, channel estimator and equalizer 505, and demodulator 506 are illustrated as implemented in DSP 520. However, in some examples, one or more of transform module 504, channel estimator and equalizer 505, and demodulator 506 may be implemented in Figure 3 processing system 304 or in another element of apparatus 302 of Figure 3 .

[0091] As discussed above, the wireless signals received at receiver 312 may include one or more data units. Using the functions or components described above, the data units or data symbols therein may be decoded, evaluated, or otherwise assessed or processed. For example, Figure 3 processing system 304 and / or DSP 520 may be used to decode data symbols in a data unit using transform module 504, channel estimator and equalizer 505, and demodulator 506.

[0092] Figure 4 Apparatus 302t shown in Figure 5 is an example of a single transmit chain for transmission via an antenna. Apparatus 302r shown in

[0093] Figure 6 is an example of a single receive chain for reception via an antenna. In some embodiments, apparatus 302t or 302r may implement a part of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system that uses multiple antennas to simultaneously transmit data via multiple streams and / or simultaneously receive transmitted data via multiple streams.

[0093] Figure 6Illustrates an example apparatus 600 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, apparatus 600 may be an AP, an AT, or some other type of wireless node (e.g., a node that communicates with another node or entity using a wireless spectrum (e.g., RF spectrum)). In some examples, apparatus 600 may correspond to any one of the apparatuses, APs, ATs, STAs, transmitting devices, or receiving devices shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 .

[0094] Apparatus 600 includes apparatus 602 (e.g., an integrated circuit) and optionally at least one other component 608. In some examples, apparatus 602 may be configured to operate in a wireless node (e.g., an AP, an AT, an STA, etc.) and perform one or more of the operations described herein. Apparatus 602 includes a processing system 604 and a memory 606 coupled to the processing system 604. Example embodiments of the processing system 604 are provided herein. In some aspects, Figure 6 the processing system 604 and the memory 606 may correspond to Figure 12 the processing system 1214. In some aspects, Figure 6 the processing system 604 and the memory 606 may correspond to Figure 14 the processing system 1414.

[0095] The processing system 604 is generally adapted to process, including executing such programming stored in the memory 606. For example, the memory 606 may store instructions that, when executed by the processing system 604, cause the processing system 604 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. As used herein, the term “programming” or “instructions” or “code” shall be broadly construed to include, without limitation, instruction sets, instructions, data, code, code segments, program code, programs, programming, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable programs, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0096] In some specific implementations, device 602 communicates with at least one other component of device 600 (e.g., component 608 external to device 602). To this end, in some specific implementations, device 602 may include at least one interface 610 (e.g., a transmission and / or reception interface), and the at least one interface is coupled to processing system 604 for outputting and / or obtaining (e.g., transmitting and / or receiving) information (e.g., received information, generated information, decoded information, messages, etc.) between processing system 604 and other components 608. In some specific implementations, interface 610 may include an interface bus, a bus driver, a bus receiver, a buffer, other suitable circuits, or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, interface 610 may include a radio frequency (RF) circuit (e.g., an RF transmitter and / or an RF receiver). In some specific implementations, interface 610 may be configured to connect device 602 to one or more other components of device 600 ( Figure 6 other components not shown). For example, interface 610 may be configured to connect processing system 604 to a radio frequency (RF) front end (e.g., an RF transmitter and / or an RF receiver).

[0097] Device 602 can communicate with other devices in various ways. In the case where device 602 includes an RF transceiver ( Figure 6 not shown), the device can send and receive information (e.g., frames, messages, bits, etc.) via RF signaling. In some cases, device 602 does not send information via RF signaling, but may have an interface to provide (e.g., output, transmit, send, etc.) information for RF transmission. For example, processing system 604 can output information to the RF front end via the bus interface of processing system 604 for RF transmission. Similarly, device 602 does not receive information via RF signaling, but may have an interface to obtain information received by another device. For example, processing system 604 can obtain (e.g., receive) information from an RF receiver that receives information via RF signaling via the bus interface of processing system 604. In some specific implementations, the interface may include multiple interfaces. For example, a bidirectional interface may include a first interface for obtaining and a second interface for outputting.

[0098] In an IEEE 802.11-based network, a STA can obtain network access via an authentication and association procedure. Figure 7 An example of authentication / association signaling in a wireless communication system 700 including an access point (AP) 702 and a wireless station (STA) 704 is illustrated. In some examples, AP 702 may correspond to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 any one or more of the APs or other devices described in. In some examples, STA 704 may correspond to any one of the STAs or other devices described in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 any one or more of.

[0099] At #706 of Figure 7 , AP 702 sends a management frame including a beacon on a specified RF band. In some examples, these so-called beacon frames may be sent in intervals referred to as the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT). In some examples, the beacon frame may include information such as the Service Set Identifier (SSID), the Basic SSID (BSSID), security capabilities, TBTT, RF channel (band), Traffic Indication Map (TIM), Delivery TIM (DTIM), and connection speeds supported or used by AP 702.

[0100] In some examples, the beacon frame may include timing information related to the Timing Synchronization Function (TSF). The AP may use the TSF to maintain timing synchronization between the AP and any STA communicating with the AP. For example, the AP and each STA may operate (e.g., incrementing every microsecond) timers. Additionally, the AP may repeatedly (e.g., periodically) broadcast TSF information (e.g., the TSF value), which enables the STA's timer to synchronize with the AP's timer.

[0101] After receiving the beacon from AP 702, STA 704 may attempt to access the Basic Service Set (BSS) of AP 702. Thus, at #708, STA 704 transmits a management frame including an authentication request to AP 702 on one of the RF channels supported by AP 702. In some examples, the authentication request includes an identifier of STA 704 (e.g., the MAC address).

[0102] At #710, AP 702 responds to the authentication request by transmitting a management frame including an authentication response to STA 704. In some examples, the authentication response indicates the success or failure of the authentication (e.g., whether STA 704 has the ability to access the BSS).

[0103] If the STA 704 is authenticated at #710, then at #712, the STA 704 transmits a management frame including an association request to the AP 702 to establish an association with the BSS. In some examples, the association request may include one or more capabilities of the STA 704.

[0104] At #714, the AP 702 responds to the association request by transmitting a management frame including an association response to the STA 704. In some examples, the association response includes an association identifier (AID) assigned by the AP 702 to the STA 704.

[0105] Once the STA 704 has successfully completed the authentication and association operations, the AP 702 and the STA 704 can begin communicating user traffic. For example, at #716, the AP 702 may send a downlink (DL) transmission including various frames (e.g., management frames, control frames, data frames, etc.) to the STA 704 on one or more RF channels supported by the AP 702. Similarly, at #718, the STA 704 may send an uplink (UL) transmission including various frames (e.g., management frames, control frames, data frames, etc.) to the AP 702 on one or more RF channels supported by the AP 702.

[0106] As described above, devices such as the AP 702 and the STA 704 may use data units to communicate information. In different embodiments, the data units may take different forms. In some examples, the data unit may be a frame for wireless communication. In some examples, the data unit may be a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) for Wi-Fi communication. In some examples, the data unit may be an IEEE 802.11 frame (e.g., an IEEE 802.11ac frame, an IEEE 802.11ax frame, etc.). Other examples of data units for wireless communication are possible.

[0107] Figure 8 An example of a MAC frame 800 that may be transmitted via a PPDU is illustrated. In some examples, the MAC frame 800 may be a management frame (e.g., a frame for managing a basic service set). In some examples, the management frame may be an action frame (e.g., a frame that triggers an action).

[0108] The MAC frame 800 includes a Frame Control field 802, a Duration / ID field 804, a First Address field 806, a Second Address field 808, a Third Address field 810, a Sequence Control field 812, a High Throughput (HT) Control field 814, a Frame Body field 816 (e.g., for data payload), and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field 818. Other types of MAC frames and / or other types of fields may be used in other examples.

[0109] In some examples, the Frame Control field 802 carries an indication of the associated frame type. For example, the indication may specify whether the frame is a management frame, a control frame, or a data frame.

[0110] In some examples, the Duration / ID field 804 carries the AID of the associated STA. For example, for a frame transmitted by a STA, the AID may be the AID of that STA. Similarly, for a frame transmitted to a STA, the AID may be the AID of that STA.

[0111] In some examples, the address fields include MAC addresses corresponding to the Source Address (SA), Destination Address (DA), Transmitting STA Address (TA), and Receiving STA Address (RA) of the frame. Here, the STAs for TA and RA may refer to an AP STA or a non-AP STA.

[0112] In some examples, the Sequence Control field 812 carries a Sequence Number (SN). The SN may increment with each subsequent frame transmission in a given session. Thus, the SN can be used, for example, to reorder the sequence of frames that may have been received out of order (e.g., one frame has sequence number 1, the next frame has sequence number 2, and so on).

[0113] In some examples, an IEEE 802.11-based network may communicate using multiple radio links. For convenience, a radio link may be referred to herein simply as a link, and communication over multiple links may be referred to as multi-link communication. In multi-link communication, a multi-link device (MLD) may manage multiple STAs, where each of these STAs operates on at least one of the set of radio links supported by the MLD. In some examples, frame exchanges may occur between STAs, and management and upper-layer MAC functionality may be performed by the MLD. In some examples, a STA may transmit data and / or management frames on behalf of the MLD to other STAs associated with another MLD.

[0114] In some examples, the MLD includes multiple APs to support different links. For example, the MLD may include a first AP operating in a first frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) and serving a first link, a second AP operating in a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) and serving a second link, and so on. In such a case, the MLD may support inter-AP communication (e.g., management signaling) to manage different links.

[0115] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to roaming using multi-link signaling. In a conventional WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) roaming from one AP to another AP (e.g., fast transition roaming or legacy roaming based on IEEE 802.11r), there is a transition time to complete the roaming handover from a first AP (e.g., AP 0) to a second AP (e.g., AP 1). In some cases, this transition time can be up to 100 milliseconds.

[0116] When exchanging high-priority traffic (e.g., data transmission (Tx) and / or data reception (Rx)) during roaming, this transition time may cause inconvenience to the user. Additionally, the transition time may affect the latency of any high-latency sensitive applications (e.g., voice applications, game applications, etc.) ongoing during roaming.

[0117] Furthermore, in conventional roaming, there is no confirmation of whether the second AP has a gateway connection before the STA switches from the first AP to the second AP. Additionally, in conventional roaming, the data connection may be lost after a successful association response from the target AP.

[0118] Figure 9 An example of conventional roaming signaling in a wireless communication system 900 including a wireless station (STA) 902, a first access point (AP) 904, and a second AP 906 is illustrated. As indicated, the STA 902 may be a multi-link station (ML-STA), the first AP 904 may be a multi-link AP (ML-AP 0), and the second AP 906 may be a multi-link AP (ML-AP 1). In some examples, the STA 902 may correspond to any one or more of the STAs or other devices described in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 14 In some examples, the first AP 904 and the second AP 906 may correspond to any one or more of the APs described in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7, Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 any one or more of the APs or other devices described in any one of them.

[0119] Initially (during time period A), STA 902 establishes a multi-link (ML) connection with the first AP 904 via the first link 908 and the second link 910. At some point in time, the user of STA 902 moves away from the first AP 904. As a result, the traffic condition on the second link 910 may deteriorate (as indicated by the second link 910 being depicted as a dashed line during time period B).

[0120] Due to the deterioration of the traffic condition on the second link 910 (e.g., the second link 910 is considered to have deteriorated), STA 902 transmits an association request 912 to the second AP 906 via the first link 908 (during time period C) to attempt to establish a multi-link connection with the second AP 906. In response to the association request 912, the second AP 906 transmits an association response 914 to STA 902 via the first link 908. At this time (e.g., at the time indicated by the dashed line 916), STA 902 loses the data connection with the first AP 904.

[0121] Then, STA 902 performs an Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) handshake 918 with the second AP 906 via the first link 908. For example, STA 902 may transmit an EAPOL message 918A to the second AP 906 via the first link 908 and receive an EAPOL message 918B from the second AP 906 via the first link 908.

[0122] If the EAPOL handshake is successful, STA 902 establishes a data connection with the second AP 906 (e.g., at the time indicated by the dashed line 920). Thus, in the Figure 9 example, STA loses the data connection from the time indicated by the dashed line 916 to the time indicated by the dashed line 920. In some cases, this roaming transition latency may be up to 100 milliseconds or may be longer.

[0123] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to using multi-link functionality (e.g., as defined in the Wi-Fi 7 standard) for roaming operations. For example, by using one of these links for roaming handover, zero (or near-zero) latency roaming transitions can be achieved. Thus, in some aspects, from the perspective of the STA, multi-link-based roaming can be seamless (e.g., the user of the STA may not see the transition latency).

[0124] By using multi-link functionality, where multiple links are active at one time and the device is capable of exchanging MLD MAC addresses, a STA (e.g., a device with ML capabilities) can use one or more of these links to dynamically scan and handover from a first AP (ML device or non-ML device) to a second AP while traffic (Tx / Rx) is active on at least one of the links of the STA to / from the first AP. As a result, the STA can maintain a data connection during a roaming (e.g., handover) procedure.

[0125] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to determining whether there is a gateway connection through the new AP before handing over to the new AP. In some examples, this can be achieved using an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) procedure to the gateway. In the case where the STA determines that a connection cannot be achieved via the new AP, the STA can determine whether there is a gateway connection through another AP. In this way, the STA can avoid a complete link failure scenario during roaming.

[0126] Figure 10 An example of roaming multi-link signaling in a wireless communication system 1000 including a wireless station (STA) 1002, a first access point (AP) 1004, and a second AP 1006 is illustrated. As indicated, the STA 1002 can be a multi-link station (ML-STA), the first AP 1004 can be a multi-link AP (ML-AP 0), and the second AP 1006 can be a multi-link AP (ML-AP1). In some examples, the STA 1002 can correspond to any one or more of the STAs or other devices described in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 14 In some examples, the first AP 1004 and the second AP 1006 can correspond to any one or more of the APs or other devices described in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 14 any one or more of

[0127] Initially (during time period A), STA 1002 establishes a multi-link (ML) connection with a first AP 1004 via a first link 1008 and a second link 1010. At some point in time, the user of STA 1002 moves away from the first AP 1004. As a result, the traffic condition on the second link 1010 may deteriorate (as indicated by the second link 1010 being depicted as a dashed line during time period B). For example, STA 1002 may determine that the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or error rate associated with the second link 1010 has dropped below a corresponding threshold. As another example, STA 1002 may determine, based on messaging with the first AP 1004, that the second link 1010 is deteriorating or has deteriorated. In some examples, STA 1002 may notify the first AP 1004 that STA 1002 is terminating communication with the first AP 1004 on the second link 1010 (e.g., STA 1002 indicates that it is switching to a power-saving mode for the second link 1010).

[0128] During time period C, due to the deterioration of the traffic condition on the second link 1010 (e.g., the second link 1010 is considered to have deteriorated), STA 1002 uses one of its links (e.g., the first link or the second link) to perform an AP scan (e.g., to identify nearby APs), authentication operations, association operations, EAPOL operations, etc., to attempt to establish a multi-link connection with a second AP 1006. For example, STA 1002 may transmit an association request 1012 to the second AP 1006 via the second link 1010 and receive an association response 1014 from the second AP 1006 via the second link 1010. Additionally, STA 1002 may perform an EAPOL handshake 1016 with the second AP 1006 via the second link 1010. For example, STA 1002 may transmit an EAPOL message 1016A to the second AP 1006 via the second link 1010 and receive an EAPOL message 1016B from the second AP 1006 via the second link 1010. STA 1002 may also determine whether there is a gateway connection via the second AP 1006 (e.g., by transmitting and receiving corresponding messages 1018 via the second link 1010).

[0129] If a gateway connection is available via the second AP 1006, STA 1002 establishes a multi-link connection 1020 with the second AP 1006. Advantageously, in this case, the STA does not lose its data connection during roaming. In some examples, STA 1002 may notify the first AP 1004 that STA 1002 is terminating communication with the first AP 1004.

[0130] Figure 11Illustrates an ML connection transition in a network that can be associated with a handover of a STA from one AP to another AP. As shown in the first illustration 1102, initially, the STA 1104 has a multi-link connection with the first AP 1106 via the first link 1108 (e.g., via the first RF chain of the STA 1104) and the second link 1110 (e.g., via the second RF chain of the STA 1104). In some examples, the STA 1104 can correspond to any one or more of the STAs or other devices described in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 . In some examples, the first AP 1106 can correspond to any one or more of the APs or other devices described in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 .

[0131] As shown in the second illustration 1112, in the case where the user of the STA 1104 moves away from the first AP 1106, any link can be used to scan for APs, connect to another AP, and derive the security key of the new AP (e.g., the second AP 1114). Thus, the STA 1104 can temporarily maintain different connections with different APs. In this example, the STA 1104 uses the second link 1110 when attempting to connect to the second AP 1114. In some examples, the second AP 1114 can correspond to any one or more of the APs or other devices described in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 .

[0132] As shown in the third illustration 1116, once the STA 1104 is associated with the second AP 1114 and the key is derived, the STA 1104 can check the gateway to ensure that there is a gateway connection on the second AP 1114. In this example, the STA 1104 uses the second link 1110 to check the gateway associated with the second AP 1114.

[0133] As shown in the fourth illustration 1118, if the connection to the second AP 1114 is verified, the STA 1104 can seamlessly switch to the second AP 1114. For example, the STA 1104 can establish a multi-link connection with the second AP 1114 via the first link 1108 (e.g., via the first RF chain of the STA 1104) and the second link 1110 (e.g., via the second RF chain of the STA 1104).

[0134] In the case where the connection to the second AP 1114 cannot be verified, the STA 1104 can repeat the operations associated with the second illustration 1112, the third illustration 1116, and the fourth illustration 1118 to attempt to establish a connection with another AP (e.g., ML-AP2…ML-APn).

[0135] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of the apparatus 1200 employing the processing system 1214. In some implementations, the apparatus 1200 (e.g., STA) can correspond to any one or more of the STAs or other apparatuses illustrated in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 14 In some examples, the apparatus 1200 (e.g., AP) can correspond to any one or more of the APs or other apparatuses illustrated in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 14

[0136] ​In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented using a processing system 1214 (e.g., including one or more processors 1204). Examples of processors 1204 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to (e.g., capable of operating to) perform the various functions described throughout the present disclosure. In various examples, device 1200 may be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, the processor 1204 as utilized in device 1200 may be used to implement any one or more of the processes and procedures described below.

[0137] The processing system 1214 may be implemented using a bus architecture generally represented by bus 1202. The bus 1202 may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges, depending on the specific application of the processing system 1214 and the overall design constraints. The bus 1202 communicatively couples various circuits including one or more processors (generally represented by processor 1204), a memory 1205, and a computer-readable medium (generally represented by computer-readable medium 1206). The bus 1202 may also link various other circuits (such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits), which are well known in the art and will not be described further herein. The bus interface 1208 provides an interface between the bus 1202 and the transceiver 1210, and between the bus 1202 and the interface 1230. The transceiver 1210 provides a communication interface or component for communicating with various other devices via a wireless transmission medium. The interface 1230 provides a communication interface or component for communicating with various other devices and equipment (e.g., other devices and equipment that are housed within the same device as device 1200 or other external devices) via an internal bus or an external transmission medium such as an Ethernet cable. Depending on the nature of the device, the interface 1230 may include a user interface (e.g., keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick). Of course, such a user interface is optional and may be omitted in some examples (such as IoT devices).

[0138] The processor 1204 is responsible for managing the bus 1202 and general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium 1206. The software, when executed by the processor 1204, causes the processing system 1214 to perform the various functions described below for any particular device. The computer-readable medium 1206 and the memory 1205 may also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 1204 when executing the software. For example, the memory 1205 may store roaming information 1215 (e.g., multi-link connection information, etc.) that the processor 1204 uses for communication operations as described herein.

[0139] One or more processors 1204 in the processing system may execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. The software may reside on a computer-readable medium 1206.

[0140] The computer-readable medium 1206 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Non-transitory computer-readable media include, for example, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, or key drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. The computer-readable medium 1206 may reside within the processing system 1214, be located external to the processing system 1214, or be distributed across multiple entities including the processing system 1214. The computer-readable medium 1206 may be embodied as a computer program product. For example, a computer program product may include the computer-readable medium in a packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure, depending on the particular application and overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0141] The apparatus 1200 may be configured to (e.g., capable of operating as) perform any one or more of the operations described herein (e.g., as described above in connection with Figures 1 to 11 and as described below in connection with Figure 13 ). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 1204 utilized in the apparatus 1200 may include circuitry configured for various functions.

[0142] In a particular implementation where the apparatus 1200 is a wireless station, the processing system 1214 may be configured to monitor an RF band for management frames (e.g., including beacons) from an access point, identify an access point to associate with, perform Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) operations to determine whether at least one RF band is available for use (e.g., relatively traffic-free), and perform an association operation with the identified access point by sending an association request to the identified access point on at least one RF band and receiving an association response from the identified access point on at least one RF band. The processing system 1214 may also be configured to perform authentication, security, and other operations regarding the access point via signaling on at least one RF band. The processing system 1214 may be configured to monitor at least one RF band for transmissions (e.g., management frames, control frames, and data frames) from the identified access point. The processing system 1214 may be configured to perform CSMA operations on at least one RF band to send transmissions (e.g., control frames, data frames, etc.) to the identified access point.

[0143] In a particular implementation where the apparatus 1200 is an access point, the processing system 1214 may be configured to send management frames (e.g., including beacons) on a designated RF band. The processing system 1214 may also be configured to monitor an RF band for transmissions (e.g., association requests) from an STA on at least one RF band. The processing system 1214 may also be configured to associate an STA with the apparatus 1200 by sending an association response to the STA on at least one RF band. The processing system 1214 may also be configured to perform authentication, security, and other operations regarding the STA via signaling on at least one RF band. The processing system 1214 may be configured to monitor at least one RF band for transmissions (e.g., management frames, control frames, and data frames) from the STA. The processing system 1214 may be configured to perform CSMA operations on at least one RF band to send transmissions (e.g., management frames, control frames, data frames, etc.) to the STA.

[0144] Processor 1204 may include communication and processing circuitry 1241. The communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure that performs various processes related to wireless communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) as described herein. The communication and processing circuitry 1241 may also include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure that performs various processes related to signal processing (e.g., processing received signals and / or processing signals for transmission) as described herein. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include two or more transmit / receive chains, each configured to process signals of different RAT (or RAN) types. The communication and processing circuitry 1241 may also be configured to execute communication and processing software 1251 included on a computer-readable medium 1206 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0145] In some particular implementations in which communication involves obtaining (e.g., receiving) information, the communication and processing circuitry 1241 may obtain information from components of the device 1200 (e.g., from transceiver 1210 that receives information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium), process (e.g., decode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, the communication and processing circuitry 1241 may output the information to another component of the processor 1204, output the information to the memory 1205, or output the information to the bus interface 1208. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1241 may receive one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1241 may receive information via one or more channels. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include functionality for components used to obtain (e.g., obtain a message from another device). In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1241 and / or transceiver 1210 may include functionality for components used to receive (e.g., receive a message via RF signaling). In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include functionality for components used to decode.

[0146] In some embodiments where communication involves outputting (e.g., transmitting) information, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may obtain information (e.g., from another component of processor 1204, memory 1205, or bus interface 1208), process (e.g., encode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may output the information to transceiver 1210 (e.g., which transmits the information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may transmit one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may transmit information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include functionality for components used for output (e.g., outputting a message to another device). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1241 and / or transceiver 1210 may include functionality for components used for transmission (e.g., transmitting a message via RF signaling). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include functionality for components used for encoding.

[0147] Communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include functionality for components used for outputting frames. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may be configured to generate a frame and cooperate with transceiver 1210 to output the frame for transmission on one or more specified RF bands (e.g., on one or more channels associated with a BSS). In some examples, the frame may carry information such as MAC address, AID, PN, SN, and TID.

[0148] Communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include functionality for components used for obtaining messages. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may cooperate with transceiver 1210 to monitor one or more specified RF bands (e.g., bands specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard) for frames transmitted by another device (e.g., an AP or another STA). Communication and processing circuitry 1241 may be configured to parse the content of the frame to extract the information carried by the frame (e.g., MAC address, multi-link information, etc.).

[0149] Communication and processing circuitry 1241 may include functionality for components used for communication (e.g., transmitting and / or receiving). For example, communication and processing circuitry 1241 may be configured to communicate with another device (e.g., an AP or another STA) on one or more specified RF bands (e.g., on one or more channels associated with a BSS).

[0150] The processor 1204 may include a roaming processing circuit 1242 configured to perform operations related to roaming processing as discussed herein. The roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to execute roaming processing software 1252 included on a computer-readable medium 1206 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0151] The roaming processing circuit 1242 may include functionality for components used to generate frames. For example, the roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to generate management (e.g., action) frames that include a multi-link bitmap and / or information sub-elements as described herein.

[0152] The roaming processing circuit 1242 may include functionality for components used to output frames. For example, the roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to output frames to be transmitted on a specified link.

[0153] The roaming processing circuit 1242 may include functionality for components used to obtain information. For example, the roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to obtain management frames and parse the management frames to identify roaming information and / or multi-link information included within the frames.

[0154] The roaming processing circuit 1242 may include functionality for components used to identify fault conditions. For example, the roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to determine that a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or error rate associated with a link is below a corresponding threshold.

[0155] The roaming processing circuit 1242 may include functionality for components used to verify a connection (e.g., authenticate connection). For example, the roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to perform at least one of association-related operations, EAPOL-related operations, gateway connection-related operations, or other operations to determine whether a connection can be established with an access point and / or network.

[0156] In different examples, the verification of a connection (e.g., authenticate connection) may be referred to in different ways. In some examples, the verification of a connection may refer to determining whether (e.g., ascertain) a connection can be established with another device. In some examples, the verification of a connection may refer to determining whether communication can be established with another device. In some examples, the verification of a connection may refer to determining whether communication can be established with another device using one or more communication protocol layers (e.g., physical layer, MAC layer, application layer, etc.). In some examples, the verification of a connection may refer to determining whether signaling to and / or from another device meets defined quality metrics (e.g., RSSI above a threshold, block error rate above a threshold, etc.).

[0157] The verification of a connection can be accomplished in a variety of ways. In some examples, the verification of a connection may involve transmitting a message to establish the connection and determining whether the connection is established based on any response to that message. For example, a STA may verify a connection by transmitting an authentication request to an AP and possibly receiving an authentication response from the AP indicating whether the AP has authenticated the STA (e.g., as discussed above in connection with Figure 7 ). As another example, a STA may verify a connection by transmitting an association request to an AP and possibly receiving an association response from the AP indicating whether the AP has associated with the STA (e.g., as discussed above in connection with Figure 7 ). As another example, a STA may verify a connection by performing an EAPOL handshake with an AP (e.g., as discussed above in connection with Figure 10 ). As another example, a STA may verify a connection by determining whether the AP has a connection to a gateway (e.g., as discussed above in connection with Figure 10 ). In some examples, one or more of the above operations may be used to verify a connection.

[0158] The roaming processing circuit 1242 may include functionality for components used to determine that a connection cannot be established. For example, the roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to determine that a connection cannot be established with a third access point after identifying a fault condition.

[0159] The roaming processing circuit 1242 may include functionality for components used for scanning. For example, the roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to scan at least one target access point for handover of the device after identifying a fault condition.

[0160] The roaming processing circuit 1242 may include functionality for components used to begin verification. For example, the roaming processing circuit 1242 may be configured to begin verification of a connection to a second access point after determining that a connection cannot be established with a third access point.

[0161] The processor 1204 may include a multi-link processing circuit 1243, which is configured to perform multi-link processing related operations as discussed herein. The multi-link processing circuit 1243 may be configured to execute multi-link processing software 1253 included on a computer-readable medium 1206 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0162] The multi-link processing circuit 1243 may include functionality for components used for communication. For example, the multi-link processing circuit 1243 may be configured to establish multi-link communication with an AP or STA on one or more RF bands.

[0163] The multi-link processing circuit 1243 may include functionality for components used to output information. For example, the multi-link processing circuit 1243 may be configured to provide information associated with a link to be output for transmission.

[0164] The multi-link processing circuit 1243 may include functionality for components used to obtain information. For example, the multi-link processing circuit 1243 may be configured to process information associated with a link obtained via transmission.

[0165] The multi-link processing circuit 1243 may include functionality for components used to terminate a link. For example, the multi-link processing circuit 1243 may be configured to terminate a first multi-link connection after establishing a second multi-link connection.

[0166] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 1300 for communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, in certain specific implementations within the scope of the present disclosure, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted, and some of the illustrated features may not be required for all specific implementations of the examples. In some examples, method 1300 may be performed by Figure 12 the apparatus 1200 illustrated in Figure 6 In some examples, method 1300 may be performed by

[0167] the apparatus 602 illustrated in Figure 12 In some examples, method 1300 may be performed by an access point or a STA. In some examples, method 1300 may be performed by any suitable apparatus or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below. Figure 12

[0168] At block 1302, the apparatus may communicate with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using multiple links, the multiple links including a first link and at least one other link. For example, the multi-link processing circuit 1243 illustrated and described above in Figure 12 In some examples, method 1300 may be performed by Figure 12 may provide components for communicating with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using multiple links, the multiple links including a first link and at least one other link. As another example, the multi-link processing circuit 1243 and the communication and processing circuit 1241 and / or the transceiver 1210 illustrated and described above inThe multi-link processing circuitry 1243, as well as the communication and processing circuitry 1241 and / or transceiver 1210 shown and described, may provide components for identifying a fault condition associated with at least one other link.

[0169] At block 1306, the device may, after identifying a fault condition, verify a connection to a second access point using the first link or at least one other link while maintaining a connection to a first access point via the first link. For example, the roaming processing circuitry 1242 shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 12 may provide components for verifying a connection to a second access point using the first link or at least one other link while maintaining a connection to a first access point via the first link after identifying a fault condition. As another example, the roaming processing circuitry 1242, as well as the communication and processing circuitry 1241 and / or transceiver 1210 shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 12 may provide components for verifying a connection to a second access point using the first link or at least one other link while maintaining a connection to a first access point via the first link after identifying a fault condition.

[0170] At block 1308, the device may communicate with the second access point via a second multi-link connection after verifying the connection. For example, the multi-link processing circuitry 1243 shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 12 may provide components for communicating with the second access point via a second multi-link connection after verifying the connection. As another example, the multi-link processing circuitry 1243, as well as the communication and processing circuitry 1241 and / or transceiver 1210 shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 12 may provide components for communicating with the second access point via a second multi-link connection after verifying the connection.

[0171] In some examples, the device may terminate the first multi-link connection after establishing the second multi-link connection.

[0172] In some examples, verifying the connection to the second access point may include roaming to the second access point using the first link. In some examples, verifying the connection to the second access point may involve switching to the second access point using the first link.

[0173] In some examples, verifying the connection to the second access point may include verifying a connection to a gateway via the second access point. In some examples, verifying the connection to the gateway employs the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).

[0174] In some examples, the device may scan (e.g., start scanning) at least one target access point for handover of the device (e.g., wireless station) after identifying a fault condition. In some examples, the device may determine that a connection cannot be established with a third access point after identifying the fault condition. In some examples, the device may start verifying the connection to a second access point after determining that a connection cannot be established with the third access point. In some examples, the device may start verifying the connection to the second access point in response to determining that a connection cannot be established with the third access point after identifying the fault condition.

[0175] In some examples, identifying a fault condition may include: measuring the received signal strength of a signal received via at least one other link; comparing the received signal strength with a threshold; and triggering a handover operation based on the comparison of the received signal strength and the threshold, the handover operation including verifying the connection to a second access point. In some examples, identifying a fault condition may include: calculating a traffic error rate associated with at least one other link; comparing the traffic error rate with a threshold; and triggering a handover operation based on the comparison of the traffic error rate and the threshold, the handover operation including verifying the connection to a second access point.

[0176] In some examples, verifying the connection to a second access point may include: outputting an association request to be sent to the second access point via a first link; and obtaining an association response from the second access point via the first link. In some examples, verifying the connection to a second access point may include: outputting an association request to be sent to the second access point via at least one other link; and obtaining an association response from the second access point via at least one other link.

[0177] In some examples, verifying the connection to a second access point may include: outputting a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message to be sent to the second access point via a first link; and obtaining a second EAPOL message from the second access point via the first link. In some examples, verifying the connection to a second access point may include: outputting a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message to be sent to the second access point via at least one other link; and obtaining a second EAPOL message from the second access point via at least one other link.

[0178] Refer again to Figure 12, in one configuration, apparatus 1200 includes: components for communicating with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using a plurality of links, the plurality of links including a first link and at least one other link; components for identifying a fault condition associated with the at least one other link; components for verifying a connection to a second access point using the first link or the at least one other link while maintaining the connection to the first access point via the first link after identifying the fault condition; and components for communicating with the second access point via a second multi-link connection after verifying the connection. In one aspect, the foregoing components may be Figure 12 the processor 1204 shown, which is configured to perform the functions recited by the foregoing components (e.g., as discussed above). In another aspect, the foregoing components may be a circuit or any apparatus configured to perform the functions recited by the foregoing components.

[0179] Of course, in the above example, the circuits included in the processor 1204 are provided by way of example only, and other components for performing the described functions may be included in various aspects of the present disclosure, including but not limited to instructions stored in a computer-readable medium 1206, or in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 any one or more of the figures described and using any other suitable apparatus or components of the methods and / or algorithms described herein, for example, with respect to Figure 13 described.

[0180] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of apparatus 1400 employing a processing system 1414. In some examples, apparatus 1400 (e.g., an AP) may correspond to an AP or any other apparatus illustrated in any one or more of Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 In some implementations, apparatus 1400 (e.g., a STA) may correspond to an STA or any other apparatus illustrated in any one or more of Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 any one or more of the STAs or other devices exemplified in Figure 12 .

[0181] In various aspects of the present disclosure, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements can be implemented using a processing system 1414 (e.g., including one or more processors 1404). The processing system 1414 can be substantially the same as the processing system 1214 exemplified in Figure 12 , including a bus interface 1408, a bus 1402, a memory 1405, a processor 1404, and a computer-readable medium 1406. Additionally, the device 1400 can include an interface 1430 (e.g., a network interface) that provides components for communicating with at least one other device within at least one radio network. The memory 1405 can store roaming information 1415 (e.g., multi-link connection information, etc.) for communication operations as described herein for the processor 1404.

[0182] The device 1400 can be configured to (e.g., capable of operating as) perform any one or more of the operations described herein (e.g., as described above in connection with Figures 1 to 11 and as described below in connection with Figure 15 ). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 1404 utilized in the device 1400 can include circuitry configured for various functions.

[0183] In a particular implementation where the device 1400 is a wireless station, the processing system 1414 can be configured to monitor an RF band for management frames (e.g., including beacons) from an access point, identify the access point to associate with, perform carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) operations to determine whether at least one RF band is available for use (e.g., relatively traffic-free), and perform an association operation with the identified access point by sending an association request to the identified access point on at least one RF band and receiving an association response from the identified access point on at least one RF band. The processing system 1414 can also be configured to perform authentication, security, and other operations regarding the access point via signaling on at least one RF band. The processing system 1414 can be configured to monitor at least one RF band for transmissions (e.g., management frames, control frames, and data frames) from the identified access point. The processing system 1414 can be configured to perform CSMA operations on at least one RF band to send transmissions (e.g., control frames, data frames, etc.) to the identified access point.

[0184] In a particular implementation where apparatus 1400 is an access point, processing system 1414 may be configured to transmit management frames (e.g., including beacons) on a specified RF band. Processing system 1414 may also be configured to monitor the RF band for transmissions from a STA (e.g., association requests) on at least one RF band. Processing system 1414 may also be configured to associate the STA with apparatus 1400 by sending an association response to the STA on at least one RF band. Processing system 1414 may also be configured to perform authentication, security, and other operations regarding the STA via signaling on at least one RF band. Processing system 1414 may be configured to monitor at least one RF band for transmissions from the STA (e.g., management frames, control frames, and data frames). Processing system 1414 may be configured to perform CSMA operations on at least one RF band to transmit transmissions (e.g., management frames, control frames, data frames, etc.) to the STA.

[0185] In some aspects of the present disclosure, processor 1404 may include communication and processing circuitry 1441. Communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure that performs various processes related to communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) as described herein. Communication and processing circuitry 1441 may also include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure that performs various processes related to signal processing (e.g., processing received signals and / or processing signals for transmission) as described herein. Communication and processing circuitry 1441 may also be configured to execute communication and processing software 1451 included on computer-readable medium 1406 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0186] In some embodiments where communication involves obtaining (e.g., receiving) information, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may obtain information from components of device 1400 (e.g., from transceiver 1410 that receives information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium), process (e.g., decode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may output the information to another component of processor 1404, to memory 1405, or to bus interface 1408. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may receive one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may receive information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality for components used to obtain (e.g., obtain a message from another device). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 and / or transceiver 1410 may include functionality for components used to receive (e.g., receive a message via RF signaling). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality for components used to decode.

[0187] In some embodiments where communication involves outputting (e.g., transmitting) information, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may obtain information (e.g., from another component of processor 1404, memory 1405, or bus interface 1408), process (e.g., encode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may output the information to transceiver 1410 (e.g., which transmits the information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may convey one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may convey information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality for components used to output (e.g., output a message to another device). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 and / or transceiver 1410 may include functionality for components used to transmit (e.g., transmit a message, beacon, etc. via RF signaling). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality for components used to encode.

[0188] The communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality for components used to obtain messages. For example, the communication and processing circuitry 1441 may be configured to monitor one or more designated RF bands (e.g., bands specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard) of frames transmitted by another device (e.g., an STA). The communication and processing circuitry 1441 may be configured to parse the content of the frame to extract information carried by the frame (e.g., MAC address, multi-link information, etc.).

[0189] The communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality for components used to output frames. For example, the communication and processing circuitry 1441 may be configured to generate a frame and cooperate with the transceiver 1410 to output the frame for transmission on one or more designated RF bands (e.g., on one or more channels associated with a BSS). In some examples, the frame may carry information such as MAC address, AID, PN, SN, and TID.

[0190] The communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality for components used to communicate (e.g., transmit and / or receive). For example, the communication and processing circuitry 1441 may be configured to communicate with another device (e.g., an STA) on one or more designated RF bands (e.g., on one or more channels associated with a BSS).

[0191] The processor 1404 may include a roaming processing circuitry 1442 that is configured to perform operations related to roaming processing as discussed herein. The roaming processing circuitry 1442 may be configured to execute roaming processing software 1452 included on a computer-readable medium 1406 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0192] The roaming processing circuitry 1442 may include functionality for components used to obtain. For example, the roaming processing circuitry 1442 may be configured to obtain a management frame and parse the management frame to identify roaming-related information and / or multi-link information included within the frame.

[0193] The roaming processing circuitry 1442 may include functionality for components used to output. For example, the roaming processing circuitry 1442 may be configured to generate a transmission for the link based on roaming-related information and / or multi-link information associated with the link.

[0194] The processor 1404 may include a multi-link processing circuitry 1443 that is configured to perform operations related to multi-link processing as discussed herein. The multi-link processing circuitry 1443 may be configured to execute multi-link processing software 1453 included on a computer-readable medium 1406 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0195] The multi-link processing circuit 1443 may include functionality for components used for communication. For example, the multi-link processing circuit 1443 may be configured to establish multi-link communication with a wireless station on one or more RF bands.

[0196] The multi-link processing circuit 1443 may include functionality for components used for obtaining information. For example, the multi-link processing circuit 1443 may be configured to process information associated with a link obtained via transmission.

[0197] The multi-link processing circuit 1443 may include functionality for components used for outputting information. For example, the multi-link processing circuit 1443 may be configured to provide information associated with a link to be output for transmission.

[0198] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 1500 for communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, in certain specific implementations within the scope of the present disclosure, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted, and some of the illustrated features may not be required for all specific implementations of the examples. In some examples, method 1500 may be performed by Figure 14 the apparatus 1400 illustrated in Figure 6 In some examples, method 1500 may be performed by

[0199] the apparatus 602 illustrated in Figure 14 In some examples, method 1500 may be performed by a STA or an access point. In some examples, method 1500 may be performed by any suitable apparatus or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below. Figure 14 In some examples, method 1500 may be performed by any suitable apparatus or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0200] At block 1502, the apparatus may obtain at least one first message from a wireless station via a first link, the at least one first message being associated with the verification of the connection between the apparatus and the wireless station. For example, the roaming processing circuit 1442 shown and described above in Figure 14The roaming processing circuit 1442 shown and described may provide components for outputting at least one second message in response to at least one first message for transmission via a first link to a wireless station, the at least one second message verifying the connection between the device and the wireless station. As another example, in connection with the above Figure 14 The roaming processing circuit 1442 and / or the communication and processing circuit 1441 and the transceiver 1410 shown and described may provide components for outputting at least one second message in response to the at least one first message for transmission via a first link to a wireless station, the at least one second message verifying the connection between the device and the wireless station.

[0201] At block 1506, after outputting at least one second message for transmission, the device may communicate with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and the second link. For example, in connection with the above Figure 14 The multi-link processing circuit 1443 shown and described may provide components for communicating with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and the second link after outputting at least one second message for transmission. As another example, in connection with the above Figure 14 The multi-link processing circuit 1443 and / or the communication and processing circuit 1441 and the transceiver 1410 shown and described may provide components for communicating with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and the second link after outputting at least one second message for transmission.

[0202] In some examples, the at least one first message may include an association request. In some examples, the at least one second message may include an association response.

[0203] In some examples, the at least one first message may include a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message. In some examples, the at least one second message may include a second EAPOL message.

[0204] In some examples, the verification of the connection may include the verification of the connection to the gateway. In some examples, the verification of the connection to the gateway employs the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).

[0205] In some examples, the device may receive at least one first message, receive at least one second message, and communicate with the wireless station via a multi-link connection, where the device is configured as an access point.

[0206] Referring again to Figure 14, in one configuration, apparatus 1400 includes: components for obtaining at least one first message from a wireless station via a first link, the at least one first message being associated with authentication of a connection between the apparatus and the wireless station; components for outputting at least one second message in response to the at least one first message for transmission via the first link to the wireless station, the at least one second message authenticating the connection between the apparatus and the wireless station; and components for communicating with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and a second link after outputting the at least one second message for transmission. In one aspect, the foregoing components may be Figure 14 the processor 1404 shown, which is configured to perform the functions recited by the foregoing components (e.g., as discussed above). In another aspect, the foregoing components may be a circuit or any apparatus configured to perform the functions recited by the foregoing components.

[0207] Of course, in the above example, the circuits included in the processor 1404 are provided only as examples, and other components for performing the described functions may be included in various aspects of the present disclosure, including but not limited to instructions stored in a computer-readable medium 1406, or in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 14 any one or more of the figures described and using any other suitable apparatus or components that utilize, for example, the methods and / or algorithms described herein with respect to Figure 15 described.

[0208] Figure 13 and Figure 15 The methods shown may include additional aspects, such as any individual aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in combination with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein. An overview of several aspects of the present disclosure is provided below.

[0209] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a first apparatus (e.g., a wireless station), the method comprising: outputting a first packet for transmission to a second apparatus; and pausing output of a second packet from being transmitted to the second apparatus, the pausing being based on a first voltage level of power due to the transmission of the first packet being less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0210] Aspect 2: The method according to aspect 1, the method further comprising: terminating the first multi-link connection after establishing the second multi-link connection.

[0211] Aspect 3: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 2, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point includes: verifying the connection to the gateway via the second access point.

[0212] Aspect 4: The method according to Aspect 3, wherein the verification of the connection to the gateway employs the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).

[0213] Aspect 5: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, the method further includes: after identifying the fault condition, scanning at least one target access point for handover of the device.

[0214] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the method further includes: in response to determining that a connection cannot be established with a third access point after identifying the fault condition, starting the verification of the connection to the second access point.

[0215] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the identification of the fault condition includes: measuring the received signal strength of the signal received via the at least one other link; comparing the received signal strength with a threshold; and triggering a handover operation based on the comparison of the received signal strength with the threshold, the handover operation including the verification of the connection to the second access point.

[0216] Aspect 8: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the identification of the fault condition includes: calculating the service error rate associated with the at least one other link; comparing the service error rate with a threshold; and triggering a handover operation based on the comparison of the service error rate with the threshold, the handover operation including the verification of the connection to the second access point.

[0217] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point includes: outputting an association request to be sent to the second access point via the first link; and obtaining an association response from the second access point via the first link.

[0218] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point includes: outputting an association request to be sent to the second access point via the at least one other link; and obtaining an association response from the second access point via the at least one other link.

[0219] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point includes: outputting a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message to be sent to the second access point via the first link; and obtaining a second EAPOL message from the second access point via the first link.

[0220] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8 and 10, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point includes: outputting a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message to be sent to the second access point via the at least one other link; and obtaining a second EAPOL message from the second access point via the at least one other link.

[0221] Aspect 13: A wireless station, the wireless station comprising: at least one transceiver; at least one memory, the at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is operable (e.g., execute the instructions to) cause the wireless station to perform the method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit the fourth signal.

[0222] Aspect 14: A method for wireless communication at a device (e.g., AP), the method comprising: obtaining, via a first link, at least one first message from a wireless station, the at least one first message being associated with verification of a connection between the device and the wireless station; in response to the at least one first message, outputting at least one second message to be sent to the wireless station via the first link, the at least one second message verifying the connection between the device and the wireless station; and after outputting the at least one second message for transmission, communicating with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and a second link.

[0223] Aspect 15: The method according to Aspect 14, wherein: the at least one first message includes an association request; and the at least one second message includes an association response.

[0224] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 15, wherein: the at least one first message includes a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message; and the at least one second message includes a second EAPOL message.

[0225] Aspect 17: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 16, wherein the verification of the connection includes: verification of a connection to a gateway.

[0226] Aspect 18: The method according to aspect 17, wherein the verification of the connection to the gateway employs the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).

[0227] Aspect 19: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 18, the method further comprising: receiving the at least one first message; receiving the at least one second message; and communicating with the wireless station via the multi-link connection.

[0228] Aspect 20: An access point, the access point comprising: at least one transceiver; at least one memory, the at least one memory including instructions; and at least one processor, the at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is operable to (e.g., execute the instructions to) cause the access point to perform the method according to any one of aspects 14 to 19, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to transmit the fourth signal.

[0229] Aspect 21: A device, the device comprising: a memory, the memory including instructions; and one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to execute the instructions and cause the device to perform the method according to any one or more of aspects 1 to 12.

[0230] Aspect 22: A device configured for communication, the device comprising: at least one component for performing any one or more of aspects 1 to 12.

[0231] Aspect 23: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including code for causing a device to perform any one or more of aspects 1 to 12.

[0232] Aspect 24: A device, the device comprising: a memory, the memory including instructions; and one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to execute the instructions and cause the device to perform the method according to any one or more of aspects 14 to 19.

[0233] Aspect 25: A device configured for communication, the device comprising: at least one component for performing any one or more of aspects 14 to 19.

[0234] Aspect 26: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including code for causing a device to perform any one or more of aspects 14 to 19.

[0235] The following detailed description presents various aspects of a wireless communication network. As will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the various aspects described throughout this disclosure may be extended to other telecommunication systems, network architectures, and communication standards.

[0236] For example, the various aspects may be implemented within systems defined by the IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, etc. The various aspects may also be extended to systems defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) such as 5G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Packet System (EPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and / or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) CDMA2000 and / or Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO). Other examples may be implemented within systems employing IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and / or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunication standards, network architecture, and / or communication standard employed will depend on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0237] In this disclosure, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any particular implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior or better than other aspects of the disclosure. Similarly, the term "aspect" does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation. The term "coupled" is used herein to refer to a direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically contacts object B, and object B contacts object C, then objects A and C may still be considered to be coupled to each other even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, a first object may be coupled to a second object even if the first object has never made direct physical contact with the second object. The term "circuitry" is used broadly, and is intended to include both hardware implementations of electronic devices and conductors (where these electronic devices and conductors are connected and configured to perform the functions described in this disclosure, without limitation as to the type of electronic circuitry) and software implementations of information and instructions (where these information and instructions, when executed by a processor, perform the functions described in this disclosure). As used herein, the term "determine" may include, for example, ascertaining, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, computing, calculating, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or other data structure), etc. Additionally, "determine" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc. Further, "determine" may include parsing, selecting, obtaining, choosing, establishing, and other such like actions.

[0238] Figures 1 toOne or more of the exemplified components, steps, features, and / or functions may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. ​ , ​ , ​ , ​ , ​ , ​ , ​ , ​ , ​ , ​ , ​ and ​ The apparatuses, devices, and / or components exemplified in ​ through ​ may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be effectively implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0239] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is an illustration of example processes. It should be understood that based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in these methods may be rearranged. The appended method claims present the elements of the various steps in an example order, but are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, unless explicitly stated herein.

[0240] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, where the reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more" unless explicitly so stated. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. A phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including a single member. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b, and c. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor being operable to cause the apparatus to: communicate with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using a plurality of links, the plurality of links including a first link and at least one other link; identify a fault condition associated with the at least one other link; after identifying the fault condition, verify a connection to a second access point using the first link or the at least one other link while maintaining the connection to the first access point via the first link; and after verifying the connection, communicate with the second access point via a second multi-link connection.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to cause the apparatus to: terminate the first multi-link connection after establishing the second multi-link connection.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point comprises: verifying a connection to a gateway via the second access point.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the verification of the connection to the gateway employs an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to cause the apparatus to: scan for at least one target access point for handover of the apparatus after identifying the fault condition.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to cause the apparatus to: initiate the verification of the connection to the second access point in response to determining that a connection to a third access point cannot be established after identifying the fault condition.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification of the fault condition comprises: measuring a received signal strength of a signal received via the at least one other link; comparing the received signal strength with a threshold; and triggering a handover operation based on the comparison of the received signal strength with the threshold, the handover operation including the verification of the connection to the second access point.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification of the fault condition comprises: calculating a traffic error rate associated with the at least one other link; comparing the traffic error rate with a threshold; and triggering a handover operation based on the comparison of the traffic error rate with the threshold, the handover operation including the verification of the connection to the second access point.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point comprises: outputting an association request to be sent to the second access point via the first link; and obtaining an association response from the second access point via the first link.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point comprises: Output an association request to be sent to the second access point via the at least one other link; and Obtain an association response from the second access point via the at least one other link.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point comprises: Output a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message to be sent to the second access point via the first link; and Obtain a second EAPOL message from the second access point via the first link.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the verification of the connection to the second access point comprises: Output a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message to be sent to the second access point via the at least one other link; and Obtain a second EAPOL message from the second access point via the at least one other link.

13. A wireless station, the wireless station comprises: A transceiver; At least one memory; and At least one processor, the at least one processor being communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor being operable to cause the wireless station to: Communicate with a first access point via a first multi-link connection using a plurality of links via the transceiver, the plurality of links including a first link and at least one other link; Identify a fault condition associated with the at least one other link; After identifying the fault condition, verify a connection to a second access point using the first link or the at least one other link via the transceiver while maintaining a connection with the first access point via the first link via the transceiver; and After verifying the connection, communicate with the second access point via a second multi-link connection via the transceiver.

14. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprises: At least one memory; and At least one processor, the at least one processor being communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor being operable to cause the apparatus to: Obtain at least one first message from a wireless station via a first link, the at least one first message being associated with the verification of a connection between the apparatus and the wireless station; In response to the at least one first message, output at least one second message to be sent to the wireless station via the first link, the at least one second message verifying the connection between the apparatus and the wireless station; and After outputting the at least one second message for transmission, communicate with the wireless station via a multi-link connection using the first link and a second link.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: The at least one first message includes an association request; and The at least one second message includes an association response.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: The at least one first message includes a first Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) message; and The at least one second message includes a second EAPOL message.

17. The verification of the connection according to claim 14, wherein Comprising: Verification of the connection to the gateway.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the verification of the connection to the gateway employs an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).

19. The apparatus according to claim 14, the apparatus further Comprising: A transceiver configured to receive the at least one first message, receive the at least one second message, and communicate with the wireless station via the multi-link connection, wherein the apparatus is configured as an access point.

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