Reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining link

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, components, devices, and systems for reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link. Some aspects are more particularly directed to a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device establishing a plurality of wireless communication links based on or associated with a set of characteristics such as capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device and associated parameters. The first wireless communication device may send a request to the second wireless communication device to update the characteristic while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links. The second wireless communication device may send a response to the request, the response including an indication to update the characteristic. Then, if the response includes an indication to update the characteristic, the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device may communicate according to the updated characteristic.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 052,895, filed Nov. 4, 2022, entitled "RECONFIGURING LINK CHARACTERISTICS WHILE MAINTAINING LINKS", which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link. Background Art

[0004] A wireless local area network (WLAN) can be formed by one or more wireless access points (APs) that provide a shared wireless communication medium for use by multiple client devices (also referred to as wireless stations (STAs)). The basic building block of a WLAN that follows the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard series is a basic service set (BSS) managed by an AP. Each BSS is identified by a basic service set identifier (BSSID) announced by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames so that any STA within the wireless range of the AP can establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

[0005] Some wireless communication devices (including both APs and STAs) are capable of multi - link operation (MLO), which supports the establishment and use of multiple different communication links between an STA and an AP. A device with MLO capabilities can be referred to as a multi - link device (MLD). For example, an AP MLD and a non - AP MLD can establish multiple communication links and can communicate through one or more of the established communication links at a given time. In some cases, it becomes necessary or advantageous to update characteristics associated with one or both of the MLDs or one or more of the wireless communication links. To update the characteristics associated with a wireless communication link, a non - AP MLD may be required to disassociate and then re - associate with an AP MLD having the updated characteristics. Thus, a non - AP MLD cannot update the characteristics associated with the device or the wireless communication link and simultaneously maintain other wireless communication links. The subsequent disassociation for re - association can naturally interrupt the communication between the two MLDs, which can increase latency or decrease throughput, among other issues. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The systems, methods, and devices of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, none of which is solely responsible for the desired attributes disclosed herein.

[0007] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the wireless communication device to: establish a set of multiple wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of multiple wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters; send to the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more of the set of multiple wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of multiple wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the set of multiple capabilities or at least one of the corresponding sets of multiple parameters; and receive from the second wireless communication device and based on sending the request a response to the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0008] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication. The method includes: establishing a set of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters; sending to the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more of the set of wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the set of multiple capabilities or at least one of the corresponding sets of multiple parameters; and receiving from the second wireless communication device and based on sending the request a response to the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a wireless communication device. The apparatus can include: components for establishing a set of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters; components for sending to the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more of the set of wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the set of multiple capabilities or at least one of the corresponding sets of multiple parameters; and components for receiving from the second wireless communication device and based on sending the request a response to the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a wireless communication device. The code can include instructions executable by a processor to: establish a set of multiple wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters; send to the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more of the set of wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the set of multiple capabilities or at least one of the corresponding sets of multiple parameters; and receive from the second wireless communication device and based on sending the request a response to the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0011] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending the request can include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending to the second wireless communication device a message including the request to update the characteristic and further including an indication that the request to update the characteristic can be associated with the set of wireless communication links, wherein the request can be to update the characteristic while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of wireless communication links based on the message including the indication that the request to update the characteristic can be associated with the set of wireless communication links.

[0012] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the device to: establish a set of multiple wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of multiple wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters; receive from the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more of the set of multiple wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of multiple wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the set of multiple capabilities or at least one of the corresponding sets of multiple parameters; and send a response to the request to the second wireless communication device and based on receiving the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0013] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication. The method includes: establishing a set of multiple wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of multiple wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters; receiving from the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more of the set of multiple wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of multiple wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the set of multiple capabilities or at least one of the corresponding sets of multiple parameters; and sending a response to the request to the second wireless communication device and based on receiving the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0014] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in another apparatus for wireless communication at a wireless communication device. The apparatus can include: components for establishing a set of multiple wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of multiple wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters; components for receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a request to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more of the set of multiple wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of multiple wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one capability in the set of multiple capabilities or at least one parameter in the corresponding set of multiple parameters; and components for sending, to the second wireless communication device and based on receiving the request, a response to the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0015] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a wireless communication device. The code can include instructions executable by a processor to: establish a set of multiple wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of multiple wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters; receive, from the second wireless communication device, a request to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more of the set of multiple wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of multiple wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one capability in the set of multiple capabilities or at least one parameter in the corresponding set of multiple parameters; and send, to the second wireless device and based on receiving the request, a response to the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving the request can include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a message including the request to update the characteristic and further including an indication that the request to update the characteristic can be associated with the set of multiple wireless communication links, wherein the request can be to update the characteristic while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of multiple wireless communication links based on the message including the indication that the request to update the characteristic can be associated with the set of multiple wireless communication links.

[0017] Details of one or more specific implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures are not drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network supporting reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 FIG. shows another schematic diagram of another example wireless communication network supporting reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 FIG. shows an example of a communication timeline supporting reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 FIG. shows an example of multi-link elements supporting reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 FIG. shows an example of a process flow supporting reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 AND Figure 7 FIG. shows a flowchart illustrating an example process that can be performed by a wireless communication device supporting reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 AND Figure 9 FIG. shows a block diagram of an example wireless communication device supporting reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Like reference numerals and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is directed to certain specific examples in order to describe innovative aspects of the present disclosure. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. Some or all of the described examples can be in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards, IEEE 802.15 standards, as defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) implemented in any device, system, or network that transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals according to one or more of the following standards: standards such as the Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, or 5G (New Radio (NR)) standards released by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The described examples can be implemented in any device, system, or network that is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to one or more of the following technologies or techniques: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), Rate-Splitting Multiple Access (RSMA), Multi-User Sharing Access (MUSA), Single-User (SU) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), and Multi-User (MU) MIMO. The described examples can also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs), Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMANs), or Internet of Things (IoT) networks.

[0027] Aspects generally relate to wireless communication and, more specifically, to wireless communication link reconfiguration. Some aspects more specifically relate to reconfiguring a device or a first wireless communication link (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "link") while maintaining any additional existing links between two wireless communication devices (e.g., between an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) and an associated non-AP MLD (also referred to as a wireless station (STA) MLD)). In some examples, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may establish multiple different wireless communication links, which may be in the same or different frequency bands (such as a first link on the 2.4 GHz band, a second link on the 5 GHz band, and a third link on the 6 GHz band). Each of the MLDs and each of the different wireless communication links may be associated with corresponding characteristics, such as parameters associated with the MAC address of one or both of the MLDs, whether the existing link supports simultaneous transmit receive (STR) operations or non-simultaneous transmit receive (NSTR) operations, the anchor link utilized by the non-AP STA MLD 204, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters associated with one or both of the MLDs, transmit power envelope (TPE) elements for one or both of the MLDs or communication link 206, medium synchronization delay (MSD) information associated with one or both of the MLDs or communication link 206, or association identifier (AID) associated with one or both of the MLDs. Additionally, each of the MLDs and each of the different wireless communication links may be associated with corresponding characteristics, such as the ability associated with whether one or both of the MLDs support receiving control frames from the transmitted BSSID corresponding to a multi-BSSID set, the media access control (MAC) padding duration used by the MLD, whether one or both of the MLDs support enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) mode or enhanced multi-link multi-radio (EMLMR) mode, the listen interval implemented by each of the MLDs, or the traffic identifier (TID) to link mapping (T2LM) mode supported by the MLD.

[0028] In some examples, to update a characteristic (e.g., a parameter or a capability) associated with one of the wireless communication links or with one of the AP MLD or the non-AP MLD while maintaining other existing established wireless communication links, the non-AP MLD or the AP MLD may send a request to the AP MLD or the non-AP MLD to update a characteristic associated with itself or a particular wireless communication link while maintaining the remaining wireless communication links between the two MLDs. In some examples, in response to receiving the request, the AP MLD or the non-AP MLD may send a response to the AP MLD or the non-AP MLD that approves the request, rejects the request, or suggests an alternative update to the characteristic. In examples where the response includes an approval or confirmation of the request, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may coordinate the update of the characteristic and communicate according to the updated characteristic. In some other examples where the response includes a suggestion for an alternative update, the non-AP MLD or the AP MLD may send another request to update the characteristic to the alternative update included in the response. In some other examples where the response includes a rejection of the request, in some implementations or instances, the non-AP MLD may send another request suggesting an alternative update to the characteristic.

[0029] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. By updating or reconfiguring a characteristic associated with one or more wireless communication links while preserving the association and security of the remaining wireless communication links, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may reduce the disruption to any active sessions between the two MLDs (e.g., as compared to updating or reconfiguring a characteristic associated with a wireless communication link by de-associating and then re-associating). Additionally, the reduction in disruption to the active sessions between the two devices may reduce latency, increase throughput, and / or otherwise improve performance.

[0030] Figure 1FIG. 0 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication network 100 that supports reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. According to some aspects, wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a WLAN (such as a Wi-Fi network) (and will be referred to hereinafter as WLAN 100). For example, WLAN 100 may be a network that implements at least one of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standards family (such as the standards defined by the IEEE 802.11-2020 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, 802.11bd, 802.11be, 802.11bf, and the 802.11 revisions associated with Wi-Fi 8). WLAN 100 may include numerous wireless communication devices, such as wireless AP 102 and multiple wireless STAs 104. Although Figure 1 only one AP 102 is shown in FIG. 1, WLAN network 100 may also include multiple APs 102. Figure 1 The AP 102 shown in FIG. 2 may represent various different types of APs, including but not limited to enterprise-level APs, single-band APs, dual-band APs, stand-alone APs, software-enabled APs (soft APs), and multi-link APs. The coverage area and capacity of a cellular network (such as LTE, 5G NR, etc.) may be further improved by small cells supported by APs acting as small cell base stations. Additionally, a dedicated cellular network may be established via a wireless local area network using small cells.

[0031] Each STA in STA 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), mobile device, mobile phone, wireless phone, access terminal (AT), user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or subscriber unit, among other examples. STA 104 may represent various devices, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptop computers, Google notebooks, extended reality headsets, wearable devices, display devices (e.g., TV (including smart TV), computer monitors, navigation systems, etc.), music or other audio or stereo devices, remote control devices (″remote controls″), printers, kitchen appliances (including smart refrigerators) or other household appliances, remote keys (e.g., for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and vehicles, etc. Each STA 104 in the network is capable of communicating with each other via AP 102.

[0032] A single AP 102 and the associated set of STAs 104 may be referred to as a basic service set (BSS), which is managed by the corresponding AP 102. Figure 1Additionally shown is an example coverage area 108 of the AP 102, which may represent the basic service area (BSA) of the WLAN 100. The BSS may be identified or indicated to users by a service set identifier (SSID), and may also be identified or indicated to other devices by a basic service set identifier (BSSID), which may be the MAC address of the AP 102. The AP 102 may periodically broadcast a beacon frame (″beacon″) including the BSSID so that any STA 104 within the wireless range of the AP 102 can ″associate″ or re-associate with the AP 102 to establish a corresponding communication link 106 (hereinafter also referred to as a ″Wi-Fi link″) with the AP 102 or maintain the communication link 106 with the AP. For example, the beacon may include an identification or indication of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 and a timing synchronization function for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with the AP 102. The AP 102 may provide access to an external network to various STAs 104 in the WLAN via the corresponding communication link 106.

[0033] To establish a communication link 106 with the AP 102, each STA 104 in the STA is configured to perform a passive or active scanning operation (″scanning″) on a frequency channel in one or more frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform passive scanning, the STA 104 listens for beacons sent by the corresponding AP 102 at periodic time intervals (referred to as the target beacon transmission time (TBTT), measured in time units (TU), and one TU may be equal to 1024 microseconds (μs)). To perform active scanning, the STA 104 generates probe requests and sequentially sends these probe requests on each channel to be scanned, and listens for probe responses from the AP 102. Each STA 104 may identify, determine, ascertain, or select the AP 102 to associate with based on the scanning information obtained through passive or active scanning, and perform authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 106 with the selected AP 102. The AP 102 assigns an AID to the STA 104 at the end of the association operation, and the AP 102 uses this AID to track the STA 104.

[0034] As wireless networks become more prevalent, STA 104 may have the opportunity to select one of many BSSs within the range of the STA or among multiple APs 102 that together form an extended service set (ESS) (including multiple connected BSSs). Extended network stations associated with WLAN 100 can connect to a wired or wireless distribution system that permits multiple APs 102 to be connected within such an ESS. Thus, STA 104 can be covered by more than one AP 102 and can be associated with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. Additionally, after associating with an AP 102, STA 104 can also periodically scan its surroundings to look for a more suitable AP 102 to associate with. For example, a STA 104 that is moving relative to its associated AP 102 can perform a "roaming" scan to look for another AP 102 with more desirable network characteristics such as a greater received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load.

[0035] In some cases, STA 104 can form a network without an AP 102 or without other equipment other than STA 104 itself. An example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). An ad hoc network can alternatively be referred to as a mesh network or a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some cases, an ad hoc network can be implemented within a larger wireless network such as WLAN 100. In such examples, while STA 104 may be able to communicate with each other through an AP 102 using communication link 106, STA 104 can also communicate directly with each other via a direct wireless communication link 110. Additionally, two STA 104s can communicate via a direct communication link 110 regardless of whether the two STA 104s are associated with and served by the same AP 102. In such an ad hoc system, one or more STA 104s can assume the role that an AP 102 plays in a BSS. Such a STA 104 can be referred to as a group owner (GO) and can coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of direct wireless communication links 110 include Wi-Fi direct connections, connections established through the use of Wi-Fi tunnel direct link setup (TDLS) links, and other P2P group connections.

[0036] AP 102 and STA 104 can operate and communicate according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standards (via the respective communication links 106). These standards define the WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the PHY and MAC layers. AP 102 and STA 104 send and receive wireless communications (also referred to hereinafter as "Wi-Fi communications" or "wireless packets") to and from each other in the form of PHY protocol data units (PPDUs). The AP 102 and STA 104 in the WLAN 100 can send PPDUs on an unlicensed spectrum, which can be part of a spectrum that includes frequency bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technology (such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 60 GHz band, 3.6 GHz band, and 900 MHz band). Some examples of the AP 102 and STA 104 described herein can also communicate in other frequency bands (such as the 5.9 GHz band and 6 GHz band) that can support both licensed and unlicensed communications. The AP 102 and STA 104 can also communicate on other frequency bands (such as shared licensed bands), and multiple operators can have licenses to operate in one or more of the same or overlapping frequency bands.

[0037] Each of the frequency bands can include multiple sub-bands or frequency channels. For example, PPDUs compliant with the IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be standard revisions can be sent on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency bands, where each band is divided into multiple 20 MHz channels. Thus, these PPDUs are sent on physical channels with a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz, but larger channels can be formed through channel bonding. For example, PPDUs can be sent on physical channels having a bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz by bonding multiple 20 MHz channels together.

[0038] Each PPDU is a composite structure that includes a PHY preamble and a payload in the form of a PHY service data unit (PSDU). The information provided in the preamble can be used by the receiving device to decode the subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances where the PPDU is sent on a bonded channel, the preamble field can be replicated and sent in each of the multiple component channels. The PHY preamble can include both a legacy portion (or "legacy preamble") and a non-legacy portion (or "non-legacy preamble"). The legacy preamble can be used for other purposes such as packet detection, automatic gain control, and channel estimation. The legacy preamble is also typically used to maintain compatibility with legacy devices. The format, decoding, and information provided in the non-legacy portion of the preamble are associated with the specific IEEE 802.11 protocol to be used for sending the payload.

[0039] Retransmission protocols such as Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) can also provide performance gains. HARQ protocols can support various HARQ signaling between transmitting and receiving wireless communication devices as well as signaling between the PHY and MAC layers to improve retransmission operations in a WLAN. HARQ uses a combination of error detection and error correction. For example, a HARQ transmission can include error detection (ED) bits added to the data to be transmitted, such as a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). The error detection bits can be used by the receiving device to determine whether it has correctly decoded the received HARQ transmission. In some examples, the original data (information bits) to be transmitted can be encoded by a Forward Error Correction (FEC) code, such as a Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) decoding scheme that systematically encodes the information bits to generate parity bits. The transmitting device can transmit the original information bits as well as the parity bits to the receiving device in the HARQ transmission. The receiving device can be able to use the parity bits to correct errors in the information bits, thus avoiding retransmission.

[0040] Implementing a HARQ protocol in a WLAN can improve the reliability of data transmitted from a transmitting device to a receiving device. The HARQ protocol can support the establishment of a HARQ session between two devices. Once the HARQ session is established, if the receiving device cannot correctly decode (and cannot correct the errors in) the first HARQ transmission received from the transmitting device, the receiving device can send a HARQ feedback message (e.g., a Negative Acknowledgment (NACK)) to the transmitting device, which indicates that at least a portion of the first HARQ transmission has not been correctly decoded. Such HARQ feedback messages can be different from the traditional block acknowledgment (ACK) feedback message types associated with conventional ARQ. In response to receiving the HARQ feedback message, the transmitting device can send a second HARQ transmission to the receiving device to convey additional assistance for decoding at least a portion of the first HARQ transmission. For example, the transmitting device can include some or all of the original information bits, some or all of the original parity bits, and additional different parity bits in the second HARQ transmission. The combined HARQ transmissions can be processed for decoding and error correction such that the complete signal associated with the HARQ transmissions can be obtained. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving device can send a HARQ feedback message (e.g., an Acknowledgment (ACK)) to the transmitting device, which indicates that the first HARQ transmission has been correctly decoded. In response to receiving the ACK feedback message, the transmitting device may not send an additional HARQ transmission to the receiving device.

[0041] In some examples, a receiving device can be enabled to control whether to continue a HARQ process or revert to a non-HARQ retransmission scheme (such as an ARQ protocol). By allowing a device to dynamically switch between an ARQ protocol and a HARQ protocol during a frame exchange, such switching can reduce feedback overhead and increase the flexibility of retransmissions. Some embodiments may also allow multiplexing of communications using ARQ and communications using HARQ.

[0042] Some wireless communication devices (including both APs and STAs) are capable of multi-link operation (MLO). In some examples, MLO supports establishing multiple different communication links between an STA and an AP 102 (such as a first link on the 2.4 GHz band, a second link on the 5 GHz band, and a third link on the 6 GHz band). Each communication link may support one or more sets of channels or logical entities. In some cases, each communication link associated with a given wireless communication device may be associated with a corresponding radio component of the wireless communication device, which may include one or more transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) chains, include one or more physical antennas or be coupled thereto, or include other components such as signal processing components. A device with MLO capabilities may be referred to as a multi-link device (MLD). For example, an AP MLD may include multiple APs 102, each of which is configured to communicate with a corresponding one of multiple STAs 104 of a non-AP MLD (also referred to as a "STA MLD") on a respective communication link. A STA MLD may communicate with an AP MLD via one or more of the multiple communication links at a given time.

[0043] One type of MLO is multi-link aggregation (MLA). In MLA, traffic associated with a single STA 104 is transmitted simultaneously and in parallel across multiple communication links to maximize the utilization of available resources for higher throughput. That is, during at least some duration, the transmission or part of the transmission may occur simultaneously and in parallel on two or more links. In some examples, the parallel wireless communication links may support synchronous transmission. In some other examples, or during some other durations, the transmissions on the links may be parallel but not synchronous or concurrent. In some examples or durations, two or more of the links may be used for communication between wireless communication devices in the same direction (such as all uplinks or all downlinks). In some other examples or durations, two or more of the links may be used for communication in different directions. For example, one or more links may support uplink communication, and one or more links may support downlink communication. In such examples, at least one of the wireless communication devices operates in full-duplex mode. Generally, full-duplex operation enables two-way communication, and at least one of the wireless communication devices can transmit and receive simultaneously.

[0044] MLA can be implemented in several ways. In some examples, MLA can be group-based. For group-based aggregation, frames of a single traffic flow (such as all traffic associated with a given traffic identifier (TID)) can be transmitted concurrently across multiple communication links. In some other examples, MLA can be flow-based. For flow-based aggregation, a single communication link among the multiple available communication links can be used to transmit each traffic flow (such as all traffic associated with a given TID). As an example, a single STA MLD can access a web browser while streaming a video in parallel. Traffic associated with the web browser access can be conveyed on a first communication link, while traffic associated with the video stream can be conveyed in parallel on a second communication link (such that at least some of the data can be sent on the first channel concurrently with the data sent on the second channel).

[0045] In some other examples, MLA can be implemented as a hybrid of flow-based aggregation and group-based aggregation. For example, the MLD can employ flow-based aggregation in cases where multiple traffic flows are created and can employ group-based aggregation in other cases. The determination to switch between MLA techniques or modes can additionally or alternatively be associated with other metrics (such as the time of day, the traffic load within the network, or the battery power of the wireless communication device, as well as other factors or considerations).

[0046] To support MLO technology, the AP MLD and the STA MLD can exchange supported MLO capability information (such as other information like the supported aggregation type or the supported frequency band). In some examples, the information exchange can occur via beacon signals, probe requests or probe responses, association requests or association response frames, dedicated action frames, or other examples such as an operation mode indicator (OMI). In some examples, the AP MLD can designate a given channel in a given frequency band as an anchor channel (such as the channel on which the AP MLD transmits beacons and other management frames). In such examples, the AP MLD can also transmit beacons on other channels (such as beacons that can contain less information) for discovery purposes.

[0047] The MLO technique can provide multiple benefits to a WLAN. For example, MLO can improve the user-perceived throughput (UPT) (such as by quickly refreshing the per-user transmit queue). Similarly, MLO can improve throughput by improving the utilization of available channels and can increase the spectral efficiency (such as increasing the bandwidth-time product). Additionally, MLO can enable smooth transitions between multi-band radio components (such as each radio component being associated with a given RF band) or implement a framework for setting the separation of control channels and data channels. Other benefits of MLO include reducing the turn-on time of the modem, which can be beneficial to a wireless communication device in terms of power consumption. Another benefit of MLO is the increased multiplexing opportunities in the case of a single BSS. For example, multi-link aggregation can increase the number of users for each multiplexed transmission served by a multi-link AP MLD.

[0048] In some examples of the WLAN 100, the communication link 106 between MLDs can be based on characteristics including the capabilities of one or both of the MLDs, the association parameters of one or both of the MLDs, or the parameters associated with the communication link 106 itself. Additionally, the characteristics (such as capabilities or parameters) can change over the duration in which the MLDs have established the communication link 106.

[0049] For example, an MLD such as a non-AP MLD (e.g., STA MLD) can support STR or NSTR operations on a pair of established communication links that can change over time. Specifically, when the AP MLD performs a channel switch, the frequency separation (e.g., between the frequencies associated with each of the communication links 106 between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD) can decrease. Additionally or alternatively, the AP MLD can increase the BSS operating bandwidth, which in turn can increase out-of-band emissions. In either example, the communication link 106 between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD that previously supported STR operations may no longer support STR operations and instead can be a communication link 106 that supports NSTR operations (e.g., in response to a channel switch or an increase in the BSS operating bandwidth).

[0050] In some other examples, an MLD such as a non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD may initially not support receiving control frames from the transmitted BSSID corresponding to a multi-BSSID set. For example, a non-AP STA associated with an untransmitted BSSID within the multi-BSSID set may not support receiving control frames from a particular selection of the transmitted BSSID. In a particular implementation that supports changes to the transmitted BSSID within the multi-BSSID set, a non-AP STA attached to a non-AP MLD can be able to support receiving control frames from the newly transmitted BSSID within the multi-BSSID set.

[0051] In some other specific implementations, the non-AP MLD may initially implement the first MAC filling duration for the EMLSR or EMLMR mode. In some specific implementations, the non-AP MLD may be able to change the MAC filling duration for the EMLSR or EMLMR. For example, in an instance where the operation class changes in response to an AP 102 extended channel switch, the non-AP MLD may change the MAC filling duration for the EMLSR or EMLMR. Additionally or alternatively, in an instance where the configuration of the auxiliary (AUX) radio component for EMLSR operation changes, the non-AP MLD may change the MAC filling duration for the EMLSR or EMLMR. For example, if the configuration of the AUX radio component changes from a deep sleep mode to a light sleep mode, the non-AP MLD may change the MAC filling duration for EMLSR operation.

[0052] In some additional specific implementations, the non-AP MLD may determine which non-AP MLD mode to support (e.g., from the EMLSR mode or the EMLMR mode or other modes) based on the established communication link 106 between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD. For example, the non-AP MLD may select the EMLSR mode based on having established 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz links with the AP MLD. Additionally or alternatively, the non-AP MLD may select the EMLMR mode based on having established 5 GHz and 6 GHz links with the AP MLD. Here, in an example where the established link between the APMLD and the non-AP MLD changes, the non-AP MLD may determine to update or change the mode (e.g., between the EMLSR mode and the EMLMR mode).

[0053] In an additional example, the non-AP MLD may update the listening interval. For example, in a specific implementation when a new communication link 106 (such as between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD) is added, the non-AP MLD may be able to monitor the new communication link 106 more frequently than other previously established communication links 106 and may update the listening interval. In another example, if the non-AP MLD changes the power saving configuration of the non-APMLD, the non-AP MLD may be able to monitor the existing communication more frequently.

[0054] In additional embodiments, the T2LM mode supported by the non-AP MLD may be changed based on the configuration of the communication link. For example, if each of the communication links between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD supports the STR operation in 106, the non-AP MLD may support a first T2LM mode (e.g., T2LM mode 1). Additionally, if a new communication link 106 that requires an NSTR operation via the established communication link is established between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, the non-AP MLD may no longer be able to support the first T2LM mode. Additionally, if an existing communication link 106 becomes NSTR due to the AP MLD switching channels, the non-AP MLD may also be unable to support the first T2LM mode.

[0055] In additional examples, the non-AP MLD may update the MAC address associated with the non-AP MLD. For example, the non-AP MLD may determine to update its MAC address to protect the privacy of the non-AP MLD.

[0056] In additional embodiments, the non-AP MLD may update the anchor link used for communication with the AP MLD. In some examples, the non-AP MLD may monitor one of the established communication links 106 for some messages from the AP MLD (such as beacons, probe responses, or other group addressed frames). In some embodiments, the non-AP MLD may update the communication link 106 (e.g., the anchor link) that the non-AP MLD monitors for those messages.

[0057] In additional examples where the capabilities or parameters of the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD change over time during which multiple communication links 106 are established between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, the AP 102 may change the EDCA parameter set of the associated STA 104 (e.g., for one of the established communication links 106 between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD). In some embodiments, the STA 104 may ignore the parameters broadcast in the beacon on the corresponding link.

[0058] In additional embodiments, the AP 102 (such as one of the multiple APs 102 attached to the AP MLD) may update the TPE element for an associated client (such as one of the multiple STAs 104 attached to the non-AP MLD) operating at a small distance from the AP 102. For example, if a nearby STA 104 is transmitting at a high power that saturates the radio front end of the AP, the AP 102 may trigger the updated TPE element.

[0059] In additional examples, the AP MLD may update the MSD information for a subset of STAs 104 (e.g., a subset of STAs 104 that are attached to a non-AP MLD). In some embodiments, the AP MLD may update the MSD information based on the location of STAs 104 in the BSS.

[0060] In additional embodiments, the AP MLD may dynamically change the AID of an associated STA 104 (such as an STA 104 attached to a non-AP MLD) by transmitting a protected action frame to the associated STA 104. In some examples, based on the action frame being protected, other STAs 104 may not be able to decode the AID of the receiving STA 104, which may provide privacy to the receiving STA 104.

[0061] In additional examples, the AP MLD may dynamically change other parameters of an associated STA 104 (such as an STA 104 attached to a non-AP MLD) by transmitting a protected group addressing action frame. Specifically, the AID list element in the group addressing action frame may identify the STAs 104 to which the group addressing action frame applies. For example, if the bit corresponding to the AID list element associated with an STA 104 is set to "1", the STA 104 may determine that the group addressing action frame instructs the STA 104 to change another parameter. Additionally, protecting the group addressing action frame may prevent unassociated STAs 104 from decoding the parameters of the receiving STA 104, which may provide privacy to the receiving STA 104.

[0062] In some cases, to update a characteristic associated with one of the communication links 106 (e.g., in the case where the communication link 106 is one of more than one established communication links 106 between two wireless communication devices) or to update a characteristic associated with one of the wireless communication devices, the wireless communication device may de-associate and then re-associate with the updated characteristic. That is, the wireless communication device may not be able to update a characteristic associated with one of the communication links 106 or with a wireless communication device while maintaining other communication links 106. Specifically, although the wireless communication device may implement a multi-link reconfiguration process, the multi-link reconfiguration process may correspond to the addition or deletion of communication links 106, rather than updating a characteristic while maintaining the communication links 106. For example, the AP MLD may implement a multi-link reconfiguration process to delete an attached AP 102. In this example, the deleted AP 102 may be removed from the multi-link setup between the AP MLD and each of the associated non-AP MLDS (such as non-AP MLDs). In some embodiments, deleting the attached AP 102 may correspond to a global link deletion.

[0063] Additionally, the multi-link reconfiguration process may not enable the AP MLD to add an AP. Specifically, the multi-link reconfiguration process may not enable a non-AP MLD to add AP 102 to an existing multi-link setup. Here, to add AP102 to the multi-link setup, the non-AP MLD may perform a multi-link re-association with the AP MLD. The multi-link re-association may interrupt communication between the MLDs, which may increase the latency of communication between the MLDs.

[0064] In the example of WLAN 100, wireless communication devices (such as AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs) may perform a multi-link reconfiguration process to add or remove links to an existing multi-link setup. For example, the non-AP MLD may transmit a one-to-one request (such as for adding a link without performing a multi-link re-association with the AP MLD) to the AP MLD for seamlessly adding a link to the existing multi-link setup. Additionally or alternatively, the non-AP MLD may transmit a one-to-one request to the AP MLD to remove a link from the existing multi-link setup without affecting other established links.

[0065] Additionally, wireless communication devices (such as AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs) in WLAN 100 may perform a multi-link reconfiguration process to update characteristics associated with one of the communication links 106 or with one of the wireless communication devices while maintaining other communication links 106. Specifically, the wireless communication device may perform a multi-link reconfiguration process to seamlessly update the capabilities of one of the wireless communication devices or communication links or to re-negotiate association parameters without changing the number of communication links 106 that are part of the multi-link setup. For example, after establishing multiple communication links 106 between a first and a second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device may send a request to update characteristics associated with one or more of the devices or communication links 106 while maintaining the remaining communication links 106 between the two wireless communication devices. Specifically, the first wireless communication device may send the request via a first management frame (e.g., a frame defined for requesting an update of characteristics while maintaining other communication links or a multi-link reconfiguration request frame).

[0066] In response to receiving a request, the second wireless communication device may send a response that approves the request, suggests an alternative update, or rejects the update. Specifically, the second wireless communication device may send the response via a second management frame (e.g., a frame defined to respond to a request to update a characteristic while maintaining other communication links or a multi-link reconfiguration response frame). If the response includes approval or confirmation of the request, the two wireless communication devices may coordinate the update of the characteristic and communicate according to the updated characteristic. Additionally or alternatively, if the second wireless communication device proposes an alternative update or rejects the update, in some implementations, the first wireless communication device may send another request that includes the alternative update or an update that includes another proposal for the characteristic. By exchanging requests to update characteristics and responses to the requests, the two wireless communication devices may perform a multi-link reconfiguration process to adjust the characteristics associated with the first communication link 106 or with one of the wireless communication devices while maintaining (e.g., without disassociating and re-associating) other communication links 106.

[0067] Figure 2 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of another example wireless communication network 200 that supports reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. According to some aspects, the wireless communication network 200 (which will be referred to hereinafter as WLAN 200) may include aspects of WLAN 100. For example, as described with reference to Figure 1 AP MLD 202 and non-AP MLD 204 may include aspects of AP 102 and STA 104, respectively. Specifically, AP MLD 202 and non-AP MLD 204 may be attached to multiple APs 102 and multiple STAs 104, respectively.

[0068] The AP MLD 202 can communicate with the non-AP MLD 204 via multiple communication links 206. The communication between the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 204 via the communication link 206 can be based on the characteristics associated with the AP MLD 202, the non-AP MLD 204, and the communication link 206. In some specific embodiments, the characteristics can include the capabilities of the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 204, such as whether one or both of the MLDs support receiving control frames from the transmitted B SSID corresponding to the multi-B SSID set, the MAC padding duration used by the MLD, whether one or both of the MLDs support the EMLSR or EMLMR mode, the listening interval implemented by each of the MLDs, or the T2LM mode supported by the MLD. The characteristics can additionally include parameters associated with one or both of the MLDs (from the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 204) or the communication link 206, such as the MAC addresses of one or both of the MLDs, whether the existing link pair supports STR operation or NSTR operation, the anchored link utilized by the non-AP MLD 204, the EDCA parameters associated with one or both of the MLDs, the TPE element for one of the MLDs or the communication link 206, the MSD information associated with one or both of the MLDs or the communication link 206, or the AID associated with one or both of the MLDs.

[0069] In some specific embodiments, after establishing one or more of the communication links 206, the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 204 can perform a multi-link reconfiguration process to update the characteristics (such as the capabilities or parameters associated with the AP MLD 202 or the non-AP MLD 204, the association parameters associated with the communication link 206). To initiate the multi-link reconfiguration process, the first MLD (e.g., the AP MLD 202 or the non-AP MLD 204) can send a reconfiguration request 210. The reconfiguration request 210 can include a request to update the characteristics associated with the first MLD (such as the capabilities of the first MLD, the association parameters of one of the communication links 206 utilized by the first MLD) while maintaining each of the communication links 206. For example, the non-AP MLD 204 can send a reconfiguration request 210 to the AP MLD 202. In another example, the AP MLD 202 can send a reconfiguration request 210 to the non-AP MLD 204.

[0070] In some examples, the first MLD may send an unsolicited reconfiguration request 210 (e.g., the first MLD may send the reconfiguration request 210 without responding to a change or trigger condition). In other examples, the first MLD may send the reconfiguration request 210 in response to a configuration update. For example, the non-AP MLD 204 may send the reconfiguration request 210 in response to a configuration update associated with the communication link 206 made by the AP MLD 202 to change the non-AP MLD 204 capabilities. In another example, the non-AP MLD 204 may send the reconfiguration request 210 to update a parameter (e.g., per STA capabilities) associated with one of the communication links 206 in response to a configuration update made by the AP MLD 202 on that communication link 206.

[0071] Based on receiving the reconfiguration request 210, the receiving or second MLD (such as the AP MLD 202 or the non-AP MLD 204) may determine whether to update the feature indicated by the reconfiguration request 210. In an example where the reconfiguration request 210 indicates the updated capabilities of the MLD that sent the reconfiguration request 210, the second MLD may determine to update the feature and send approval or confirmation of the update via the reconfiguration request response 215. In an example where the reconfiguration request 210 requests an update of a parameter (e.g., associated with the MLD, associated with the communication link 206), the second MLD may approve the reconfiguration request 210, reject the reconfiguration request 210, or suggest an alternative update to the feature (compared to the proposed update of the feature included in the reconfiguration request 210). The second MLD may send an indication of the approval, rejection, or alternative update to the first MLD via the reconfiguration request response 215.

[0072] In an example where the second MLD sends approval or confirmation to update the feature within the reconfiguration request response 215, the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP ML 204 may coordinate the update of the feature, update the feature, and continue to communicate via the communication link 206 according to the updated feature. In these examples, the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 204 may maintain the communication link 206 while updating the feature. Then, the AP MLD 202 and the non-AP MLD 204 may communicate via the communication link 206 according to the updated feature.

[0073] In an example where the second MLD sends an alternative update of a feature within the reconfiguration request response 215, the first MLD may determine whether to send an additional reconfiguration request 210 based on the alternative update of the feature within the reconfiguration request response 215. For example, if the first MLD sends an initial reconfiguration request 210 that includes a request to update the listen interval associated with one or more communication links 206 to 50 milliseconds. In response, the second MLD may send a reconfiguration request response 215 indicating an alternative value of the listen interval of 25 milliseconds. Here, the first MLD may determine whether to send a second reconfiguration request 210 that requests to update the listen interval to another value. For example, the first MLD may determine to send a second reconfiguration request 210 that requests to update the listen interval to 30 milliseconds. In response, the second MLD may indicate approval or confirmation of the update within the second reconfiguration request response 215. In this example, the MLDs may coordinate the update of the listen interval to 30 milliseconds while maintaining the communication link 206.

[0074] In an example where the second MLD sends a rejection of the reconfiguration request 210 via the reconfiguration request response 215, the MLDs may refrain from updating the feature. The first MLD may send an additional request to update the feature in response to the rejection. Additionally or alternatively, the second MLD may not send an additional reconfiguration request 210, and the MLDs may communicate via the communication link 206 according to the original feature.

[0075] Figure 3 An example of a communication timeline 300 that supports reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining the link in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication timeline 300 may illustrate an example communication via a communication link 306 between an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD. Specifically, the AP MLD may include APs 302-a and 302-b, and the non-AP MLD may include STAs 304-a and 304-b, and the communication link 306-a may be between AP 320-a and STA 304-a, and the communication link 306-b may be between AP 302-b and STA 304-b. According to some aspects, the communication timeline 300 may include aspects of WLANs 100 and 200. For example, APs 302-a and 302-b may be attached to the AP MLD, and STAs 304-a and 304-b may be attached to the non-AP MLD, which may be examples of an AP, an AP MLD, a STA, and a non-AP MLD, respectively, as described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 described.

[0076] Prior to the time of the first channel operation 305, the AP MLDs (including APs 302-a and 302-b) and non-AP MLDs (including STAs 304-a and 304-b) may establish communication links 306-a and 306-b. During the first channel operation 305, AP 302-a and STA 304-a may communicate on the first channel via communication link 306-a. Additionally, AP 302-a and STA 304-a may communicate on communication link 306-a according to the first operation type 340. For example, during the time period corresponding to the first operation type 340, the AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs may communicate via communication link 306 according to the NSTR operation. That is, during the first operation type 340, communication link 306 may be an NSTR link for the MLD STAs (including STAs 304-a and 304-b).

[0077] During the first channel operation 305, when communication link 306-a is on the first channel, AP 302→a may send a beacon 325. Beacon 325 may indicate to STA 304-a a channel switch 330 from the first channel to the second channel. In some embodiments, the MLD AP may also indicate the channel switch 330 via communication link 306-b. According to beacon 325, AP 302-a and STA 304-a may coordinate the channel switch 330 to switch from the first channel operation 305 to the second channel operation 320.

[0078] Based on the channel switch 330, the characteristics associated with the AP MLDs, non-AP MLDs, or communication link 306 may change. For example, communication link 306 may become eligible to be an STR communication link 306. Specifically, the channel switch 330 may increase the frequency separation between the frequencies associated with communication links 306-a and 306-b, which may enable communication link 306 to be eligible for STR operation on one or more established link pairs after the channel switch 330.

[0079] Based on determining that a characteristic associated with the AP MLD, non-AP MLD, or communication link 306 has changed (such as the communication link 306 being eligible for STR operation after a channel switch 330), the STA 304-a can send a reconfiguration request 310 to the AP 302-a via the communication link 306-a. For example, the STA 304-a can send the reconfiguration request 310 via a first management frame. The first management frame can correspond to a multi-link reconfiguration request frame. Additionally or alternatively, the first management frame can correspond to a frame defined for requesting an update of characteristics while maintaining other communication links 306. The reconfiguration request 310 can include a request to update a characteristic associated with the AP MLD, non-AP MLD, or communication link 306 while maintaining the communication link 306. For example, the reconfiguration request can include a request to update the communication link 306 from an NSTR communication link 306 to an STR communication link while maintaining the communication link 306. Although the communication timeline 300 illustrates the STA 304-a sending the reconfiguration request 310, the non-AP MLD 304 can send the request via another communication link 306.

[0080] Based on detecting the reconfiguration request 310 from the STA 304-a, the AP 302-a can send an ACK. The AP 302-a can then determine whether to approve or reject the request to update the communication link 306 to an STR communication link. In the example of the communication timeline 300, the AP 302-a can determine to approve the request to update the communication link 306 to the STR communication link 306. Specifically, since the request to update the communication link 306 to the STR communication link 306 corresponds to a capabilities update, the AP 302-a may not be able to reject or renegotiate the request and can accordingly determine to approve the request. The AP 302-a can send a reconfiguration response 315 to the STA 304-a, which indicates approval or confirmation of the request to update the characteristic according to the reconfiguration request 310. For example, the AP 302-a can send the reconfiguration response 315 via a second management frame. The second management frame can correspond to a multi-link reconfiguration response frame. Additionally or alternatively, the second management frame can correspond to a frame defined for responding to a request to update a characteristic while maintaining other communication links 306.

[0081] In response to detecting the reconfiguration response 315, the STA 304-a may send an ACK to the AP 302-a. If the reconfiguration response 315 indicates approval or confirmation of the updated feature indicated in the reconfiguration request 310, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may coordinate an operation switch 345 to update the feature while maintaining the communication link 306. In the example of the communication timeline 300, in the case where the request to update the feature corresponds to a request to update the capabilities, the reconfiguration response 315 may indicate approval or confirmation (e.g., because a capabilities update may not be rejected or negotiated). The AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may perform the coordinated operation switch 345 to initiate the second operation type 350 (e.g., update the communication link 306 to the STR communication link 306).

[0082] In some examples, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may update the feature immediately after receiving the reconfiguration response 315. For example, after the responding MLD is ready to operate based on the updated feature, the responding MLD (in this case, the AP MLD) may send the reconfiguration response 315. In this example, when the STA 304-a sends the ACK 335-b, the MLD may immediately update the feature. That is, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may update the feature immediately after the STA 304-a sends the ACK 335-b (by performing the operation switch 345).

[0083] In some additional examples, the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD may update the feature after a fixed timeout period after receiving the reconfiguration response 315. In some embodiments, after the responding MLD is ready to operate based on the updated feature, the responding MLD (in this case, the AP MLD) may send the reconfiguration response 315. Then, the two MLDs may wait for a fixed timeout period after the STA 304-a receives the reconfiguration response 315 (or in some embodiments, after the STA 304-a sends the ACK 335-b) to update the feature and operate based on the updated feature.

[0084] In some additional specific implementations, the AP MLD and non-AP MLD may update features over time based on the capabilities or parameters being updated. For example, there may be some parameters or capabilities that the AP MLD and non-AP MLD update immediately (e.g., immediately after transmitting the reconfiguration request 310, or after receiving the ACK 335-a, or after receiving the reconfiguration response 315, or after transmitting the ACK 335-b). Additionally or alternatively, there may be other parameters or capabilities that the AP MLD and non-AP MLD update after a timeout period. In some examples, specific times for updating various capabilities and parameters may be defined or standardized prior to the establishment of the communication link 306.

[0085] Figure 4 An example of a multi-link element 400 that supports reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining the link is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. According to some aspects, the WLANs 100 and 200 and the communication timeline 300 may implement aspects of the multi-link element 400. For example, the AP MLD or non-AP MLD may transmit a reconfiguration request via a first management frame, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 wherein the first management frame includes the multi-link element 400. Additionally or alternatively, the AP MLD or non-AP MLD may transmit a reconfiguration response via a second management frame, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 wherein the second management frame includes the multi-link element 400.

[0086] The multi-link element 400 may be used for multi-link reconfiguration. In some examples, the multi-link element 400 may be a basic multi-link element 400 or a reconfigured multi-link element 400. Additionally, the multi-link element 400 may include various fields or elements. For example, the multi-link element 400 may include an element identifier (ID) field 405, a length field 410, an element ID extension field 415, a multi-link control field 420, a common information field 425, and a link information field 430. The link information field 430 may additionally include fields or elements associated with each STA in the STA attached to the non-AP MLD. For example, if the non-AP MLD has N attached STAs, the link information field 430 may additionally include a first per-STA profile 0 field 435-a (which includes information associated with the first STA); a second per-STA profile 1 field 435-b (which includes information associated with the second STA); up to an nth per-STA profile N field 435-n.

[0087] The multi-link element 400 can also be used by an MLD (such as a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD) to send a multi-link reconfiguration request. For example, the MLD can send a multi-link reconfiguration request via a management frame action field. The management frame can correspond to a multi-link reconfiguration request frame. Additionally or alternatively, the management frame can correspond to a frame defined for requesting an update of characteristics while maintaining a communication link (e.g., characteristics associated with the communication link or associated with the MLD). Table 1 shown below illustrates an example format of a first management frame action field. The first management frame action field can correspond to a multi-link reconfiguration request frame action field format. Additionally or alternatively, the first management frame action field can correspond to a frame action field associated with a frame defined for requesting an update of characteristics while maintaining a communication link.

[0088] Command Information 1 Category 2 Protected EHT Action 3 Dialog Token 4 Multi-Link Element 400

[0089] Table 1: First Management Frame Action Field Format

[0090] In the example of the first management frame action field described in Table 1, the multi-link reconfiguration request can be sent within a first management frame that includes category information (such as a multi-link reconfiguration request category), a protected extremely high throughput (EHT) action, a conversation token, followed by the multi-link element 400. In some examples, the first management frame can include a flag or field in the first management frame indicating that the multi-link reconfiguration process applies to an existing set of links (e.g., the multi-link reconfiguration process is used to update characteristics while maintaining the communication link between the AP MLD and the non-AP MLD). In some examples, the flag or field can be included in the category information of the first management frame. Additionally or alternatively, the flag or field can be included in the multi-link element 400 (such as within the multi-link control field 420, the common information field 425, or the link information field 430).

[0091] The first management frame can additionally include updated capabilities or parameters. For example, when the updated capabilities or parameters are associated with the MLD, the MLD sending the first management frame can include the updated capabilities or parameters within the common information field 425. Additionally or alternatively, the MLD sending the first management frame can include the updated capabilities or parameters within the per-STA profile field 435. For example, if the capabilities or parameters are associated with STA 1, the sending MLD can include the updated capabilities or parameters within the corresponding per-STA profile 1 field 435-b.

[0092] In some examples, the transmitting MLD may transmit a first management frame that includes the entire multi-link element 400 (e.g., including each of the fields or elements within the multi-link element 400). In these examples, one or more fields or elements of the multi-link element 400 may include an indication of updated capabilities or parameters (e.g., one of the common information field 425 or the per STA profile field 435), and the remaining fields or elements of the multi-link element 400 may include an indication of the previously indicated capabilities and parameters (e.g., the capabilities and parameters that are not requested to be updated by the first management frame). Here, the receiving MLD may identify the changes indicated via the multi-link element (e.g., by comparing each of the indicated characteristics to identify any characteristic having a value different from the previously agreed-upon value).

[0093] In some additional examples, the transmitting MLD may transmit a first management frame that includes a portion of the fields of the multi-link element 400. Specifically, the MLD may include only the fields of the multi-link element 400 that indicate updated characteristics (such as the common information field 425 and the per STA profile field 435). For example, if the MLD is transmitting a first management frame to update the MAC padding duration, the MLD may include the EML SR padding delay subfield (e.g., containing the updated MAC padding duration) in the EML capabilities subfield of the common information field 425, since the EML capabilities are MLD-level capabilities (and a request to update MLD-level capabilities may be included in the common information field 425). Additionally, the MLD may not include any other fields or subfields in the multi-link element 400 within the first management frame. In some specific implementations, transmitting only a portion of the fields in the multi-link element 400 may reduce the signaling overhead as compared to transmitting all of the fields in the multi-link element 400.

[0094] Table 2 shown below illustrates an example format of the second management frame action field. The second management frame action field may correspond to the multi-link reconfiguration response frame action field format. Additionally or alternatively, the second management frame action field may correspond to a frame action field associated with a frame defined to respond to a request to update characteristics while maintaining a communication link.

[0095] Command Information 1 Category 2 Protected EHT Action 3 Dialog Token 4 Reconfiguration Status List 5 (Optional) Multi-Link Element 400

[0096] Table 2: Second Management Frame Action Field Format

[0097] In the example of the second management frame action field described in Table 2, a multi-link reconfiguration response may be sent within a second management frame (such as a multi-link reconfiguration response frame or a frame defined to respond to a request to update characteristics while maintaining other communication links), the second management frame including category information (such as a multi-link reconfiguration request category), a protected extremely high throughput (EHT) action, a conversation token, a reconfiguration status list, and optionally followed by a multi-link element 400.

[0098] The reconfiguration status list may include a status code field providing the status of the requested capability update or association parameter. For example, if the request is to update a capability, the status code field may indicate that the request is accepted (i.e., the capability change may not be rejected). Additionally, if the request is to update a parameter, the status code field may confirm, reject, or suggest an alternative value for the requested association parameter. That is, the responding MLD may accept, reject, or negotiate the updated association parameter. If the status code indicates negotiation of an updated parameter, the second management frame may include fields or sub-fields of the multi-link element 400 related to the negotiated parameter. Additionally, if the status code field of the second management frame indicates that an updated parameter or capability is accepted or rejected, the second management frame may not include the multi-link element 400. In an additional example, the second management frame may include a copy of the multi-link element 400 included in the corresponding first management frame (e.g., the same fields and field contents of the multi-link element 400).

[0099] In some other examples of sending or receiving the multi-link element 400, during a global link deletion, each per-STA profile field 435 may include information about the deleted link. In some specific implementations, a global link deletion may be announced by including the multi-link element 400 for multi-link reconfiguration in a beacon or a probe. Additionally or alternatively, for a one-to-one link addition or deletion, each per-STA profile field 435 may include information about the added or deleted link. For example, a one-to-one link addition or deletion may be performed by including the multi-link element 400 for multi-link reconfiguration in an action frame. Additionally or alternatively, links may be added or deleted within the same frame (such as the same action frame).

[0100] Figure 5 An example of a process flow 500 supporting reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The process flow 500 may be implemented or be implemented to realize aspects of the WLANs 100 and 200, the communication timeline 300, and the multi-link element 400. In some examples, the process flow 500 illustrates communication between wireless communication devices 505, which may be as Figures 1 to 4Examples of AP MLD and non-AP MLD illustrated and described with reference to these figures. For example, process flow 500 may be performed by a wireless communication device (such as the wireless communication devices 800 and 900 described with reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 ).

[0101] In the following description of process flow 500, operations (such as reporting or providing) may be performed in an order different from the shown order, or operations performed by the example devices may be performed in a different order or at different times. For example, a particular operation may also be omitted from process flow 500, or other operations may be added to process flow 500. Additionally, although some operations or signaling are shown as occurring at different times for discussion purposes, these operations may actually occur simultaneously.

[0102] At 510, two wireless communication devices 505 may establish multiple communication links. That is, the wireless communication devices 505 may each be an MLD and may establish more than one communication link. In some examples, the communication links may be based on a set of capabilities of the wireless communication devices 505 and associated with a corresponding set of parameters.

[0103] At 515, wireless communication device 505-a may send a reconfiguration request to wireless communication device 505-b. For example, wireless communication device 505-a may send a request to update characteristics associated with wireless communication device 505-a while maintaining each wireless communication link in a set of multiple wireless communication links with wireless communication device 505-b. In some examples, the characteristics may include at least one capability in the set of capabilities (such as a capability associated with one or both of the wireless communication devices 505) or at least one parameter in the corresponding set of parameters (such as a parameter associated with one or both of the wireless communication devices 505 or the communication link).

[0104] At 520, wireless communication device 505-b may optionally determine whether to update the parameters. For example, if the reconfiguration request includes a request to update the capabilities of wireless communication device 505-a, wireless communication device 505-b may not determine whether to update the parameters (because wireless communication device 505-b may only accept a request to update capabilities).

[0105] At 525, the wireless communication device 505-b may send a reconfiguration request response to the wireless communication device 505-a. For example, the wireless communication device 505-b may send a response to the request that includes an indication of the updated feature. The response to the request may include an indication of whether the request for the updated feature is accepted, rejected, or negotiated (e.g., the reconfiguration response request includes alternative updated features). If the reconfiguration request response includes an acceptance of the reconfiguration request, the wireless communication device 505 may proceed to 530. Additionally, if the reconfiguration request response includes a rejection or alternative updated features, the wireless communication device 505 may optionally proceed to 535.

[0106] At 530, the wireless communication device 505 may optionally coordinate the update of the feature. For example, if the reconfiguration request response includes an approval or confirmation of the request for the updated feature, then at 530-a, the wireless communication device 505-a may update the feature, and at 530-b, the wireless communication device 505-b may update the feature. In some embodiments, 530-a and 530-b may occur simultaneously. If the wireless communication device 505 updates the feature at 530, the wireless communication device 505 may proceed to 555.

[0107] At 535, the wireless communication device 505-a may initiate a renegotiation process with the wireless communication device 505-b. For example, the wireless communication device 505-a may optionally send a second reconfiguration request with alternative values for the requested updated parameters. At 540, the wireless communication device 505-b may determine whether to update the parameter to the alternative parameter included in the request. At 545, the wireless communication device 505-b may send a reconfiguration request response to the wireless communication device 505-a. In an example where the reconfiguration request response sent at 545 includes an approval or confirmation of the alternative parameter, the wireless communication device may proceed to 550.

[0108] At 550, the wireless communication device 505 may coordinate the update of the feature. For example, if the reconfiguration request response includes an approval or confirmation of the request to update the feature to an alternative value, then at 550-a, the wireless communication device 505-a may update the feature, and at 550-b, the wireless communication device 505-b may update the feature. In some embodiments, 550-a and 550-b may occur simultaneously. If the wireless communication device 505 updates the feature at 550, the wireless communication device 505 may proceed to 555.

[0109] At 555, the wireless communication device 505 may communicate according to the updated feature based on receiving a response that includes an approval or confirmation of the updated feature and updating the feature.

[0110] Figure 6FIG. 600 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 600 that can be performed at a wireless communication device that supports reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link. The operations of process 600 can be implemented by a wireless AP, a wireless STA, or components thereof as described herein. For example, process 600 can be performed by a wireless communication device operating as or within a wireless AP or wireless STA (such as the wireless communication device 800 described with reference to Figure 8 ). In some examples, process 600 can be performed by a wireless AP or wireless STA (such as one of AP 102 or STA 104 described with reference to Figure 1 respectively).

[0111] In some examples, at block 605, the wireless communication device can establish a set of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters.

[0112] In some examples, at block 610, the wireless communication device can send a request to the second wireless communication device to update a characteristic associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more wireless communication links in the set of wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one capability in the set of multiple capabilities or at least one parameter in the corresponding set of multiple parameters.

[0113] In some examples, at block 615, the wireless communication device can receive, from the second wireless communication device and based on the sent request, a response to the request, the response including an indication regarding updating the characteristic.

[0114] Figure 7 FIG. 700 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 700 that can be performed at a wireless communication device that supports reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link. The operations of process 700 can be implemented by a wireless AP, a wireless STA, or components thereof as described herein. For example, process 700 can be performed by a wireless communication device operating as or within a wireless AP or wireless STA (such as the wireless communication device 900 described with reference to Figure 9 ). In some examples, process 700 can be performed by a wireless AP or wireless STA (such as one of AP 102 or STA 104 described with reference to Figure 1 respectively).

[0115] In some examples, at block 705, a wireless communication device may establish a set of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters.

[0116] In some examples, at block 710, the wireless communication device may receive, from the second wireless communication device, a request to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more wireless communication links of the set of wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link of the set of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one capability of the set of multiple capabilities or at least one parameter of the corresponding set of parameters.

[0117] In some examples, at block 715, the wireless communication device may send, to the second wireless communication device and based on receiving the request, a response to the request, the response including an indication regarding updating the characteristic.

[0118] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 800 that supports reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 800 is configured to or operable to perform the process 600 described with reference to Figure 6 In various examples, the wireless communication device 800 may be a chip, an SoC, a chipset, a package, or a device, and may include: one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) modem or a cellular modem (such as a 3GPP 4G LTE or 5G compatible modem); one or more processors, processing blocks, or processing elements (collectively referred to as "processors"); one or more radio components (collectively referred to as "radio components"); and one or more memories or storage blocks (collectively referred to as "memories").

[0119] In some implementations, the wireless communication device 800 may be used in an MLD (such as with reference to Figure 1Devices in the non-APMLD or AP MLD as described. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 800 can be an MLD STA or MLD AP that includes such chips, SoCs, chip sets, packages, or devices and multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 800 is capable of sending and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device can be configured or operable to send and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs of one or more of the IEEE 802.11 series that conform to wireless communication protocol standards. In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 800 further includes an application processor or is coupled to the application processor, and the application processor can be further coupled to another memory. In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 800 further includes a user interface (UI) (such as a touch screen or keypad) and a display, and the display can be integrated with the UI to form a touch screen display. In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 800 can further include one or more sensors, such as, for example, one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors.

[0120] The wireless communication device 800 includes a link establisher 825, a reconfiguration request sender 830, a reconfiguration request response receiver 835, an updated communicator 840, an original communicator 845, and a feature updater 850. Parts of one or more of the components 825, 830, 835, 840, 845, and 850 can be at least partially implemented in hardware or firmware. For example, the link establisher 825 can be at least partially implemented by a modem. In some specific implementations, at least some of the components 825, 830, 835, 840, 845, or 850 are at least partially implemented by a processor and implemented as software stored in a memory. For example, parts of one or more of the components 825, 830, 835, 840, 845, or 850 can be implemented as non-transitory instructions (or "code") that can be executed by a processor to perform the functions or operations of the corresponding modules. In some cases, the wireless communication device 800 can be referred to as the first wireless communication device.

[0121] In some specific implementations, the processor can be a component of a processing system. A processing system generally refers to a system or a series of machines or components that receive inputs and process these inputs to produce a set of outputs (which can be passed to other systems or components such as device 800). For example, the processing system of device 800 can refer to a system that includes various other components or sub-components of device 800 (such as a processor, or a transceiver, or a communication manager, or a combination of other components or components of device 800). The processing system of device 800 can interface with other components of device 800 and can process information (such as inputs or signals) received from other components or output information to other components. For example, a chip or a modem of device 800 can include a processing system, a first interface for outputting information, and a second interface for obtaining information. In some specific implementations, the first interface can refer to the interface between the processing system of the chip or the modem and the transmitter, such that device 800 can send the information output from the chip or the modem. In some specific implementations, the second interface can refer to the interface between the processing system of the chip or the modem and the receiver, such that device 800 can obtain information or signal inputs, and the information can be passed to the processing system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the first interface can also obtain information or signal inputs, and the second interface can also output information or signal outputs.

[0122] The link establisher 825 can be capable of, configured to, or operable to establish a set of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters. The reconfiguration request transmitter 830 can be capable of, configured to, or operable to send to the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more wireless communication links in the set of wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one capability in the set of multiple capabilities or at least one parameter in the corresponding set of multiple parameters. The reconfiguration request response receiver 835 can be capable of, configured to, or operable to receive from the second wireless communication device and based on the sent request a response to the request, the response including an indication regarding the updated characteristic.

[0123] In some specific implementations, to support sending a request, the reconfiguration request transmitter 830 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to send a message to the second wireless communication device that includes the request to update the characteristic and also includes an indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the set of wireless communication links, where the request may be based on the message including the indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the set of wireless communication links, and update the characteristic while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of multiple wireless communication links.

[0124] In some examples, to support sending a request, the reconfiguration request transmitter 830 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to send a message to the second wireless communication device that includes a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, and the message does not include one or more second fields, where each of the one or more second fields corresponds to a respective one of a set of multiple capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of a set of multiple parameters.

[0125] In some examples, the request is sent via a first multi-link element within a first management frame. In some examples, the response is received via a second multi-link element within a second management frame.

[0126] In some examples, the first management frame is a multi-link reconfiguration request frame. In some examples, the second management is a multi-link reconfiguration response frame.

[0127] In some examples, based on the characteristic being associated with the first wireless communication device, the request is sent within one or more link information fields of the first multi-link element. In some examples, based on the characteristic being associated with the second wireless communication device, the request is sent within the common information field of the first multi-link element.

[0128] In some examples, to support sending a request, the reconfiguration request transmitter 830 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to send a message to the second wireless communication device that includes a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, and the message further includes one or more second fields, where each of the one or more second fields corresponds to a respective one of a set of multiple capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of a set of multiple parameters.

[0129] In some examples, the request includes an indication of the updated characteristic. In some examples, the response includes an acknowledgement that the characteristic has been updated to the updated characteristic.

[0130] In some examples, the feature includes one of the sets of the multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device. In some examples, based on the feature including one of the sets of the multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device, the response includes the confirmation.

[0131] In some embodiments, the request includes an indication of an update to a first proposal of the feature. In some embodiments, the response includes an indication of an update to a second proposal of the feature that is different from the update to the first proposal of the feature.

[0132] In some examples, the original communicator 845 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to reject the request to update the feature based on the response indication, and communicate with the second wireless communication device according to the corresponding set of the multiple parameters without updating the feature.

[0133] In some examples, the feature updater 850 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to confirm the request to update the feature based on the response indication, and update the feature upon receiving the response. In some examples, the updated communicator 840 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to communicate with the second wireless communication device according to the updated feature based on receiving the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated feature begins after receiving the response.

[0134] In some examples, the feature updater 850 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to confirm the request to update the feature based on the response indication, and update the feature over a duration after receiving the response. In some examples, the updated communicator 840 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to communicate with the second wireless communication device according to the updated feature based on receiving the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated feature begins according to a defined duration after receiving the response.

[0135] In some examples, the feature updater 850 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to determine the duration between receiving the response and updating the feature based on the feature being requested to be updated.

[0136] In some examples, each of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device includes one of a wireless STA and a wireless AP. For example, the first wireless communication device may include a wireless AP, and the second wireless communication device may include a wireless STA. In another example, the first wireless communication device may include a wireless STA, and the second wireless communication device may include a wireless AP.

[0137] Figure 9A block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication device 900 that supports reconfiguring link characteristics while maintaining a link, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. In some particular implementations, the wireless communication device 900 is configured to or operable to perform the process 700 described with reference to Figure 7 In various examples, the wireless communication device 900 may be a chip, SoC, chipset, package, or device that may include: one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) modem or a cellular modem (such as a 3GPP 4G LTE or 5G compatible modem); one or more processors, processing blocks, or processing elements (collectively referred to as "processors"); one or more radio components (collectively referred to as "radio components"); and one or more memories or storage blocks (collectively referred to as "memories").

[0138] In some particular implementations, the wireless communication device 900 may be a device used in an MLD (such as the non-AP MLD and AP MLD described with reference to Figure 1 In some other examples, the wireless communication device 900 may be an MLD STA or MLD AP that includes such a chip, SoC, chipset, package, or device and multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 900 is capable of sending and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device may be configured to or operable to send and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs that conform to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards. In some particular implementations, the wireless communication device 900 further includes an application processor or is coupled to the application processor, which may be further coupled to another memory. In some particular implementations, the wireless communication device 900 further includes a UI (such as a touch screen or keypad) and a display, which may be integrated with the UI to form a touch screen display. In some particular implementations, the wireless communication device 900 may further include one or more sensors, such as, for example, one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors.

[0139] The wireless communication device 900 includes a link establisher, a link establishment component 925, a request receiving component 930, a reconfiguration response component 935, an updated link component 940, an original link component 945, and a feature update component 950. Portions of one or more of the components 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, and 950 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, the link establishment component 925 may be implemented at least partially by a modem. In some specific implementations, at least some of the components 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, or 950 are implemented at least partially by a processor and implemented as software stored in a memory. For example, portions of one or more of the components 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, or 950 may be implemented as non-transitory instructions (or "code") that can be executed by a processor to perform the functions or operations of the corresponding modules. In some cases, the wireless communication device 900 may be referred to as a first wireless communication device.

[0140] In some specific implementations, the processor may be a component of a processing system. A processing system generally refers to a system or series of machines or components that receive inputs and process these inputs to produce a set of outputs (which may be passed to other systems or components of, for example, the device 900). For example, the processing system of the device 900 may refer to a system that includes various other components or sub-components of the device 900 (such as a processor, or a transceiver, or a communication manager, or a combination of other components or components of the device 900). The processing system of the device 900 may interface with other components of the device 900 and may process information (such as inputs or signals) received from other components or output information to other components. For example, a chip or a modem of the device 900 may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting information, and a second interface for obtaining information. In some specific implementations, the first interface may refer to the interface between the processing system of the chip or the modem and the transmitter, such that the device 900 can transmit the information output from the chip or the modem. In some specific implementations, the second interface may refer to the interface between the processing system of the chip or the modem and the receiver, such that the device 900 can obtain information or signal inputs, and the information can be passed to the processing system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the first interface may also obtain information or signal inputs, and the second interface may also output information or signal outputs.

[0141] The link establishment component 925 is capable of, configured to, or operable to establish a set of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and based on a set of multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the set of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding set of multiple parameters. The request receiving component 930 is capable of, configured to, or operable to receive from the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more wireless communication links in the set of wireless communication links while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one capability in the set of multiple capabilities or at least one parameter in the corresponding set of multiple parameters. The reconfiguration response component 935 is capable of, configured to, or operable to send a response to the request to the second wireless communication device and based on receiving the request, the response including an indication regarding updating the characteristic.

[0142] In some examples, to support receiving the request, the request receiving component 930 is capable of, configured to, or operable to receive from the second wireless communication device a message including the request to update the characteristic and further including an indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the set of wireless communication links, wherein the request may be based on the message including the indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the set of wireless communication links to update the characteristic while maintaining each wireless communication link in the set of multiple wireless communication links.

[0143] In some examples, to support receiving the request, the request receiving component 930 is capable of, configured to, or operable to receive from the second wireless communication device a message including a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message not including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one in the set of multiple capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one in the corresponding set of multiple parameters.

[0144] In some examples, the request is received via a first multi-link element within a first management frame. In some examples, the response is sent via a second multi-link element within a second management frame.

[0145] In some examples, the first management frame is a multi-link reconfiguration request frame. In some examples, the second management is a multi-link reconfiguration response frame.

[0146] In some examples, based on the characteristic being associated with the second wireless communication device, the response is sent within one or more link information fields of the second multi-link element. In some examples, based on the characteristic being associated with the first wireless communication device, the response is sent within the common information field of the second multi-link element.

[0147] In some examples, to support receiving a request, the request receiving component 930 is capable of, configured to, or operable to receive, from the second wireless communication device, a message that includes a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message further including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of a set of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of a set of the plurality of parameters.

[0148] In some examples, the request includes an indication of the updated characteristic. In some examples, the response includes an acknowledgement that the characteristic has been updated to the updated characteristic.

[0149] In some examples, the characteristic includes one of a set of the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device. In some examples, based on the characteristic including one of a set of the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device, the response includes the acknowledgement.

[0150] In some examples, the request includes an indication of a first proposed update to the characteristic. In some examples, the response includes an indication of a second proposed update to the characteristic different from the first proposed update to the characteristic.

[0151] In some examples, the original link component 945 is capable of, configured to, or operable to reject the request to update the characteristic based on the response indication and communicate with the second wireless communication device according to the respective set of the plurality of parameters without updating the characteristic.

[0152] In some examples, the characteristic update component 950 is capable of, configured to, or operable to confirm the request to update the characteristic based on the response indication and update the characteristic when sending the response. In some examples, the updated link component 940 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with the second wireless communication device based on sending the response according to the updated characteristic, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins after sending the response.

[0153] In some examples, the characteristic update component 950 is capable of, configured to, or operable to confirm the request to update the characteristic based on the response indication and update the characteristic to the updated characteristic at a defined duration after sending the response. In some examples, the updated link component 940 may be configured to or otherwise support components for communicating with the second wireless communication device based on sending the response according to the updated characteristic, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins at a defined duration after sending the response.

[0154] In some examples, the feature update component 950 is capable of, configured to, or operable to determine the duration between sending the response and updating the feature, the duration being based on the feature being requested to be updated.

[0155] In some examples, each of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device includes one of a wireless STA and a wireless AP. For example, the first wireless communication device may include a wireless AP, and the second wireless communication device may include a wireless STA. In another example, the first wireless communication device may include a wireless STA, and the second wireless communication device may include a wireless AP.

[0156] It should be noted that the methods and processes described herein describe possible specific implementations, and the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and other specific implementations are possible. In addition, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0157] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0158] Clause 1: A method for wireless communication capable of being performed at a first wireless communication device, the method comprising: establishing a plurality of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and at least partially based on a plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the plurality of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding plurality of parameters; sending to the second wireless communication device a request to update a feature associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more of the plurality of wireless communication links while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the feature including at least one of the plurality of capabilities or at least one of the corresponding plurality of parameters; and receiving from the second wireless communication device and at least partially based on sending the request a response to the request, the response including an indication regarding updating the feature.

[0159] Clause 2: The method according to clause 1, wherein sending the request includes: sending to the second wireless communication device a message including the request to update the feature and further including an indication that the request to update the feature is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links, wherein each of the plurality of wireless communication links is maintained while updating the feature at least partially based on the message including the indication that the request to update the feature is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links.

[0160] Clause 3: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 and 2, wherein sending the request includes: sending a message including a first field to the second wireless communication device, the first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message not including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of the respective plurality of parameters.

[0161] Clause 4: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the request is sent via a first multi-link element within a first management frame; and the response is received via a second multi-link element within a second management frame.

[0162] Clause 5: The method according to Clause 5, wherein the first management frame is a multi-link reconfiguration request frame; and the second management is a multi-link reconfiguration response frame.

[0163] Clause 6: The method according to any one of Clauses 4 and 5, wherein the request is sent within one or more link information fields of the first multi-link element at least partially based on the characteristic being associated with the first wireless communication device; or the request is sent within a common information field of the first multi-link element at least partially based on the characteristic being associated with the second wireless communication device.

[0164] Clause 7: The method according to any one of Clauses 1, 2, and 4 to 6, wherein sending the request includes: sending a message including a first field to the second wireless communication device, the first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message further including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of the respective plurality of parameters.

[0165] Clause 8: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the request includes an indication of the updated characteristic; and the response includes an acknowledgement that the characteristic has been updated to the updated characteristic.

[0166] Clause 9: The method according to Clause 8, wherein the characteristic includes one of the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device; and at least partially based on the characteristic including one of the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device, the response includes the acknowledgement.

[0167] Clause 10: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the request includes an indication of a first proposed update to the characteristic; and the response includes an indication of a second proposed update to the characteristic that is different from the first proposed update to the characteristic.

[0168] Clause 11: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, the method further comprising: rejecting the request to update the characteristic at least in part based on the response indication, and communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the corresponding plurality of parameters without updating the characteristic.

[0169] Clause 12: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, the method further comprising: confirming the request to update the characteristic at least in part based on the response indication, updating the characteristic upon receiving the response; and communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic at least in part based on receiving the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins after receiving the response.

[0170] Clause 13: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, the method further comprising: confirming the request to update the characteristic at least in part based on the response indication, updating the characteristic over a duration after receiving the response; and communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic at least in part based on receiving the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins according to the duration after receiving the response.

[0171] Clause 14: The method according to Clause 13, the method further comprising: determining the duration between receiving the response and updating the characteristic at least in part based on the characteristic for which an update is requested.

[0172] Clause 15: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein each of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device includes one of a wireless station and a wireless access point.

[0173] Clause 16: A method for wireless communication capable of being performed at a first wireless communication device, the method comprising: establishing a plurality of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and at least in part based on a plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the plurality of wireless communication links being associated with a respective plurality of parameters; receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a request to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more of the plurality of wireless communication links while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the plurality of capabilities or at least one of the respective plurality of parameters; and transmitting, to the second wireless communication device and at least in part based on receiving the request, a response to the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

[0174] Clause 17: The method according to clause 16, wherein receiving the request comprises: receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a message including the request to update the characteristic and further including an indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links, wherein the request is to update the characteristic while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links at least in part based on the message including the indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links.

[0175] Clause 18: The method according to any one of clauses 16 and 17, wherein receiving the request comprises: receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a message including a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message not including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of the respective plurality of parameters.

[0176] Clause 19: The method according to any one of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the request is received via a first multi-link element within a first management frame; and the response is transmitted via a second multi-link element within a second management frame.

[0177] Clause 20: The method according to clause 19, wherein the first management frame is a multi-link reconfiguration request frame; and the second management is a multi-link reconfiguration response frame.

[0178] Clause 21: The method according to any one of Clauses 19 and 20, wherein the response is sent within one or more link information fields of the second multi-link element at least partially based on the characteristic being associated with the second wireless communication device; or the response is sent within the common information field of the second multi-link element at least partially based on the characteristic being associated with the first wireless communication device.

[0179] Clause 22: The method according to any one of Clauses 16, 17, and 19 to 21, wherein receiving the request includes: receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a message including a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message further including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of the corresponding plurality of parameters.

[0180] Clause 23: The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 22, wherein the request includes an indication of the updated characteristic; and the response includes an acknowledgement that the characteristic has been updated to the updated characteristic.

[0181] Clause 24: The method according to Clause 23, wherein the characteristic includes one of the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device; and the response includes the acknowledgement at least partially based on the characteristic including one of the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device.

[0182] Clause 25: The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 24, wherein the request includes an indication of a first proposed update to the characteristic; and the response includes an indication of a second proposed update to the characteristic different from the first proposed update to the characteristic.

[0183] Clause 26: The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 25, the method further comprising: communicating with the first wireless communication device according to the corresponding plurality of parameters without updating the characteristic at least partially based on the response indicating a rejection of the request to update the characteristic.

[0184] Clause 27: The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 26, the method further comprising: updating the characteristic when sending the response at least partially based on the response indicating an acknowledgement of the request to update the characteristic; and communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic at least partially based on sending the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins after sending the response.

[0185] Clause 28: For the method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 27, the method further includes: confirming the request to update the characteristic at least in part based on the response indication, updating the characteristic during a duration after sending the response; and communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic at least in part based on sending the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic starts during the duration after sending the response.

[0186] Clause 29: For the method according to Clause 28, the method further includes: determining the duration between sending the response and updating the characteristic at least in part based on the characteristic for which an update is requested.

[0187] Clause 30: For the method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 29, wherein each of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device includes one of a wireless station and a wireless access point.

[0188] Clause 31: An apparatus for wireless communication capable of being executed at a first wireless communication device, the apparatus includes: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15.

[0189] Clause 32: An apparatus for wireless communication capable of being executed at a first wireless communication device, the apparatus includes at least one component for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15.

[0190] Clause 33: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication capable of being executed at a first wireless communication device, the code includes instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15.

[0191] Clause 34: An apparatus for wireless communication capable of being executed at a first wireless communication device, the apparatus includes: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 30.

[0192] Clause 35: An apparatus for wireless communication capable of being executed at a first wireless communication device, the apparatus includes at least one component for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 308.

[0193] Clause 36: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication capable of being executed at a first wireless communication device, the code including instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 30.

[0194] As used herein, the term "determine" or "determination" encompasses a variety of actions, and thus, "determine" can include operations such as calculating, computing, processing, deriving, researching, looking up (such as looking up in a table, database, or other data structure), reasoning, ascertaining, and similar actions. Additionally, "determine" can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data stored in a memory), transmitting (such as transmitting information), etc. Additionally, "determine" can include parsing, selecting, obtaining, picking, establishing, and other such similar actions.

[0195] As used herein, the phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of these items (which includes a single member). For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, and a - b - c. As used herein, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, "or" is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, "a or b" can include only a, only b, or a combination of a and b.

[0196] As used herein, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, "or" is intended to be interpreted as having an inclusive meaning. For example, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, "based on" can be used interchangeably with "at least partially based on", "associated with", or "in accordance with". Specifically, unless the phrase in context refers to "only based on 'one'" or an equivalent, whether it is "based on 'one'" or "at least partially based on 'one'" can be based on "one" alone or on a combination of "one" and one or more other factors, conditions, or information.

[0197] The various illustrative components, logic components, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in connection with the examples disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or any combination of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents. This interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software has been described generally in terms of their functionality and is illustrated in the various illustrative components, boxes, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0198] For those of ordinary skill in the art, various modifications to the examples described in this disclosure will be apparent, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather should be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0199] Additionally, the various features described in the context of separate examples in this specification can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the individual features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple examples. Thus, although the features may be described above as acting in a particular combination and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination can in some cases be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0200] Similarly, although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. Additionally, the drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flowchart or a flow diagram. However, other operations not depicted may be incorporated into the example processes schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the operations illustrated. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Further, the separation of the various system components in the examples described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all examples, but rather it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or encapsulated into multiple software products.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication that can be performed at a first wireless communication device, the method comprises: establishing a plurality of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and at least partially based on a plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device, each of the plurality of wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding plurality of parameters; sending to the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more of the plurality of wireless communication links while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the plurality of capabilities or at least one of the corresponding plurality of parameters; and receiving from the second wireless communication device and at least partially based on sending the request a response to the request, the response including an indication regarding updating the characteristic.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein sending the request comprises: sending to the second wireless communication device a message including the request to update the characteristic and further including an indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links, wherein the request is to update the characteristic while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links at least partially based on the message including the indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein sending the request comprises: sending to the second wireless communication device a message including a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message not including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of the corresponding plurality of parameters.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: sending the request via a first multi-link element within a first management frame; and receiving the response via a second multi-link element within a second management frame.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: the first management frame is a multi-link reconfiguration request frame; and the second management frame is a multi-link reconfiguration response frame.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein: sending the request within one or more link information fields of the first multi-link element at least partially based on the characteristic being associated with the first wireless communication device; or sending the request within a common information field of the first multi-link element at least partially based on the characteristic being associated with the second wireless communication device.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein sending the request comprises: Send a message including a first field to the second wireless communication device, the first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message further including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of the respective plurality of parameters.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the request includes an indication of the updated characteristic; and the response includes an acknowledgement that the characteristic has been updated to the updated characteristic.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: the characteristic includes one of the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device; and at least partially based on the characteristic including one of the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device, the response includes the acknowledgement.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the request includes an indication of a first proposed update to the characteristic; and the response includes an indication of a second proposed update to the characteristic different from the first proposed update to the characteristic.

11. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprises: communicate with the second wireless communication device according to the respective plurality of parameters without updating the characteristic at least partially based on the response indicating a rejection of the request to update the characteristic.

12. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprises: update the characteristic upon receiving the response at least partially based on the response indicating an acknowledgement of the request to update the characteristic; and communicate with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic at least partially based on receiving the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins after receiving the response.

13. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprises: update the characteristic during a duration after receiving the response at least partially based on the response indicating an acknowledgement of the request to update the characteristic; and communicate with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic at least partially based on receiving the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins according to the duration after receiving the response.

14. The method according to claim 13, the method further comprises: determine the duration between receiving the response and updating the characteristic at least partially based on the characteristic being requested to be updated.

15. A method for wireless communication capable of being performed at a first wireless communication device, the method comprises: establish a plurality of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and at least partially based on the plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the plurality of wireless communication links being associated with a respective plurality of parameters; Receive a request from the second wireless communication device to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more of the plurality of wireless communication links while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the plurality of capabilities or at least one of the corresponding plurality of parameters; and Send a response to the request to the second wireless communication device and at least partially based on receiving the request, the response including an indication of updating the characteristic.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein receiving the request comprises: Receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a message including the request to update the characteristic and further including an indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links, wherein the request is to update the characteristic while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links at least partially based on the message including the indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein receiving the request comprises: Receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a message including a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message not including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of the corresponding plurality of parameters.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Receiving the request via a first multi-link element within a first management frame; and Sending the response via a second multi-link element within a second management frame.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The first management frame is a multi-link reconfiguration request frame; and The second management frame is a multi-link reconfiguration response frame.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Sending the response within one or more link information fields of the second multi-link element at least partially based on the characteristic being associated with the second wireless communication device; or Sending the response within a common information field of the second multi-link element at least partially based on the characteristic being associated with the first wireless communication device.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein receiving the request comprises: Receiving, from the second wireless communication device, a message including a first field corresponding to the characteristic and indicating the request to update the characteristic, the message further including one or more second fields, each of the one or more second fields corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of capabilities different from the characteristic being requested to be updated or a respective one of the corresponding plurality of parameters.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The request includes an indication of the updated characteristic; and The response includes confirmation that the characteristic has been updated to the updated characteristic.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: the characteristic includes one of the multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device; and at least partially based on the characteristic including one of the multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device, the response includes the confirmation.

24. The method according to claim 15, wherein: the request includes an indication of a first proposed update to the characteristic; and the response includes an indication of a second proposed update to the characteristic that is different from the first proposed update to the characteristic.

25. The method according to claim 15, the method further comprises: communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the corresponding multiple parameters without updating the characteristic, at least partially based on the response indicating rejection of the request to update the characteristic.

26. The method according to claim 15, the method further comprises: updating the characteristic when sending the response, at least partially based on the response indicating confirmation of the request to update the characteristic; and communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic, at least partially based on sending the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins after sending the response.

27. The method according to claim 15, the method further comprises: updating the characteristic during a duration after sending the response, at least partially based on the response indicating confirmation of the request to update the characteristic; and communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic, at least partially based on sending the response, wherein communicating with the second wireless communication device according to the updated characteristic begins during the duration after sending the response.

28. An apparatus for wireless communication capable of being executed at a first wireless communication device, the apparatus comprises: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that can be executed by the processor to cause the apparatus to: establish multiple wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and at least partially based on multiple capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the multiple wireless communication links being associated with a corresponding multiple parameters; send to the second wireless communication device a request to update a characteristic associated with the first wireless communication device or one or more of the multiple wireless communication links while maintaining each of the multiple wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the multiple capabilities or at least one of the corresponding multiple parameters; and receive from the second wireless communication device and at least partially based on sending the request a response to the request, the response including an indication regarding updating the characteristic.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the instructions for sending the request are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: send a message to the second wireless communication device that includes the request to update the characteristic and also includes an indication that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links, wherein each of the plurality of wireless communication links is maintained while updating the characteristic, at least in part based on the indication that the message includes that the request to update the characteristic is associated with the plurality of wireless communication links.

30. An apparatus for wireless communication that is executable at a first wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: establish a plurality of wireless communication links with a second wireless communication device and at least in part based on a plurality of capabilities of the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, each of the plurality of wireless communication links being associated with a respective plurality of parameters; receive, from the second wireless communication device, a request to update a characteristic associated with the second wireless communication device or one or more of the plurality of wireless communication links while maintaining each of the plurality of wireless communication links with the second wireless communication device, the characteristic including at least one of the plurality of capabilities or at least one of the respective plurality of parameters; and send, to the second wireless communication device and at least in part based on receiving the request, a response to the request that includes an indication regarding updating the characteristic.

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